Dream Games’ Post

Good morning, LinkedIn Community! Today, I find myself reflecting on a remarkable date in history – January 29th, 1920. It was on this day, 104 years ago, that an extraordinary artist and visionary, Walter Elias Disney, embarked on his artistic career with a first job at KC Slide Co. This was the humble beginning of a journey that would forever transform the entertainment world. 🎨 Artistic Genius Meets Professional Growth: Like many of you, my career journey has been filled with ups and downs. His unparalleled ability to breathe life into characters reminds me of the power of creativity in problem-solving and innovation in the workplace.  🚀 Entrepreneurial Spirit with a Human Touch: Beyond his art, Walt was a true visionary entrepreneur. Co-founding The Walt Disney Company, he built one of history's most successful entertainment empires. His story inspires me to dream big but also to remember the human element in business – the stories, the emotions, and the connections. 💡 Perseverance Through Adversity: Did you know Walt faced bankruptcy and setbacks before his monumental success? This aspect of his journey particularly resonates with me. In our professional lives, resilience is key. Walt's determination in the face of adversity is a powerful reminder to stay committed to our goals, no matter the obstacles. 🎥 Innovative Storytelling That Changed the World: As a pioneer in animation, Walt Disney was always pushing boundaries. His introduction of synchronized sound with "Steamboat Willie" and the first full-color cartoon with "Flowers and Trees" revolutionized #storytelling . It teaches us the value of innovation and the courage to venture into uncharted territories. 🌠 How has your first job contributed to creativity and resilience, and played a role in your professional journey?  https://lnkd.in/eAd6m359 #Legacy #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Inspiration #ProfessionalGrowth

The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger 5/5 Stars. Highly Recommend It's a memoir of his tenure as CEO of Disney from 2005 to 2020. He stepped down as CEO in February 2020, but he returned in November 2022 and is currently the CEO. He shares the stories of the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, and highlights the challenges and triumphs he faced while transforming Disney into one of the most successful media companies in the world. Top three takeaways: - Managing the creative process starts with understanding that it's not a science - everything is subjective; there is often no right or wrong. - Your inexperience can't be an excuse for failure. - People shy away from taking big swings because they assess the odds and build a case against trying something before they even take the first step.

🧙♂️✨ Yesterday, I was at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Watford with my Wife for her birthday, then spent a wonderful night at the Shendish Manor Hotel & Golf Club. Seeing the magic behind the films got me thinking about how much the world of Harry Potter has in common with the world of business. In business, much like in Hogwarts, we face challenges that require courage, creativity, and collaboration. Here are some lessons from the wizarding world that we can all apply to our professional lives: 🦉 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 Just like Harry, Hermione, and Ron each brought their unique strengths to the table, we must recognise and leverage our individual skills. Celebrate what makes you unique, and use it to propel your team forward. 🧹 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Whether it's defeating a troll in the dungeon or navigating a tricky market landscape, perseverance is key. Challenges are opportunities in disguise. Face them head-on with determination and innovation. 🏰 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 The friendships and alliances formed at Hogwarts were crucial to overcoming dark forces. In business, building strong networks and fostering genuine relationships can open doors and create powerful synergies. 📚 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 Hogwarts is a place of continuous learning and growth. In our careers, we should always seek new knowledge and skills. Stay curious, keep learning, and adapt to the ever-changing business environment. ✨ 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 Magic in the wizarding world is about believing in the impossible and making it happen. In business, this translates to vision and innovation. Dream big, believe in your ideas, and don't be afraid to disrupt the status quo. As I wandered through the sets and props that brought the magic to life, I was reminded that our dreams and ambitions can also become reality with the right mindset and effort. So, let's channel our inner wizards, wield our wands of creativity, and cast spells of success in our professional journeys. 🪄 We've got this! 💪 #HarryPotter #Inspiration #BusinessLessons #Leadership #Innovation #Watford

Acquisitions: They require trust Extended Dance Mix Version During Disney's acquisition of Pixar, the leaders on both sides took time to build each other's trust. Then, for the 800 employees on either side. A part of the process was making sure Pixar culture was protected. More specifically, make it clear Disney Animation didn't need to be and shouldn't be just like Pixar animation. That is, even though Pixar was technically 'better' at that point, it was clear they had the highest regard for Disney and its heritage. #culture #leadership #management #transformation #turnaround #strategy #planning #performance #mindset #engagement #customerexperience #innovation #disney #apple #pixar #lucasfilm #marvel #herosjourney

✨Transform your dreams into reality with actionable steps! 💼⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 💡 Walt Disney's timeless advice reminds us that action is the key to progress. At ColumbusBlack, we believe in turning ideas into action and making things happen!

