Podcasts by Creating Disney Magic

Creating Disney Magic

Lee Cockerell shares his wisdom and experience from his time as the Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World. Along with host Jody Maberry, Lee discusses how you can apply lessons in leadership, management, and customer service to create magic in your organization.

Further podcasts by Lee Cockerell

Podcast on the topic Management

All episodes

Creating Disney Magic
Solving Problems as a Team from 2023-12-12T06:00

"Quit having meetings and have conversations." Listen

Creating Disney Magic
Planning Organizational Communication from 2023-12-05T06:00

“Keep some of the trust within the organization by respecting your team enough to tell them before the whole world knows about something.”

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Creating Disney Magic
You Can be Nice and Tough from 2023-11-28T06:00

 “When you lead, be tough, not hard." Lee Cockerel...

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Creating Disney Magic
Preparing for the Next Level of Your Career from 2023-11-21T06:00

“People don't like a lot of the jobs they have to do, but they look back on them and think, ‘wow! Look how much I learned back then’.”

Episode ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Take Advantage of Information from 2023-11-14T05:00

“If you want to have a better life and start to do better, to be better, and to feel better, you need to start making better decisions." - Lee Cockerell Listen

Creating Disney Magic
Pay Attention to People from 2023-11-07T05:00

“Make things better through your people, not through you."

Episode Highlights

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Creating Disney Magic
Be Relentless About Details from 2023-10-31T05:00

“Almost every part of your life, day, moment and its details will help you be safer, better, more well thought of, and probably more successful."

...

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Creating Disney Magic
Make a Good First Impression from 2023-10-25T02:41

"We don't give people the benefit of the doubt sometimes because that first impression is so strong."

Episode Highlights

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Creating Disney Magic
Take Responsibility for Your Own Training from 2023-10-17T05:00

"The only person that can control your life is you. And if you don't, don't blame anybody else. It's not your mother's fault. It's, it's your fault."

<...

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Creating Disney Magic
Manage Like a Mother from 2023-10-10T05:00

"Women are natural born leaders. The things that women do at home and they do it in a Very naturally because it's their motherly instinct..." - Valerie Cockerell Listen

Creating Disney Magic
Find Out What Your Team Needs from 2023-10-03T05:00

“it's really up to the leader to set that environment and culture where people are comfortable, bringing up anything because everybody matters in them here." – Lee ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Enforce Your Training from 2023-09-26T05:00

"If you have a good way to do things and everybody in your organization does it, you're going to get more business because people are going to love you because it's...

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Creating Disney Magic
Let's Talk About Introverts from 2023-09-19T05:00

"Be self aware enough to realize you are an introvert or extrovert and know how that could be perceived" - Lee Cockerell

Intr...

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Creating Disney Magic
Working Through Anxiety from 2023-09-12T05:00

There are some decisions you make in your life that will help you get better and get over [anxiety] quicker. - Lee Cockerell

...

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Creating Disney Magic
Invest in Relationships from 2023-09-05T05:00

Don't underestimate the power of a simple phone call or message. Reaching out and staying connected is essential, especially during challenging times. - Lee Cockerell

Teens and...

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Creating Disney Magic
Create a Vision People Can Rally Around from 2023-08-29T05:00

If you don't know where you're going, you're probably not going to get there. - Lee Cockerell

Creating Disney Magic
Prioritizing Needs During Major Life Changes from 2023-08-22T05:00

"Your child's early development is the most valuable thing you have. Build your life around them and let the other stuff come later." - Lee Cockerell

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Handle a Non Performer from 2023-08-15T05:00

"Your job should be to want to help them find out what the pro...

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Creating Disney Magic
Hiring Someone for Their First Job from 2023-08-01T05:00

"Experience changes you, and hopefully for the better." - Lee Cockerell

I  remember the uncertainty I felt as a young boy starting my first job. I was 16, behind...

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Creating Disney Magic
Building a Culture from Scratch from 2023-07-25T05:00

"Magic is when nobody can...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Implement Training into Action from 2023-07-18T05:00

In a big organization, you have to have clarity of expectations. You follow the recipe, you get a good product. You leave ingredients out, you don't get consistency. - Lee Cockerell

...

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Creating Disney Magic
The Power to Make Positive Change from 2023-07-11T05:00

"People generally don't change when they want to. They change when they have to."

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Creating Disney Magic
Soft Skills for Technical Teams from 2023-07-04T05:00

"Anybody that feels loved, appreciated, does better work. They have a better life. They are happier."

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Creating Disney Magic
Employee Development Leads to Retention from 2023-06-27T05:00

 

"People want to know they matter"

Dur...

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Creating Disney Magic
Working with Multiple Generations from 2023-06-20T05:00

"The more you know, the better decisions you make about people."

When I think back to my time at Disney and working in the hospitality industr...

