"Always tell stories"

So far this program I've been giving the amazing opportunity and privilege to meet so many inspiring and interesting people, from guests, to fellow cast members, to the current and future leaders of Walt Disney World. One of the many highlights was meeting Lee Cockerel, former Executive Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World Resort. Since retiring, Mr. Cockerell has written three books about his philosophy on business, Creating Magic, The Customer Rules, and Time Management Magic, his newest release. The Art of Disney store had the honor of hosting Mr. Cockerel for a book signing and while working the signing, I had the chance to speak with Mr.Cockerel and have a book personalized by him. 

Mr Cockerel had a lot of interesting things to say, but the thing that stuck with me the most was the advice he gave on interviewing for jobs, which was to "always tell stories". It was very simple advice, especially for someone like me whose always talking and trying to entertain people, but it spoke volumes on what it is that brings success and what successful people do, and it really made me feel validated in a way that I didn't expect. It let me know that there's still room for people like me in a world where the most important thing seems to be making money. Disney is obviously in the business of turning a profit, but it's nice to know that a big emphasis is placed on entertaining and storytelling, the backbones of the Walt Disney legacy, instead of things like cost cutting. It was truly a pleasure to meet Mr. cockerel, and I hope to some day he in the position where I too can write books and inspire young people like me to pursue their dreams and goals.