Tag Archives: The Walt Disney Company

Disney at 100: Looking Back, Moving Forward

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I can never stand still.
I must explore and experiment…
I resent the limitations of my own imagination.

Walt Disney

There is a blueprint to The Walt Disney Company: the primacy of story, the focus on character, the thrill of adventure, the attention to placemaking, the wonders of the world around us, the magic in beautiful music, and the excitement of experimentation and innovation.

These concepts are what made Walt Disney’s creations so unique and special, and they are still the heart and soul of the stories and experiences that The Walt Disney Company produces today.

With Walt’s shining philosophy as its guiding star, The Walt Disney Company will alway be moving forward to sharing its stories, amaze it fans, and make dreams come true. Even one hundred years is just a beginning.

In the vast landscape of entertainment and creativity, few names evoke the same sense of wonder and nostalgia as the Walt Disney Company. As we celebrate its 100th anniversary, it’s a momentous occasion that calls for reflection and celebration. For a century, Disney has been a beacon of innovation and imagination, enchanting audiences of all ages with its timeless stories, beloved characters, and groundbreaking achievements.

The journey of the Walt Disney Company is not just a corporate success story; it’s a testament to the power of dreams and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Founded in 1923 by Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, this modest studio in Hollywood has grown into a global entertainment empire, touching the hearts of millions around the world. From the first synchronized sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie, to the much anticipated Wish coming in November, Disney’s influence on animation, film, television, and theme parks has been nothing short of remarkable.

But the significance of Disney extends beyond its business prowess. It’s a cultural touchstone, a source of inspiration, and a cherished part of countless childhoods. It’s a place where dreams come true and where imagination knows no bounds.

In this commemorative series, we embarked on a journey through time, exploring the key milestones, innovations, and moments that have defined the Walt Disney Company’s first century. From the early beginnings that saw the birth of Mickey Mouse to the digital age of streaming and global expansion, each era of Disney’s history holds its unique charm and significance.

We examined the creative genius of Walt Disney, the resilience of the company during challenging times, and the visionary leadership that has kept the magic alive for a hundred years. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we can’t help but ponder what the future holds for Disney and how it continues to shape the world of entertainment.

Disney at 100 Article List

As we bring our journey through the 100-year history of the Walt Disney Company to a close, we are left with a profound sense of wonder and admiration for the enduring magic that this iconic company has brought to the world. From its humble beginnings in a small office on Kingswell Avenue to its current status as a global entertainment conglomerate, Disney’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.

The Magic of Storytelling

At the heart of Disney’s success lies the magic of storytelling. It’s a magic that has transported us to enchanted forests, under the sea, to galaxies far, far away, and beyond. It’s a magic that has introduced us to unforgettable characters who have become a part of our lives. Disney’s commitment to storytelling excellence has transcended generations, proving that good stories are timeless.

Innovation and Adaptation

Disney’s ability to innovate and adapt to changing times has been a key driver of its success. From the introduction of synchronized sound in “Steamboat Willie” to the acquisition of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, Disney has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment. The launch of Disney+ and the streaming revolution is another testament to Disney’s willingness to embrace new technologies and platforms.

The Legacy of Imagination

The legacy of Disney is not just about the past but also about the future. It’s about inspiring generations of dreamers, creators, and innovators to believe in the power of imagination. As the company celebrates its 100th anniversary, it remains committed to fostering creativity and investing in the talent of the future.

The Joy of Shared Experiences

Disney has always been about more than just entertainment; it’s about shared experiences. Whether it’s families coming together to watch a beloved Disney film, friends embarking on adventures in theme parks, or fans connecting over a shared love for iconic characters, Disney has created moments of joy and togetherness that are cherished for a lifetime.

The Promise of the Future

As we look to the future, the Walt Disney Company stands as a symbol of hope, inspiration, and endless possibilities. With plans for new theme park experiences, innovative content on Disney+, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Disney continues to shape the world of entertainment and storytelling.

The 100th Anniversary Celebration

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, we honor a century of creativity, innovation, and magic. Disney has been a source of joy and inspiration for millions, and its impact on the world of entertainment and popular culture is immeasurable.

So, here’s to the dreamers, the believers, and the magic-makers who have brought us a century of enchantment. Remember that the magic of Disney is not bound by time or place—it’s a timeless, ever-evolving force that continues to capture the hearts of young and old alike.

What must concern us more thoughtfully is subject matter…We must appeal to a far wider range of audience interest than ever before.

Walt Disney

In bidding farewell to this journey through Disney’s history, I eagerly anticipate the stories yet to be told, the dreams yet to be realized, and the joy yet to be shared.

Happy 100th anniversary, Disney – it’s a century worth celebrating!

Walt was alway ahead of any of us, searching for new procedures, new forms of entertainment.

Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, Animators, Disney Legends, and coauthors of The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation

Revisiting the Leadership Qualities You Need to Assume the Legacy of Walt Disney

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Note: This is a revised version of a post first published in early 2020. With the huge announcement earlier this week of the replacement of Disney CEO Bob Chapek by former CEO Bob Iger, I thought I would revisit the post before publishing a new one on the return of Bob Iger, what that means to the Disney company, and how hard it is to continue a founder’s vision.

For many people today, Walt Disney is not seen as a man, but instead as a nameless, faceless entertainment giant which owns the intellectual properties of the Disney Studios, Pixar Studios, Marvel, LucasFilms, and Fox. While that is all true, the man named Walter Elias Disney rose from humble beginnings to found the studio that bears his name in 1923.

