Matt Savarick’s Post

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

An insightful and enjoyable listen. I was fascinated to learn the importance character, honesty and integrity at such a high level. It is deeply encouraging to know that such qualities are admired and sought after in successful positions. Knowledge and experience are easily gained but ones character is a constant discipline and endeavour. The appendix in the last chapter is a most useful reminder of great lessons and considerations. The Walt Disney Company has become something more than ever could have been imagined under the leadership of Robert Iger and his team.

Three simple tips I learned spending an entire week at Disney World... 1. Create an UNFORGETTABLE experience for your customers 2. Always be TRANSPARENT and informative 3. Your ATTENTION-TO-DETAIL will differentiate you 😴 It's been a long week. Happy to be back! Post your Disney World questions in the comments below...

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

🫧🫧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

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

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? ✨ ____________ For more thoughts on creativity, hit "Follow"

As a consultant, I see firsthand how curiosity drives success for the candidates I work with. It’s that curiosity that leads them to explore fresh ideas, ask tough questions and never stop learning. When we stay curious, we start uncovering opportunities others often miss, finding ways to adapt in an ever-changing market, and innovating solutions that make us stand out. One of my recent candidates, who had spent years in restaurant management, found themselves stuck in an industry that no longer aligned with their personal goals but the change was daunting. Through our lengthy conversations, his willingness to explore unfamiliar territory, and stay curious, we opened doors he didn’t even know existed. That curiosity helped him realize the transferable skills he had from managing a restaurant, like leadership, customer service, and operations, were perfect for running a particular franchise.   Introducing Martin to the That 1 Painter franchise was quite the eye opener for him. A booming industry, low investment with a huge commitment to excellence and community. Martin was more excited than ever to leave behind the chaos of restaurant life for better quality of life and control of his time. Martin is already hard at work on his new venture in Jacksonville, FL and I have no doubt with his skills and determination he will have great success in no time. In my experience, the most successful entrepreneurs are those who embrace curiosity—not just to grow their business, but to grow personally as well. Stay curious my friends and if you want to start exploring a new path to success let’s connect. #BeYourOwnBoss #Entrepreneurship #ExploreFranchising #FutureOfWork #FranchiseConsultant #Franchising

🚀Failure is the stepping stone of success, a lesson from Disney World....... 💔Failure is indeed a crucial stepping stone to success at Disney World. 💦The park has faced numerous challenges throughout its history. ☑️From initial financial struggles to operational mishaps. 🏌️♂️Each setback provided valuable lessons, leading to innovations that enhanced the guest experience. 🎈The original Disneyland faced issues with crowd control & attraction maintenance. 🌹These challenges prompted Disney to invest in better planning & infrastructure. 🌱Resulting in the meticulously organised experience found in Disney World today. 👍Additionally, the park's commitment to feedback has allowed it to continually adapt & improve its offerings. 🌺In this way, failures shaped Disney World’s operational strategies. ♥️Also contributed to its reputation for excellence & magic. 🚀Proving that resilience & learning from mistakes are vital for achieving long-term success.

The phrase "If you can dream it, you can do it" is often attributed to Walt Disney, and it encapsulates the spirit of imagination and possibility. It suggests that if you can envision a goal or an idea, you have the potential to achieve it through determination, creativity, and effort. Would you like some inspiration on how to apply this philosophy in your own life or in a specific project?