Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort, best-selling author, and podcast host, shares insights on customer service, time management, and exceptional service in this episode.

We also discuss Disney’s Great Leader Strategies, the Three-Legged Stool in business, and lessons from his remarkable career.

To work with Lee, contact: https://www.leecockerell.com/

To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Keith Smith, former Senior Vice President of HR at Disney and Founder of Keith Smith Consulting, shares insights on business culture built on purpose, not by accident, in this episode.

We also discuss the Walt Disney World Ambassador Program, improv principles for leaders, the Ghost Light and organizational ghosts, and how friendships at work shape belonging.

To work with Keith, contact: https://www.keithsmithconsulting.com

To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Mark Russell, founder of Iron Pixel Media, shares what it takes to bring a brand’s story to life on camera and make it look effortless.

We also discuss how to produce great creative work on limited budgets, what makes storytelling different from simply capturing content, and more.

To work with Mark, contact [email protected]

To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Former Senior Vice President of Global Retail Store Development at Walt Disney Imagineering, Tony Mancini, shares how unforgettable, themed retail and hospitality environments are created.

To work with Tony, contact: https://thinktankretailhospitalitygroup.com/

To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Chief Marketing Officer, Jeff Larson, returns to share what goes on behind the scenes of major marketing decisions at Disney, Princess Cruises, Golf Channel, and more.

We share perspectives on using consumer insights effectively, leading through crises, running large in-house creative teams, and deciding when to pivot versus stay the course in your marketing.

To work with Jeff, contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyalanlarson/

To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Rob Mauldin, Founding Partner & Co-Owner of MagicMakers Group, returns to dive deeper into lessons from his two decades at Disney, focusing on leadership and data-driven approaches to shaping guest experiences.

We also share thoughts on creating a culture of excellence, navigating rapid change, leadership’s impact on the guest experience, inspiring tomorrow’s leaders, and turning strategy into action.

To work with Rob and MagicMakers Group, contact: https://www.magicmakersgroup.com/

To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Renowned innovation catalyst Lee Kitchen returns to share practical techniques for overcoming creative blocks, handling resistance to new ideas, and a few favorite stories from his Disney career.

Whether you’re leading a team, growing a business, or just looking for inspiration, this conversation will provide insights you can apply today.

To work with Lee, contact: https://www.magicaldude.com/

To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Jeff Larson, former Disney marketing leader and head of marketing at Princess Cruises, reveals what it was like behind the scenes of Disney’s in-house marketing production and the return of The Love Boat advertising campaign.

We discuss producing large-scale campaigns, prioritizing budgets when resources are limited, and maximizing the effectiveness of in-house teams and external agencies.

To work with Jeff, contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyalanlarson/

To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Former Disney Imagineering Executive and visionary master storyteller, Theron Skees, pulls back the curtain on how Disney creates magic on land, at sea, and around the world in this episode of Marketing Over Bourbon.

We explore lessons learned from his 30+ years of experience in the themed entertainment industry, his vision for “Narrative Experience Design,” and how companies can utilize this approach to create meaningful connections with their audiences.

To learn more, read Theron’s book, https://creatingmemorableworlds.com/

To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/

Master community builder Skip Sher returns in this episode of Marketing Over Bourbon to continue the conversation on how Club D3, also known as Disney Day Drinkers Club, became a movement rooted in connection, nostalgia, making a difference, and a great cocktail.

In Part 2, we talk about unlocking brand loyalty through emotional connection, building something that lasts, and why giving back is core to Club D3’s culture. 

Whether you're a Club D3 member or simply curious how a brand becomes a community, this one’s for you.

To join Club D3, visit: https://www.clubd3.com/

To work with Sheila, contact: https://www.butlermg.com/