Even Walt Disney’s Dreams Don’t Go As Planned
On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened to the public. We look back with nostalgia, but that day there was plenty that went wrong. Yet that imperfect start brought a legacy of magic, innovation, and resilience. In this blog, I reflect on what Walt Disney’s vision teaches us about leadership, creativity, and reimagining the world around us.
Networking with Students
Want to help students discover careers and confidence? Start by leaning into curiosity, not running down a list of credentials. There are simple ways to engage with students and youth programs that bring value to everyone. Trust me when I tell you, the students aren’t the only ones that benefit.
5 Ways to Engage Kids in Authentic Learning
As parents, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that kids need to spend summer on lessons that make sure they are academically “ready” for the next school year. While workbooks and lessons can be helpful to reinforce skills already taught, they should never overshadow the power of creativity, curiosity, and connection. Summer is a great time to teach through unstructured play, exploration, and social interaction.
It’s the Simple Things That Ignite a Spark
From Security Chaos to Realigned Focus
Heading Back for Disney Alumni Homecoming
It’s been 20 years since I was on the Disney College Program. At the time we were all late teens, early twenty year olds interning in a place many of us had the opportunity to visit as a kid. There were moments we really weren't sure how this internship or our "Ducktorate" would serve our future careers, but we felt that we were living the best days of our lives. That summer taught more than I ever could have imagined about who I am, how beautifully unique our lives are, and has continued to provide me with a community of support.
Let Kids Clown Around
Kids should not be forced to pick or stick to one sport, one team, or one passion. It is good to have them commit to something they love or are interested in, step outside of their comfort zone, and learn the value of consistent work. It is not good when the level of commitment is at the expense of their curiosity about other activities, opportunity to connect with new experiences, and discover passions and skills they have never had the chance to explore.
Make the Call.
Never underestimate the long-term impact that can come from one genuine connection. An email is what lead to my first coffee with Lee Cockerell, retired executive VP of operations at Walt Disney World. Now I am grateful to call him a mentor, friend, and someone that has helped me find happiness.
5 Tips to Spark Your Creativity
Celebrate National Creativity Day my Top 5 tips to Spark yours. FYI, number 1 is often overlooked, yet is my personal favorite.
AI Fails or Human Error
One of the best parts of working with people on innovation and creativity is the opportunity to explore my own curiosities. This past week has lead me deeper into AI Images and it's been nothing short of a hilarious experiment.
Power of Appreciation
It's always a pleasure getting to see Lee Cockerell, retired Executive VP of Walt Disney World. Lately it's been at Masterminds, but earlier this week it was over a cup of coffee sharing updates and showing appreciation.
The Power of “Un”.
There is so much power in "un". Unlearning. Unleashing. Underestimated.
All words I have come to embrace, yet the 'un' that we need more of in this world is "understanding".
Create Until You Can’t
Create until you can’t any longer.
Building Bridges for Kids
If we want to better prepare our future leaders, we need to be more proactive in building bridges between their school lessons and the professional opportunities that exist {or need to be created!}.
Missed Opportunities Occur by Mislabeling Visionaries
It’s easy to identify the visionary in an organization once success has been achieved. It’s even easier to miss that opportunity for success by mislabeling the capabilities of visionaries.
5 Tips for Effective Training from an Experienced Educator
As much as I work with people to “unlearn” those hindering habits, there are quite a few things I have learned over the years that continue to provide value, especially when it comes to the science of teaching and learning.
Some Truths are Lies
There are a number of common "truths" I'm hearing more people confidently recognize and remove as they lean into innovation. The biggest barriers to innovation are the things we were once told or taught. Even the most well intended statement gets twisted from a momentary norm to a lasting truth. Here are 10 common “truths” we often hear.
Turn Negativity into Opportunity
Stop letting the negativity and doubts of others bring you to tears and instead start getting giddy with excitement!
Let someone else’s negativity become your opportunity. Clearly if they have a problem then there must be a solution, right?
The Day my Purpose was Born
4,748 days ago the world became a bit brighter.
1 day ago this spark of joy continued to light smile among many because why "march to the beat of your own drum" when you can race in your brightest pair of Crocs?
In everything I do, he shines through.
How Will you Make Today Great?
The world is changing. Are you?
This is the time to innovate. To redesign. To redefine what it means to be a service provider.
We are living and working in unprecedented times that has brought on a new set of challenges. It is easy to get swallowed in the chaos if we aren’t careful. Ensuring you are providing your best to your customers, colleagues, and family can be achieved many ways, but especially by setting intentions for greatness.