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Creating Disney Magic
Training New Leaders from 2023-06-13T05:00

"Your responsibility is not to sit in the office, but to be out in the operation."

There are a few things I learned throughout my career about...

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Creating Disney Magic
Work on What's Important Now from 2023-06-06T05:00

"You're not a product of your circumstances. You're a product of your decisions."

Through my experience as a leader, I have learned that time ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Using Technology to Serve Customers from 2023-05-30T05:00

Today, Jody and I evaluate the answer to a recent webinar question. Haden asked, “How do you see technology being integrated with customer service to deliver improvement?”
I will be the fi...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Exceed Customer Expectations from 2023-05-23T05:00

 

Today, Jody and I unpack a question that Jody came up with while looking at our soon-to-be-released Performance Excellence Course in the Cockerell Ac...

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Creating Disney Magic
Incremental Improvement Gets You Closer to a Promotion from 2023-05-16T05:00

Today, Jody and I tackle a listener question that hits close to home. “How do you lead after your leader has been replaced and you were passed over for the role?”

Listen

Creating Disney Magic
Creating Magic Mastermind Recap from 2023-05-09T05:00

Today, Jody and I recap our most recent Creating Magic Mastermind hosted at the Element Hotel Sky Lounge at Icon Park in Orlando Florida. So far, this was our best mastermind e...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Understand Employee Satisfaction from 2023-05-02T05:00

Today, Jody and I answer a listener question. Our anonymous listener asks, “When gauging employee satisfaction, is it better to focus on the positives or negatives? Do you look...

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Creating Disney Magic
Invest in Yourself from 2023-04-25T05:00

Today, Jody and I discuss a topic made famous by Warren Buffett. What does it mean to invest in yourself?

People often associate investing in yourself ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Get Ahead of Your Problems from 2023-04-18T05:00

"Build the relationship before you need it."

In this episode of Creating Disney Magic, Jody and I discuss the significance of tackling problem...

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Creating Disney Magic
Use Training to Make Progress from 2023-04-11T05:00

Today, Jody and I are unpacking how to ensure the training your team gets is effective and creates long-term change.

Training is essential to most busi...

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Creating Disney Magic
Working with Disengaged Employees from 2023-04-04T05:00

Today, Jody and I are answering a few questions about working with a disengaged employee that we didn't get to on a recent webinar.

If you have an empl...

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Creating Disney Magic
The Magic of Helping Others from 2023-03-28T05:00

Today, Jody and I are at the California Grill with Jamie and JJ Eubanks, the founders of Magical Vacation Planners.

We discussed relationships, leaders...

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Creating Disney Magic
Education and Experience is the Perfect Combination from 2023-03-21T05:00

Today, Jody and I are answering some questions we received at a recent event hosted by the Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional ...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Achieve Performance Excellence from 2023-03-14T05:00

Today, Jody and I are recording live in my home office. We just finished recording our newest course for the Cockerell Academy and want to share some thoughts about the topic: ...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Grow Your Small Business from 2023-03-07T06:00

Today, Donald Miller joins Jody and me and takes us through how you can grow your small business by following a simple framework.

65% of small business...

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Creating Disney Magic
Rethink Job Titles from 2023-02-28T06:00

Today, Jody and I explore how changing job titles can clarify expectations.

Many organizations need to think about reevaluating their job titles. A tit...

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Creating Disney Magic
Get Your Team Heading in the Same Direction from 2023-02-21T06:00

Today, Jody and I examine how you can get your team moving in the same direction.

I recently did a workshop for the City of Miami Gardens. It was a won...

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Creating Disney Magic
Offer to Help the Right Way from 2023-02-14T06:00

Today, Jody, Cassie Tucker and I tackle how you can offer help in the right way.

People regularly reach out to me, looking to connect. Networking is im...

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Creating Disney Magic
Handle Difficult Situations Fast from 2023-02-07T06:00

Today, Jody and I discuss why you need to handle difficult situations quickly.

No one likes dealing with difficult situations. However, the speed that we employ handling them is crucial. ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Focus Your Strategy from 2023-01-31T06:00

Today, Jody and I look at how you can focus your strategy and be efficient year-round.

People tend to treat January or the first of the year as a time to overhaul their strategy, but this...

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Creating Disney Magic
Get Clarity of Your Supervisor's Expectations from 2023-01-24T06:00

 

Today, Jody and I unpack the importance of understanding the expectations your supervisor has of you.

Managers need to be clear on their expectations. If your manager isn’t clear...

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Creating Disney Magic
Get Ahead by Being Nice from 2023-01-17T06:00

Today, Jody and I discuss the impact being nice has on your career.

The concept of being nice is something we learn very early in life. What happens when you are nice? People like you. Wh...

