Creating Disney Magic Podcast

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Lee Cockerell
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Management Business Careers Education
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7.5K - 12.4K listeners Neutral 4.8 rating 497 reviews 556 episodes USA
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Lee Cockerell shares his wisdom and experience from his time as the Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World. Along with host Jody Maberry, Lee discusses how you can apply lessons in leadership, management, and customer service to create magic in your organization.

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  • Primary contact email for inquiries: le***@leecockerell.com
  • Alternate contact email for inquiries: Le***@LeeCockerell.com
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  • Contact phone number: 407-908-2118
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  • le***@leecockerell.com

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Recent Hosts, Guests & Topics

Here's a quick summary of the last 5 episodes on Creating Disney Magic.

Hosts

Jody Maberry Lee Cockerell

Previous Guests

Djuan Rivers
Djuan Rivers is a respected leader within the Disney organization, recognized for his work in hospitality and guest relations. He has a rich background in creating engaging experiences for guests and is known for his compelling stories that reflect Disney's commitment to excellence.
Bob Allen
Bob Allen is a former Disney executive with extensive experience in operations and leadership within the Walt Disney Company. He has played a significant role in shaping the guest experience at Disney parks and has a wealth of stories and insights from his time at Disney.
Rick Allen
Rick Allen is a Disney veteran known for his contributions to the company's operations and guest services. With years of experience at Disney, he has a deep understanding of the brand's values and the importance of storytelling in creating memorable experiences.

Topics Discussed

bravery personal growth leadership comfort zone risk-taking experience career development decision making time management opportunities professional growth professionalism professional etiquette first impressions soft skills stories emotional connection customer service Disney history workshop learning authenticity layoffs resilience networking change growth career transition

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Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on Creating Disney Magic.

0:00 22:33

Bravery is Progressive

Hosts
Jody Maberry
Keywords
bravery personal growth leadership comfort zone risk-taking experience career development

"What helped me the most was, leaving home and going out on my own and getting experiences."

Jumping into the unknown is rarely comfortable, but its where true growth happens. Stepping outside our comfort zone reshapes our perspective and how we lead, work, and live. That is true whether its traveling to a foreign land or saying yes to an intimidating opportunity.

After hearing Jody share his whitewater rafting adventure in Chile, it struck me how bravery really is progressive. Every time I took a leap in my own career, the fear was real. Moving countries, taking new positions, even getting fired at one point. But with each jump, I came back stronger, wiser, and more confident in my ability to handle whatever came next.

Its amazing how we talk ourselves out of risk because of fear of not knowing or the fear of what others might think. But most people are too busy worrying about their own lives to be focused on ours. Experience is the best teacher. You can read about whitewater rafting all you want, but nothing compares to being pulled under and coming out the other side.

Setbacks like getting passed over for a promotion, or losing a job, often become stepping stones to something even better. The more we say yes, the easier it gets. Dont be afraid to trust yourself, and surround yourself with people who support and inspire you.

Remember, courage and leadership dont appear all at once. They grow with every brave choice you make. The key is to take that first leap. You never know where it might lead.

Resources

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.

0:00 16:04

Know When To Say No

Hosts
Jody Maberry Lee Cockerell
Guests
Djuan Rivers
Keywords
decision making time management leadership opportunities personal growth professional growth

"We all have our own thing, and we all have to make that decision every day about what's in it for us, is it worth it, and is it worth my time."

Notable Moments

00:36 When to Say Yes or No

03:22 Invitations Increase with Familiarity

08:02 Facing Life's Tough Challenges

12:14 Managing Life's Responsibilities

14:17 Get Organized for Success

Sometimes, the most powerful tool you have is a simple “no.”
During my years at Disney, I learned that it's okay to not say yes to every opportunity. The more important thing is knowing which doors to walk through and which ones to keep closed. Success isn’t about overloading your calendar. It’s about making conscious choices so your time and energy add up to something worthwhile.

I’ve seen leaders rise by grabbing big opportunities. Djuan Rivers seemed to say yes to challenging new roles again and again. He didn’t accept every little invitation though. He chose the moves that advanced his career and expanded his world. On the flip side, I said no to a lot of late-night banquets and endless committees so I could be ready for what really mattered the next day.

It comes down to this: “Is it worth it?” That’s the question I challenge myself with all the time. The best use of your time is investing in things that help you grow, personally and professionally. Say yes to the adventure, the project, or the role that stretches you, but don’t be afraid to save your time for when it counts.

