Info

Creating Disney Magic

Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World, shares his wisdom and experience from his time with Disney, Marriott, and Hilton. Lee joins show host Jody Maberry to discuss how you can apply lessons in leadership, management, and customer service to create magic in your organization.
RSS Feed Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Creating Disney Magic
2024
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2023
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2022
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2015
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2014
December


All Episodes
Archives
Now displaying: April, 2022
Apr 26, 2022

Today, Jody and I are talking about the importance of expanding your mind. It is beneficial to be versed in multiple topics. The good news is it isn’t complicated to grow in the things you know.

I have mentioned before that experience, exposure, and education are important building blocks for life. When it comes to expanding your understanding, the three “E”s are just as vital. If you want to grow in what you know, be intentional. Make sure you are getting a little something every day. Listen to the input around you. Read, listen to podcasts and make sure you are always learning from the people in the room.

As questions and go deeper with the individuals you have relationships with. Ask them questions about the things they are passionate. Ask yourself, “How am I feeding my brain every day?” The more you encounter, the more curious you will be. Allow that curiosity to drive you to expand your horizon and expose you to deeper levels of thought.

When you have a well to draw from, your self-confidence increases. Make sure you are giving yourself every opportunity to take in and learn from all the different mediums you come across.

If you are looking to learn all about the best strategy for planning a vacation, make sure you connect with Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.

Resources:

The Economist Podcast

Apr 19, 2022

Today, Jody and I are talking about how to prepare for something going wrong in your business and how you communicate it to your customers.

It doesn’t matter your industry; you will find yourself in a situation where you have to deliver bad news. How you handle the communication of disappointing information can reinforce or destroy the trust your customers have in you. The best thing you can do is get ahead of the situation.

Take some time to think ahead and work through potential scenarios. Think through what could go wrong and develop a plan. You can even look at the challenges that industries similar to yours encounter. Ask yourself, “How would we have handled that?”. Outline processes and procedures for actual issues and train your team accordingly. Do you have automated systems? Are they factored into your plan? Make sure those who are closest to the situation are trained and authorized to make decisions in the event of an emergency.

It is a big responsibility. How you handle negative situations and how you communicate that to your customers is a big deal. It is your brand and your reputation. Make sure you communicate trustworthiness even when things go wrong.

If you are traveling and want to work with a team that will keep you in the loop, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.

Also, make sure to check out cockerellacademy.com for deeper dives on the many great topics we cover here on the podcast.

Apr 12, 2022

Today, Jody brought up a practice we had at Disney known as the No Strings Attached voucher. Simply put, a cast member was empowered to provide a guest with this certificate to help rectify a negative experience. If your kid dropped their ice cream or your shirt tore on a ride, the No Strings Attached voucher could fix it…with no strings attached.

In business, you need to ensure your employees can correct issues without running them up the chain of command. It makes a huge impression when your team is empowered to make things right without jumping through hoops or getting caught up in the hierarchy. It shouldn’t be a big surprise when people go the extra mile to make things right, but often it is. Because it is rare, it makes an impression and creates loyalty.

Teach your team to look for opportunities to correct issues for others. This is a philosophy you can take into your personal life as well. Take ten minutes and make someone’s day better. When you approach a situation, be nice intentionally and figure out how you can take care of the problem.

Imagine how our encounters with others can be elevated if we serve each other with no strings attached.

If you want to work with a team that will go above and beyond to make sure you have the best experience possible, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.

Also, make sure to check out cockerellacademy.com for deeper dives on the many great topics we cover here on the podcast.

Apr 5, 2022

Today, Jody and I are recording this episode in person, and we are exploring what it means to have a professional presence.

You don’t need a corner office to carry yourself professionally. It’s not just something executives have or need. When you put yourself forward professionally, you communicate that you are trustworthy and dependable.

Whether it is dressing for an interview or the way you interact with individuals in everyday encounters, how you carry yourself says far more than your resume. If you want to create a professional presence, be confident. As you gain exposure and experience, your confidence will grow. Dress the part. First impressions are important; you don’t get a redo. Be composed. When you are comfortable, you allow others to be comfortable as well.

Another way you set yourself apart is by being others-centered. Ask about others rather than talking about yourself. When you pay attention to others, it leaves a good impression. People may forget what you say, but they won’t forget how you make them feel.

Lastly, dress for the event. Whatever it is, do your due diligence ahead of time and show up appropriately dressed. Often, people dress as casually as they believe they can get away with. Be the person who shows your respect by dressing to show you care. Be ready. It doesn’t matter what it is, but make sure you are ready for it.

Now is the perfect time to start making summer plans. Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.

Also, make sure to check out cockerellacademy.com for deeper dives on the many great topics we cover here on the podcast.

Apr 5, 2022

Today, Jody and I are recording this episode in person, and we are exploring what it means to have a professional presence.

You don’t need a corner office to carry yourself professionally. It’s not just something executives have or need. When you put yourself forward professionally, you communicate that you are trustworthy and dependable.

Whether it is dressing for an interview or the way you interact with individuals in everyday encounters, how you carry yourself says far more than your resume. If you want to create a professional presence, be confident. As you gain exposure and experience, your confidence will grow. Dress the part. First impressions are important; you don’t get a redo. Be composed. When you are comfortable, you allow others to be comfortable as well.

Another way you set yourself apart is by being others-centered. Ask about others rather than talking about yourself. When you pay attention to others, it leaves a good impression. People may forget what you say, but they won’t forget how you make them feel.

Lastly, dress for the event. Whatever it is, do your due diligence ahead of time and show up appropriately dressed. Often, people dress as casually as they believe they can get away with. Be the person who shows your respect by dressing to show you care. Be ready. It doesn’t matter what it is, but make sure you are ready for it.

Now is the perfect time to start making summer plans. Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com.

Also, make sure to check out cockerellacademy.com for deeper dives on the many great topics we cover here on the podcast.

1