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Creating Disney Magic
Be a Role Model for the Culture You Want from 2023-01-10T06:00

One of the best ways to retain high performers is to be a role model for the culture you want. Today, Jody and I answer the question, “What is a good way to refine ...

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Creating Disney Magic
What Do You Do With What You Learn from 2023-01-03T06:00

During a Cockerell Community call in December Lee gave everyone a challenge asking them to think about what do you do with what you learn. When people are given an ...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Reinforce Good Customer Service from 2022-12-27T06:00

Today, Jody and I discuss how to reinforce good customer service. It’s not enough to require your team to provide customer service. You need to recognize specific a...

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Creating Disney Magic
Deal With Your Problems from 2022-12-20T06:00

Today, Jody and I are looking at how to identify and deal with your biggest problem.

Identifying issues and problems tha...

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Creating Disney Magic
Discussing the Changes at Disney from 2022-12-13T06:00

Today, Jody and I discuss the recent changes that have taken place at Disney. I also provide my interpretation of what may have led to it and what we, as leaders, c...

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Creating Disney Magic
Have Less Meetings and More Conversations from 2022-12-06T06:00

 

Today, Jody and I discuss the difference between having fewer meetings and more conversations and how that can benefit your company.

I recently attended a two-day conference for ...

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Creating Disney Magic
The Basics of Hospitality from 2022-11-29T06:00

Today, Jody and I look at the inner workings of the hospitality industry and what we can learn from it regardless the industry you are in.

I worked in hospitality for many years. Much of ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Taking Risks in Your Career from 2022-11-22T16:00

Today, Jody and I discuss what it means to take calculated risks in your career. I started taking risks early in my career and I wouldn’t change it.

Taking risks can be intimidating, but ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Understanding a Situation from Every Angle from 2022-11-15T06:00

Today, Jody and I are unpacking how you can understand a situation from every angle. It is easy to be emotionally triggered, but as a leader, you must deal with eve...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Stand Out When You are Understaffed from 2022-11-08T06:00

Today, Jody and I are tackling the question of Matthew Miller. Many places are understaffed, so how can employees make the best of a bad situation in their work environment?

Be the light ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Don't Make Your Problem Someone Else's Problem from 2022-11-01T05:00

After our most recent Creating Magic Mastermind, Jody and I are recording live from my favorite coffee shop, Coffee for the Soul. One of the conversations to surface during the mastermind was th...

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Creating Disney Magic
Be Patient for Your Next Promotion from 2022-10-25T05:00

This week Jody and I build on a recent LinkedIn post by Steve Ross. Steve referenced a previous Creating Disney Magic episode where we discussed the three P’s of getting a promotion. Steve broug...

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Creating Disney Magic
Moment of Truth for Employees from 2022-10-18T05:00

Last week Jody and I discussed the moment of truth for customers. Did you know there is also a moment of truth for employees? The people you hire have a moment of truth, just like a customer doe...

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Creating Disney Magic
Moment of Truth for Customers from 2022-10-11T05:00

Today Jody and I are looking at the moment of truth for customers. What is the moment of truth? It is that moment when your commercial comes in contact with the product. Does what your customer ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Using Outside Resources to Train Your Team from 2022-10-04T05:00

Today Jody and I unpack how you, as a leader, using outside resources to train your team can add value to the training.

Often we think of training as something we develop or put in place....

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Creating Disney Magic
Understand Your Managers Expectations from 2022-09-27T05:00:05

Today Jody and I are answering another question we asked during a recent webinar. This one came while we were talking about setting clear expectations when hiring and retaining people.  One of t...

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Creating Disney Magic
Your Attitude Can Save the Day from 2022-09-20T05:00:08

Today Jody and I are talking about an incident that happened to me recently. With all the credit card scams in the world I often wonder if I am next, and I was. There were a lot of things that w...

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Creating Disney Magic
A Tribute to Disney Legend Ron Logan from 2022-09-17T05:00:53

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Creating Disney Magic
Dealing with Burnout in the Workplace from 2022-09-13T05:00:43

Today Jody and I are answering a question we asked during a recent webinar. An event planner observed, “Burnout is a common problem in any environment.” She followe...

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Creating Disney Magic
Does a Leader Motivate or Inspire? from 2022-09-06T05:00:56

Today Jody and I are discussing the difference between motivating or inspiring as a leader. There is a difference, and it impacts the culture of your business. Listen

Creating Disney Magic
Hiring and Retaining the Right Employees from 2022-08-30T05:00:13

Today Jody and I are looking at how to hire and retain the right people. Everywhere you look, people are struggling to hire or keep employees. What can you do to avoid this pitfall?

Every...

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Creating Disney Magic
Say No More Often from 2022-08-23T05:00:26

Today Jody and I are talking about the importance of saying no and why you should say no more often.

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Have an Excellent Career from 2022-08-16T05:00:46

Today we are discussing the three things you need to have an excellent career.

