Podcast appearances and mentions of dan cockerell

Dan Cockerell started at the Walt Disney Company as a parking attendant and 26 years later was it's Vice President, leading 12,000 cast members at the largest theme park in the world, the Magic Kingdom Park. Dan had nineteen different roles with Disney, including 5 years at the Disneyland Paris Resort. Dan left Disney to start his own consulting company and now shares his leadership and management experience at Disney with companies worldwide. He is also the author of the book "How's the Culture in Your Kingdom? Lessons from a Disney Leadership Journey". This is a masterclass in the customer experience.   LINKS   Dan's website https://dancockerell.com   Book on Amazon How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?: Lessons from a Disney Leadership Journey   The Mojo Sessions website www.themojosessions.com   The Mojo Sessions on Patreon www.patreon.com/TheMojoSessions Full transcripts of the show (plus time codes) are available on Patreon.   The Mojo Sessions on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheMojoSessions   Gary on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/gary-bertwistle   Gary on Twitter www.twitter.com/GaryBertwistle   The Mojo Sessions on Instagram www.instagram.com/themojosessions   If you like what you hear, we'd be grateful for a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Happy listening!   © 2025 Gary Bertwistle.  All Rights Reserved.  

Originally Published August 18, 2022. Today, we're diving into a truly magical journey with former Disney executive Dan Cockerell. From parking cars at Epcot to a 26-year career spanning 19 jobs and unforgettable experiences at Disney, Dan's story is one of hard work, humility, and leadership. Dan shares lessons from his Disney days and insights from running his own company, showing us how to create lasting impact while staying true to our values. Tune in because this conversation promises to spark ideas and help you embrace the fantastic possibilities in your own life!   Dan Cockerell enjoyed an extraordinary 26-year career with the Walt Disney Company, holding various executive roles in theme parks and resort hotels. He retired as Vice President of the Magic Kingdom, where he led 12,000 cast members and hosted over 20 million guests annually. A sought-after keynote speaker for the Disney Institute for 18 years, Dan combined operational expertise with engaging storytelling to inspire audiences worldwide. Today, alongside his wife, Valerie, Dan operates a global consulting and speaking business. From Brazil to Barcelona and now France, he delivers customized presentations and workshops on leadership and management practices, enriched by real-world Disney examples and timeless lessons.   Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/  X: X.com/DanCockerell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ Website(s): cockerellconsulting.com, www.Dancockrell.com      Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka. We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often.   This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home   We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us!   Dr. Allen Lycka's Social Media Links Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drallenlycka LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/c/drallenlycka   Subscribe to the show. We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show - you can subscribe on the podcast app on your mobile device

"We need less bosses and more teachers because that's where you make the big impact, and that's where people get better, And that's where people get more comfortable with you." Key Moments 00:57  Reflecting on the importance of teaching, helping others, and leaving a lasting impression. 05:11 Learned skills at Marriott and Disney then developed training and the skills to others 09:06 Professional experience open opportunities to share knowledge and influence others positively. 10:31 Write down skills and strengths when reflecting on career  13:44 Upcoming workshops and Masterminds with Lee Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Dan Cockerell's Book How's the Culture in Your Kingdom? Be a Teacher Adopting a teaching mindset can make you a greater leader in your professional and personal life. Once I took on a teacher's mindset I transformed my leadership style and career for the good. It's a lesson that took me a long time to figure out, but pretty fulfilling as I hear about the the long-lasting impact I've had on others' careers and lives. During our conversation, Jody and I talk more about why leaders need to be a teacher, the value of writing down your knowledge, and how you can remain relevant and influential even after a long career. Three key takeaways from our conversation: Teaching Transforms Leadership: transitioning from being a boss to becoming a teacher can have a profound impact on your career and legacy. It's not just about leading; it's about helping others grow and succeed. Importance of Patience and Repetition: Effective teaching requires patience and the willingness to repeat essential lessons until they are understood. It's these consistent efforts that create lasting value in your team/students' lives. Document and Share Your Knowledge: Whether you're transitioning careers or just want to make a bigger impact, writing down your insights and experiences is powerful. It helps crystallize your thoughts and serves as a valuable resource for others. My son Dan Cockerell did this after retiring from Disney. He used those notes to write his book, "How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?" Make sure to listen to this episode for more lessons from my career, and how teaching will have a major impact on your personal and professional growth. Let this episode be the inspiration you need to become a teacher in your own right. Let's continue to learn, grow, and create magic for others. Looking for someone to teach you a lesson on how to enjoy a relaxing vacation in your dream destination? Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation with you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

"That's probably one of the things that really has helped me as I meet people. Being in that moment, asking really pointed personal questions to make people feel valued, to learn something new, and be curious." Key Moments 01:21 Ending the 'Come Rain or Shine' Podcast 04:11 Life Advice from Lee Cockerell 06:04 Magical Vacation Planner Conference 12:57 Podcasting Growth from Duo to Solo to Live Audience 21:14 The Next Professional Chapter 23:16 Impact of International Education 25:02 Navigating Career Transitions 28:26 The Power of Networking; Focusing on Client needs, Not our Credentials. 32:12 Adapting Business Strategies in Times of Crisis 36:46 Impact of Practicing Asking Intentional Questions 39:21 Reflecting on Collaborations on the Podcast and Beyond 47:02 Sign Up for Dan's Newsletter to Stay in touch Connect with Dan Sign Up for the Article of the Week aka Article of the Month dan@dancockerell.com Dan's Website Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry A Tribute to the Come Rain or Shine Podcast After five and a half years of laughter, lessons, and leadership insights, it became time to bid farewell to "Come Rain or Shine" with Dan Cockerell. It's only fitting to highlight some of the unforgettable moments and amusing anecdotes. This final episode reflects on some of our favorite memories, from some silly moments to key business lessons. Really none of it would have been possible without understanding the importance of consistency in business, the role of adaptability, and the impact of strong personal relationships. Adaptability has been a consistent theme throughout our time podcasting together. Dan's approach, especially during the challenges brought on by COVID-19, exemplifies the power of responsiveness to unforeseen circumstances. Launching a daily podcast "Lemons to Lemonade" and conducting a Mastermind call for three months to offer guidance during tough times are prime examples. Hearing him navigate these changes in real time showcased the the value of being flexible and open to change. It's the key to ensuring longevity and relevance in any industry. Dan shares six key lessons learned from running Cockrell Consulting, highlighting that genuine connections often result in personal value and referrals. These are great reminders for business professionals striving for sustainable growth and a trusted network. By prioritizing value creation and relationship-building, you can create a solid advantage in the competitive business landscape. While working on the podcast Dan and I had a number of moments that reminded us of the importance of engagement and effective communication. The more Dan dove into solo episodes, he found that interviewing podcast guests help refine his conversational skills. For leaders and entrepreneurs alike, the ability to ask the right questions and actively listen is incredibly valuable. It helps lead toward meaningful discussions while and nurturing collaborative partnerships. Make sure to listen to Dan and I reflect on our time recording "Come Rain or Shine" podcast. Stay connected to Dan by signing up for his monthly newsletter. Past episodes are still available so keep listening. I bet you discover something new each time. Here's to the future skies we'll navigate, come rain or shine!

