Lessons From A Disney Leadership Journey with Dan Cockerell

Do you remember the feeling of getting your first job? You were probably nervous and uncertain what to expect, but most importantly, you were curious and eager to learn from everyone around you. Most people lose that eagerness and find themselves stuck in a position they hate, hoping for the world to throw them a life line. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the people who are the most successful are the people who never stop learning. Dan Cockerell is an international speaker, inspiring storyteller, industry expert, virtual COO, and coach. He draws on his 26-year career with the Walt Disney World Company to provide customized, authentic presentations and programming, focusing on leadership and management practices. Dan’s experience working for Disney began in 1989 where he worked as a front desk hotel host. He went on to hold various positions within the company, working his way from parking cars and ticket sales, all the way to becoming the sixth executive to hold the position of Vice President, Magic Kingdom. After a fulfilling and exciting 26-year career with the Walt Disney Company, Dan and his wife Valerie made the decision to set out on a new venture and start their own consulting and speaking business.In this episode of the Rock Your Money, Rock Your Life, Dan and I discuss how he worked his way up from parking cars to VP of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, what the culture is like between colleagues at Disney, and why he greatly appreciates meeting people from all walks of life.