People often ask what they need to have o...

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Creating Disney Magic
The Power of Self-Reflection from 2022-08-09T05:00:53

Today we are discussing the importance of self-reflection, both as an employee and as a leader.

We have talked a few tim...

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Creating Disney Magic
Handling Conflict in the Workplace from 2022-08-02T05:00:13

Today Jody and I are taking a look at how to handle conflict in the workplace. After reading a recent Listen

Creating Disney Magic
Managing Your Priorities from 2022-07-26T05:00:56

Today we are revisiting an important topic: time management.

How people approach time management has changed in recent years. People don’t just want to be more productive; they want to fo...

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Creating Disney Magic
Overcoming Technology to Connect With People from 2022-07-19T05:00:10

Technology is a crucial part of everything we do. But does it get in the way of connecting with customers and co-workers?

Getting people to talk and interact has become a challenge. We mi...

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Creating Disney Magic
Stand Out With Customer Service from 2022-07-12T05:00

If you have traveled this year, you have noticed most people are stressed. Most businesses are understaffed. 

Priscilla and I just returned from Europe and saw service delays everywhere w...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Keep Employees from Leaving from 2022-07-05T05:00:23

Today we are tackling a question on many leaders' minds. How do you keep your employees from leaving?

It is pretty simpl...

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Creating Disney Magic
Preparing for When Something Goes Wrong from 2022-04-19T05:00

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 ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Serve with No Strings Attached from 2022-04-12T05:00

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 ne...

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Creating Disney Magic
Create a Professional Presence from 2022-04-05T05:00

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...

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Creating Disney Magic
Letting Employees Put Family First from 2022-03-29T05:00

Today, we have a listener question from Will Walsh. Will has a complex question. In short, he asks, “What do you do when leaders have to tend to legitimate family issues that will keep them out ...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Prepare for Your Next Job Interview from 2022-03-22T05:00

Today, we have a listener question from Rich Urich. Rich asks, “Can you talk about the interview process and how to prepare?” Thankfully, we live in a day and age when preparing for an interview...

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Creating Disney Magic
Develop a Purpose Statement from 2022-03-15T05:00

Every business, no matter the industry, can benefit from having a purpose statement. People need to know what you want them to do and how their role fits into the o...

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Creating Disney Magic
Why You Need Pre Shift Meetings from 2022-03-08T06:00

If you have been around for a while, you may be familiar with our Main Street Leader Newsletter. This topic is one I have mentioned in the Main Street Leader before...

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Creating Disney Magic
Experience Takes Time from 2022-03-01T06:00

Today, we have another question from a faithful listener, Tanner Brock. Tanner requested advice on becoming more comfortable and confident in your professional back...

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Creating Disney Magic
You Have One Goal in Business from 2022-02-22T06:00

In the book, The Goal by Ellyahu Goldratt, business is boiled down to one goal. If you are in business, the goal is to make money. Business owners use this end to justify the means, esp...

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Creating Disney Magic
Advice on Relocating Overseas from 2022-02-15T06:00

Today we are answering an anonymous listener question. Our listener asks: “What is your take on personal and family considering and advice on making a transition ov...

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Creating Disney Magic
You Can Standout When Service is Bad from 2022-02-08T06:00

Every industry feels the impact of turnover and instability in staffing due to the current pandemic. Every industry’s customer service is also suffering. Constant s...

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Creating Disney Magic
Should You Take Care of Your Business or Your People? from 2022-02-01T06:00

Today we are answering a listener question. Our anonymous listener asks: How do you balance the need to take care of employees with the very real challenge a busine...

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Creating Disney Magic
Do You Have a Strategy to Be Different? from 2022-01-25T06:00

Today is one of our rare episodes that Jody and I are in the same room, in person. We just wrapped up the Creating Magic Mastermind. It is amazing what can come out...

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Creating Disney Magic
Take Responsibility For Your Own Development from 2022-01-18T06:00

Today we are answering our first listener question of 2022 (full disclosure, we recorded it last month). Eric Reys asks: My daughter just became a manager and has n...

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Creating Disney Magic
Hero on a Mission with Donald Miller from 2022-01-11T06:00

If you feel bored with your own story, bored with life, or feel like your life is a story you are not enjoying right now, you need to hear this episode. 

Donald Miller returns to Creating...

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Creating Disney Magic
The Benefit of Deadlines from 2022-01-04T06:00

Wrapping up one year and moving into the next can get people thinking of things they want to change and improve. I have learned over the years that knowing how to s...

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Creating Disney Magic
Can You Be Informal and Professional? from 2021-12-28T06:00

We have another listener question, this time coming all the way from the UK. Deanto Callo wants to know if it is possible to be friendly and informal with your staf...