Dan is the former Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida.He attended Boston University, graduating in 1991, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. After spending 5 years working for Walt Disney in France, Dan relocated to Florida and held a variety of executive roles at the Walt Disney World Resort, both in the theme parks and resort hotels. His last 9 years with the company, he was successively Vice President of Epcot, Vice president of Disney's Hollywood Studios and eventually Vice President of the Magic Kingdom where he led 12,000 cast members and entertained over 20 million guests annually.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. Dan provides customized, authentic presentations, insightful workshops, and one on one coaching, focusing on leadership and management practices drawing upon his extensive Disney career with relevant examples and inspiring storytelling.In this episode, Jared and Dan talk about Dan's book How's the Culture in Your Kingdom? The speak about the importance of leading yourself first before you can lead others. Self-awareness is not as easy to come by as you may think. We must be intentional to grow and develop our own abilities to move into a space where we can successfully lead others."I may not be good at the beginning, and I may fail, but by practicing and trying, it's going to make me better, it's going to make me understand it more." - Dan CockerellTime Stamps  1:18 –  Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design' podcast  2:05 - Meet today's special guest, Dan Cockerell  4:10  - Dan on seeing life in Clear Chapters  6:57 - Torrens University Australia: Find out the focus of the school   8:34 - Dan recounts his wife's Disney journey  10:04 - How a simple 'HI' led to 30 years of marriage  12:25 - The Intentionality of being present at home  16:40 - Dan talks about his book 'How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?'  19:14 - Dan dives deep into Physical Fitness: Ways to stay healthy  24:49 - What is the Alphabet Workout?  27:51 - Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset: Ways to keep Mentally fit  32:23 - Moral Fitness: The integrity of being known for who you are  37:00 - What does it take to be a good leader?  41:45 -  Motivation-Based Interviewing: The Do's and Don'ts for a job interview  45:17 - Dan recounts the historical and fun moments at Disney  51:14 - Who Disney was 20 years ago vs now?  54:37 - Get the book, 'How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?' Resources:DanCockerell.com Connect w/ Dan:LinkedInInstagramSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

During this week's episode, Claudine speaks with Dan Cockerell - a seasoned consultant to companies across the service and hospitality sectors.Dan draws on 26 years experience at Walt Disney Company, starting his career as a parking attendant; and 26 years later, a Vice President leading 12,000 cast members at the largest theme park in the world! Drawing on his extensive career, he shares insights into his own leadership style and work philosophy whilst Claudine & Dan discuss what makes a good leader, and how to foster a strong company culture.

If you're a podcaster who has dreamed of having your own book, you'll love today's episode! Last Fall, my good friend Jody Maberry and I co-led a webinar called “Podcast to Published.” The goal of the webinar was to test-drive some material we may later use to help podcasters use their podcast material as the basis for a book. I've been podcasting since 2013, and I'm a huge fan of repurposing your podcast content into books. Let me tell you a bit about Jody. He's a former Park Ranger who is now a sought-after podcast producer, speaker, and consultant. He's been featured in Inc., Entrepreneur, The Business Journals, at Podcast Movement, and many other places. Jody works closely with business leaders such as David Hancock, Lee Cockerell, Dan Cockerell, and others to bring their podcasts to life. In addition, he hosts three of his own podcasts: The Jody Maberry Show, The Park Leaders Show (for Park Rangers), and In the Front Row, a show he created for his son. Jody is not only one of the most brilliant minds in podcasting, but a kind and generous human being as well. I encourage you to check out Jody's site at https://jodymaberry.com to find out more. In this webinar, you'll learn all about the benefits of turning your podcast into a book, including what kind of book you should write based on your podcast, how to outline a great nonfiction book, and the steps to move from podcast to published book. * * * Today's episode is sponsored by Karen Hunsanger, an incredible editor known as “The Word Wizard.” I've worked with Karen many times, and she is your secret weapon for crafting the highest-quality book possible. Visit the link above for a free sample edit.

One of the recurring themes of this podcast is leadership. Writing and creativity are, of course, a huge part of what we do. But if we want to operate a successful business, we have to be able to manage all the moving pieces in order for things to run smoothly and grow over time. I'm excited to have a guest today who can help us do that. Valerie Cockerell was born and raised in France, where she graduated with a degree in Business Hospitality. She eventually joined Disneyland Paris in 1991 as a retail manager. After succeeding in a number of roles, she eventually oversaw the planning for all Resort merchandise locations in the park. Upon moving to Florida in 1997, Valerie worked as the Assortment Planning Manager at Downtown Disney and Epcot Center, eventually moving to Merchandise Brand Management for both Epcot and the Disney Cruise Line. Valerie left the company and started consulting for outside organizations in the retail world. She returned to Disney in 2013 to become a contract facilitator for Disney Institute, where she facilitated professional development classes and custom programs in both French and English. She drew from her international management experience in retail and operations to teach Disney's approach to Leadership Excellence and Customer Service. Since May 2019, Valerie has been a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator with her husband, Dan Cockerell. In her speaking, she shares her expertise and methodology in leading teams and delivering outstanding customer service. Valerie joins me today for a conversation about her new book, Manage like a Mother: Leadership Lessons Drawn from the Wisdom of Mom, which offers a simple-to-understand and easy-to-implement take on leadership inspired by a mother's playbook. We talk about her career working for the Disney organization, how everyone can learn to become a better leader and manager by borrowing concepts from mothers (even men!), how writers can implement these principles, and more. You can connect with Valerie at https://cockerellconsulting.com. * * * A big thank you to our sponsors, who keep this podcast free for listeners: Vellum is the go-to book formatting software for indie authors who care about creating beautiful ebooks and print books. I've used it for years and love it! Use the link to download Vellum for FREE. Feeling blocked as a writer? Grab a copy of There is No Such Thing as Writer's Block by Honorée Corder. You'll learn what's really blocking you, the value of building your writer tribe, how to become the writer you've always dreamed of, and much more. Looking for a great book cover designer and formatter? I use and recommend Kristi Griffith, owner of Thumbprint Creative. She works closely with you to create a design that perfectly captures the theme, message, and genre of your book.

Over 500 episodes in, and it's still possible for there to be firsts. This episode brings with it a special milestone; one that includes having featured—for the first time—three members of the same family. In previous episodes I've enjoyed having on Lee Cockerell and Dan Cockerell (father and son, respectively) to talk about their books. […] The post 503: Leadership Lessons Drawn From the Wisdom of Mom with Valerie Cockerell first appeared on Read to Lead Podcast.

Unlock the profound wisdom of a Disney mom and former Walt Disney Company retail leader, Valerie Cockerell, as she unveils the remarkable leadership lessons from motherhood and her career. In a recent episode of the podcast "Beyond the Rut with Jerry Dugan," Jerry had an insightful conversation with Valerie Cockerell, a former Disney leader and author of the book Manage Like a Mother: Leadership Lessons Drawn from the Wisdom of Mom. Valerie shared her experiences and wisdom gained from both her time at Disney and her journey as a mother. This post provides a summary of the episode, highlighting key takeaways and valuable leadership lessons.In this episode, you will be able to:Clear expectations are important in both personal and professional relationshipsRaising children and leading a team requires flexibility and learning on the jobEach person is unique and requires different approaches to leadingStorytelling activates certain areas of the brain and creates emotional connectionsEach person on a team plays an important role, like puzzle pieces fitting togetherMy special guest is Valerie CockerellI met Valerie through a good friend and bridge to the Cockerell family, Jody Maberry. She's married to Dan Cockerell and daughter-in-law of Lee Cockerell, two Walt Disney Company executives we've had on Beyond the Rut in the past.She is sharing how the connections she's drawn from being a mother and the leadership principles she has taught in workshops around the world in the retail and customer service industries can help you boost your impact as a leader.Chapters00:04:41 Learning And Growing Through Independent Travel00:08:06 From Paris To Disney: A New Opportunity Unveiled00:10:22 From Disneyland Paris To Disney World: A Surprising Journey00:14:55 The Importance Of Support And Encouragement In Training And Development00:18:08 The Analogical Relationship Between Parenting And Leadership00:21:19 The Power Of Storytelling: Wisdom Passed From Generation To Generation00:24:37 Setting Clear Expectations: A Different Lens For Leadership And Management00:26:47 Learning From Mistakes: A Valuable Lesson In Career Growth00:28:53 Importance Of Effective Communication For Leaders00:33:46 The Value Of Individual Contributions In The FormativeWhere the leaders of today are interviewed by leaders of tomorrow! Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyGo to BeyondTheRut.com/capsho for your free 14-day trial and see for yourself. Click on BeyondTheRut.com/capsho to claim your free 14-day trial and see for yourself. Click on BeyondTheRut.com/capsho to claim your free 14-day trial and see for yourself.Support the showMusic Hopeful Camping Folk | Camping by Alex-Productions | https://youtu.be/aUHdSwhiNVU Music promoted by https://onsound.eu/ Go to BeyondTheRut.com/capsho for your free 14-day trial and see for yourself. Click on BeyondTheRut.com/capsho to claim your free 14-day trial and see for yourself. Support the show

