In the theme park sector of the Walt Disney Company, one of the first lessons you learn is the concept of the "millionth time question." You’ll be asked, countless times, questions like "Where is the restroom?" or "What time does the park close?" While it may be the millionth time you've heard it, it’s the first time that guest is asking. It’s important to approach each question with the same kindness and magic as the very first time.
I emphasize kindness because not every role requires the full "Disney magic," but they all demand a level of compassion and professionalism. Lately, I’ve seen posts from industry professionals expressing frustration over repetitive questions. But it’s important to remember that you're being asked because you’re the resource or the subject matter expert. If we approached every interaction with kindness, rather than frustration, the world would be a much better place. #choosekindness
🫧🫧Lessons I learned as a Walt Disney World Cast Member🫧🫧
🏰 I can do hard things. *cue flashback of Christmas Day at Magic Kingdom*
🏰 Cognitive Flexibility is different than Psychological Flexibility. I learned pivoting skills that I use to this day and I am able to adjust to new or even escalating situations on a dime. However, psychologically, it took a toll on me and it’s something I have to work on daily. *cue flashback of picking up a PAC shift* What is a PAC shift? Parade/Firework audience control. Enough said.
🏰 Joy & Kindness truly allows for beautiful connections. Half the time there was always a language barrier, but using empathy and kindness I was able to communicate and provide magical experiences to those that spoke a different language than I did.
🏰 Discipline and a sense of identity is learned the hard way sometimes. The Walt Disney Company is notorious for their incredibly long list of rules/regulations. This included a very strict “look” of what Cast Members were allowed to wear, show, and express. It taught me the importance of having an identity outside of my job.
🏰 The most important lesson I learned was something I’ve always been taught, but I got to live it out: Giving is better than receiving. I would give anything to make a family’s day or to see a little girl with a pink sparkly dress smile at the sight of a golden ticket pass. #magicalmoments are what I lived for.
There are so many more lessons that I hold dearly to my heart. These are just a few that stood out to me today during my time of reflection.
#magickingdom#castmember#lessonslearned
Before every shift at Walt Disney World, I reminded myself of this quote.
Of course, it's easy to spot wonder in a curated world of magic.
But there's just as much wonder to be found in our own day-to-day, if we remember to watch for it.
✨ Where have you found wonder recently? ✨
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I took my kids to Disney!
The happiness place on Earth 🌎
Here’s what a trip to Disney can teach me about how to be a better team leader.
Here’s what I found out:
1. The Little Things are the Big Things
Just like Mickey Mouse pays attention to every guest, a good leader notices even the small things that make a team happy.
^^^ starts with self-awareness 👁️ 👁️
2. The Journey is Part of Winning
Ever wait in line for a ride? In life, sometimes we have to wait calmly for the good stuff, like a great project to finish.
^^^ it’s who we become while we wait - resilient.
3. Different is Good
Disney has lots of different characters, and they all work together to make a great day for everyone. A team with different kinds of people can do amazing things if they all work towards the same goal.
^^^ a symphony of sameness wouldn’t sound that great.
Going to Disney taught me that to make big dreams come true, you need fun, patience, and a team that brings all kinds of ideas to the table.
That’s how we make magic in the real world too!
•••
What are you doing to have fun and make magic?
#FunLeadership#TeamMagic#DisneyDay
🌟 Embrace Your Mistakes, Just Like Walt Disney! 🌟
Did you know that Walt Disney was once fired from a newspaper job for "lacking imagination and having no good ideas"? It's hard to believe that the visionary behind Mickey Mouse and Disneyland faced such criticism early in his career.
This serves as a powerful reminder: making mistakes and facing setbacks are not failures—they're stepping stones to success. Walt Disney didn't let this early rejection define him. Instead, he used it as motivation to build one of the most iconic entertainment empires in history.
So, the next time you stumble or face a setback, remember Walt Disney's journey. Keep pushing forward, stay creative, and let your passion guide you. Each mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow.
🔑 Key Takeaway: Mistakes are proof that you're trying. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them fuel your journey to success.
#Motivation#WaltDisney#SuccessStory#Learning#GrowthMindset#CareerAdvice#KeepGoingThe Walt Disney Company
Monday Motivation: 'The only way to do great work is to love what you do.' - Walt Disney
Disney reminds us that passion fuels excellence. When we genuinely enjoy our work, we invest more effort, creativity, and dedication, leading to outstanding results. It's not just about the task, but the enthusiasm we bring to it.
What aspect of your work sparks joy today? 💫🚀 #MondayInspiration#ProfessionalDevelopment#CareerInsights#WorkplaceMotivation#OpCon#OptimalConsultingandResearch
What Would Disney Do??? They would harness the power of words.
Disney understands the importance of choosing your words wisely. The language they use doesn't just shape their brand—it sets the tone for what people expect from them, whether clients or team members.
In their theme parks, Disney selects language that reinforces the importance of each cast members' impact of putting on a tremendous show for their guests.
Terms like "backstage" and "on stage" to label guest and non-guest areas, reminds cast members of the behaviour expected of them when they're in sight of theme park visitors.
