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
2026
May
April
March
February
January


2025
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2024
December
November
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: May, 2026
May 12, 2026

“When the curtain opens, everything matters.”

Episode Chapters

[01:41] The Big Red Curtain: A New Way to Think About Service

[03:26] Why Every Detail Matters in a Great Show

[05:33] A Real-Life Example of Excellence in Action

[09:55] How to Script Your Customer Experience

[12:17] Why Execution Is What Makes the Difference

Every business puts on a show whether they realize it or not. In this episode, Lee Cockerell, retired Executive VP of Operations at Walt Disney World, shares the benefit of viewing the start of each day as raising the “big red curtain” to the show. He explains how leaders can use this approach to design a consistently excellent customer experience. From first impressions to problem resolution, every detail shapes how customers feel and whether they return.

Read my blog for more from this episode. 

Resources

CockerellStore.com

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.

 

 

May 5, 2026

“People are watching what you do after the decision, not the decision itself.”

Episode Highlights

[02:10] The Impact Layoffs Have on Trust and Morale
[04:32] Why Communication Matters More After the Decision
[06:48] Rebuilding Trust Through Visibility and Presence
[09:15] Addressing Fear, Uncertainty, and Team Confidence
[11:42] Why Consistency Restores Stability Over Time

Layoffs don’t just impact the people who leave. It has a ripple effect that can deeply affect the ones who stay. In this episode, Lee Cockerell, retired Executive VP of Operations at Walt Disney World, explains how leaders can rebuild trust through clear communication, visibility, and consistent actions that restore confidence and stability.

Read my blog for more from this episode.

Resources

CockerellStore.com

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.

1