Creating Disney Magic Podcast By Lee Cockerell cover art

Creating Disney Magic

Creating Disney Magic

By: Lee Cockerell
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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
  • Dealing with Stress
    May 26 2026

    "Anxiety grows when we avoid the hard things."

    Episode Chapters

    [02:34] Why Anxiety Continues to Affect So Many People

    [04:48] Recognizing Anxiety Instead of Explaining It Away

    [07:35] How Modern Life Creates Constant Overwhelm

    [14:48] Why Leaders Must Notice Behavioral Changes

    [20:20] Managing Stress Before It Becomes Distress

    Stress is a normal part of life. It's when don't work to manage stress that it can quickly turn into anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout. In this episode, Lee Cockerell and Tim Dyck discuss the importance of recognizing anxiety early and being proactive with addressing it. An important part of leadership is building healthy systems that support both personal well-being and workplace culture.

    Read my blog for more from this episode.

    Connect with Tim Dyck

    Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

    LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

    Instagram: @best.culture.solutions

    Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca

    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
    24 mins
  • Hire the Right People
    May 19 2026

    "The most important lever you can pull as a leader is hiring the right people."

    Episode Chapters

    [03:29] Why Hiring Right Solves Most Leadership Problems

    [06:17] Looking Beyond the Resume

    [10:33] Setting Clear Expectations Up Front

    [13:00] The Real Cost of Turnover

    [18:10] Resources to Improve Your Hiring Process

    Hiring the right people is one of the most important decisions a leader makes. In this episode, Lee Cockerell is joined by Tim Dyck, an expert in hiring and interview strategy. They discuss why resumes only tell part of the story and how attitude, motivation, and clear expectations drive long-term success. Take a listen to hear a break down of the true cost of turnover. This episode will remind you why investing time in hiring right pays off in every area of your business.

    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
    21 mins
  • You Are Putting on a Show Every Day
    May 12 2026

    "When the curtain opens, everything matters."

    Episode Chapters

    [01:41] The Big Red Curtain: A New Way to Think About Service

    [03:26] Why Every Detail Matters in a Great Show

    [05:33] A Real-Life Example of Excellence in Action

    [09:55] How to Script Your Customer Experience

    [12:17] Why Execution Is What Makes the Difference

    Every business puts on a show whether they realize it or not. In this episode, Lee Cockerell, retired Executive VP of Operations at Walt Disney World, shares the benefit of viewing the start of each day as raising the "big red curtain" to the show. He explains how leaders can use this approach to design a consistently excellent customer experience. From first impressions to problem resolution, every detail shapes how customers feel and whether they return.

    Read my 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
    13 mins
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