01 April 2026
44. From Apple to Entrepreneur: Surviving COVID, Closing the Digital Divide & Leading with Empathy | David Collins
B Student Podcast
About
In this episode of the B-Student Podcast, we sit down with David Collins, CEO of Aeras Technologies and Aeras Foundation, a 26-year veteran of the software and telecom industry and a former Apple executive who helped launch the original iPhone into the carrier market.
David shares the behind-the-scenes story of leaving a successful corporate career to start his own company—only to launch it three months before the global pandemic. Instead of retreating, David and his team leaned into the chaos with a simple philosophy: “We weren’t selling. We were helping.”
From navigating crises like 9/11, the 2008 financial crash, and COVID-19, to building a company culture rooted in empathy and service, David explains how resilience, relationships, and values-driven leadership have shaped his entrepreneurial journey.
We also dive into the powerful impact of the Aeras Foundation, a nonprofit tackling the digital divide by repurposing donated technology and providing devices to students and nonprofits across Central Florida.
If you’re building a business, leading a team, or navigating uncertainty in your career, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: the best businesses start with service.
Time Stamps:
00:00 – Meet David Collins (CEO of Aeras Technologies)
06:12 – The “Burn the Boats” Entrepreneur Mindset
09:28 – Launching a Company 3 Months Before COVID
12:41 – From Selling to Helping: The Sales Philosophy That Worked
16:05 – Lessons from Past Crises: 9/11, 2008, and the Pandemic
19:24 – Building an Empathy-Driven IT Company Culture
22:46 – Hiring for Values First, Training Skills Later
26:03 – The Importance of Team Strengths in Leadership
29:08 – Community Leadership and Leadership Winter Park
32:18 – The Birth of the Aeras Foundation
35:54 – Closing the Digital Divide Through Technology Access
38:52 – Final Lessons on Service, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship
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Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.
Follow David Collins:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-j-collins/
Website: aeras.tech and aeras.foundation
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Connect with Betsy Gardner:
Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/
Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/Pre-order your copy of Human in the Room today! Use code BSTUDENT through Friday, March 27 to receive 10% off. Books can be preordered at humanintheroombook.com.
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Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
David shares the behind-the-scenes story of leaving a successful corporate career to start his own company—only to launch it three months before the global pandemic. Instead of retreating, David and his team leaned into the chaos with a simple philosophy: “We weren’t selling. We were helping.”
From navigating crises like 9/11, the 2008 financial crash, and COVID-19, to building a company culture rooted in empathy and service, David explains how resilience, relationships, and values-driven leadership have shaped his entrepreneurial journey.
We also dive into the powerful impact of the Aeras Foundation, a nonprofit tackling the digital divide by repurposing donated technology and providing devices to students and nonprofits across Central Florida.
If you’re building a business, leading a team, or navigating uncertainty in your career, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: the best businesses start with service.
Time Stamps:
00:00 – Meet David Collins (CEO of Aeras Technologies)
06:12 – The “Burn the Boats” Entrepreneur Mindset
09:28 – Launching a Company 3 Months Before COVID
12:41 – From Selling to Helping: The Sales Philosophy That Worked
16:05 – Lessons from Past Crises: 9/11, 2008, and the Pandemic
19:24 – Building an Empathy-Driven IT Company Culture
22:46 – Hiring for Values First, Training Skills Later
26:03 – The Importance of Team Strengths in Leadership
29:08 – Community Leadership and Leadership Winter Park
32:18 – The Birth of the Aeras Foundation
35:54 – Closing the Digital Divide Through Technology Access
38:52 – Final Lessons on Service, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship
-----------------------------------
Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.
Follow David Collins:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-j-collins/
Website: aeras.tech and aeras.foundation
-----------------------------------
Connect with Betsy Gardner:
Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/
Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/Pre-order your copy of Human in the Room today! Use code BSTUDENT through Friday, March 27 to receive 10% off. Books can be preordered at humanintheroombook.com.
--------------------------------
Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/