"Technology always changes things, but AI is changing everything faster than ever before."

Notable Moments

[01:53] Technology has always changed the workplace.

[03:52] Why job loss through automation is inevitable.

[05:39] Examples of AI’s impact in healthcare.

[06:40] Concerns about unemployment, unrest, and societal impact.

[08:23] The risk of companies focusing only on money over people.

[11:05] Advice for managers worried about AI replacing their roles.

[13:55] Why young people should study AI.

[15:28] The call to take AI’s impact seriously and prepare for what’s ahead

Artificial intelligence is changing the workplace faster than any other technology in recent memory. In this episode, Lee Cockerell shares his perspective on how AI is already impacting jobs, why leaders must balance efficiency with humanity, and what individuals can do to prepare for the uncertain future ahead.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

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.

"Most of the time, when you’ve got a problem in your life, it’s at least partially your fault."

Notable Moments

00:03:25 – The story of missing a promotion and discovering who didn’t support me.

00:04:37 – Recognizing the difference between being responsible and being annoying.

00:06:42 – Shifting from aggressive oversight to teaching and guiding.

00:08:47 – Why admitting “it’s me” is key to improvement.

00:12:11 – Practical advice for repairing a damaged professional relationship.

00:13:27 – The value of honest feedback from trusted people.

Lee Cockerell shares a personal story from his Marriott days about missing out on a promotion because of strained relationships with key leaders. He explains how he took responsibility, adjusted his leadership style, and rebuilt trust, all lessons that later fueled his success at Disney. This episode offers practical strategies for repairing professional relationships by leading with empathy, self-awareness, and adaptability.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

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.

“Half the battle in life is just talking about it and making sure people feel safe enough to do so.”

Notable Moments:
00:03:00 – Mental health concerns in college students

00:04:10 – 40-60% of first-year students need counseling, while wait times are alarming

00:05:54 – How tech-fueled isolation is eroding real-world confidence and skills

00:07:58 – What leaders need to do: empathy, communication, and support

00:13:55 – Mental health support resources

00:15:31 – Lee’s mindset shift in supporting his wife Priscilla through pain

Lee Cockerell shares his deep concern about how rising isolation is impacting anxiety and performance in today’s workforce. Through personal stories and experiences working with universities, he calls on leaders to be proactive, empathetic, and human-centered. With young employees entering the workplace carrying stress, insecurity, and lack of connection, leaders must create safe environments where mental health is not a taboo topic. This episode offers ways to build trust, recognize hidden signs of struggle, and make support a natural part of leadership.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

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.