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Creating Disney Magic
Operating Your Business in the Cloud from 2021-12-21T06:00

You have heard me talk about the cloud recently and how I am trying to become more familiar with what it means for business. We have a special guest today. Kenneth ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Discover Talent in Your Own Organization from 2021-12-14T06:00

Today we are answering a listener question. Karen Ellis asks “What can help a person break out of a role or job title and get others to see they can do more and gro...

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Creating Disney Magic
Get Exposed to New Ideas from 2021-12-07T06:00

I just returned from the annual IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) Conference. Not only can you get a good hot dog, but if you are...

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Creating Disney Magic
Call People Out for Doing Good Work from 2021-11-30T06:00

This year, I was honored to attend the Elevate Prize Conference in South Beach. If you are not familiar with it, the Elevate Prize is awarded by The Elevate Prize Foundation to ten or more globa...

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Creating Disney Magic
Dealing with the Labor Shortage from 2021-11-23T06:00

We have made mention before the current labor shortage most companies are experiencing. While people may be enjoying a time away from the daily grind, sooner or later, the vast majority will hav...

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Creating Disney Magic
Dealing with Customer Complaints from 2021-11-16T06:00

The way you handle customer complaints can make or break your company. Today, companies often look for a quick and easy way to deal with complaints. Automated optio...

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Creating Disney Magic
Cut Through Layers of Management from 2021-11-09T06:00

There is a lot going on in the world right now. Whether it is understanding the benefit of Cloud services or navigating this new season in the world of hiring and retaining talent, leadership is...

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Creating Disney Magic
Offer More Than a Paycheck from 2021-11-02T05:00

Now more than ever, individuals are resigning from their current jobs and pursuing something different. It’s being called The Great Resignation. People have realized that they don’t want to do a...

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Creating Disney Magic
Having Difficult Conversations With Your Boss from 2021-10-26T05:00

It is never easy having hard conversations. Today I am answering a listener question in this vein. An anonymous listener asks: What do you do when you love your job...

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Creating Disney Magic
Make the Most of Your Time from 2021-10-19T11:12:37

In his poem “If” Rudyard Kipling closes with the line, “If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run, yours is the earth and ever...

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Creating Disney Magic
How To Deal With Bad Comments From Former Employees from 2021-10-12T05:00

Today Jody and I are answering a question submitted by Melanie Maximus. Melanie asks, “How do you handle negatives posts online or comments in person from former em...

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Creating Disney Magic
Don’t Be Good When You Can Be Great from 2021-10-05T05:00

Today Jody and I are talking about what it takes to create a great experience. I have visited restaurants where the food was good, but the waiter was great. Their s...

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Creating Disney Magic
Don’t Argue with a Customer from 2021-09-28T05:00

Today, Jody brought up an interesting story I had illuded to when we first started this podcast. In the 1970s, I ran a restaurant in the Fairfield Inn in Philadelph...

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Creating Disney Magic
Can Culture Compete with Compensation? from 2021-09-21T05:00

In today’s corporate landscape, it is hard to fill jobs. Many leaders ask how to make their companies a desirable place to work, especially if you don’t have direct...

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Creating Disney Magic
Reintroducing Staff to the Office from 2021-09-14T05:00

Today Jody and I are covering a topic that is relevant to many companies. What do you do when you are reintroducing staff back into the office? So many companies have had to go remote over the p...

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Creating Disney Magic
Empowering Employees to Make Decisions from 2021-09-07T05:00

Today I am taking a listener question: As a manager, how do you set professional boundaries between you and employees but still be there for them and be supportive?...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Be a Better Listener from 2021-08-31T05:00

One of the most underrated skills a leader must have is the ability to listen. Even if it is one of the five senses, it takes intentionality and cultivation to make...

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Creating Disney Magic
Discussing Nurses and Healthcare from 2021-08-24T05:00

Catie Harris, the founder of Nursepreneurs, joins Creating Disney Magic to talk about nurses and healthcare. 

Hospitals can be a tough environmen...

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Creating Disney Magic
Service is a Superpower from 2021-08-17T05:00

Today, Louie Gravance, author of Service is a Superpower, is joining me on my final podcast recording in Colorado.

As many people are currently encountering,...

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Creating Disney Magic
Making All Staff Feel Welcome from 2021-08-10T05:00

As I wrap up my last week in Colorado, Jody and I want to tackle a unique listener question from an anonymous listener. If you have a diverse staff, how do you handle it when some of your staff ...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Get Customer Feedback from 2021-08-03T05:00

I recently mentioned the importance of going out and getting feedback from your customers. It is key to setting yourself apart in most industries. Your customers and your employees know everythi...

