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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.
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Creating Disney Magic
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Now displaying: March, 2025
Mar 25, 2025

"Get up to speed on how to use something, what it means, where you would use it, or why you have to understand it. Then talk to people about it."

Notable Moments

01:12 Talking about passions can help break you out of introversion.

04:49 Leave a legacy in your industry by being a teacher.

08:48 Networking can lead to opportunities by connecting with people and understanding what they offer.

11:15 Learning comes with intentional experiences and listening. 

15:28 Preparation is essential to meaningful interactions.

17:29 Invest in learning to increase your value.

Continuing to learn more is the key to staying relevant and valuable in today's fast-paced world. Throughout my years I've seen the way a desire to gain new knowledge has helped people in their profession. The more you know, the more valuable you become. It's not just about accumulating information though. The people that are creating magic are the ones using that knowledge to solve problems and come up with innovative ways to address changes.

Read my blog for more on why I believe when you learn more you are worth more. 

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Jody Maberry

Travel Guidance

Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Mar 18, 2025

"There's a lot of things in our mind that are probably not true. We just don't take the time to figure out what the problem is. People don't want to have those conversations." 

NOTABLE MOMENTS

01:06 Addressing Resistance to Change in the Workplace

05:06 Fix Assumptions: Hear Their Side

10:04 Improving Communication Through Diplomacy

12:17 Balancing Technical Skills and Teamwork

In any workplace, the ability to have candid conversations is a necessity. As a leader it is important to be be able to address tough issues with the ease and confidence that keeps your team thriving. 

When you're leading a team there will be concerns that come up. The real magic begins when you address these head-on. If there's a lingering suspicion or discomfort, it's your responsibility to confront it politely but firmly. It's important to bring it out in the open rather than letting it fester unaddressed. Often, as I've experienced, these issues stem from misunderstandings. People tend to think they're doing a great job because, honestly, our brains are wired to assume our own competence.

Candid conversations provide clarity and an opportunity for everyone to be aligned with the office's goals. Your role is to guide teammates into a collective commitment to excellence. Remember, your business reflects your values, and every employee contributes to your organization’s reputation. If your staff is resistant to change or stuck in negativity, it's on you to steer that ship back on course.

Progress often involves discomfort, particularly when long-term employees resist change. Approach these conversations as opportunities for growth. Sometimes, it's a matter of respectfully asking, "How can we do better?" Listening to feedback can highlight system flaws or personal issues affecting their performance, giving you a chance to solve problems jointly.

Embrace these conversations with openness and purpose. They're not just about fixing current issues; they're about fostering a culture of continuous improvement, ultimately crafting a team poised for success.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Jody Maberry

Travel Guidance

Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

 

Mar 11, 2025

"You don't get in trouble for what you know. You get in trouble for what you don't know."

Notable Moments

02:24 Be Average or Be Excellent

03:59 Empowering Change Through Feedback

07:31 Build Trust By Taking Action

10:37 Honesty Creates Impact

13:46 Cockerell Academy 

Creating excellence is magic, and the secret lies in the details.

From my experience, true magic in any business is when you're so good, people wonder how you do it. Everyone in the organization strives for excellence rather than settling for average. Whether it's a seamless customer service experience or a perfectly executed operation, the moments when customer service leaves you smiling are all by design.

Read my blog for more on creating magic by asking for feedback.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Jody Maberry

Travel Guidance

Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Mar 4, 2025

"You have to figure out a way to stand out. Then whatever that thing is, tell people. Let them know here's what I can do for you."

Notable Moments

01:02 Combining Past Ideas for New Solutions

03:34 Disney vs. Universal: A Fascinating Rivalry

07:30 Pursuing Passion Versus Guaranteed Salary

10:32 Hiring Focus: Holistic Candidate Evaluation

13:43 Performance Over Credentials

17:46 Adaptable Career Flexibility Needed

Unlocking opportunities isn't just about what you've done or where you've studied. It's about being able to explain to people what you can do for them.A degree is not the only way to open doors. It's your ability to say confidently, "Here's what I can do for you," and deliver on that promise. Read my blog for more on how you create your own kind of magic in your career.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Jody Maberry

Travel Guidance

Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

 

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