Bippity Boppity Business: A podcast for Disney Enthusiasts and Business Professionals.

It’s no surprise that Disney produces some top tier leaders and visionaries, but what makes Disney leaders so magical?

It’s the “integrators” backstage that know how to bring their most innovative ideas to reality!Because as they say, “The show must go on!”

This week’s guest explains how she was able to execute some of the most complex of ideas and processes during her time at Disney.

As a Cast Member, she spearheaded Workforce Management and productivity for the Disney Sports and Recreation businesses, launched large-scale work such as bringing the Disney Service Basics to life at Walt Disney World, and many more areas of business behind the scenes…

Now, she consults leaders and entrepreneurs on how to fix, build, and grow their businesses to heights higher than Cinderella’s castle.

Listen in as Rita welcomes Heather Havey, former Disney Cast Member, and mastermind behind Heather Havey Consulting, to have a magical discussion about how leaders of all kinds can bring their ideas to reality.

In this episode, Heather and Rita discuss:

- Heather’s most magical and most challenging moments as a Disney cast member

- The tremendous impacts of 9/11 on Disney, its cast members, and its customers

- The power of empathy and a people-focused approach to customer relations

- Tips and tools for entrepreneurs and leaders in an ever-changing, tech-driven world

- Best practices for guest follow-ups and ensuring a positive customer experience + Disney’s method of “Discover and Recover”

- Skills learned at Disney and GE that have boosted Heather’s professional development

- What inspired Heather to shift to entrepreneurship and consulting

- The new technology system she designed and implemented at Disney that increased automation and trackable workflow while reducing design labor by 50%

- Differences between leaders and integrators & How they can successfully work together

Be sure to stick around for the Disney Rapid Fire Questions segment! You won’t want to miss Heather’s answers!

Do you wish to connect with our special guest?

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/heatherlhavey

Visit Heather’s website: www.heatherhaveyconsulting.com

Email her: [email protected]

Tune in to every conversation about making magic in business on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google! Leave a rating and review so we can keep making magic!

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Bippity Boppity Business in your favorite podcast player.

Connect with Rita:

Visit her website: https://bippityboppitybiz.com

Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ritaricha

In 2021, collectible items and products became ALL the rage. From re-selling valuable Pokémon cards to investing in one-of-a-kind pieces of art in the form of NFTs, consumers have entered a new era of buying… and brands have recognized that.

Disney-lovers know better than anyone that pin trading and collecting items is more than a hobby, it’s a lifestyle! So, capitalizing on the concept of products becoming collectibles and creating a cult-like following has caused some companies to grow wildly successful, including Loungefly.

If you’ve walked into a Hot Topic or a Disney store, you’ve likely seen Loungefly’s geeky backpacks. They’re not only adorable, but they’re big business for the leading pop-culture lifestyle brand, Funko. How do they achieve this kind of success? It’s an amazing combination of creativity, innovation, and a leader that encourages infusing wonder into every product design.

Listen in as we welcome Liz DeSilva, the Vice President of Creative at Loungefly and the innovative brain behind the accessories, and its extending brands Loungefly Apparel and Stitch Shoppe, to have a magical discussion about the creative process behind turning products into innovative collectibles, that turn customers into life-long fans.

In this episode, Liz and I discuss:

- Liz’s professional career: From girls’ clothing graphic designer to creative executive

- How to keep your team aligned with the mission and vision for your organization while working remotely

- The research and design process for a creative campaign

- How Loungefly’s creative process works & Liz’s role in it

- Business growth strategies they used to grow sales by 132% in 2021

- Upcoming Loungefly collections [SanRio Sweet Treats, Care Bears, E.T., Valentine's Day, Disney Princess Castle, & Disney Villains Scenes Collections] past & upcoming (Gaston) & Liz’s favorites from the past

Be sure to stick around for the Disney Rapid Fire Questions segment! You won’t want to miss Liz’s answers!

Want to learn more?

- Visit Loungefly’s website: www.loungefly.com

- Follow Loungefly on Instagram: www.instagram.com/loungefly

- Follow them on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Loungefly

- Follow them on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@loungefly

- Connect with them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/shoploungefly

- Follow Stitch Shoppe by Loungefly on Instagram: www.instagram.com/stitchshoppebyloungefly

Be sure to hear every conversation about making magic in business on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google!

