In The Box With Stephen Ponder

In this episode, Stephen Ponder sits down with Brian Ford, Chief Operating Officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for an honest conversation about leadership in a people-driven world.Drawing from decades in sports, entertainment, and hospitality, Brian shares why energy, kindness, and accountability are non-negotiables for leaders, and why every interaction matters, from the biggest donor to the fan attending their first game. He discusses leading through wins and losses, serving the community with intention, and using the platform of sport to create moments that truly matter.

In this episode, Stephen Ponder is joined by Seminole Boosters Chairman of the Board Charlie Dudley to unpack what it means to lead with humility, listen first, and build real consensus.From law school and launching Floridian Partners to raising a family of servant-leaders and pouring time and treasure back into Florida State, Charlie shares how passion, relationships, and perspective have guided his journey, and why the Seminole family is unlike anything else.

In this episode, Stephen Ponder sits down with Andy Norman, CEO of GMF Steel and a first-generation college graduate, to talk leadership, craftsmanship, and turning trade jobs into lifelong careers.From building landmark projects like Doak Campbell Stadium and FSU’s new football facility to launching apprenticeship and welding programs, Andy shares how details, development, and working shoulder-to-shoulder with his team shape his approach to business, community, and giving back to Florida State.

Mark Gambill, Florida State Alumnus, former Fortune 500 CMO, and company co-founder, joins Stephen Ponder to discuss practical leadership: keeping it simple, listening louder, setting reasonable, time-boxed goals, and getting comfortable with data and failure. He shares lessons on consistency, mentorship, and “leading from where you sit,” as well as how the Seminole Boosters network fuels lifelong growth and giving back.

In this episode, Stephen Ponder sits down with Nada Usina — CEO & Co-Founder of NU Advisory Partners and former FSU swimmer — to discuss leadership, curiosity, and connection. From her days in the pool to leading global organizations, Nada shares how data, directness, and drive shape her approach to building teams and making decisions. Hear her reflections on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the lifelong community she found through Florida State and Seminole Boosters.

In our debut episode, FSU Vice President & Director of Athletics Michael Alford sits down with host Stephen Ponder to discuss the lessons that have guided his career — from mentorship and decision-making to vision, patience, and courage. Hear how Alford approaches leadership through analytics, relationships, and instinct while setting Florida State up for sustainable, long-term success.

Hosted by Seminole Boosters President and CEO Stephen Ponder, this series dives into conversations on leadership, culture, and the people who drive excellence, both within Florida State and beyond. Each episode offers an inside look at how leaders think, make decisions, and shape the communities around them.