Authentic… or “plastic fantastic”? In this B-Student Podcast episode, Betsy sits down with CMO (and resident Gen Z/Millennial lens) Addison Cursey to unpack how to show up at work—without tanking your credibility. From email punctuation and dress codes to “managing up,” building trust, and navigating AI, this is a practical guide for early-career pros and the managers who lead them. What you’ll learn : Authenticity vs. professionalism: where the line actually is The “costume party” problem of modern workplace culture Email tone, exclamation points, and the “gravitas gap” Dress codes (why pajamas/crop tops send the wrong signal) Managing up: reading your boss’s calendar, anticipating needs Fast-tracking trust: judgment, reliability, and asking for context Cross-generational collab: Gen Z × Gen X strengths, staying open Using AI as leverage (not a crutch) Time Stamps: 00:00 — Welcome and setup 02:20 — Orlando Women’s Conference shoutout and theme of authenticity 05:05 — Five generations at work and the AI wrinkle 07:40 — Authentic vs “plastic fantastic” 10:15 — Dress code reality check: pajamas and crop tops 12:40 — Email tone and the exclamation point rule 15:10 — How Addy built trust fast and moved up 17:35 — “Be yourself” at work and the costume party metaphor 20:05 — First two weeks: listen before you speak 22:25 — Managing up 101 24:40 — Know your boss’s calendar and the “Betsy buffer” 27:05 — Coaching vs over-accommodating the team 29:20 — Tech fluency across generations 31:10 — Cross-gen relationships that build trust 33:00 — Key takeaways and your next steps 34:30 — Closing and call for questions Have a question about cross-gen teamwork or the unwritten rules of work? Drop it in the comments and we might cover it next. Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with leaders, innovators, and change-makers who are shaping the future of business and community. Watch now and drop a comment with the one word that describes your B-side. Subscribe, rate, and share the B Student Podcast—because the B side of your story might just be the best part. Connect with Addison Cursey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/addison-cursey-mba-353344151/ Connect with Betsy Gardner: https://www.betsygardner.com/ Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/ -------------------------------- Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