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Bippity Boppity Business in your favorite podcast player.This episode of Bippity Boppity Business was hosted by Rita Richa. 

From taking risks to leading a team, there are many intricate facets to career development. Especially when it comes to positions in hospitality and customer experience, gaining new skills and broadening your impact as a manager can launch your career to new heights.

Having held multiple different positions at Disney World over ten years, Caitlin Busscher knows a thing or two about how the skills learned through working at Disney can be applied to any career in any industry.

So, how do you become a great leader the Disney way? How do you achieve excellence in customer experience and team culture, regardless of what company you work for?

Listen in as I welcome Caitlin Busscher, former Walt Disney World Ambassador and Experience Development Manager, to have a magical discussion about what it takes to achieve excellence in customer service, hospitality, and company culture.

In this episode, Caitlin and I discuss:

- How Caitlin’s career at Disney has shaped her as a person & Skills she’s transferred from Disney to other careers.

- The power of taking risks in your career and going outside of your comfort zone professionally.

- Advice for pursuing a career abroad at Disney Paris, Tokyo, etc.

- How to stay organized, focused, and effective when solving business problems.

- Characteristics of magical managers and leaders & Why feedback is a gift.

A glimpse into what it’s like to be a Walt Disney World Ambassador.

Be sure to stick around for the Disney Rapid Fire Questions segment! You won’t want to miss Caitlin’s answers!

Do you wish to connect with our special guest?

Visit Caitlin’s website: www.caitwithoutborders.com

Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinbusscher

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/caitoutdoors

Read her Q&A in Attractions Magazine: https://bit.ly/3FmmaEI

Read her Medium article “We Keep Moving Forward – Life After Disney”: https://bit.ly/3oGmrvB

Be sure to hear every conversation about making magic in business on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google!

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Bippity Boppity Business in your favorite podcast player.

Every Disney movie, show, park ride, and themed entertainment experience starts with an idea… but what really brings that idea to life is a writer and storyteller.

Imagine a story you’ve created and developed over time being shown to thousands of people. Imagine them in absolute awe, falling in love with the characters and the storyline. That’s so incredible, it gives me goosebumps!

As a writer of both books and immersive experiences, Stacy Barton loves hearing, seeing, shaping, and sharing stories. She also values how stories come to life with an audience and how that experience impacts them, no matter what age they’re at.

So, what is it like to be a freelance writer that has worked with companies like Seaworld, Ringling Bros., and Disney? How does someone become a successful creative writer and storyteller?

Listen in as I welcome Stacy Barton, writer, and award-winning author, to have a magical discussion about impactful storytelling and connecting with your audience through immersive experiences the “Disney Way.”

In this episode, Stacy and I discuss:

- Stacy’s journey to becoming a writer for Disney, SeaWorld, Ringling Bros., and more!

- Tips for aspiring Disney writers.

- How to connect to your audience and speak to their heart in the age of digital pollution.

- The challenges and most fun parts of being a contracted writer or creative.

- What the collaborative creative process is like for Disney’s themed entertainment.

- Why is hope a theme people are searching for right now?

- The connection between business, marketing, and storytelling.

Be sure to stick around for the Disney Rapid Fire Questions segment! You won’t want to miss Stacy’s answers!

Do you wish to connect with our special guest?

Visit Stacy’s website: www.stacybarton.com

Connect with Stacy on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-barton-58b7997

Be sure to hear every conversation about making magic in business on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google!

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Bippity Boppity Business in your favorite podcast player.

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Bippity Boppity Business is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or brand. The content of this podcast is meant for educational purposes.  

Guests featured in Bippity Boppity Business are voicing personal thoughts and opinions and are not directly representing the Walt Disney World Company or brand.

A common thread that runs through everyone in the Disney community is wondrous creativity.  

From Dapper Day to Disneybounding, there are so many ways for Disney-loving adults (and kids, of course) to be creative, connect with one another, express themselves, and escape from the stressors of daily life.  

For Kristen Davis, being a content creator and designing unique, Disney-inspired garments are some of her favorite ways to express herself and her love for Disney. 

Curious to know what it’s like to be a Disney Instagram Influencer?  

Listen in as Rita Richa welcomes Kristen Davis, a Disney Instagram Influencer, to have a magical discussion about how she turns her visits to Disney into social media content magic. 