From parking cars to presiding over Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Dan Cockerell's journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Dan transports us into his world, offering unique insights of his ascent to Disney's top echelons of leadership and how he now applies those lessons at the Cockerell Consulting Group.   As Dan puts it, life can be a juggling act between personal challenges, career ambitions, and familial obligations. Drawing strength from his grandfather's wisdom, he shares his recipe for balance and resilience. His message is clear - it's okay to prioritize yourself, to persevere through failures, and to keep striving for success. His refreshing take on leadership is not just about excelling in the workplace but also about navigating life's turbulences, making this episode a must-listen for those looking for the motivation to keep moving forward. Further key points throughout include:  An introduction to Dan Cockerell   Becoming a leader at Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom   The value of relationships, consistency and being present in the moment   Learnings from managing Disney's All Star Resort   An insight into Dan's top three priorities in life   Drawing inspiration and motivation from role models    "For a lot of days, we feel like failures where we can't get to everything we need to get to. We can't get there, and we're not making any progress, and we're not making traction. So I concluded to give yourself a break, do your best, and then get a little bit better tomorrow." – Dan Cockerell.  Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader.     Get connected socially with Dan Cockerell:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/   https://dancockerell.com/     Get connected socially with host Bonnie Hagemann:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhagemann/   https://edainc.io/   https://mobile.twitter.com/bonnie_hagemann   https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/     This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com 

Dan Cockerell has held various executive operations roles at the Walt Disney World Resort, both in the theme parks and resort hotels, and retired as the Vice President of the Magic Kingdom where he led 12,000 cast members and entertained over 20 million guests annually. He earned his MBA in 2001 at the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College. In addition to his operational responsibilities, Dan was a keynote speaker for the world-renowned Disney Institute for 18 years. After a fulfilling and exciting 26-year career with the Walt Disney Company, and upon becoming empty nesters, Dan and his wife Valerie made the decision to set out on a new venture and start their own consulting and speaking business. Along with Dan's book, “How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?”, their focus is on building organizational culture, in a nutshell, we "educate companies, regardless of industry, to create a culture that guarantees sustainable success.”  For more about Sturdy, and his coaching, speaking, and programs for business owners, visit ⁠SturdyCoaching.com⁠. #smallbusiness #businessowner #leadership #management #entrepreneur #purpose

"Are Lee and Dan Cockerell really like that everywhere? That's right, they are." Author and speaker known as Dr. Disneyland, Jeff Barnes, returns to the Jody Mayberry Show to ask me three questions. He hit it out of the park with his questions, including my childhood inspiration to become a park ranger. We also get into some of the experiences I've had with former Disney executives, Lee Cockerel and Dan Cockerell. As a kid I can remember going on family vacations and admiring the hats and uniforms of park rangers. The more I learned about them and their dedication to protecting the parks, I became even more interested in becoming a ranger. In a similar sense, the more I got to know Dan and Lee Cockerell, my understanding and appreciation for the Cockerell legacy grew. Their lessons gave me a unique determination to excel in the new direction of my career. One of my favorite memories with Lee Cockerell came during a recent visit to Hollywood Studios. It was the first time we had gone to a park together after working together for nine years. Lee had never been to Galaxy's Edge before, and it was amazing to experience the ride together. Lee and Dan have been great examples of pursuing new opportunities, while cherishing where you've been and what you've done. For me, that includes the fond memories of the parks and park rangers that ignited my dreams in the first place. Connect with Jeff Website: https://thewisdomofwalt.com/ Book: The Wisdom of Walt Instagram: www.instagram.com/drdisneyland Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewisdomofwalt LinkedIn: Jeffrey Barnes Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Episode Highlights 00:00:03 - What Inspired Jody to Become a Park Ranger? 00:03:34 - Jody's Experience with Contrasting Climates 00:05:06 - Jody's Favorite Memory with Lee Cockerell 00:08:02 - Jeff's Favorite Memory with Lee Cockerell 00:12:24 - Dan Cockerell's Unique Approach 00:14:50 - Mini Golf Rematch with Jeff Barnes

"Sustainability can drive so much across your business if you truly integrate it and support it in a proper way." Have you heard the myths that sustainability only focuses on the environmental? Or that society does not need to be considered when discussing sustainability and that governance does not matter? It can be difficult to define sustainability across these three facets, but Bridgette McAdoo is here to set the record straight and debunk these myths. In an insightful episode of the Come Rain or Shine podcast, Dan Cockerell interviews Bridgette McAdoo, a renowned specialist in sustainability and social impact. Bridgette is the VP and Chief Sustainability Officer of Genesys Corporation, where she focuses on environmental, societal, and governance aspects of sustainability. She is a dedicated sustainability leader with an impressive background working with organizations including the World Wildlife Fund, Yum Brands, Pizza Hut, and KFC. Bridgette started her career as a contractor to NASA, working on a space shuttle and the space station. While pursuing her MBA, she discovered her passion for sustainability and its potential for making a positive impact on the world. Some of the ways your organization can make an impact: Develop an understanding of sustainability throughout environmental, societal, and governance factors. Incorporate sustainable practices into your company's culture and strategic approaches. Drive employee engagement in sustainable initiatives fostering meaningful organizational change. Evaluate the interplay between influencer roles, stakeholder identification, and targeted communication tactics. Direct customers toward cloud-based platforms to minimize carbon footprint and manage energy consumption. This conversation really highlights ways that professionals can improve their organization's commitment to sustainability. Throughout her work on sustainability projects, Bridgette has made sure to emphasize the importance of an approach that encompasses environmental, societal, and governance factors. Teamwork plays is a vital role in achieving sustainability goals. There is also something to be said about its impact on retaining employees. Bridgette does a fantastic job of laying out ways that people can drive meaningful change within their companies. "Sustainability is a team sport, it's not just my job as the Chief Sustainability officer. It the job of every single person to get us to where we want to go." Connect with Bridgette McAdoo About Genesys About Bridgette McAdoo Linkedin - linkedin.com/Bridgette-bell-mcadoo Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker   Episode Highlights 00:06:34 – organizational sustainability should be connected across various facets of the organization, including environmental, societal, and governance perspectives.  00:12:42 - sustainability is a team effort and a holistic approach to driving change in a responsible and sustainable way.  00:13:27 - efficiency and partnership in achieving sustainability. For example, her company has obtained lead certification for two main offices, partnered with AWS for renewable energy, and focused on upcycling and recycling assets. Volunteerism and education are also key components.   00:15:00 - sustainability issues are interconnected, including diversity, equity, supplier procurement, and compliance initiatives. By looking at them holistically, businesses can add more value to their operations.   00:17:24 - the CEO needs to be a big advocate of sustainability, but the CFO and finance team also play a huge role. It's important to get leadership involved early and set clear expectations, including financial disclosures for sustainability initiatives.   00:19:43 - regulations around sustainable reporting are coming down the pipeline and businesses need to be prepared. Transparency and financial disclosures will be key, and finance and sustainability need to work closely together.   00:25:18 – there is a need for a business case for sustainability initiatives, as they can impact financials, client relationships, employee retention, and values. Companies need to match the values of their employees and customers to remain competitive in the market.  00:27:16 - sustainability helps to avoid or improve qualitative and reputational risk, which is just as important as financial benefits. Millennials and Gen Z value a company's reputation and sustainability commitments when considering employment.   00:32:42 - sustainability is about telling the same story ten different ways, tailored to the audience's needs. Bridget emphasizes the importance of making people feel like they can be a part of the change and not overwhelmed by the urgency of the situation.  

