Creating Disney Magic

Lee Cockerell
  • 4.8 (432)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
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.

  1. 18 HR. AGO

    Leading a New Team

    "Get to know them. Bring them into a room, and talk about how you like to work, and what's important to you. Create an environment where people are not afraid to see you." NOTABLE MOMENTS 00:37 Leading a team you inherit  04:51 Build relationships, avoid premature changes, seek gradual improvement. 07:55 Collaborate, communicate, and respect deadlines to succeed. 10:34 Business insights empower employees for a better future. 14:15 Disney prioritizes physical and mental health safety. When I became the Executive Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World, I took on a team that had been working together long before I arrived. It was unfamiliar territory, and I had to discover my place within an established team. Naturally, I wanted to make my mark, but I knew I had to do it thoughtfully. Read my blog to learn what I did to create magic with my team.  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.

    16 min

  2. 19 HR. AGO

    Introducing the Jordan Harbinger Show

    "I started listening to the Jordan Harbinger Show and have really enjoyed the variety of guests that he talks to"... "The more you know and the more points of view you hear, the better you're going to run your life, your business and your relationships"... check out the Jordan Harbinger Show - we think you're going to enjoy it.

    2 min

  3. OCT 1

    The Truth Matters in Leadership

    “We've got to know the whole truth to solve the problem, because the parts you leave out may be the problem." Notable Moments 00:34 Creating a culture where honesty is respected and not punished. 03:50 Truthfulness builds trust and credibility in leadership. 10:12 Build integrity early; admit mistakes to supervisors. 11:45 Always inform leaders promptly about any potential issues.   Telling the truth is ALWAYS worth it. When I began my journey in leadership and management, there were moments where telling the whole truth felt almost impossible. Over time I learned that every challenging conversation is a step towards stronger, more authentic relationships and a thriving professional environment. For more on why the truth matters in leadership read my blog. 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.

    15 min

  4. SEP 24

    Finding a Mentor

    “Find a mentor that will be honest with you. That's how you're going to learn the most." Notable Moments 00:32 Expert advice differs distinctly from organic mentorship. 01:10 Choosing the right mentor 04:43 Knowing what to ask a mentor 08:30 Ways to build and utilize a mentor relationship 12:43.How to approach a potential mentor If you're looking for a mentor or some solid advice, take the leap and ask. When I joined Marriott and later Disney, I didn't have mentors handed to me on a silver platter. I reached out, asked questions. Sought advice. Do you know what I heard back? Not now. Too busy. Maybe later. Not interested. Work harder.  It feels frustrating getting halfhearted or no responses. It didn't stop me though. You can read my blog for more about what I did next. Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader 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.

    17 min

  5. SEP 17

    Should a Leader Know Everything Their Team Does

    "Create trust in the organization. Let people know that you don't know everything, you don't plan to know everything, and you're there to help them get what they need from the organization when they need it." Notable Moments 00:57 A leader's role is to support, understand, and guide  03:56 Create a culture of trust for open communication and support 09:34 Avoid anxiety by trusting the competent people you hire 11:41 Understand your business by istening to employees and customers Should a Leader Know Everything Their Team Does As a leader, it’s okay not to know everything your team does. When I was promoted to oversee operations at Walt Disney World, I didn't fully understand the intricate details of every department. Imagine being responsible for managing a place as large as a city with over 50,000 cast members. There were times I felt totally out of control. But you know what I learned? You don’t have to know everything. Read more about this episode here in my blog. Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader 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.

    14 min

  6. SEP 10

    Be an Expert

    "Magic's when you do such a good job, nobody can figure out how you do it." Notable Moments 01:27 Experience and education provide solutions to problems. 05:46 Becoming the Go-To Expert in Your Field 07:04 The Importance of Keeping Up With Advancements 12:03 Consistent Quality and Communication 13:41 The Power of Excellence 15:12 Importance of Industry Expertise If you’re aiming to be an expert in your field, keep feeding your brain and stay persistent. 25 years ago, I was terrified to speak even if it were for just 2 minutes. Fast forward, and I’ve given presentations ranging from 90 minutes to 4 hours without any notes. How did I get there? By focusing on things I’m passionate about and continually learning.  Read more in the blog found here.  Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader 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.

