Creating Disney Magic cover art

Creating Disney Magic

Creating Disney Magic

By: Lee Cockerell
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About this listen

Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World, shares his wisdom and experience from his time with Disney, Marriott, and Hilton. Lee joins show host Jody Maberry to discuss how you can apply lessons in leadership, management, and customer service to create magic in your organization.2025 Lee Cockerell Career Success Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Inspiring an Unmotivated Team
    Feb 10 2026

    "Most motivation problems are leadership problems."

    Notable Moments

    [00:02:22] Why "unmotivated teams" are usually a leadership issue
    [00:03:30] Resetting expectations, accountability, and standards
    [00:05:04] The difference between motivating people and inspiring them
    [00:07:33] How reliability and customer loyalty drive repeat business
    [00:10:06] Why pre-shift meetings inspire performance and engagement

    Unmotivated teams don't need hype. They need clarity. This episode breaks down why low initiative is often a leadership issue, not a people problem. Lee Cockerell shares how honest conversations, clear expectations, accountability, and pre-shift meetings raise performance. Inspiration comes from standards, consistency, and leaders willing to set the bar and lead from the front.

    Read the blog for more from this episode.

    Resources

    CockerellStore.com

    The Cockerell Academy

    About Lee Cockerell

    Mainstreet Leader

    Jody Maberry

    Travel Guidance

    Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Handling Unexpected Challenges
    Feb 3 2026

    "Leaders don't need to have all the answers. They just need to know how to get to the right answer quickly."

    Notable Moments

    [00:02:40] Why unexpected problems happen constantly
    [00:03:22] Deciding what matters most right now
    [00:03:56] Knowing when to get expert help
    [00:04:57] Staying calm instead of overreacting
    [00:05:31] Fixing problems immediately vs. letting them linger
    [00:06:29] Making backup plans before trouble hits
    [00:06:57] Why acting quickly helps you sleep better
    [00:09:20] Anticipation, action, and reflection

    Unexpected challenges happen to everyone. Lee Cockerell shares how experience, calm decision-making, and quick action help leaders handle problems without panic. The conversation explores why fixing issues immediately matters, when to ask for help, and how anticipation and reflection reduce future disruptions.

    Read my blog for more from this episode.

    Resources

    Creating Magic Mastermind October 2025

    CockerellStore.com

    The Cockerell Academy

    About Lee Cockerell

    Mainstreet Leader

    Jody Maberry

    Travel Guidance

    Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Be Candid on What You Believe
    Jan 27 2026

    "If people don't know where you stand, they'll make it up themselves."

    Notable Moments

    [00:02:49] Why open Q&A builds credibility fast
    [00:04:00] Answering uncomfortable questions publicly
    [00:05:05] Why truth builds trust faster than strategy
    [00:06:00] Being clear about values and expectations
    [00:08:03] Why authenticity matters more than preparation
    [00:09:35] How candid communication shapes reputation
    [00:10:33] Why people trust leaders who tell the truth
    [00:11:09] Speaking up carries less risk than people think

    Being candid about what you believe is one of the fastest ways to build trust. Lee Cockerell shares why it is important that leaders answer hard questions, stating values clearly, and telling the truth, especially when it's uncomfortable. Strong leaders know that credibility and psychological safety create stronger leadership cultures.

    Read the blog for more from this episode.

    Resources

    CockerellStore.com

    The Cockerell Academy

    About Lee Cockerell

    Mainstreet Leader

    Jody Maberry

    Travel Guidance

    Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
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