Dan Cockerell is a Disney Keynote Speaker and co-founder of the Cockrell Consulting Group alongside his wife, Valerie. Dan discovered his passion for service while working in the industry during his college summer months. He pursued a degree in Political Science at Boston University and after graduation, he ventured to Florida to work for Disney. Dan began by parking cars at Epcot, and then took the opportunity to open Euro Disney (now Disneyland Paris), also in parking, before returning to Walt Disney World in Orlando. In due time, he was promoted to Vice President of Epcot, and he later held the same role for Disney's Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. Dan's most recent adventure has been his consulting business, helping companies worldwide provide more for their guests and reach their own goals. In this interview, Dan talks about marketing campaigns for leaders, applying your passion, and letting go of ego.    Marketing Campaigns for Leaders   "You've got to learn to fly at 10,000 feet, and you've got to learn to walk on the tarmac."   Drawing on his experience as a former Disney executive, Dan understands that providing a great guest experience hinges on a positive employee experience. Ultimately, when holding a leadership position at the world's largest single-site employer, it can be challenging to connect with everyone working the front lines. To overcome this obstacle, Dan devised a strategy to establish his reputation as a leader and to create a friendly atmosphere when interacting with his frontline team.   By allocating one hour every day to walk the park, Dan made sure that he was consistently seen by his team while learning the truth about the operation. Oftentimes, Dan would buy his team members lunch, or offer them assistance if they seem to be in a tough situation. By consistently interacting with his team members and listening to what they have to say, it showed intention and care. Other leadership at the park quickly followed in Dan's footsteps, helping bring a new level of communication and excellence to the operation.    Applying your passion   "Hire for skills, passion, and attitude."   Passion is a huge motivator in the attractions industry, and Dan believes in using that passion to achieve goals beyond providing excellent guest experiences. Dan has identified four essential elements to help build a successful operation based on this same passion that drives people to the industry.   The first key is attitude. Dan believes that team members should have the courage to overcome obstacles and keep pushing forward. The second key is relationships. Building strong connections with colleagues and guests is crucial to establish effective communication. The third key is expectations. Setting clear expectations of what greatness looks like and how to achieve it is crucial for a successful team. Lastly, recognizing and reinforcing positive behavior is important to motivate team members to continue performing at their best. Letting go of Ego   "Just because you're in a role with a certain title, it doesn't mean that you're smarter than everyone else."   Dan has gained a wealth of experience over the years, and he has learned from numerous mistakes. One of his most significant takeaways from his time at Disney is the importance of letting go of ego. Although holding a special role with substantial responsibilities may be prestigious, the truth is that the person only got to that position due to the support of the people around them. The reality is that you cannot and should not accomplish anything alone, regardless of how insignificant the task may seem.   Dan knows there's lots of value in effective communication, and he believes that ego can often impede it. Dan stresses the importance of sticking to the basics and being a team player within your operation. By doing so, you can elevate your performance by incorporating the ideas of the people around you. The best leaders keep themselves surrounded by people who are smarter than they are. When leaders fail to take input or advice from their team, it can have a detrimental impact on the operation.   To connect with Dan, you can find him on LinkedIn. To learn more about Cockrell Consulting, you can find their website here.  This episode is kindly sponsored by Attractions.io, the guest experience platform behind Merlin Entertainments', San Diego Zoo's, and the PGA Championship's branded mobile apps. Like us, the team at Attractions.io are on a mission to elevate our guest experiences and ensure they exceed the expectations of today's digitally native guests. By combining a branded mobile app with an operator console that consolidates behavioral data from every touchpoint in the guest journey, the Attractions.io platform empowers operators with the tools they need to increase guest satisfaction, spending, and loyalty. To learn more about how Attractions.io can help you connect your end-to-end guest experience, visit Attractions.io/howitworks.   This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our amazing team: Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas Summary by Mason Nichols Video editing by Abigail Giganan   To connect with AttractionPros: attractionpros@gmail.com

When Lee Cockerell got to Walt Disney World in 1993, they did not have email and were still using brown envelopes and carbon paper to communicate. Needless to say, day-to-day operations have changed quite a bit since then.In this episode of Accelerate, Rob Grimes talks with father & son Dan Cockerell and Lee Cockerell who were both part of the Disney leadership team as Executive Vice President and Vice President, respectively. They talk the journey of rolling out technology and the importance of adoption with both staff and guests alike.Dan Cockerell notes on implementing technology that “every time we came up with a new technology… it was for our employees. We said they better love it. If they don't, they will passively not adopt it. They're not going to help us fix it and make it better.” When asked about the influence of technology and how to stand out as a company, Lee shares that “there's 3 things you got to do better than everybody else and that's hire them right, train them right, and treat them right.”To learn more about why technology is the most important focus for every business, and how it deeply impacts customer service & experience, listen to this episode of Accelerate.

In this episode of the Class E Podcast, Dan Cockerell, a former Disney executive with 26 years of experience, shares how to bring the magic to your own leadership style and unlock the personal passion and potential in your employees.  After leaving Disney, Dan and his wife Valerie started their own consulting firm teaching the Method to the Magic workshops aimed at helping leaders create the culture they desire in their companies.  In this episode, Dan shares his vast knowledge of the topic with our listeners.  Guest: Dan Cockerell Host: Mary Sturgill Producers: Kayla Patterson and Eliza Polich

Being a successful business leader requires more than just making a profit. It's about hiring the right people, training them well, and treating them with respect. It's about finding ways to infuse passion and wonder into their work to create memorable customer experiences. And it's about building relationships - with team members, customers, and the community. In this episode of Bippity Boppity Business, former VP of Magic Kingdom, Dan Cockerell, shares his insights on what it takes to be a successful business leader. He discusses the importance of having a common purpose, the power of storytelling, and the need to build relationships. Rita Richa [Our Host] and Dan have a magical discussion about: •Why Dan Cockerell believes that having a common purpose is important for keeping a culture together.• How hiring the right people, training them well, and treating them with respect is key to being a successful leader.• The reason Disney uses storytelling to connect with their audience and inspire them to take action AND is something that businesses of all sizes can adapt to fit their own needs • Stories are memorable, and by sharing them, businesses can create an emotional connection with their customers•Leaders should encourage their team to find ways to infuse passion and wonder into their work to create memorable experiences for customers- by involving the team in the creation process and being open-minded to new ideas.• How leaders can make a difference by respecting and valuing diversity among team members, listening to everyone's point of view, and giving them a chance to express themselves candidly.• What to do to create a super fan of your business, service or product. [Hint: you need both consistency (the science) as well as an emotional connection (the art).]Dan's advice is timely and relevant for business leaders of all sizes. By following his advice, you can create a culture of excellence in your organization and inspire your team to reach new levels of success!Tune in to every conversation about making magic in business on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google! Leave a rating and review so we can keep making magic!Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Bippity Boppity Business in your favorite podcast player.Connect with Rita:Visit her website: https://bippityboppitybiz.comConnect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ritarichaDo you have a podcast you want to create, rebrand, or grow? Discover Rita's NEW podcast consulting company, Reignite Media. Be sure to stick around for the Disney Rapid Fire Questions segment! You definitely won't want to miss Dan's creative answers!Do you wish to connect with our special guest?Connect with Dan Cockerell @ Cockerell Consulting:Dan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/Dan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/Dan's Website: https://dancockerell.com/Dan's Email: Dan@Cockerellconsulting.com