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Creating Disney Magic
You’ve Got to Know More to Be More from 2021-07-27T05:00

When you know better, you do better. When you learn more, you know more. In this episode, I am answering Glenn’s question. Glenn asked a question based on a quote of mine. You’ve got to know mor...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Tell Someone They Did Not Get a Promotion from 2021-07-20T05:00

No one likes breaking bad news to people. As a leader, sometimes that goes with the job description. It may be logistical issues or maybe even breaking the news to someone about a promotion they...

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Creating Disney Magic
Treating Customers Like Visitors from 2021-07-13T05:00

Jody and I are in person again, recording from my office in Orlando. We are trying a new setup. One topic is on my mind as we navigate a world opening up after an u...

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Creating Disney Magic
Build a First-Class Reputation from 2021-07-06T05:00

Jody and I are recording in person again from Orlando. After a recent conversation with Ron Logan, the question of building a solid reputation is at the forefront o...

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Creating Disney Magic
How Leaders Can Connect Digitally from 2021-06-29T05:00

Jody and I are doing something a little different today. We are an in-person recording from Rosen College of Hospitality. Today is a milestone for us, as we record episode 350. After almost seve...

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Creating Disney Magic
A Case Study in Risk from 2021-06-22T05:00

Sometimes it can be frightening to take a risk or to start something new. Sometimes, it can pay off. Today, Sarah and Preston Lowder join us to share their own expe...

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Creating Disney Magic
Allowing Employees to Deal with Family Matters from 2021-06-15T05:00

I am live from Coffee for the Soul in Orlando again. Today, we are answering a listener question that hits close to home.

Will asks, “How do you allow for individuals in the organization ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Now is the Opportunity to Get a Job from 2021-06-08T05:00

This week, I am taking you to my favorite coffee shop, Coffee for the Soul, in Orlando. After a three-night stay in the hospital, I’m glad to be getting out and abo...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Give Clarity in Job Descriptions from 2021-06-01T05:00

Everyone likes to know what they are signing up for. I know I do. It can be easy, as an employer, to leave new hires with unclear expectations ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Leaders Are Great Communicators from 2021-05-25T05:00

Donald Miller is back with us this week to dive a little deeper into what makes a successful leader.

Last week, we looked at how what you bring is more important than the school you atten...

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Creating Disney Magic
Business Made Simple from 2021-05-18T05:00

This week, we are excited to have Donald Miller back on the show. He is sharing all about his newest book: Business Made Simple.

For any of you who may not know who Donald Miller is, he i...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Make Better Decisions from 2021-05-11T05:00

I used to think Time Management was the most important thing, but I have changed my mind. While preparing the course Better Decisions for the Cockerell Academy, I realized that making better dec...

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Creating Disney Magic
A Leaders Job is to Make More Leaders from 2021-05-04T05:00

Leadership sets the culture. That is true if we are talking about a country or a company. Sometimes, people put too much stock in non-essentials when determining if someone is ready for leadersh...

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Creating Disney Magic
Working with Entrepreneurial Employees from 2021-04-27T05:00

Over the last few years, especially 2020, we have seen the workforce environment change drastically. Whether it is birthed from a dream or by n...

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Creating Disney Magic
Executive Presence from 2021-04-20T05:00

A while back, my son was at Disney and noticed a gorilla who was making eye contact with the man who was in charge. Based solely on the way people were acting and the way the man presented himse...

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Creating Disney Magic
Creating Magic in Any Situation from 2021-04-13T05:00

This week, we have Jamie and JJ Eubanks from Magical Vacation Planner on the show.

Through this pandemic, this couple has had to put their flexibility to good use. Travel was so up in the...

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Creating Disney Magic
Real Leadership from 2021-04-06T05:00

We recently added a great new course to The Cockerell Academy: Real Leadership.

It gets into the details of the things that really matter. It teaches what most colleges don’t: how to trea...

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Creating Disney Magic
Don’t Expect People to Be Like You from 2021-03-30T05:00

For the first half of my marriage, I tried to get my wife to be like me.

I always thought I was right. I liked to be in charge and make all of the decisions. I made her think she had to g...

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Creating Disney Magic
Does Your Career Influence Your Children from 2021-03-23T05:00

If you’re an entrepreneur or in any other busy career, you may worry from time to time about building and maintaining a good relationship with your kids.

On this episode, we’re discussing...

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Creating Disney Magic
Navigating Corporate Culture from 2021-03-16T05:00

This week, we’re answering a listener question about navigating corporate culture.

This listener, Melissa, used to work for a small company but has now taken a corporate job. She’s worrie...

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Creating Disney Magic
Creating Influence Through Performance from 2021-03-09T06:00

A common theme of all the listener questions we receive is bad leadership.

Many of you are working under a boss who isn’t interested in your ideas, opinions, and feedback. They don’t want...

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Creating Disney Magic
Improving One on One Communication from 2021-03-02T06:00

It’s extremely helpful to have an advocate who is willing to be candid with you.

