"When you start doing what everybody does, it's hard to be noticed any longer. Professionalism gets you noticed."
Notable Moments
00:40 "Stories That Work" Event Recap
04:57 Embrace Professional Etiquette
07:34 Professionalism Over Expertise
11:16 Importance of Professional First Impressions
15:20 Encourage Open Conversations
Time and time again I see people underestimate the power of professionalism. Unfortunately, it ends up stalling their careers before they’ve even hit their stride.
During our latest conversation, I shared how critical it is to set expectations for professionalism, whether you’re running a classroom or leading a workplace team. I believe that professionalism is showing respect, being reliable, and paying attention to the details. Those can make or break first impressions, as well as shape your entire reputation. I learned this early on in my own career, thanks to mentors who stopped me before I made missteps in dress and behavior.
The classroom example we discussed hit home. Students weren’t waiting their turn, interrupting others, and leaving early. My advice: lay out the rules clearly from day one. Make professionalism just as much a part of your teaching as the subject matter. It’s the same in the workplace. If you don’t make it clear what’s expected, chaos creeps in and opportunity slips away. Remember, your reputation starts with the small things, the details others notice but never mention.
If you’re a leader, teacher, or even a parent, don’t shy away from the tough conversations about professionalism. It matters more than people realize, and it’s often the reason some move ahead and others get left behind. Teach those soft skills such as reliability, courtesy, and awareness. By doing that you are setting people up for real, lasting success. Remember, being just “one of the herd” won’t get you noticed; professionalism will.
Resources
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.
"Stories are emotional, and when you connect with people emotionally, it sticks."
Stories are the master teacher of the world. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand that facts may fade, but a good story that is told with feeling and authenticity will stick with you forever.
Today, we took that idea to the next level, gathering at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management for our first ever “Stories That Work” workshop. Jody sparked the idea, and it was a great one. We brought together Disney veterans and leaders like Bob Allen, Rick Allen, and Djuan Rivers, all with stories that reach deep into Disney’s history and heart.
What I’ve found is that every cast member and guest has a story. Those stories shape how we learn, lead, and serve. Whether it’s a family returning to Walt Disney World for generations, or a cast member sharing their challenges and triumphs, there’s always a lesson wrapped inside. The stories we share aren’t just for entertainment—they’re teaching tools. They spark emotion, create connections, and help us remember the lessons that matter most.
It’s not enough to just know the facts or have the right degree; you’ve got to keep learning and collecting stories from those around you. That knowledge, shared through stories, is what makes you memorable and effective, whether you’re leading a large operation or just making someone’s day a little brighter.
Stay committed to learning and telling stories. The more you grow, the more magic you bring to others.
Resources
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.
"Sometimes you have to make some sacrifices to recover from getting fired or laid off. And you usually come out better on the other end because it pushes you to get into another business or another organization and to show off your skills."
Notable Moments
03:45 Thinking Ahead Before Layoffs
07:55 Embracing Change and Growth
09:30 Networking: Consistent Contact is Key
12:58 Cockrell Academy Community Call
ADD BLOG TEASER INTRO with link to website
Resources
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.
I’ve always believed in planning for the unexpected. When layoffs make headlines, it's natural to feel insecure about the future. However, you can turn these moments into opportunities. Once, after being laid off, I had to step back financially and take on a lesser role. It wasn't easy, but it taught me resilience and opened doors I hadn't considered.
Read my blog to read more of my thoughts on how to handle getting laid off.
"Until you actually spend time in the business and feel it and experience what's going on, it's hard for you to understand what you need to do to make changes."
Notable Moments
01:22 Adapting Business Practices Globally
06:43 Managers Need to Lead by Example
08:15 Creating an Emotional Restaurant Culture
11:52 Passion Speaks Louder Than Words
Stepping into the heart of service means immersing yourself in the culture and operations of your business. No matter where you are in the world, creating an outstanding customer experience starts with understanding. It’s recognizing that every location is unique, each with its customs, expectations, and idiosyncrasies.
When you're tasked with improving guest experiences, spend time in the trenches. Be there, work alongside your teams, and understand the daily rhythm of the operations. This boots-on-the-ground approach allows you to feel the business firsthand, making it possible to identify what truly needs attention and change.
In customer service, your impact is in the energy you share with your team. It's about delivering expectations not just through paper or protocol, but through passion and example. When your team sees your dedication, that enthusiasm ripples down to every interaction with a guest. Creating an environment of excellence relies heavily on the manager’s ability to lead by example, showcasing clarity, professionalism, and respect.
Listen closely to your employees—they're your connection to what's happening on the ground. Encourage feedback, take action, and make changes that reflect their insights. This rapport nurtures a culture of inclusivity and respect, key elements in differentiating your service from a competitor's.
Ultimately, delivering magic in service is about emotionally connecting with both your team and your guests. When everyone in the organization feels valued and understood, the atmosphere transforms into one that’s unforgettable. And that is where real magic happens.
Resources
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.
"You're always communicating. When you walk into a room, when you're on the phone, when you say hello to somebody, you're sending a message and they're either believing more in you or they're believing less in you."
Notable Moments
00:50 Effective Communication in Tough Conversations
06:39 Effective Teaching Focuses on Outcomes
09:39 Evolving Impressions and Authenticity
13:16 Attitude and Reliability Lead Success
14:32 Be Exceptional, Get Noticed
Conversations are the backbone of trust, and trust is the foundation of effective leadership. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the relationships we build—with our team or family—set the tone for all dialogues. Engaging in regular, open conversations creates a comfortable rapport that makes tough discussions a natural and accepted part of progress. When you genuinely invest time in talking to your team, it shows them you care, and when the time comes for those necessary, candid conversations, they know it’s out of concern for their growth and the team's success.
We must remember, it's not just about having tough conversations; it's about having ongoing ones. They open dialogue and erase hierarchical barriers, showing your team that while roles may vary, our ultimate purpose aligns. It's crucial that team members feel their voices are valued and their efforts seen, fostering an environment where productivity and engagement thrive.
Reflecting on my relationship with Carl Holt, a standout hire from my Disney days, we had both professional discussions and personal chats. It was our mutual commitment to excellence and open dialogue that made our professional bond so strong. You see, being a leader isn’t just about authority; it’s about fostering growth, being a mentor, and showing genuine interest in your team's journey.
Ultimately, the greatest job is the one you have right now. Pour your energy into excelling where you are, and opportunities will follow. When reliability and a positive attitude shine through, people notice. So, be committed, be engaged, and watch as growth happens naturally.
Resources
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.