    Are you holding yourself, your employees, and the company “accountable?” Are you “fair but firm?”  My guest today is Dan Cockerell, former Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Florida, and now a keynote speaker and executive coach. Join us for an intriguing discussion about the concept of accountability.  It takes […]

Today we welcome a woman that knows how to manage like a mother… and in the most magical way. Valerie Cockerell was a leader in retail and merchandising throughout the Disney Company and as well as working within Disney institute. She is now a partner at Cockerell Consulting with her husband, and previous guest, Dan Cockerell. While her story may have started in France it has unfolded around the globe, including now as she does training, facilitating, and consulting around leadership and customer service. I first met Valerie earlier this year and was completely drawn in to her confident and humble demeanor. The more we interacted the more I knew I had to get to know this Cockrell. She is witty and wise and exactly the kind of woman that you want as a champion in the workplace.  During our conversation she shares about a big project she's been working on that is going to be so valuable to all those that are trying to navigate life as a working mom. And if you're not a mom don't worry, the lessons are certainly enough to bring value to you as well Connect with Valerie https://cockerellconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-cockerell/ Looking to ignite a spark in your purpose? Book Katie as a Speaker or Emcee for your event: https://katiecurrens.com/contact Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/ Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/

In this episode, NovoEd learning leaders Todd Moran and Alex Gruhin interview Dan Cockerell - Disney Keynote Speaker, former Vice President of Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney's Hollywood Studios and the Author of "How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?: Lessons from a Disney Leadership Journey." Dan shares the techniques that he used to help employees manage unexpected events at Disney World and explores how Disney's teams collaborate cross-functionally and interdepartmentally to create seamless and magical experiences for its guests. He also examines the consequences of not giving effective feedback and its bearing on organizational culture.

Reinforcing Behaviors that Shape Your Organization's Culture Shep Hyken interviews Dan Cockerell, Walt Disney Company VP for 26 years and owner of Cockerell Consulting Group with his wife, Valerie. He is the author of How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?: Lessons from a Disney Leadership Journey. He shares how a sustainable culture that inspires loyalty from employees and customers. Top Takeaways:   ·      Culture can be defined as "How things are done around here." It is based on your values, it defines what your best practices are, and how you hire people who are going to believe in that culture.   ·      Any organization can decide what its culture is and then start to go after it with intentionality. It is not a matter of cost; you can't buy culture. It is a matter of will.   ·      Dan Cockerell shares how organizations can create the right culture that makes a long-term impact on employees and customers:   1.    Hire the right people. Look at the people in your companies who are superstars and figure out what makes them great. Then, find people who have the same fire and great attitude.   2.    Train them right. Set clear expectations from the beginning, starting from the interview and onboarding process. Your employees should understand why what they do is important in the overall customer experience.   3.    Treat them right. Treat employees with respect. Listen to them, equip them with the right tools, and help them when they need it. Recognize them when they do a great job so you can reinforce the good behaviors that bring a stronger culture. Quote:  "Money is not a long-term differentiator to keeping your employees happy. It is important because it helps you do things in life, but when it comes to human nature, people don't perform for money. What they do every day gives them the purpose that will make them stay in your organization."     About:   Dan Cockerell is a retired 26-year Walt Disney Company VP who now owns Cockerell Consulting Group with his wife Valerie. He is the author of How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?: Lessons from a Disney Leadership Journey.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and your host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 where they leverage their expertise to focus on their clients' most critical issues and areas of opportunity in order to help them create a path to excellence. His experience in building and cultivating great culture combined with his storytelling ability makes this conversation both entertaining and informative. The insights Dan shares are relevant to any organization regardless of size or industry. If you loved this conversation make sure to rate, leave a review, and share it with others that would benefit from these insights.  If you want to connect with Dan, including his incredible community, The Perch, use the links below: Dan's website: https://dancockerell.com/ The Perch community: https://dancockerell.mykajabi.com/join Dan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Book: https://dancockerell.com/books/ Podcast: https://dancockerell.com/come-rain-or-shine/   Looking to ignite a spark in your purpose? Request information about having Katie at your event: https://www.onesparksolutions.com/contact-me/  Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/ Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/ Follw the Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneSparkStories/

Dan Cockerell spent 26 years working for Disney and wrote about all of his experiences in his book “How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?”. Whenever people talk about culture, my ears perk up because I know that if we want to build winning teams, the culture we create is a key part of that. I read the book (and loved it) and then asked Dan if he'd come on the show and teach us how to build cultures the Disney way. **Buy a copy of Dan's book: https://amzn.to/3KzCZOz **Preorder "The Secret Society of Success" and get an immediate download of the first 4 chapters: https://www.buildawinningteam.com/preorder-bonus

With the Jody Maberry Show, I like to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it is like to work with the people I work with.  In this episode, Dan Cockerell and I talk about what it took to put together a cruise for his online community, known as The Perch. Dan explains what led to doing a cruise for the community. Then he discusses what he would do differently about the next cruise.  A member of the Perch, Rob Midiri, joins us as a guest on the episode to ask questions to both me and Dan. In fact, Rob was the inspiration behind this episode. Since he asked Dan and me questions, we decided to turn on the microphone, record the conversation, and share it with everyone.  Rob gives his impression of the cruise and what it was like to spend several days with the group.  Rob's questions centered around interviewing podcast guests. Rob asks: How do you transition between different shows since the people you work with have different personalities? What do you do to get to know someone before you have them as a guest on your podcast? How long did it take you to get used to the interview process? Do you use interviewing skills you learned at Disney when interviewing people for your podcast? What tactics do you use to help get information out of guests on your podcast? The cruise was a big success, and Dan and I plan on hosting another cruise in 2023.  If you want to learn more about joining The Perch, you can get more information here -jodymaberry.com/perch. Don't forget; Dan Cockerell has a great podcast, Come Rain or Shine. You can find it Here. 

Transitioning from corporate America to starting your own business might require some calculated risks. It's a matter of figuring out how you can transfer your skills and expertise and create your own structure so you can ultimately live a life of freedom and purpose. For 26 years, Dan Cockerell has been creating magic for other people being the VP of Magic Kingdom – until he finally decided to create magic for himself. He left Disney and started his own business to help his clients spread the magic to other people's lives. In this episode, Dan Cockerell talks about how he made the transition and how he transferred his skills, knowledge, and expertise from the hospitality business to the consulting world.  We'll dive deeper into these concepts: Dan's journey starting his business What was different between corporate life and independent work The mindset that an entrepreneur needs How does he go about doing Customer Discovery Now, for some action steps: Download the free worksheet: Three Steps You Need for a More Productive Workday Take the self-assessment quiz. Connect with Dan Cockerell: Dan Cockerell's email: Dan@Cockerellconsulting.com   Cockerell Consulting Group Dan's book: How's the Culture in Your Kingdom? Connect with Me: LinkedIn Facebook Please leave a Rating and Review: Since this podcast is new, I'm asking for Apple Podcasts reviews. Reviews help others discover and learn what Creating Your Encore Career is all about. If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.lynnfriesth.com/podcast to download it. I thank you so much for being here and I'll see ya next time on Creating Your Encore Career. — Lynn *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com.

