Back to the Basics in Leadership and Life with former EVP of Operations for the Walt Disney World Resort Lee Cockerell (Ep43)
Want a common sense, down-to-earth approach for developing leaders, growing organizations, and creating a profitable consulting or coaching business?
Today I'm talking with Lee Cockerell, the former Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney resort and currently a consultant, author, and speaker.
He's a great leader, and I promised through this "favorite executive series" that I would use my show to offer insight into the hearts and minds of great leaders so that you can be more effective in creating marketing messages and copy that resonate with them.
Lee is not just a great leader; he also turned his leadership success into a highly profitable leadership and management training business, so he's got some best practices on how he stands out in the market and wins clients.
In this episode, you'll hear:
- How Lee evolved as a leader by shedding defensiveness and operating in trust
- Why you need to create a system to be a person of your word
- How your influence is felt all the time and why you have to be aware of this impact as a leader
- Why it's always hard before it's easy
Lee helped me see through this interview that we consultants and coaches don't need a lot of theory and the latest and greatest methods and tools to make a difference with our clients. Instead, our pragmatic advice is all that is needed because what we offer our clients isn't rocket science; it's the courage to act on what they already know they need to do. So tune in for easy-to-implement ideas on how to grow your consulting and coaching effectiveness!
Where to dive in:
[1:30] Hear the quick version of Lee's childhood and why Betsy invited Lee on the podcast.
[8:10] Lee talks about why he couldn't develop people until he developed himself and how leaders influence the culture around them.
[15:42] Betsy sums up how Lee came to leadership and how he overcame his struggles with trust so he could be a less defensive leader.
[20:29] Your impact is felt all the time. Lee talks about why you need to be aware of the perceptions you leave behind and your influence on others.
[26:00] Lee shares how time management helps you be a person of your word. Intentions are not enough for good leadership.
[30:00] Hear Lee's passion for customer service and why it's critical to your business.
[38:42] Lee shares why organizations hire him and opens up about his consulting style. We also dive into why it's always hard before it gets easier.
[50:18] Lee shares what he would tell with his 30-year-old self, who was defensive and insecure.
[52:04] Tune in for what you need to know before taking a speaking engagement or going into an organization as a consultant.
Next steps:
- Check out Lee's website for resources, books, and how to create magic in your organization: https://www.leecockerell.com/
- Download the resource you need to start your consulting or coaching business and refine your message: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/downloads
- Are you ready to nail your messaging and rock your copy to stand out in the market and attract, impress and convert clients? If so, check out my services: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services
About my guest: Lee Cockerell is the former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort. "As the Senior Operating Executive for ten years Lee led a team of 40,000 Cast Members and was responsible for the operations of 20 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a shopping & entertainment village and the ESPN sports and recreation complex in addition to the ancillary operations which supported the number one vacation destination in the world." One of Lee's major and lasting legacies was the creation of Disney Great Leader Strategies which was used to train and develop the 7000 leaders at Walt Disney World. Lee has held various executive positions in the hospitality and entertainment business with Hilton Hotels for 8 years and the Marriott Corporation for 17 years before joining Disney in 1990 to open the Disneyland Paris project. Lee has served as Chairman of the Board of Heart of Florida United Way, the Board of Trustees for The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the board of the Production and Operations Management Society and the board of Reptilia a Canadian attractions and entertainment company. In 2005 Governor Bush appointed Lee to the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Public Service for the state of Florida where he served as Chairman of the Board. He is now dedicating his time to public speaking, authoring a book on leadership, management and service excellence titled, Creating Magic…10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney. which is now available in 13 languages and his latest book, The Customer Rules…The 39 Essential Rules for Delivering Sensational Service. Lee also performs leadership and service excellence workshops and consulting for organizations around the world as well as for the Disney Institute.
About me: Betsy Jordyn is a Brand Positioning Strategist that helps consulting and coaching business owners clarify their brand positioning and messaging, create a website presence that positions them as sought-after experts, land clients with ease and integrity, and take their place as thought leaders and influencers in their niche. Her mission is to help consultants and coaches monetize their best-at strengths and authentic passions to make a bigger difference in the world. Check out her brand strategy, messaging, and design services at https://www.betsyjordyn.com
Links:
Download my one of my free resources to help you accelerate your success: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/downloads
Learn more about my brand messaging and positioning services: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services
Schedule a consult call to talk about what you need to do to nail your messaging and rock your copy so you can stand out in the market and attract clients: https://betsyjordyn.as.me/schedule
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