Whether you’re like Jimmy who had people in his life willing to tell him he came across as condescending o...

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Creating Disney Magic
Building Resilience to Deal with Tough Times from 2021-02-23T06:00

In the current climate of the world, we could all use a good story about overcoming tough times. Killiam Hemmy is on the show today to share his own story of resi...

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Creating Disney Magic
Leading an Inclusive Workplace from 2021-02-16T06:00

Jody and I have been recording a new course for the Cockerell Academy called “Everybody Matters: Diversity and Inclusion.” It’s such a relevant topic. Working on ...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Attract Top Talent to Your Organization from 2021-02-09T06:00

Given the disruption COVID-19 brought on the economy and many companies in 2020, there are a lot of people out looking for work right now.

This week, we have a listener question on this t...

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Creating Disney Magic
Stop Saying Yes So Often from 2021-02-02T06:00

I recently sent out an email where I said, “The more you say yes at work, the more you’ll have to say no to something at home.”

In response, a listener asked if I could talk more about th...

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Creating Disney Magic
Three Ps of Getting a Promotion from 2021-01-26T06:00

Recently, Jody and I were on a training call with an organization. One of the attendees asked what I used to look for when I was thinking of promoting somebody.

It comes down to the 3 P’s...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Improve Customer Service from 2021-01-19T06:00

You can’t lead from your office with your feet on the desk.

One of our listeners works under a boss who is likely leading that way. That listener recently asked how to bring up to their m...

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Creating Disney Magic
Presenting New Ideas to Your Boss from 2021-01-12T06:00

If you’ve worked at a company for any length of time, you’ve probably come up with some ideas for how it could improve. It’s hard when you get excited about something and bring it to your boss, ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Using Habits to Overcome Depression from 2021-01-05T06:00

I’ve been very open about my struggle with depression in the past. Though I am doing great now, I still remember what it was like.

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Show You Have Leadership Skills from 2020-12-29T06:00

It’s performance review time for many organizations. Towards the end of a year or the beginning of a new year, many companies will hold these reviews for their employees. They look back on what ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Make Your Boss the Hero with Ron Logan from 2020-12-22T06:00

This week’s episode is a special one. We’re sharing a clip from our conversation with Ron Logan. Ron is retired now, but he was the Executive Vice President of li...

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Creating Disney Magic
Are You Helping or Enabling? from 2020-12-15T06:00

Are you helping or enabling?

Do you know the difference between the two?

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Creating Disney Magic
What to do After a Crisis from 2020-12-08T06:00

On this week’s episode, we’re answering a question that came to us from Joe Fernandez. He is a Park Ranger and is wondering how to respond well to a crisis. Joe wants to know how he can continue...

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Creating Disney Magic
Don't Be Late - Your Reputation is on the Line from 2020-12-01T06:00

One important key in time management is realizing that being late is a choice. 

Too many of us think it’s a phenomen...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Communicate as a Leader from 2020-11-24T06:00

People feel they are the only one until you say it out loud.

In a recent training session, I gave this advice when someone asked about communication.  I wanted those leaders and I want al...

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Creating Disney Magic
Tip on Becoming a Speaker from 2020-11-17T06:00

Everyone has a story they can tell. If you’re good at anything and have a message that can help people, you can become a speaker. It just takes habit and practice.

Listener Steve Ross ask...

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Creating Disney Magic
How Being Resilient Can Impact Your Career from 2020-11-10T06:00

Team sports are all about learning to rely on others and taking responsibility for your own actions. No matter what each player looks like or where they come from, they all work together to acco...

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Creating Disney Magic
Do You Have to Pay Your Dues to Have Influence? from 2020-11-03T06:00

Are you required to put in enough time on the job to get respect or have influence?

Someone who listens to the Creating Disney Magic said they have been given a responsibility that is hig...

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Creating Disney Magic
Invest in Training for Employees from 2020-10-27T05:00

Not only does training benefit the employees of a company, but it benefits the company itself, too. As we’ve talked about in previous episodes, when you spend time and money on someone, it shows...

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Creating Disney Magic
You Can't Separate Work and Home Life from 2020-10-20T05:00

In a past episode of Creating Disney Magic, I said it was a mistake to try to live two separate lives; one at home and one at work. 

Since we have never discussed it in a full episode, a ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Tell the Right Story During a Job Search from 2020-10-13T05:00

Many people are struggling with the job search right now, so on this episode of Creating Disney Magic we and a listener question. She asked, “How do I reenter the workforce after being a stay-at...

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Creating Disney Magic
Invest in Employee Development from 2020-10-06T05:00

Show your employees that you care and in return, you’ll get commitment.

When I was at Disney, we gave housekeepers an hour to attend English lessons. We hired local professors to teach th...