Dan Cockerell is the former Vice President of the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. He's had over 19 jobs at Disney where he started with parking cars outside the park. Dan draws on his 26-year career with the Walt Disney Company to give a look into the magic of leadership from small to scale. Dan and his wife Valerie created Cockerell Consulting where they provide customized, authentic presentations, insightful workshops and one on one coaching, focusing on leadership and management practices drawing upon his extensive Disney career with relevant examples and inspiring storytelling. Find them here ➔ cockerellconsulting.com Watch this podcast ➔ http://bit.ly/pigfloydsyoutube Produced by BrandCrumbs Media in Orlando, FL Filmed and Recorded at Venture X Downtown Orlando

Dan Cockerell  Twitter https://twitter.com/DanCockerell LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell https://cockerellconsulting.com/

Dan Cockerell began his career parking cars at the Magic Kingdom. Taking inspiration from the castle's namesake, he would work his way up to vice president of that same park in a pure Cinderella story. This week, he joins us at the Hub to share his story and to pass along leadership advice. Plus we look back at Disney Legend Tommy Kirk's wonderful career. Do you have a topic for us? We'd love to hear from you. You can email or send us a recorded audio message at podcast@thehyperionhub.com. Find us on social media on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter @HubHyperion. The Hyperion Hub is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries.

Leadership is never about you!Having started his career at Disney parking cars, Dan knows that the bright lights of success aren't ever achieved alone and is refreshingly realistic about leadership and the privilege that comes with position. It's all about role-modelling “At Disney, everyone is expected to pick up trash. It doesn't matter what your role is. As a leader, I couldn't tell everyone to do all this and not do it myself…”Control vs influence“A lot of people think that once you get into an executive role, you have this authority to just tell people what to do and you can control everything. That's not true. You really don't control a lot of things, but you can influence everything. Hire great people and be there to support them...let them know how important their jobs are and give them a purpose.”Focus your feedback on behaviour“You aren't here to judge people personally - your job is to judge their behaviors, because that's what you can observe and manage. In sports, the coach gives feedback all the time – ‘Put your foot back, stand up straight, turn more to the side, hold the racket like this'. They're always giving constructive feedback, and we don't take that to mean they don't like us...you know it's because they're trying to make you better.”Success is all in the detail!If we take a ‘close up' of how a Disney park runs day-to-day and how every customer interaction should look, Dan explains that it comes down to just four key values:Safety – every employee is empowered to step in and act on a customer or colleague's behalf… because when done right, customers probably won't notice, but gone wrong, your brand could suffer exponentially. Courtesy – always a non-negotiable for frontline teams! Disney is particularly famous for their friendly employees. Never underestimate the power of a smile and a chat.The show – add your own element of ‘pizazz'/magic/wow factor...whatever you want to call it – go the extra mile and make the customer feel really special.Efficiency – always important, but deliberately in last place… and never at the expense of the first three values!“Building a culture that lives these values daily comes down to a very ‘Disney' way of doing things – storytelling and sharing great examples that reinforce these values. This storytelling creates an environment where people feel good, and confident, about what they're doing and feeds their inner purpose. They know their work makes a meaningful difference to someone else's day because we haven't just told them how - we've given them actual, tangible examples. ” (Make sure you listen to the full podcast to hear about the magic wishing rock and a last dance in front of the Disney castle!) It's all about the team...When it comes to hitting the ground and getting things done, we rely on no one else more than our frontline teams. So first and foremost, make sure you have the right people on your team, advises Dan. “If you don't have the right person for the job, it doesn't matter how much you pay them, or how much you train them, or how much you recognise them - they'll only be capable of doing the job a certain way. The people who have a great attitude are the ones who are going to create those magical moments for guests.” Dan thinks about service this way - the goal is not the creation of exceptional service; it's to have customers return to and recommend The Magic Kingdom. But while service is not the goal, it is the mechanism for creating the memories that build brand trust, consistency and ultimately loyalty, and the people who connect with customers daily take on that responsibility. SHOWTIME! (again, and again, and again...)The cast is ready, the team and culture in place – and it's time to put on a show… and put it on consistently well for every customer.“Consistency is a challenge. Hospitality can be repetitive, so when you're doing things over and over again, you have to be careful to keep that energy and excitement high. Our customers could have saved their whole life to come to Walt Disney World for one of the most memorable days of their life. And we get to be part of that!”“To achieve this, you have to give your people room to be creative and create moments that are exceptional and memorable. Their actions are why people come back again and again… and they keep building your brand. Empowering them is key.”Every day gives a new opportunityAnd finally – even when you're feeling like the ball and not the Louisville Slugger, Dan believes that every day is a new day to learn: “Get up and do your best, and at the end of the day, forgive yourself. You're going to fail, get things wrong and make bad decisions. The only thing we can do is learn and do better next time.” Dan's final top tip for making a positive change to how you serve your customers is to step into their shoes and try out your product. “Admittedly, a day at Disney World isn't a hardship, but the principle of ‘stepping back' from what you know and just enjoying what you have to sell can give you a new perspective and even a few new focuses on your to-do list!”

WDW Radio # 644 - More Secrets and Stories from the Disney Parks with Dan Cockerell Former Walt Disney World Vice President and Disneyland Paris opening team manager Dan Cockerell joins me once again to share even MORE secrets and stories from the Disney Parks, including tales from Paris and Walt Disney World you've never heard before, as well as nostalgia, Walt in the parks, practical advice, and much more! ---------------------------------- WDWRadio.com - Visit the site and blog! WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse - Join the community and conversation on Facebook WDWRadioNATION - Get monthly rewards, and help support the show WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat Wednesdays at 7:30pm ET on Facebook LIVE WDWRadio.com/Events - WDW Radio Disney meets, events, cruises, and more! WDWRadio.com/Shirts - Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, logo gear and more! WDWRadio.com/Podcasts - Show notes, past episodes, links, and photos 407-900-9391 - Call the voicemail with a question, comment or "Hello!" from the parks THANK YOU for your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years! Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show. Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week! ---------------------------------- LouMongello.com - Let me help you turn what you love into what you do with one-on-one mentoring, mastermind groups, and my Momentum Workshop in Walt Disney World. I can also speak at your event, conference, business, or school. ---------------------------------- LET'S CONNECT! Facebook.com/WDWRadio WDWRadio.com/Community Instagram.com/LouMongello Twitter.com/LouMongello YouTube.com/WDWRadio Pinterest.com/LouMongello LinkedIn.com/in/LouMongello

Sponsored by:Pops Daylight Donuts - https://bit.ly/3x6DvOx​Castafly Outdoor Adventures YouTube channel  -  https://bit.ly/3aojRnE​In the 100th episode of The Scott Townsend Show, Dan Cockerell returns to talk about 2 subjects...his new booklet, Hardwiring Magic, and what productive meetings look like. Hardwiring Magic https://amzn.to/35RBHg2How's The Culture In Your Kingdom  https://amzn.to/3w1PfjGDan is the former Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida.He attended Boston University, graduating in 1991, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.Upon graduation from Boston University in 1991, Dan moved to Florida and worked as a parking attendant at Disney's Epcot Center. Subsequently, he joined the Disneyland Paris Management Trainee Program as part of the opening team and moved to France in 1992.While working in Paris, Dan held various management positions in Parking, Ticketing, Guest Relations, Food & Beverages, and Human Resources.After spending 5 years in France, Dan relocated to Florida and held a variety of executive roles at the Walt Disney World Resort, both in the theme parks and resort hotels. In his last 9 years with the company, he was successively Vice President of Epcot, Vice president of Disney's Hollywood Studios, and eventually Vice President of the Magic Kingdom where he led 12,000 cast members and entertained over 20 million guests annually.He earned his MBA in 2001 at the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College.In addition to his operational responsibilities, Dan was a keynote speaker for the world-renowned Disney Institute for 18 years. He has addressed open-enrollment participants from all over the world as well as attendees in custom programs including the USAA Bank, General Motors, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Army, the Southern Methodist University Business School, Porsche A.G., and United Airlines.He served on the board of Junior Achievement of Central Florida from 2004 to 2018, and was Chairman in 2010.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.Dan Cockerell's contact info:dan@dancockerell.comLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/Facebook – www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeakerPodcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-rain-or-shine/id1437751763Send me an email at scott@scotttownsend.info if you would like to leave a comment, have a question, or would like to add to the conversation. ► Subscribe to my Youtube channel --- https://bit.ly/3iV8sOTYou can look for these episodes every week, so please hit SUBSCRIBE to stay in the loop for each new show!The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2I get a cut of the merchandise sold.I ♥ my podcast host @Buzzsprout. This link will get us both a $20 Amazon gift card if you upgrade! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1087190 #You can join me over at Goodreads to find out what I've read, what I'm reading, and what I want to read in 2021http://bit.ly/2PYSIjRR

