Creating Disney Magic

In a past episode of Creating Disney Magic, I said it was a mistake to try to live two separate lives; one at home and one at work.  Since we have never discussed it in a full episode, a listener wrote in asking us to talk more about it. So in this episode, we get right into it.  The truth is, you don't get to live two lives. You have to get everything done in the one life you are given. The way t...

Many people are struggling with the job search right now, so on this episode of Creating Disney Magic we and a listener question. She asked, "How do I reenter the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom for 17 years?" In this episode, I explain how to sell yourself through your resume, even if you don't have directly relevant experience for the position for which you're applying. It's all about t...

Show your employees that you care and in return, you'll get commitment. When I was at Disney, we gave housekeepers an hour to attend English lessons. We hired local professors to teach these classes. As a result,  the turnover rate for housekeepers dropped down to almost zero. When you're investing in people, you're showing them you care. Leadership is about taking care of people. It's all about s...

When we don't have much experience in the field we're working in, or get a big promotion, we can have what some people call Imposter Syndrome.  Imposter syndrome is when you feel like you aren't deserving or good enough for the opportunity, even if your track record might suggest otherwise.  These feelings can be especially prevalent we don't have much experience in the field in This week's episod...

Innovation doesn't get in the way of structure. Innovation helps create structure. Your organization needs to have policies, procedures, and standards within your organization in order to protect your employees and prevent disaster. Once we figure out the best way to do something, we must do it that way and make sure everyone in the organization knows we do it that way. Structure won't lead to mic...

On this episode of Creating Disney Magic, I answer two listener questions. Both about looking for or starting new jobs.  Here are some tips; Applying for jobs online is tough. It is better to know someone. Be recommendable and have someone who can recommend you.  Use a resume as a way for people to find out who you are, not just what you have done.  My career didn't take off until my mid-forties....

On this episode of Creating Disney Magic, I want to talk about the importance of continuous training for leaders and employees. When should you redo formal training? The training interval will vary depending on what field you're in. For example, if you are in the medical field, you would need to stay current on pathogens, policy, and procedures for illness and infections. Where if you are in the f...

On this episode of Creating Disney Magic, we have an anonymous listener question that strikes a chord with a lot of people including myself.  "What do you do when someone takes credit for your ideas?"  It is really tough when someone takes an idea you shared, possibly in confidence with them, and presents it as their own idea. What this really indicates is that the person, claiming it as their own...

I am excited to announce the launch of The Cockerell Academy . The Cockerell Academy is the best thing I have ever created. It is full of courses on leadership, management, customer service, and culture. When you enroll, you will get instant access to six courses: Time Management Magic Morning Magic Planning Career Magic 30 Career Success for Students Perfect Day for Your Customers World Class Cus...

On this episode, I'll answer two reader questions on  "How to Manage Your Mood". The first question is from John Sparks.  John asks "How did you grow to control your thoughts and reactions? How do you catch and manage your moods?" Here are my best tips for managing, catching, and controlling moods. -When I am feeling good I can control my behavior, thoughts, and mood much easier. -I always preach...

When it comes to hiring, always hold out for the right person.  Play the long game. Don't hire someone who is not the right person just so you can fill a position.  If you don't have great people you won't become a great organization. Being excellent is hard. And you need the right people to be excellent.  Sure, it can become frustrating to deal with the extra work that comes from an empty positio...

Dan Cockerell returns to Creating Disney Magic to talk about his new book, How's the Culture in Your Kingdom . Four stages to building a healthy culture; Leading Self, Leading Teams, Leading an Organization, Leading Change. A leader understands they have to take care of themself before they can take care of other people. Taking care of yourself is probably the hardest thing a leader has to do. Dan...

Most organizations make two big mistakes with their website.  First, we are confusing people about what we sell. People should be able to look at your website for five seconds and be able to know what you sell, how it will make their life better, and what do you need to do to buy it.  When you tell people what you are selling, they tend to buy it.  Some of the confusion we create comes from the cu...

When it comes to marketing, most businesses guess.  Donald Miller wrote Marketing Made Simple to help businesses create marketing that actually works. The book will give you a step by step guide on what to do to connect with customers.  Story is the hidden language we all speak. If you don't use stories in your marketing, you will not connect with people.  You are in business to solved a problem....

The 300th episode of Creating Disney Magic.  After recording 300 episodes over 6 years, here are the biggest things I have learned: The power of hearing your voice. Nothing else can compare to people hearing your voice.  Keeping episodes short have allowed us to deliver content quickly.  Listener questions have allowed me to know what people are thinking and what topics are important.  A Podcast c...

People who make good choices get ahead in life.  To make good choices, you need to understand your values. Take time to figure out what you stand for and what you stand against.  It is easy to make the wrong decision. It is tough to be brave and step in and help someone who doesn't have the same influence you don't have.  In the long term, it will pay off to stand up for what you believe in and do...

When you learn something new, it is only entertainment if you don't use it.  On this episode of Creating Disney Magic, Chris Jaskiewicz joins us to explain how he used what he learned to improve his organization.  Chris is the President and CEO of Icon Park in Orlando.  Icon Park was the first attraction in Orlando to open as the city began open again after the Covid-19 lockdown. Chris explains ho...

When I was the Executive Vice President at Walt Disney World, I treasured my team coming to me with their opinion. They did not think of me as the big bad boss. They knew I was open to hearing their opinions.  I told them to keep me out of trouble and not let me make stupid decisions.  This attitude flowed up, too. Often, I would tell Al Weiss, my boss, what I needed to get work done.  Part of you...

When I was Executive Vice President of Walt Disney World, Operations and entertainment sometimes had a conflict. The live shows were tremendous, but at times the cost was concerning. There was an entire operation to run, but live entertainment was a big piece of what people enjoy at the parks.  There are times when two department's priorities conflict with each other.  The key is you both have to...

When you make a bad decision, the first thing you can do is apologize.  Don't hope people forget about it. They won't. If you have done something inappropriate, it can be difficult to get over. But if you take action on a decision and it doesn't go well, face it head-on and admit what happened.  When you get feedback from someone about a bad decision or how you are perceived, the first step is to...

When I was at Disney, cast member surveys brought to my attention some perceived me as playing favorites. It was like a gut punch to get the information. But you know what? They were right. When I reflected on the feedback, I realized I did Immediately, I change my behavior. I sat next to different people. I sought out different opinions.  Over the next couple of years, my scores improved.  The ke...

At every business, you are going to disappoint some customers.  On this episode of Creating Disney Magic, we answer a listener question about customers getting upset or disappointed.  The question is about how the narrative told at a historical president's home causes disappointment and tension with visitors. Sometimes they don't treat staff well when they get upset.  From this situation, there ar...

When you have a tough day at work, you have to find a way to let it go before you get home.  If you are a pain in the neck at home, your family won't want to see you after a workday.  I have been there myself.  My wife, Priscilla, once asked me if I could try making a little magic at home. When my son was 14, he suggested I sit in the hot tub when I get home because everything was fine before I go...

During the Coronavirus Pandemic, many businesses have had to shut down temporarily. As businesses begin to reopen, we have the opportunity to do it the right way.  Don't just open the doors and expect customers to return.  Approach reopening your business like it an entirely new product. Check everything carefully. Talk to your staff for ideas. Start calling customers and ask what concerns they ha...

Leading a remote team for the first time can be a challenge for many people.  If your leadership style is based on face to face interaction, it can leave you feeling disease about not being able to see your team.  Don't stress over it too much. Leading remotely, for the most part, is no different than leading in person. Be yourself. Pick up the phone. Get on Zoom. Communicate often.  Often, we mag...