In this episode, Rita and Kristen discuss:

-Why the Disney community is so strong

-What is Dapper Day and what makes it special?

-The history of Disneybounding and pin trading

-Kristen’s love for fashion and creating one-of-a-kind, Disney-inspired dresses

-Tips for taking pictures at Disney, even if you’re alone

-Hacks for repurposing content on TikTok and Instagram Reels

-Advice on being an influencer and working with brands as an ambassador 

Be sure to stick around for the Disney Rapid Fire Questions segment! You won’t want to miss Kristen’s answers! 

Do you wish to connect with our special guest?

Follow Kristen on Instagram: www.instagram.com/kris.rainbows  

Follow her on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kris.rainbows  

Subscribe to her YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3m0jd4J   

Be sure to hear every conversation about making magic in business on Apple Podcasts, Spotify… 

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Bippity Boppity Business in your favorite podcast player.

The business of being an entertainer isn’t just about singing songs and dancing in extravagant costumes… there are difficult moments in the entertainment industry, but it can be a ton of fun and very rewarding when pursued as a career!  

With all the uncertainty, cancellations, and closures due to the pandemic, there’s no surprise that performers have struggled during 2020 and 2021.  

Alas, the show must go on!  

What does it take to be a professional performer, especially when auditions are highly competitive AND oftentimes virtual?  

Rita Richa welcomes Kelly Wolfe, Lead Performer at Legoland Florida Resort, to have a magical discussion that provides insight and advice for performers striving for success during a time where COVID is displacing many entertainment workers.  

In this episode, Rita and Kelly discuss:

- How to pursue performance as a career

- Overcoming imposter syndrome and anxiety during casting calls

- Tips for nailing your audition and standing out in the crowd

- Hacks for performing your best and caring for your voice

- Working as a performer at Legoland and Universal

- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance industry

- Advice for auditioning virtually  

Be sure to stick around for the Disney Rapid Fire Questions segment! 

You won’t want to miss Kelly’s answers! 

Do you wish to connect with our special guest?

-Visit Kelly Wolfe’s website: www.officialkellywolfe.com 

-Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/kwolfepack_  

Be sure to hear every conversation about making magic in business on Apple Podcasts, Spotify… 

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Bippity Boppity Business in your favorite podcast player.

“It’s Not Magic That Makes It Work, It’s The Way We Work That Makes It Magic.” -Lee Cockerell

Being a leader and running a business isn’t all about the numbers or even your final product or service. It’s about the people and their experiences!

Have you ever been unsatisfied with a company’s customer service or product? Most likely, we all have! What really makes a company or leader shine and succeed, even in the face of an unhappy customer, is their ability to lead their team to greatness and provide outstanding customer experiences, time after time.

But how do you become a great leader while ensuring fantastic experiences for your customers?

Rita Richa welcomes Lee Cockerell. Lee is the former Executive Vice President of Operations for the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort, to have a magical discussion about how to approach leadership and world-class customer experience the “Disney” way.

In this episode, Rita and Lee discuss:

-Lee Cockerell’s experience working with Disney & His leadership style; the role of empathy, discipline, and trust in leadership

-How to maintain a low employee turnover

-How to keep your team aligned with the mission and vision of your organization

-Lee’s biggest challenges as a leader: Crisis management, recessions, & more, oh my!

-Incorporating inclusivity and accessibility into the customer experience

-How Disney pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic & How to use technology to adapt to changes in the market

Lee recommends these professional development books:

-The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker

-The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey

Lee Cockerell’s Best Selling Books:

-Creating Magic…10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney is now available in 21 languages, 

-The Customer Rules...The 39 Essential Rules for Delivering Sensational Service is currently available in 15 languages.

-Time Management Magic…How to Get More Done Every Day 

-Career Magic…How to Stay on Track to Achieve a Stellar Career

Be sure to stick around for the Disney Rapid Fire Questions segment! You won’t want to miss Lee’s answers!

Do you wish to connect with our special guest? Visit his website: www.leecockerell.com

Be sure to hear every conversation about making magic in business on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Bippity Boppity Business in your favorite podcast player.

No one makes magic in business like Disney!

Join us as we hear from Disney cast members, influencers, and enthusiasts as we uncover the secrets of what it takes "behind the scenes" to make Disney such a successful and well-loved brand!

Hosted by Rita Richa