Dan Cockerell's career evolved from a parking attendant at Disney's Epcot Center to VP of Epcot, VP of Disney's Hollywood Studios and eventually, VP of the Magic Kingdom. He was ultimately responsible for leading a team of 12,000 cast members and always placed organizational culture at the forefront of his leadership. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Dan shares some of the magic he learned and contributed to during his 26 years with Disney, with a particular focus on how to implement and sustain a culture of psychological safety in large organizations. Leadership tips you won't want to miss:

Lead Yourself, to Become a Stronger Leader featuring Disney's Dan Cockerell. Show #67 - LIKE + COMMENT where you're watching from. Today, you'll learn... • Discover the Disney Leadership Mindset • The Power of a Growth Mindset • How to Gain Self-Awareness & Reduce Work Stress Thank you so much for watching! LIKE + COMMENT Follow

Our special guest on this week's episode of the Vibrant Leadership Podcast is Dan Cockerell, the author of How's the Culture in Your Kingdom? Dan graduated from Boston University in 1991 with a degree in Political Science. After graduating, he moved to Florida and worked as a parking attendant at Disney's Epcot Center. He went on to join the Disneyland Paris management trainee program and went to France as part of the opening team in 1992. After five years in France, Dan came back to Florida and held a number of management positions at the Disney World Resort, including Vice President of Epcot, Vice President of Disney's Hollywood Studios, and eventually Vice President of the Magic Kingdom, where he led 12,000 cast members, and entertained over 20 million guests annually.Dan says, “I think a lot of times leadership becomes too inwardly focused for people and it's about who they are and what they do. At the Magic Kingdom, it didn't matter who I was because I didn't see the guests; I was leading 12,000 people who interacted with 20 million people. My job was to make sure those 12,000 people loved what they did so we could complete our mission to create incredible magical experiences for guests.”We chat with Dan about setting clear expectations, as well as: Disney's formula for an incredible guest experience Hiring practices to find the best people who align with Disney's values Frontline workers at Disney creating the real magic 12,000 cast members tuning into the same purpose every day Letting go of your ego to allow your team to provide constructive feedback And more

For over 60 years, Disney has set the standard for workplace safety, customer service and operational efficiency in hospitality and entertainment. But how does a dynamic company with hundreds of thousands of frontline employees manage to execute so consistently for so long? Is it magic? Or is it something much more practical that you can apply within your business? JD explores the connection between leadership and frontline performance with Dan Cockerell. Dan is a 26-year veteran of the Walt Disney Company. During his storied career, Dan worked in a variety of roles, from opening the parking lot for Disneyland Paris to overseeing operations at the busiest theme park in the world, The Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Today, Dan provides customized, authentic presentations and insightful workshops focusing on leadership and management practices, drawing upon his extensive Disney career with relevant examples and inspiring storytelling.Check out Dan's new book How's the Culture in Your Kingdom? Lessons from a Disney Leadership Journey. You can also watch his featured session from AxoniCom LIVE on-demand.The 80 Percent is brought to you by Axonify. To learn how you can provide communication and training to your frontline workforce that actually works, visit axonify.com. If you have a frontline story you'd like us to explore on a future episode, let us know at podcast@axonify.comJoin the #FrontlineForward effort by visiting axonify.com/frontlineforward to access free training content, download the new 2020 State of Frontline Employee Training Report and subscribe for the updates.

Dan Cockerell worked at Disney for 19 years and ended his career there as the VP of Disney's Magic Kindom. Purchase his book 'How's the Culture in Your Kingdom' here For more information about Dan and his mastermind community called The Perch go to: https://cockerellconsulting.com/ Here are the takeaways from today's episode:   Have a guest centric approach - Continuously look at the experience you provide from the guest's point of view. Be Empathetic - Put yourself in your customer's shoes so that you can see how easy or hard your experience is for your customers.  Look at your guest's needs and give them what they need before they even have to ask for it Creating great customer experiences has nothing to do with resources or money - It's about the standards you put into place and executing on these high standards every single day Anyone can create a memorable moment - Make your experience over the top so that it is unarguably the best.  Make people want to participate and be there.  What people are looking for is experiences Give your employees a framework around their position or role but give them the latitude to create their own memorable moments for your customers Train Purpose First - Train all new employees on the purpose of your business before anything else.  Every employee should have the same purpose which creates alignment and camaraderie in your organization. When you're making big business decisions make sure that you are looking at how it impacts everyone that is impacted from your customers to your employees to your bottom line.  If you weight each category based on importance your solution will become clear You don't have to do everything at a world class level - Find out which things your customers care about most and over deliver on those items.  Figure out what moves the needle and consistently focus on and improve these things. Take away your customer's pain points - Additionally, can you do this in a way that gives your company even greater wins? When you're implementing something new don't assume that it will be executed perfectly in the beginning - Always have an immediate recovery plan for when you fall short The #1 way to deliver great service regularly at a high energy level is to hire the right people.  20% of your employees are likely creating 80% of your experiences Open up the possibilities for your employees - Lead brainstorming sessions with them to come up with fun ways to both reduce the monotony of their job and also enhance your customer's experience. Get outside of your own thinking - Get creative! Give your employees a half day to come up with 10 fun things that you can implement together in your business to differentiate yourself from your competitors.  Group up and discuss over a meal - make it special for your employees. Don't discount secondary magical moments Value your employees - Find ways to recognize those that are going above and beyond in a way that uplifts them and gives an example of what outstanding looks like to the rest of your team Always be proactive - Work to continuously improve even the good things in your business to ensure that they don't become a problem Inspire your employees to take ownership over their role Keep the main thing the main thing - “As a leader if you create the right environment for your people you will maximize their ability to deliver over the top experiences for your customers.” Go be excellent everyday - Don't settle for Good or “very good” - All you should care about is excellent! 