And here’s another secret: A big part of making your life easier is tackling the hard things head-on. Write down the tough conversations you’re avoiding, make a plan, and just get it done. Don’t let the easy distractions pile up and rob you of bigger opportunities.

Master the art of yes and no—your energy, focus, and future will thank you.

Resources

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.

 

0:00 17:32

Teach Professionalism

Hosts
Jody Maberry
Keywords
professionalism professional etiquette first impressions leadership soft skills

"When you start doing what everybody does, it's hard to be noticed any longer. Professionalism gets you noticed."

Notable Moments

00:40 "Stories That Work" Event Recap

04:57 Embrace Professional Etiquette

07:34 Professionalism Over Expertise

11:16 Importance of Professional First Impressions

15:20 Encourage Open Conversations

Time and time again I see people underestimate the power of professionalism. Unfortunately, it ends up stalling their careers before they’ve even hit their stride.

During our latest conversation, I shared how critical it is to set expectations for professionalism, whether you’re running a classroom or leading a workplace team. I believe that professionalism is showing respect, being reliable, and paying attention to the details. Those can make or break first impressions, as well as shape your entire reputation. I learned this early on in my own career, thanks to mentors who stopped me before I made missteps in dress and behavior.

The classroom example we discussed hit home. Students weren’t waiting their turn, interrupting others, and leaving early. My advice: lay out the rules clearly from day one. Make professionalism just as much a part of your teaching as the subject matter. It’s the same in the workplace. If you don’t make it clear what’s expected, chaos creeps in and opportunity slips away. Remember, your reputation starts with the small things, the details others notice but never mention.

If you’re a leader, teacher, or even a parent, don’t shy away from the tough conversations about professionalism. It matters more than people realize, and it’s often the reason some move ahead and others get left behind. Teach those soft skills such as reliability, courtesy, and awareness. By doing that you are setting people up for real, lasting success. Remember, being just “one of the herd” won’t get you noticed; professionalism will.

Resources

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.

 

0:00 10:43

Stories That Work

Hosts
Jody Maberry
Guests
Bob Allen Rick Allen Djuan Rivers
Keywords
stories emotional connection leadership customer service Disney history workshop learning authenticity

"Stories are emotional, and when you connect with people emotionally, it sticks."

Stories are the master teacher of the world. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand that facts may fade, but a good story that is told with feeling and authenticity will stick with you forever.

Today, we took that idea to the next level, gathering at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management for our first ever “Stories That Work” workshop. Jody sparked the idea, and it was a great one. We brought together Disney veterans and leaders like Bob Allen, Rick Allen, and Djuan Rivers, all with stories that reach deep into Disney’s history and heart.

What I’ve found is that every cast member and guest has a story. Those stories shape how we learn, lead, and serve. Whether it’s a family returning to Walt Disney World for generations, or a cast member sharing their challenges and triumphs, there’s always a lesson wrapped inside. The stories we share aren’t just for entertainment—they’re teaching tools. They spark emotion, create connections, and help us remember the lessons that matter most.

It’s not enough to just know the facts or have the right degree; you’ve got to keep learning and collecting stories from those around you. That knowledge, shared through stories, is what makes you memorable and effective, whether you’re leading a large operation or just making someone’s day a little brighter.

Stay committed to learning and telling stories. The more you grow, the more magic you bring to others.

Resources

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.

 

0:00 13:58

How to Handle Getting Laid Off

Hosts
Jody Maberry
Keywords
layoffs resilience networking change growth career transition

"Sometimes you have to make some sacrifices to recover from getting fired or laid off. And you usually come out better on the other end because it pushes you to get into another business or another organization and to show off your skills."

Notable Moments

03:45 Thinking Ahead Before Layoffs

07:55 Embracing Change and Growth

09:30 Networking: Consistent Contact is Key

12:58 Cockrell Academy Community Call

ADD BLOG TEASER INTRO with link to website

Resources

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.

I’ve always believed in planning for the unexpected. When layoffs make headlines, it's natural to feel insecure about the future. However, you can turn these moments into opportunities. Once, after being laid off, I had to step back financially and take on a lesser role. It wasn't easy, but it taught me resilience and opened doors I hadn't considered.

Read my blog to read more of my thoughts on how to handle getting laid off.  

Ratings

Global:
4.8 rating 497 reviews

USA

4.8 ratings 434 reviews

Canada

5.0 ratings 25 reviews

UK

4.9 ratings 24 reviews

Australia

4.8 ratings 11 reviews

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