    22 min

  7. SEP 3

    Should Everyone Be Trained as a Leader

    "Don't depend on your company to prepare you for the future. Invest in yourself; read, learn, and grow daily. Your future self will thank you." Notable Moments 01:56 Identifying Future Leaders in Organizations 03:14 The Value of Developing Employees 07:21 Taking Ownership of Your Time and Learning  09:44 Improving Employee Commitment Through Development Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Magical Vacation Planners  407-442-2694   Spreading leadership training across all levels can be beneficial for organizations. Long-time listener, Eric, recently asked if leadership training should be exclusive to those already in leadership positions. This is always an interesting question because my experience has show that it's essential for everyone to grow and excel, both personally and professionally. Notable takeaways Leadership Training Enhances Commitment: Training employees, even those not in designated leadership roles, fosters a sense of appreciation and commitment. When workers feel invested in, they're more likely to exhibit improved productivity and loyalty. Self-Learning is Crucial: Don't rely solely on your company for personal development. Take ownership of your growth by seeking knowledge through books, podcasts, courses, and seminars. Proactively engaging in self-learning prepares you better for future opportunities and challenges. Small Steps Lead to Big Gains: Integrate learning into your daily routine. Whether it's reading a book during breaks, listening to a podcast episode, or engaging in online courses, these small, consistent efforts accumulate over time, significantly boosting your knowledge and skills. Don’t wait for your company to invest in you—take charge of your own development. Dive into books, online courses, and podcasts like ours. Remember, self-improvement is your responsibility, and your future is in your hands. Take a listen to episode 517, Should Everyone Be Trained as a Leader. Whether you're a seasoned leader, an aspiring one, or somewhere in between, this episode promises to offer great insights. Learn More by Reading "Creating Magic" "Creating Magic" continues to be a vital resource for aspiring leaders and managers. It's even used as a textbook in colleges across the country! If you haven't yet, grab your copy at CockerellStore.com and start your journey to creating your own magic. Featured Course: The Frontline Rules "The Frontline Rules," is a course in the Cockerell Academy designed to elevate frontline staff performance. If you're looking for something else, there are many courses designed for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills. Upcoming Articles in The Main Street Leader Keep an eye out for the upcoming volume of The Main Street Leader, where I share more about lessons from throughout my career journey. The newsletter offers tips on how to train for the leadership role you are in or the want. Vacation Planning Ready to take a trip? Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. They are always training their team so they are ready to lead you through the ins and outs of your vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

    13 min

  8. AUG 27

    Body Language and Hospitality

    "There is a clear difference between those who have their act together those who are just half there, not communicating well and not paying attention." Key Moments 05:32 Presenting yourself professionally leads to opportunities. 08:32 Body language impacts the perception of professionalism.  10:22 Understand professional etiquette in job interviews. 14:41 Frontline Rules is a course that supports personal and organizational improvement. Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Magical Vacation Planners  407-442-2694 Body Language and Hospitality First impressions are made within seconds. That is why professionalism, appearance, and a good attitude are crucial in hospitality. They can quickly make or break a customer’s impression of your organization. That is why sometimes it is more important to "hire for the smile and train the skill." Understanding how non-verbal cues impact hospitality can make a significant difference in how you connect with others and create magical experiences. During this episode I highlight ways to ensure you and your team are presenting yourselves in the best possible light every day. This attitude doesn't just help in your career but builds trust and leaves positive lasting impressions of your organization.  Notable Takeaways: First Impressions Matter: Learn why first impressions are formed within the first 20 seconds and how to ensure you always make a positive impact. Professionalism Counts: Discover the importance of maintaining a professional appearance and the impact it has on your odds of getting hired or promoted. The Power of Body Language: Understand how non-verbal cues like eye contact, posture, and a welcoming demeanor can set you apart. Training for Excellence: Get insights into why it’s crucial to train for skills but hire individuals who naturally exude warmth and positivity. Whether you're aiming for a promotion or running a small business, confidence and professionalism will set you apart. At Disney, it was my job as a leader to show how important it is to present ourselves in the best possible light—every day. This attitude doesn't just help in your career but builds trust and leaves positive lasting impressions on those you serve. Go out and create some magic in you organization by recognizing the impact of your team's body language. Learn More by Reading "Creating Magic" "Creating Magic" continues to be a vital resource for aspiring leaders and managers. It's even used as a textbook in colleges across the country! If you haven't yet, grab your copy at CockerellStore.com and start your journey to creating your own magic. Featured Course: The Frontline Rules "The Frontline Rules," is a course designed to elevate frontline staff performance. With 50 short, actionable lessons, it's perfect for both individual development and organizational training. It’s time to put on a better show than anyone else around you! Upcoming Articles in The Main Street Leader Keep an eye out for the upcoming volume of The Main Street Leader, where I share more about lessons from throughout my career journey. The newsletter offers tips on how to excel in any role, including by simply striving to be better than everyone else. Vacation Planning Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

    16 min
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4.8
out of 5
432 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Lee Cockerell
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2024
  • Episodes
    524
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Lee Cockerell
  • Show Website
    Creating Disney Magic

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