This episode, I am joined by Lee Cockerell and Dan Cockerell, former Disney executives and current leaders in the entrepreneurial space. Both Lee and Dan have grown from humble beginnings into some of the most noteworthy leaders of their generations. Born in Oklahoma, Lee went from a waiter with no degree to being recruited by Disney to launch the food and beverage division of Disney Paris. Similarly, Dan, after graduating with a political science degree grew from a parking lot attendant into overseeing the largest theme park in the world. They are now both pioneering their own ventures and experiencing major success. These guys know what it takes to Standout and today, they are sharing their wisdom and experience with you. We all learn through experience, exposure and education. A true leader will make the most out of every experience. Know who you are and what you want to be known for and find those people who live those values and study them. There is power in saying yes and approaching simple tasks with an amazing attitude. When aptitude is equal, attitude will be the determining factor people look for. When you boil it down, Standing out is about being trustworthy. Decide how you want to be perceived, and then make sure you do those things. You will stand out in your consistency, attitude and follow through. If there is a gap in how you want to be seen and how others see you, then you aren't all the way there. You can't be everything to everyone. Decide what you want to do well and then learn it – be the best there is at it. Don't settle for simply being a high performer. Be the person who lifts others to that level as well.   Rise. Shine. Impact. Your yes has power. Connect with Lee Website – https://www.leecockerell.com/ Cockerell Acacdemy - https://www.cockerellacademy.com/ Podcast - https://www.leecockerell.com/podcast/ Connect with Dan Website – https://dancockerell.com/ Website – https://cockerellconsulting.com/ Podcast - https://dancockerell.com/come-rain-or-shine/   Connect with John: www.standoutmovement.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnwalsh_standout  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrwalshjr  Twitter - https://twitter.com/johnwstandout 

In this episode, #13, of the TSTS, I visit with Dan Cockerell, author of How's The Culture In Your Kingdom?  As the former Vice President of Disney's Magic Kingdom, Dan brings his 26 years of experience to help others discover how to create a culture that's best for your people and your business. As a former cast member myself, I had a great time visiting with Dan Cockerell and talking about the work that makes the magic.Some of the topics Dan brings up are:1:00  Writing the book4:18  How to enjoy the ride4:44  The Millenial Whisperer5:18  Leadership is about action7:34  Why it's important to know your strengths and weaknesses10:01  What your job is as a leader 13:19  Embracing your imperfection18:45  The myth of the personal vs professional life21:32  Best way to delegate30:00  Making yourself available39:41  DANana bread42:18  Recognizing the family45:20  Seeing your business from your customer's perspectiveContact info for Dan Cockerelldan@dancockerell.comTo buy Dan's book, click here https://www.amazon.com/Hows-Culture-Your-Kingdom-Leadership/dp/1642798444► Subscribe to my Youtube channel --- https://bit.ly/3iV8sOTResources and Links--------------------------------------------Follow me on:LinkedInTwitter   Facebook   Instagram   BlogShot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, WebCam USB Camera, Computer HD Streaming Webcam for PC Desktop & Laptop w/Mic, Wide Angle Lens & Large Sensor for Superior Low Light-wb-4 https://amzn.to/32gfgAuAudio by Blue Yeti Nano Premium USB Mic for Recording and Streaming - Shadow Grey https://amzn.to/2Zuh0UUThanks so much for listening!  If you like this episode, please subscribe to "The Scott Townsend Show" and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts.Follow The Scott Townsend Show podcast onSpotifyiTunesStitcherTuneInVoice Actor:  Britney McCulloughLogo by Angie JordanTheme Song by Androzguitar For media requests or interviews, please reach out to scotttownsend2400@gmail.com

Have you ever scrolled through your podcast app and wondered what you should listen to next? There are literally hundreds of thousands of podcasts available, but it's hard to know which shows are worth your time. If you've wondered what podcasts can help you become a better writer or help grow your business, I've got you covered. I've gone through my extensive lists of podcasts that I listen to and curated the 15 best shows for business writers. They are not all focused on business writing. Instead, these cover business, writing, mindset, and success. Podcasts mentioned in this episode: 48 Days to the Work You Love with Dan Miller Total Life Freedom, hosted by Vincent Pugliese Brand You Personal Branding, hosted by Mike Kim The Creative Penn, hosted by Joanna Penn The Portfolio Life, hosted by Jeff Goins Get Paid to Write, hosted by Nick Pavlidis Write Your Book, hosted by Jim Woods High Income Business Writing, hosted by Ed Gandia The Talent Development Hot Seat & The Andy Storch Show, hosted by Andy Storch The Jody Maberry Show Morgan James Radio, hosted by David Hancock & Jody Maberry Creating Disney Magic, hosted by Lee Cockerell & Jody Maberry Come Rain or Shine, hosted by Dan Cockerell & Jody Maberry The Big Talk, hosted by Tricia Brouk The Ray Edwards Show, hosted by Ray Edwards 5 Minute Success, hosted by Karen Briscoe Create if Writing, hosted by Kirsten Oliphant Audio Branding, hosted by Jodi Krangle You can find the full show notes here: https://kentsanders.net/185 Need a ghostwriter for your next project? Learn more here: https://inkwellghostwriting.com. *** If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more people discover the show, which helps us create better content and resources. Subscribe and grab your free gift: https://kentsanders.net/subscribe Follow Kent: Facebook: https://facebook.com/kent.sanders Instagram: https://instagram.com/kentsanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/kentsanders

We talk to Dan about his time at Walt Disney World, gain insight into his leadership journey and understand how technology played a role in his success as well as added some barriers. We also discuss his new book coming out, How's the Culture in your Kingdom? We discuss all this and more on this exciting episode! PS. Stay till the end and find out where to hear and see Dan next, you WILL also get a chance to shake his virtual hand if you attend and take photos! You can find Dan here: Book Pre-order: https://www.culture-kingdom.com/sales-page36902669 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-rain-or-shine/id1437751763?mt=2 Website www.dancockerell.com Twitter: @Dancockerell Linkedin: @Dancockerell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dan.cockerell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-virtual-reality-podcast/support

Dan and I have a magical conversation about his journey up to this point. Dan shares how he went from being a parking attendant at Disney to eventually being the Vice President of Magic Kingdom and the journey along his 26 years with the company. He also shares, 4 key requirements that are crucial for every organization to have an incredible culture. Dan also shares his personal insights on leadership, teams, and constantly striving for different experiences along your journey. Oh, and I bet you can't guess the craziest service animal he's seen brought into the Disney parks...

Each of us has our own kingdom or sphere of influence. And each of those kingdoms has a culture. I'm thrilled that our guest today is here to help us improve the culture in our kingdoms, and no surprise, it begins with me and you! Our guest is Dan Cockerell, the former Vice President of the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. When he retired a few years ago, he was leading 12,000 cast members entertained over twenty million guests annually. That role was the culmination of a long and successful career at Disney, where Dan held various executive operations roles over the years, both in the theme parks and resort hotels. Now Dan is a speaker and coach who focuses on leadership and management practices that draw on his extensive career at Disney. He also hosts an excellent leadership-focused podcast called “Come Rain or Shine." I had the privilege of previewing Dan's new book, which is absolutely fantastic. It's called How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?, and as you'll hear in the interview, I really loved this book. It's filled with tons of fun stories and examples of how to improve the culture in your personal and work life. This episode is all about developing the right kind of culture in our organization, even if we are an organization of one. Leadership begins with YOU. Even if you have a day job, and have a side hustle, we all have a culture within our sphere of work. In this conversation, Dan shares his wisdom on how to improve your health, how to impact others when you're not the leader, helping our teams take personality responsibility, and how he used podcasting to build the culture within his team. You can find the full show notes here: https://kentsanders.net/160. Need a ghostwriter for your next project? Learn more here: https://inkwellghostwriting.com.

Dan Cockerell started his Disney career as a participant of the Walt Disney World college program, and worked his way up to VP, Magic Kingdom, leading a team of 12,000 cast members, who entertain millions of guests every year.  Now he's sharing his leadership insight with companies all around the world. We find out what makes Disney so special and how those lessons can be used in other hospitality businesses. Plus, the state of hotel cyber security and physical security with Peg McGregor, CEO of Technovation Solutions. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Text hotel to 66866. Visit www.novacancynews.com Send us your thoughts and comments to Glenn@rouse.media, or via Twitter and Instagram @TravelingGlenn. Visit our sponsors: Duetto, Red Roof Subscribe on iTunes: No Vacancy with Glenn Haussman Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ifu34iwhrh7fishlnhiuyv7xlsm Send your comments and questions to Glenn@rouse.media.  Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/novacancy Follow Glenn @TravelingGlenn Learn more at www.novacancynews.com Produced by Jeff Polly: http://www.endpointmultimedia.com/