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Creating Disney Magic
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome from 2020-09-29T05:00

When we don't have much experience in the field we're working in, or get a big promotion, we can have what some people call Imposter Syndrome. 

Imposter syndrome is when you feel like you...

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Creating Disney Magic
Innovation Through Structure from 2020-09-22T05:00

Innovation doesn’t get in the way of structure. Innovation helps create structure.

Your organization needs to have p...

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Creating Disney Magic
Create a Reputation Worth Talking About from 2020-09-15T05:00

On this episode of Creating Disney Magic, I answer two listener questions. Both about looking for or starting new jobs. 

Here are some tips;

Applying for jobs online is tough. It i...

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Creating Disney Magic
Training Should Be Continuous from 2020-09-08T05:00

On this episode of Creating Disney Magic, I want to talk about the importance of continuous training for leaders and employees.

When should you redo formal training?

The training i...

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Creating Disney Magic
Should You Get Credit for All Your Ideas? from 2020-09-01T05:00

On this episode of Creating Disney Magic, we have an anonymous listener question that strikes a chord with a lot of people including myself. 

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Creating Disney Magic
Introducing the Cockerell Academy from 2020-08-27T05:00

I am excited to announce the launch of The Cockerell Academy.

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Manage Your Mood from 2020-08-25T05:00

On this episode, I’ll answer two reader questions on  “How to Manage Your Mood”.

The first question is from John Sparks. 

John asks “How did you grow to control your thoughts and r...

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Creating Disney Magic
Take Time to Hire the Right Person from 2020-08-18T19:25:24

When it comes to hiring, always hold out for the right person. 

Play the long game. Don't hire someone who is not the right person just so you can fill a position. 

If you don't ha...

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Creating Disney Magic
How's The Culture in Your Kingdom from 2020-08-11T05:00

Dan Cockerell returns to Creating Disney Magic to talk about his new book, How's the Culture in Your Kingdom.

Four stages to building a healthy cultu...

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Creating Disney Magic
The Mistakes You Make on Your Website from 2020-08-04T05:00

Most organizations make two big mistakes with their website. 

First, we are confusing people about what we sell. People should be able to look at your website for five seconds and be able...

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Creating Disney Magic
Marketing Made Simple from 2020-07-28T05:00

When it comes to marketing, most businesses guess. 

Donald Miller wrote Marketing Made Simple to help businesses create marketing that actually works...

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Creating Disney Magic
The Power of Your Voice from 2020-07-21T05:00

The 300th episode of Creating Disney Magic. 

After recording 300 episodes over 6 years, here are the biggest things I have learned:

  1. The power of hearing your voice. Nothing e...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Make Hard Decisions from 2020-07-14T05:00

People who make good choices get ahead in life. 

To make good choices, you need to understand your values. Take time to figure out what you stand for and what you stand against. 

I...

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Creating Disney Magic
Applying What You Learn to Improve Your Organization from 2020-07-07T05:00

When you learn something new, it is only entertainment if you don't use it. 

On this episode of Creating Disney Magic, Chris Jaskiewicz joins us to explain how he used what he learned to ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Share Your Opinion With Your Boss from 2020-06-30T05:00

When I was the Executive Vice President at Walt Disney World, I treasured my team coming to me with their opinion. They did not think of me as the big bad boss. They knew I was open to hearing t...

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Creating Disney Magic
Your Organization Cannot Operate in Silos from 2020-06-23T05:00

When I was Executive Vice President of Walt Disney World, Operations and entertainment sometimes had a conflict. The live shows were tremendous, but at times the cost was concerning. There was a...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Recover From a Bad Decision from 2020-06-16T05:00

When you make a bad decision, the first thing you can do is apologize. 

Don't hope people forget about it. They won't.

If you have done something inappropriate, it can be difficult...

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Creating Disney Magic
How to Get Accurate Employee Surveys from 2020-06-09T05:00

When I was at Disney, cast member surveys brought to my attention some perceived me as playing favorites. It was like a gut punch to get the information.

But you know what? They were righ...

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Creating Disney Magic
Working with Disappointed Customers from 2020-06-02T05:00

At every business, you are going to disappoint some customers. 

On this episode of Creating Disney Magic, we answer a listener question about customers getting upset or disappointed. 

...

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Creating Disney Magic
Don't Bring Tough Days at Work Home With You from 2020-05-26T05:00

When you have a tough day at work, you have to find a way to let it go before you get home. 

If you are a pain in the neck at home, your family won't want to see you after a workday. 

...

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Creating Disney Magic
What Concerns do Your Customers Have About Your Business? from 2020-05-19T05:00

During the Coronavirus Pandemic, many businesses have had to shut down temporarily. As businesses begin to reopen, we have the opportunity to do it the right way. 

Don't just open the doo...

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Creating Disney Magic
Leading a Remote Team from 2020-05-12T05:00