"Magic's when you do such a good job, nobody can figure out how you do it." Notable Moments 01:27 Experience and education provide solutions to problems. 05:46 Becoming the Go-To Expert in Your Field 07:04 The Importance of Keeping Up With Advancements 12:03 Consistent Quality and Communication 13:41 The Power of Excellence 15:12 Importance of Industry Expertise If you’re aiming to be an expert in your field, keep feeding your brain and stay persistent. 25 years ago, I was terrified to speak even if it were for just 2 minutes. Fast forward, and I’ve given presentations ranging from 90 mi ..read more

"Don't depend on your company to prepare you for the future. Invest in yourself; read, learn, and grow daily. Your future self will thank you." Notable Moments 01:56 Identifying Future Leaders in Organizations 03:14 The Value of Developing Employees 07:21 Taking Ownership of Your Time and Learning  09:44 Improving Employee Commitment Through Development Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Magical Vacation Planners  407-442-2694   Spreading leadership training across all levels can be beneficial for organizations. Long-time listener, Eric, r ..read more

After many years in leadership I found there are some great tools to keep in your leadership toolbox. During this special virtual event celebrating episode 500, Jody and I welcomed people to a live recording.  It was a great turnout and fun seeing so many familiar faces. Thank you for the ongoing support and commitment to create Disney magic in your organization. This episode focuses on one big question to ask yourself: Do YOU have the right tools in your toolbox to be an effective leader? When you have a people problem, you need the right tool/tools to fix it. I've put together ..read more

"There is a clear difference between those who have their act together those who are just half there, not communicating well and not paying attention." Key Moments 05:32 Presenting yourself professionally leads to opportunities. 08:32 Body language impacts the perception of professionalism.  10:22 Understand professional etiquette in job interviews. 14:41 Frontline Rules is a course that supports personal and organizational improvement. Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Magical Vacation Planners  407-442-2694 Body Language and Hospitality First imp ..read more

"We all have expectations, and when you raise your expectations, everything gets better." Key Moments  01:27 Active, visible management drives operational excellence. 04:30 Clearly communicate expectations and lead by example. 07:17  Value of hospitality and leadership. 10:29 The Importance of High Standards in Team Morale: 13:57 Spread magic by creating meaningful experiences for others. Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Magical Vacation Planners  407-442-2694   Paying attention to the smallest details can transform any organization into ..read more

"When you tell the truth, you get better results from your customers and, from your employees and your teams." Key Moments 01:06 Prompt communication about organizational restructuring and challenges. 04:38 Perform well to reduce layoff risk, communicate openly. 10:06 Utilize team knowledge for better communication, productivity. 11:32 What's available on the Cockerell Store and Cockerell Academy  Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Magical Vacation Planners  407-442-2694   Organizational change is a constant in today's fast-evolving business en ..read more

Resources Cockerell Store The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Magical Vacation Planners  407-442-2694   One of the most challenging aspects of customer service: responding to bad reviews on social media. Jody and I dive into practical strategies for handling negative feedback while maintaining professionalism and empathy. Here are three key takeaways from our discussion: Acknowledge and Apologize: - It's crucial to address the customer's concerns politely, even if the scenario is disputed by your employees. Offer a sincere apology for their negative exper ..read more

"Anticipate something is going to happen and make sure you're prepared for it. The number one thing in your business ought to be safety" Key Moments 01:37 Importance of balancing utilities for large spaces. 03:27 Manage emergency procedures for large spaces and staff. 08:25 Practice strong procedures, simulations, and emergency readiness. 11:25 Identify preplanned command center outside danger zone. 13:16 Delegate authority and be accessible during emergencies. Resources CockerellStore.com The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Magical Vacation Planners  407-442-2694 ..read more

Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Magical Vacation Planners  407-442-2694   Leaders everywhere need to have a strong understanding of the difference between development and correction. In a 2016 episode of Creating Disney Magic Jody and I talked about training and development. What we didn't talk about then is what separates development from correction. Recent converations made this seem like a perfect time to highlight the differences.  As I grew as a leader I became more clear on the differences between development vs. Training. Trainin ..read more

"Always do what they expect and then give them something they don't expect. A little plus it up. Give them a little bit more." Key Moments 02:00 Overcoming insecurity through experience and hospitality. 05:44 Exceed expectations by adding a little extra. 09:05 Appreciate the little things makes life happier. 12:20 Avoiding PowerPoint in presentations to increase engagement. 15:55 More ways to learn from Lee Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Magical Vacation Planners  407-442-2694 It felt like time to take a walk down memory lane to revisit a never-befor ..read more