"If you take an opportunity and it doesn't work out, you can always go back and find that next window that's going to open and you do something different."

Notable Moments

01:11 Embracing Risks and Opportunity

02:24 Mentor and Role Model Growing Up

05:13 Memorable Guest Service Excellence

09:40 Purpose of Luxury Experiences

Barry Jacobson is a seasoned expert in guest experiences. He is also now a seasoned guest of the show that is making a return to ask me three questions. His experience in creating memorable customer experiences, brought a fresh set of questions that took me down memory lane. Read my blog for more on my reflections from my past. 

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"Luxury means that I'm going to have this innate ability to have intuitive service radar. It's going to allow me to understand you as an individual and to be able to ensure that your needs are met no matter who you are."

When most people hear the word luxury they think about dollar signs or exclusivity. For Barry Jacobson, luxury is about creating that absence of worry and making each interaction magical. Barry's career spans three decades in the hospitality and customer experience industry, including key roles with Disney. He joins me to explore what luxury truly means and how anyone can incorporate it into their business model.

Barry started working with Disney as a lifeguard, and worked his way to leading luxurious endeavors like Club Thirty-Three and as the General Manager at Golden Oak, Disney's first luxury residential community. He recognized the importance of blending personal touch and attention to detail to elevate ordinary experiences to extraordinary. For example, at Golden Oak, crafting personalized Thanksgiving meals with family recipes exemplified this elevated service level. Even the smallest detail is crafted for comfort and delight.

Barry knows that true luxury is in the details. That may be a thoughtfully clean restroom or a warm greeting as simple as a friendly hello. These are the markers of a business that cares deeply for its customers, regardless of scale or industry. We dug into how making customers feel special doesn’t take a big budget, just a deliberate approach. Whether it’s showing empathy at an orthopedic clinic or offering a little extra for restless children in a restaurant, it’s the human connection that leaves a lasting impression.

Barry’s insights affirm that any business, no matter if it’s a corner store or a massive resort, can offer luxury. The tools? Kindness, attention to detail, and the desire to create meaningful moments. Remember, it’s not only about lavishness; it’s making people feel valued and cared for in the simplest ways.

Connect with Barry

https://www.barryjacobsonconsulting.com/

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"I have a show that I've had in mind for a couple of years, and I wouldn't say I'm too scared to pursue it. I just look at it and say, okay. I'd have a good time with that, but it would take a lot of work."

One of the benefits of audio storytelling isn't just in the words we share; it's in the experiences we create. Recently, I welcomed back Rick Allen, to turn the tables and ask me three questions. We ended up talked about dream guests, unexplored episode topics, and the creation of audio experiences. Read my blog for more insights from this episode. 

Notable Moments

01:02 Dream Guests

05:24 The Magic of Audio Experiences

07:30 Chasing Creative Dreams

10:01 The Role of Technology in Storytelling

Connect with Rick

https://rickallenconsultinggroup.com/

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"We've designed the bathroom to be agnostic to the environment in which it goes. There are certainly other operational considerations the further out you go, but there's really no fundamental limitation as to where we put a throne."

Bathrooms in parks are rarely the focus of innovation, but I was eager to dive into this unexplored territory with guests Jessica Heinzelmann and Fletcher Wilson from Throne Labs. Together, they are revolutionizing bathrooms, transforming them from mundane necessities into seamless, data-driven experiences for park visitors. Read the blog for more from this episode about how they are helping rethink park restrooms.

Connect with ThroneLabs

ThroneLabs.com

LinkedIn Jessica Heinzelman 

LinkedIn Fletcher Wilson

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"Having a relationship based culture is going to beat everything else you try to do when it comes to guests."

The magic of Disney isn’t just in the attractions; it’s in the people. That’s at the heart of my conversation with Rick Allen, a Disney veteran of 43 years. Rick has seen firsthand how relationships shape the culture of an organization. Read the blog for more on why he says strong connections between employees, leaders, and customers are the foundation of long-term success.

Connect with Rick

Rickallenconsultinggroup.com

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"Have other people around you that have different points of view, or related points of view with different perspectives. I think that benefits a lot of people."

Isn't it funny how those unplanned "hallway conversations" drive creativity and collaboration? Bob Weis, retired president of Walt Disney Imagineering, returns to share how our unexpected chats can spark innovation and shape an organization's culture. Read the blog for more insights from this episode.

Notable Moments

03:11 Book Signings Aboard Disney Treasure

07:11 Monitoring the Los Angeles Fires from a Ship

08:58 Unknown Impact of the Fires on Neighborhood and Home While Aboard

15:26 Disney's Strong Alumni Support Network

18:24 Book Signings Give Opportunity to Connect with Fans

21:16 Inspired by Author Timothy Egan's Personal Touch

23:50 Author Signings at Walt Disney's Barn in Griffith Park

27:10 Spontaneous Hallway Conversations Sparked Creative Exchanges at Imagineering.

30:36 Diversity's Role in Creative Success

33:13 Marty Sklar's Energizing Walks to Boost his Mood and Productivity

37:01 Stewardship and Storytelling in Tourism Attracts Repeat Guests

Connect with Bob Weis

www.bobweis.com

Order the book – Dream Chasing

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"If you're confident that you've done your very best, then you can't do anything better than your very best." 

It's been nearly two years since Jeff Noel joined for a conversation. We dove deep into the five quotes I tell myself every day to stay focused and motivated. There are a number of ways that these reminders can aid professionals in both their personal and professional lives. Read my blog or take a listen to learn more about my five quotes.

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"If you want to invent an innovative future, first, you have to start where you are."

Ever wonder what a crow named Bernice has to do with innovation? Bob Allen returns to share more from his fascinating journey from executive leadership with Disney to his latest venture, Zenovation. Our conversation highlights how blending personal passions can lead to groundbreaking ideas. Read the blog for more highlights from this episode.

Connect with Bob Allen

Bob's Website https://zennovationnetwork.com/

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"You have to push through that first fear barrier because it's one of those universal themes in storytelling, the fear of failure."

The spark of a great story can come from the most unexpected places. In my recent conversation with Matthew Luhn, an accomplished storyteller and former Disney/Pixar creative, we talk about the magic of universal themes in storytelling, whether for film or business. Read my blog for more about our conversation. 

Resources:

Matthewluhnstory.com

twitter.com/matthewluhn

The Best Story Wins: How to Leverage Hollywood Storytelling in Business and Beyond by Matthew Luhn

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"If you go through the process of doing the research and showing up prepared with questions, you may never get to ask any of those questions. And I say it doesn't matter. The fact that you were prepared with questions will make the conversation that much better."

Preparation is key to an unforgettable conversation. This was front and center of my mind as I prepared for my interview with Bob Wise, author of "Dream Chasing" and retired president of Walt Disney Imagineering. By being well prepared I am able to genuinely listen and respond to the nuances of guest's insights rather than just ticking off a list. Read the blog to for more on my approach to preparing for a guest.

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