Creating Disney Magic

"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.    

"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.

"Resiliency is what separates dreams from results." Episode Chapters [00:02:15] From Professor to Speaker: Jeff Barnes' Journey [00:05:16] Walt Disney's Resiliency and Early Failures [00:07:28] The Power of Going All-In on Your Goals [00:08:16] Why Most Ideas Never Turn Into Action [00:09:50] Turning Thought into Action and Momentum What can leaders learn from Walt Disney? In this episode, Lee Cockerell and guest Jeff Barnes explore the power of resiliency, purpose, and action. From Walt's early failures to his bold vision for Disneyland, the conversation highlights why belief, persistence, and acting on ideas are essential to leadership and success. Read my blog for more from this episode.  Connect with Jeff Barnes TheWisdomofWalt.com Instagram @drdisneyland Facebook Jeff Barnes 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.

"Everything is hard until it's easy. The only way it gets easy is practice." Episode Highlights [00:01:36] Lee recalls his first attempt at public speaking at Marriott. [00:02:45] Advice from Bill Marriott's father-in-law [00:03:55] Practice as the path to confidence. [00:06:26] How fear holds people back from trying. [00:07:39] Explain things simply to prove understanding. [00:08:33] Improvement through courses, reading, and daily study. Lee Cockerell opens up about his early struggles with public speaking and the lessons that helped him turn fear into confidence. He explains why passion and personal stories make presentations more engaging and memorable than polished scripts. Lee reminds us that practice is the only way to build true confidence, and that fear is often the biggest barrier to growth. This conversation highlights simple, practical steps anyone can take to improve their communication skills and become more effective leaders. Read the blog for more from this episode.  Resources Creating Magic Mastermind October 2025 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.    

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. It's not just something executives have or need. When you put yourself forward professionally, you communicate that you are trustworthy and dependable. Whether it is dressing for an interview or the way you interact with individuals in everyday encounters, how you carry yourself says far more than your resume. If you want to create a professional presence, be confident. As you gain exposure and experience, your confidence will grow. Dress the part. First impressions are important; you don't get a redo. Be composed. When you are comfortable, you allow others to be comfortable as well. Another way you set yourself apart is by being others-centered. Ask about others rather than talking about yourself. When you pay attention to others, it leaves a good impression. People may forget what you say, but they won't forget how you make them feel. Lastly, dress for the event. Whatever it is, do your due diligence ahead of time and show up appropriately dressed. Often, people dress as casually as they believe they can get away with. Be the person who shows your respect by dressing to show you care. Be ready. It doesn't matter what it is, but make sure you are ready for it. Now is the perfect time to start making summer plans. Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694. If you want to submit a question, you can reach us at jodymaberry.com or leecockerell.com. Also, make sure to check out cockerellacademy.com for deeper dives on the many great topics we cover here on the podcast.

Training and developing staff is one of the most important things for your organization to do. But how can you train your staff when you have a limited budget? First, discuss the situation with your staff. Let the know there are tight cost constraints, but you still want to train and develop them. Ask them what they think about the situation. Ask them for ideas. If you do, they are going to offer some ideas you would never come up with on your own.  Next, explain that training and development is also their responsibility, not just yours.  Sure, it would be great if you had the money and time to send everyone through 60 hours of training, but it doesn't often work that way. Here are some ways you can still train your staff with a limited budget; -Don't focus on 1 or 2-hour chunks of time. Divide training into smaller segments.  -Spend 10 minutes before the business opens covering an important topic.  -Walk the floor and look for opportunities to show and tell.  -Create a document with your expectations so everyone is on the same page.  In just a few months, you will find people are doing a better job. 

This episode of Creating Disney Magic is recorded live in front of a live audience of 350 people in Indianapolis.  We took questions from the audience while I answered live from the stage.   Here are the questions I answer during this episode: What do you do when you want to empower people but have trouble letting go? How have natural disasters affected my leadership training? When you are interviewing, how can you tell someone is a diamond in the rough if they are struggling with an interview? As a leader, how do you ensure a work and life balance for you and your team members? What is the best investment I have made under $100? What can a student do to prepare themselves to be the candidate companies or looking for to fill a job? My answer to this question is important for you, even if you are not a student. Do you have the persistence and willpower to be the best at what you do? What type of skills do women need to develop to get an executive management role?