We all know the line “Our company is like a family” but does it have a deeper meaning? I'm diving into "The Imagineering Story" by Leslie Iwerks, a captivating biography shedding light on Walt Disney Imagineering. Just finished the chapter "What would Walt do?" which delves into the post-Walt era. It's remarkable to see the profound impact Walt had on his team, with his companies witnessing employees deeply moved by his passing. Walt believed in his cast members even if they didn’t think they could do it, and he knew how to push the boundaries while ensuring the project was enjoyable. Work culture isn't just a buzzword; it's a linchpin influencing motivation, productivity, and team retention. Walt fostered a creative hub where belief in his team ignited exceptional results. This book is a must-read, offering insights into Walt's philosophy. Pair it with the documentary series on Disney+ for a deep dive. Foster a supportive workplace and trust in your team; together, you can achieve the extraordinary!

Robert Iger's "Ride of a Lifetime" delves into the art of decision-making and intent. A pivotal moment during Disney's acquisition of Pixar sheds light on the power of focusing on potential amidst obstacles. Despite a list of cons outweighing pros, Steve Jobs emphasized the strength of a few solid pros over dozens of cons. This mindset, combined with understanding each other's intent, was instrumental in sealing the deal. The negotiation transcended a mere financial transaction, emphasizing mutual respect and a shared vision for long-term success. As Professor Das Narayandas aptly put it, "The hand that gives you money has a head attached." Today, Pixar's continued success serves as a testament to the significance of clear intent and the ability to look beyond immediate challenges towards what could be achieved.

Sticking with the Walt Disney World theme from yesterday, I recently finished reading The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger, Disney's CEO. One point Iger drives home that stuck out to me was "innovate or die." He was not afraid to take risks and get ahead of the curve on acquisitions that may have seemed insane at the time: Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars. He was not afraid to create Disney+, even though he knew it would lose money for them for years before becoming profitable. He could have sat back and let Disney be content, like a lot of successful companies do, but he chose to take risks and innovate. So, let's not be afraid today. Let's be calculated but let's not let fear of the unknown turn into complacency and inaction. Next post, I will have a cool case study that shows how taking a huge risk with shooting a big budget commercial (FishEye can help you shoot yours), turned a small brand into a household name.

What We Are Reading 📚 We're currently diving into 'The Disney Way: Harnessing the Management Secrets of Disney in Your Company,' co-authored by Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson. Walt Disney, a mastermind in inventive brilliance and business acumen, not only enchanted us with Mickey Mouse's magic but also revolutionized corporate America with pioneering practices. The Disney enterprises, surpassing even Walt's wildest dreams, stand as a testament to his enduring legacy. This immersive and pragmatic read delves deep into Disney's business philosophy and underlying principles, vividly illustrating how today's managers can draw inspiration and apply these time-tested strategies in our dynamic business landscape. #WhatWeAreReading #TheDisneyWay

Who hasn't seen a bit of Walt Disney's brilliance this season? I mean where would Christmas be if he had given up on his big plans? Well, he didn't just leave us a legacy of films and theme parks but a great strategy for us to use in designing 2024. As it is that time of year I thought what better information to share to get New Year off with a bang? I am hoping this is either, valuable and new or a valuable reminder for you. Disney's creative design process contains 3 simple roles, each generating new solutions and ideas. If you have a team, even better. Split your Team into the 3 different roles to then feedback! 💡 Let me know if you've used this method before. #dreamingbigger2024 #businessleadership #selfleadership