Creating Disney Magic: Lessons In Leadership, Management, And Customer Service

“If you don’t ask, you don’t get. It’s that simple.” Notable Moments 02:28 – Why you should be asking for what you want 03:36 – The origin of Jody and Lee’s working relationship 04:54 – Why most people don’t ask and how it limits them 06:22 – A story about a student who asked Lee just to be known 07:58 – How to ask without seeming selfish or overreaching 09:36 – Introducing yourself to company leaders 11:52 – Don’t say no for someone else. Ask and let them decide 13:19 – Challenge: Ask for something big and tell us what happens One of the simplest yet most overlooked success strategies: asking for what you want. From professional promotions to meaningful connections, Lee Cockerell explains how powerful it can be to speak up and ask. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned leader, this episode will challenge you to be more intentional and courageous in pursuing opportunity. Read the blog for more on how people miss out on great opportunities simply because they don’t speak up.   Resources The Cockere

"What helped me the most was, leaving home and going out on my own and getting experiences." Jumping into the unknown is rarely comfortable, but it’s where true growth happens. Stepping outside our comfort zone reshapes our perspective and how we lead, work, and live. That is true whether it’s traveling to a foreign land or saying yes to an intimidating opportunity. After hearing Jody share his whitewater rafting adventure in Chile, it struck me how bravery really is progressive. Every time I took a leap in my own career, the fear was real. Moving countries, taking new positions, even getting fired at one point. But with each jump, I came back stronger, wiser, and more confident in my ability to handle whatever came next. It’s amazing how we talk ourselves out of risk because of fear of not knowing or the fear of what others might think. But most people are too busy worrying about their own lives to be focused on ours. Experience is the best teacher. You can read about whitewater rafting all you want, but not

"We all have our own thing, and we all have to make that decision every day about what's in it for us, is it worth it, and is it worth my time." Notable Moments 00:36 When to Say Yes or No 03:22 Invitations Increase with Familiarity 08:02 Facing Life's Tough Challenges 12:14 Managing Life's Responsibilities 14:17 Get Organized for Success Sometimes, the most powerful tool you have is a simple “no.” During my years at Disney, I learned that it's okay to not say yes to every opportunity. The more important thing is knowing which doors to walk through and which ones to keep closed. Success isn’t about overloading your calendar. It’s about making conscious choices so your time and energy add up to something worthwhile. I’ve seen leaders rise by grabbing big opportunities. Djuan Rivers seemed to say yes to challenging new roles again and again. He didn’t accept every little invitation though. He chose the moves that advanced his career and expanded his world. On the flip side, I said no to a lot of late-night banq

"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 were

"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 connecti

"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 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. 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 op

"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 th

"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 succes

"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 b

"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, h

"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.

"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 a

"Customers today really want that speed of answer. They are impressed when people who get back to them quickly and answer their questions." Video can transform your customer service in ways you might not have imagined. It seems like today speed and personalization are key. I have found that using video for customer support can set you apart from the competition. Read my blog for more from this episode on how video makes it easier to connect with your customers on a personal level.  Notable Moments 00:37 Addressing Customer Support with Videos 04:57 Effective Communication Through Video 07:14 Using Video for Internal Communication 10:12 Planning for Clear Communication 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.  

"If you have a dream, it you can't just kind of follow it and expect it to happen. You have to chase it aggressively." Notable Moments 00:46 Collaboration between creative visionaries and operational experts creates a magical experience. 05:33 Guests seek unique experiences and heartwarming stories. 06:37 Imagineers need curiosity, collaboration, teamwork, and business acumen. 10:38 Imagineering offers diverse creative opportunities across 115 disciplines. 13:18 Unexpected delights and special gestures enhance the experience. 17:43 Embracingo new opportunities as an author and speaker. Bob Weis, former President of Walt Disney Imagineering, knows a thing or two about blending creativity and operations to create everyday magic. He joins to talk about transforming dreams into reality through teamwork, storytelling, and surpassing guest expectations. Read the blog for more about blending operations and experience design to create everyday magic. Connect with Bob Weis www.bobweis.com Order the book – Dream Chas

When it comes to running a family business, one of the hardest transitions is passing the torch to the next generation. Many founders wrestle with the reality that their successors might not share the same drive or passion. Ultimately, people are the cornerstone of any business transition. Read the blog to hear how leaders can make the people in a family business feel valued and heard by offering meaningful support and success. Notable Moments 00:57 The Myth of Third Generation Business Decline 03:30 Inheriting Without Passion's Impacts Company Success 09:08 Generational Trends and Values Evolve 11:04 Prioritize Building Relationships Over Immediate Changes 14:29 Focus on Hiring, Training, and Treating People Right 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.  

"So often when things change, we worry. But then we're using the problem, not the change." Managing a remote team is a new reality we have to embrace. A listener shared his concerns about managing a customer service team that transitioned to remote work back in March 2020 and has remained remote ever since. Managing a remote team still requires a organizational culture, consistency, and effective communication. Read the blog for more from this episode on ways to address the challenges and make sure teams remain effective and motivated. Notable Moments 00:43 Evaluating Workplace Changes and Challenges 04:04 Effective Remote Team Communication 06:50 Return-to-Office Challenges and Decisions 12:20 Decide and Commit to a Plan that Aligns with the Goals 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.  

Inspiration isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the real work of leaders. Years ago, I realized that creating an inspired environment isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about subtle, everyday actions that build a culture where people feel they belong and are valued. Read my blog for more on how inspiration is the real work of leaders. Notable Moments 00:57 A supportive, well-resourced environment inspires people to love their work. 03:52 A non-toxic, supportive environment where individuals feel safe and valued leads to self-management, satisfaction, and low turnover. 07:53 Hiring the right people is crucial for creating a positive work environment. 12:19 Recognize and appreciate others; it motivates them and makes a difference. 14:25 Discover more with "The Main Street Leader" or CockerellStore.com 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 re

"When you start using that word later, later shows up faster than you can imagine." Every day is a new opportunity to achieve your goals. A lot of people make New Year's resolutions and set big plans for a fresh start, but I believe every day marks a new beginning. There isn't a secret way of doing it. It's just a matter of getting started and sticking to it. Read my blog for more on how to organize your time. Notable Moments 00:57 Start by taking action daily; progress will follow. 03:14 If it's important tomorrow, start today. 09:07 Daily planning prevents future problems. 11:35 Take charge; change comes quickly with action. 13:32 Evaluate worth of big life decisions. 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.  

"Is it hard to be a good leader? Yes, it's hard. But it's satisfying to have people you're helping every day, being available for them, and sharing your knowledge making them better." Notable Moments 00:47 Impact of promote a culture of availability and trust between leaders and employees 05:50 Open communication prevents disasters and protects reputation 09:34 Risk of not being accessible or approachable, such as people seeking alternatives 10:13 Being unavailable worsens organizational and individual issues 13:32 Dissatisfaction can lead to unexpected or unwanted actions When I was an executive, I made it a priority to be available, and not just in theory but in practice. Being approachable isn't just about having an open-door policy. It's about creating a culture where employees feel genuinely comfortable reaching out. Read the blog for more from this episode.  Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Jody Maberry Travel Guidance Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred tra