Marketing Over Bourbon

Keith Smith, former Senior Vice President of HR at Disney and Founder of Keith Smith Consulting, shares insights on business culture built on purpose, not by accident, in this episode.   We also discuss the Walt Disney World Ambassador Program, improv principles for leaders, the Ghost Light and organizational ghosts, and how friendships at work shape belonging.   To work with Keith, contact: https://www.keithsmithconsulting.com To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Mark Russell, founder of Iron Pixel Media, shares what it takes to bring a brand’s story to life on camera and make it look effortless.   We also discuss how to produce great creative work on limited budgets, what makes storytelling different from simply capturing content, and more.   To work with Mark, contact [email protected] To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Former Senior Vice President of Global Retail Store Development at Walt Disney Imagineering, Tony Mancini, shares how unforgettable, themed retail and hospitality environments are created. We also explore how to design for all five senses, balance vision and execution, and develop spaces where storytelling, brand, design, and guest experience work together.   To work with Tony, contact: https://thinktankretailhospitalitygroup.com/ To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Chief Marketing Officer, Jeff Larson, returns to share what goes on behind the scenes of major marketing decisions at Disney, Princess Cruises, Golf Channel, and more.   We share perspectives on using consumer insights effectively, leading through crises, running large in-house creative teams, and deciding when to pivot versus stay the course in your marketing.   To work with Jeff, contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyalanlarson/ To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Rob Mauldin, Founding Partner & Co-Owner of MagicMakers Group, returns to dive deeper into lessons from his two decades at Disney, focusing on leadership and data-driven approaches to shaping guest experiences.   We also share thoughts on creating a culture of excellence, navigating rapid change, leadership’s impact on the guest experience, inspiring tomorrow’s leaders, and turning strategy into action.   To work with Rob and MagicMakers Group, contact: https://www.magicmakersgroup.com/   To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Renowned innovation catalyst Lee Kitchen returns to share practical techniques for overcoming creative blocks, handling resistance to new ideas, and a few favorite stories from his Disney career.   Whether you’re leading a team, growing a business, or just looking for inspiration, this conversation will provide insights you can apply today.   To work with Lee, contact: https://www.magicaldude.com/ To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Jeff Larson, former Disney marketing leader and head of marketing at Princess Cruises, reveals what it was like behind the scenes of Disney’s in-house marketing production and the return of The Love Boat advertising campaign.   We discuss producing large-scale campaigns, prioritizing budgets when resources are limited, and maximizing the effectiveness of in-house teams and external agencies.   To work with Jeff, contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyalanlarson/ To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Former Disney Imagineering Executive and visionary master storyteller, Theron Skees, pulls back the curtain on how Disney creates magic on land, at sea, and around the world in this episode of Marketing Over Bourbon.   We explore lessons learned from his 30+ years of experience in the themed entertainment industry, his vision for “Narrative Experience Design,” and how companies can utilize this approach to create meaningful connections with their audiences.   To learn more, read Theron’s book, https://creatingmemorableworlds.com/ To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Master community builder Skip Sher returns in this episode of Marketing Over Bourbon to continue the conversation on how Club D3, also known as Disney Day Drinkers Club, became a movement rooted in connection, nostalgia, making a difference, and a great cocktail.   In Part 2, we talk about unlocking brand loyalty through emotional connection, building something that lasts, and why giving back is core to Club D3’s culture.    Whether you're a Club D3 member or simply curious how a brand becomes a community, this one’s for you.   To join Club D3, visit: https://www.clubd3.com/ To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Chief Happiness Architect, Chuck Salvo, joins Sheila in this episode of Marketing Over Bourbon to discuss the power of culture, connection, and employee happiness in driving business success. Together, they explore how engaged teams lead to loyal customers, what it takes to shift workplace culture, and why happiness isn’t just a feel-good concept, it’s a business strategy. To connect with Chuck, visit: https://salvoinnovativesolutions.com/ To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

RK Kelley, a creative powerhouse with a career spanning large-scale Disney productions and guest experience innovation at Princess Cruises, is the guest in this episode of Marketing Over Bourbon.   We dive into the art of blending creativity with strategy—how to pitch bold ideas to senior executives, keep teams aligned around "the main thing," and lead with clarity and imagination.   RK shares stories, insights, and hard-earned lessons from some of the most iconic entertainment brands in the world.   To connect with RK, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/RK-Little-Kelley   To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

This episode of ‪Marketing Over Bourbon‬ features Barry Jacobson, former Disney executive and Vice President of Special Events for the Dallas Cowboys.   We discuss what it takes to deliver truly personalized, premium, and exclusive guest experiences at Golden Oak and Club 33 at Disney, as well as high-profile events in professional sports.   Barry shares insights on luxury service, attention to detail, and creating moments that leave a lasting impression.   To work with Barry, contact: https://www.BarryJacobsonConsulting.com/   To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

This episode of Marketing Over Bourbon, Sheila features Skip Sher, Founder of Club D3, also known as the Disney Day Drinkers Club.   We explore how a deep love for Disney and a clever idea turned into a thriving online and in-person community.   Skip shares lessons on building emotional connection, inspiring user-generated content, and the power of nostalgia in creating brand loyalty and momentum.   To join Club D3, visit: https://www.clubd3.com/ To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

This episode of Marketing Over Bourbon features Rob Mauldin, Founding Partner & Co-Owner of MagicMakers Group. We share recommendations and lessons learned on creating memorable guest experiences, balancing tradition with innovation, and much more from our time at Disney and beyond.To work with Rob and MagicMakers Group, contact: MagicMakers Group.To work with Sheila, contact: Butler Marketing Group.

This premier episode of Marketing Over Bourbon features Lee Kitchen, President and Lead Innovation Catalyst of Magical Dude Consulting.  We share career lessons at Disney, how to unlock creativity and the spark of innovation that created a guest experience at Walt Disney World. To work with Lee, contact: Magical Dude Consulting. To work with Sheila, contact: Butler Marketing Group.