Lee Cockerell served in the military before his long career in the hospitality industry. 

You can get ahead by using down time in the military to become an expert in the area you want to have a career when your service is over. 

Lee offers advice on finding a job once you have left the military. 

Lee also suggests ways business owners and managers can help veterans who work for their organizations. 

For more inspiration, read Dave Burlin's article 5 Things Veterans Should Know About Their Career Do Overs.  

Lee Cockerell explains that his proudest moment at Disney was 9/11. During such a tragic time, Disney Cast Members stepped up and took care of guests. Lee explains what happened at Disney World that day and offers lessons other businesses can learn from Disney. 

A plan and practice will keep your business prepared for any emergency. Already knowing what to do will make emergency response instinctive. 

During his time at Walt Disney World, Lee Cockerell went out of his way to create a welcoming, friendly, and productive environment when he met with cast members. 

In this episode of Creating Disney Magic, Lee explains the step he took to create the right environment. Lee's open environment trickled down through the rest of the Disney World. 

People will know your reputation before they know you. When you create a welcome and candid environment, people will know about it before they ever meet with you. 

Lee also talks about how and when to meet with people who report directly to you. 

No matter how big of a problem you face, the solution is right in front of you. Understanding who to bring into the room to solve a problem is the key for a leader to solve any problem. 

Lee Cockerell explains how he solved problems when he was the Executive Vice President of Operations for Disney World. He also explains how he solves problems as an entrepreneur. No matter the size or nature of a problem, you can solve it the same way. 

Exercise is an important aspect of being a powerful leader. Lee Cockerell explains why you need to take care of yourself so you can take care of others. 

Lee talks the small ways he puts exercise into his day by parking three blocks away, taking the stairs and using small opportunities to add movement into his day. He also works with a strength training twice each week. 

Exercise helps leaders release and relief stress. Putting exercise into your calendar ensures you don't less stress build up.