After several years of barely scraping by and one disastrous setback, Disney put together a string of successes. By the early 1930s, Disney had reached what many industry leaders considered the pinnacle of success for an animated short features studio.

However, Walt Disney wasn’t at the top; he was just getting started.

I dream, I test my dreams against my beliefs, I dare to take risks, and I execute my vision to make those dreams come true.

Walt Disney

Not all visionaries are leaders, but all leaders are visionaries. You can’t lead people without a vision of where you are taking them.

What is your dream, your vision?

According to author Pat Williams, great leaders are people of vision. Without a vision, how will you know what success looks like? How will you know how to get there? Your vision is your definition of success.

Look at the quote by Walt Disney above: “I dream, I test my dreams against my beliefs, I dare to take risks, and I execute my vision to make those dreams come true.”

Author Pat Williams breaks the quote down as follows:

  • “I dream.” Walt began with a vision, a dream of the future.
  • “I test my dreams against my beliefs.” Walt made sure his vision was consistent with his beliefs, his core values, and his integrity.
  • “I dare to take risks.” He acted boldly, betting on himself to win.
  • “I execute my vision to make those dreams come true.” He focused all his energies, and those of his organization, on turning his dreams into reality.

Walt Disney died on December 15, 1966. Although the purchase of land for what would become Walt Disney World had been completed, infrastructure work had barely begun. After concentrating on theme parks for years, the quality of movies and animation had declined. Leadership of the company passed to several individuals for a few years, then to Michael Eisner for twenty years.

After rising through the ranks of ABC Television and Disney, Iger became the COO of Disney in 2000, and then in 2005, Iger was named chairman and then CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

Put yourself in Iger’s shoes, if you can imagine: How do you assume the legacy of Walt Disney?

The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, is that story.

In the fall of 2019, Robert Iger, chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company, released a memoir/leadership book, based on his forty-five year career in the media and entertainment world. 

Robert Iger became CEO of The Walt Disney Company in 2005, during a difficult time. Competition was more intense than ever and technology was changing faster than at any time in the company’s history. His vision came down to three clear ideas: Recommit to the concept that quality matters, embrace technology instead of fighting it, and think bigger—think global—and turn Disney into a stronger brand in international markets.

Today, Disney is the largest, most admired media company in the world, counting Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox among its properties. Its value is nearly five times what it was when Iger took over, and he is recognized as one of the most innovative and successful CEOs of our era.

In The Ride of a Lifetime, Robert Iger shares the lessons he learned while running Disney and leading its 220,000-plus employees, and he explores the principles that are necessary for true leadership.

This book is about the relentless curiosity that has driven Iger for forty-five years, since the day he started as the lowliest studio grunt at ABC. It’s also about thoughtfulness and respect, and a decency-over-dollars approach that has become the bedrock of every project and partnership Iger pursues, from a deep friendship with Steve Jobs in his final years to an abiding love of the Star Wars mythology.

“The ideas in this book strike me as universal” Iger writes. “Not just to the aspiring CEOs of the world, but to anyone wanting to feel less fearful, more confidently themselves, as they navigate their professional and even personal lives.”

My experiences from day one have all been in the media and entertainment world, but these strike me as universal ideas: about fostering risk taking and creativity; about building a culture of trust; about fueling a deep and abiding curiosity in oneself and inspiring that in the people around you; about embracing change rather than living in denial of it; and about operating, always, with integrity and honesty in the world, even when that means facing things that are difficult to face. 

Bob Iger

As Iger neared the end of his 45+ year career and began to think back on what he had learned, he came up with ten principles that struck him as true leadership:

Optimism – A pragmatic enthusiasm for what can be achieved.

Courage – The foundation of risk-taking is courage.

Focus – Allocating time, energy, and resources to the strategies, problems, and projects that are of highest importance and value is extremely important.

Decisiveness – All decisions, no matter how difficult, and and should be made in a timely way.

Curiosity – A deep and abiding curiosity enables the discovery of new people, places, and ideas.

Fairness – Strong leadership embodies the fair and decent treatment of people. Empathy and accessibility are essential.

Thoughtfulness – Taking the time to develop informed opinions.

Authenticity – Be genuine and honest. Truth and authenticity breed respect and trust.

Relentless pursuit of perfection – A refusal to accept mediocrity or make excuses for something being “good enough.”

Integrity – High ethical standards for all things, big and small.

How can Iger’s list of principles inspire you to be a better leader?

A little backstory on the acquisition book: This is the book everyone who has even a passing interest in the Disney Corporation was waiting for. Since becoming a part of Disney’s senior management team in 1996, and especially since becoming CEO in 2005, Iger’s ideas and the values he embraced have led to the reinvention and resurgence of one of the most beloved companies in the world. 

Under Iger’s leadership, Disney acquired four powerhouse companies – Pixar, Marvel, LucasFilm, and 21st Century Fox.

Iger donated proceeds of from his book to educational initiatives aimed at fostering more diversity in the field of journalism.

When the rumors of his book first came out in the fall of 2016, it went on my watch list, and true to Amazon’s promise, it was delivered the day it was released on September 23, 2019.

Handing off the CEO role to Bob Chapek in early 2020, Iger remained executive chairman (till the end 2020) and chairman of the Board of The Walt Disney Company (till the end of 2021).

And now coming soon, the sequel to Bob Iger’s leadership post of the Walt Disney Company…

(To be continued)