The term 'cast member' empowers each individual within the organization to contribute to creating an unforgettable experience for guests, whether they interact directly or play a supporting role behind the scenes.
Within your organization, I encourage you to leverage language as a tool to strengthen your brand narrative. This not only distinguishes you in a fiercely competitive market but also communicates clear expectations to both your employees and clients.
#WhatWouldDisneyDo
Ever felt uncertain about your future? 🤔
Consider Walt Disney. He was fired for lacking creativity and faced bankruptcy after initial business failures. Yet, he didn’t let uncertainty define him. Instead, he transformed setbacks into stepping stones, ultimately creating one of the world’s largest media empires. 🎢✨
Disney’s journey is a testament to the power of unwavering belief in your vision. It’s proof that resilience in the face of financial struggles can pave the way to monumental success. 💪
What’s your strategy for building in the face of uncertainty? Share your thoughts below! 👇
It's something I had to work hard to cultivate, but one of the things I'm most proud of myself for is my "infinite mindset."
Having an infinite mindset means that I believe I'm part of something HUGE & I'm always seeking ways to grow & leave a legacy.
Is now the time to remind everyone that one of my heroes is Walt Disney. Did everyone know that?!? 🤣 🤣 🤣
Walt Disney was an infinite thinker. I mean, this is the same guy who said this: "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." 🐭🏰
This quote is one of the reasons I love Walt Disney so much. He never wanted the creativity & innovation of Disneyland & Disney World to ever end.
That's what I want for The Perk. I want to build a place where people can create & innovate beyond me as a founder. Part of our company vision is that we are in this for the long haul. Our goal is to be here 100 years from now, with innovation & creativity constantly happening long after we're gone.
I sometimes get asked why Dan & I love Disney so much & why we visit so often. It's because it's never the same Disney World. I mean, it's the same place you've always loved, but also just a little bit better than before. 💫
#InfiniteMindset#Disneyland#DisneyWorld#Innovation
#TuesdayTuneUps presents a lesson on being Limitless.
Yesterday, I was at a gathering with many sportsmen/women. A senior statesman in the midst proposed that we need to shift our mindset to believing in our uncapped potential.
This is the "L" in R.E.A.L Leadership: Limitlessness
******
In 1996, I was 23 years old and sought guidance from a resident professor of my university dormitory for my CV. I was going to enter the workforce.
Believing in my natural creativity, I described myself as such - creative.
But the prof, good intentions as he may have had, said:
"Engineering students are not so well known for their creativity so I don't think you should include that."
In my naïveté, I obliterated that very word, and it has never been in any cover letter or resume since.
How silly. And underpowering.
******
4 wonderful young people who were my Singapore Management University students 3 years ago paid a visit to my home for dinner last week. Brendan Tay, Tan Wei Zhi Joshua 陈威志, Gene-Han Wong & Deepan Arumugam are all splendidly curious, mostly well-behaved and thoughtfully ambitious Singaporean youths who are brimming with both enthusiasm and potential.
I have no worries about their ability to strive and reach their desires and goals in life. I am certainly not going to label and cap their potential—hidden or realised.
******
To the future, current and prospective employers of these 4 fine young gentlemen, I say this:
"These are the people who will lead us forward.
They are not yet fully crystallised into shiny gems, which will reflect and refract insights for your business.
But seed them in your environments, and the solution will adhere to these growing bits."
GRiT Academy coaching for life, for growth and for purpose.
Live Life On Your Terms | CEO at The Science of Success | Success Consultant | Author | M.D.
Walt Disney Was Once Fired for "Lack of Imagination and Having No Good Ideas"...
You can be anything you want.
Before building one of the most successful and important companies in history, Walt Disney was fired.
He was fired from the Kansas City Star Newspaper because he "lacked imagination and had no good ideas."
The creator of Mickey Mouse and all the stories that shaped countless childhoods was told he wasn’t creative enough.
Keep going. You can achieve whatever you are after, you're more than capable.
#WaltDisney#NeverGiveUp#SuccessStories#TheScienceofSuccess
I've just been to Disney World with my family, and I couldn't help but think about Walt Disney's vision 🪄💫
Here's a man who followed his curiosity, dreamed big, and had the courage to pursue ideas others thought impossible.
Walt Disney didn't just create theme parks — he created immersive worlds where imagination and reality collide.
As office professionals, how can we bring some of this magic to our projects and day-to-day tasks? 🤔
We can explore using Disney's Creative Strategy framework - The Dreamer, the Realist, and the Critic:
The Dreamer: Dream big and brainstorm without limits.
➡️ What's one bold idea you'd love to bring to life in your role?
The Realist: Evaluate, plan, and take action.
➡️ How can you start taking small steps toward making it happen today?
The Critic: Assess and anticipate potential roadblocks.
➡️ What challenges could you prepare for?
Sometimes, all magic requires is just a different set of perspectives 💡
Let's build a little magic into our everyday work. After all, "If you can dream it, you can do it." — Walt Disney.
