Dan was born in Chicago in 1969. His father was an executive with the Marriott Corporation and as a result, Dan moved frequently across the United States while growing up.
He attended Boston University, graduating in 1991, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. An avid rugby player, he was selected for the 1990 and 1991 USA Collegiate All-American Rugby team, and was Captain for the 1991 team.
Dan’s first experience working for Disney was as a participant in the Walt Disney World College Program in Orlando in the summer of 1989, when he worked as a front desk host at the Contemporary Resort.
Upon graduation from Boston University in 1991, Dan moved to Florida and participated in the Disneyland Paris Management Trainee Program. In January of 1992, three months before the opening of Disneyland Paris, he was transferred to France, where he remained for five years in various management roles. He and his wife Valerie, who was also with Disneyland Paris, were married in France and spent five years there before moving back to Orlando in 1997. Since that time they have raised three children – Jullian, Margot and Tristan.
Dan has held various management and executive operations roles at the Walt Disney World Resort, both in the theme parks and resort hotels, and was the sixth executive to hold the position of Vice President, Magic Kingdom since the park opened in 1971. He earned his MBA in 2001 at the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College.
Dan puts great value on spending time in the operation and frequently spent time in the park, assisting cast members and interacting with guests. He believes that building relationships is critical for leadership success, and his approachability in the workplace is a testament to his people-first philosophy.
In addition to his operational responsibilities, Dan has been a keynote speaker for the world-renowned Disney Institute for 18 years. He has addressed open-enrollment participants as well as attendees in customized programs including the USAA Bank, General Motors, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Army, the Southern Methodist University Business School, Porsche A.G., and United Airlines. He also participated in the Sodexo Quality Life Worldwide Conference Panel, moderated by Arianna Huffington, in 2015.
He served on the board of Junior Achievement of Central Florida from 2004-2018, and was Chairman in 2010.
After a fulfilling and exciting 26-year career with the Walt Disney Company, and upon becoming empty nesters, Dan and Valerie made the decision to set out on a new adventure, balancing their time between Orlando and Boulder, Colorado. Valerie continues to facilitate Disney Institute programs in Orlando, as well as programs in French-speaking Quebec.
Dan provides customized, authentic presentations, focusing on leadership and management practices, drawing upon his extensive Disney career with relevant examples and inspiring storytelling.
Connect with Dan Cockerell
Episode 348
This episode is brought to you by Super Joe’s Super Retreats!
]]>He attended Boston University, graduating in 1991, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. An avid rugby player, he was selected for the 1990 and 1991 USA Collegiate All-American Rugby team, and was Captain for the 1991 team.
Dan’s first experience working for Disney was as a participant in the Walt Disney World College Program in Orlando in the summer of 1989, when he worked as a front desk host at the Contemporary Resort.
Upon graduation from Boston University in 1991, Dan moved to Florida and participated in the Disneyland Paris Management Trainee Program. In January of 1992, three months before the opening of Disneyland Paris, he was transferred to France, where he remained for five years in various management roles. He and his wife Valerie, who was also with Disneyland Paris, were married in France and spent five years there before moving back to Orlando in 1997. Since that time they have raised three children – Jullian, Margot and Tristan.
Dan has held various management and executive operations roles at the Walt Disney World Resort, both in the theme parks and resort hotels, and was the sixth executive to hold the position of Vice President, Magic Kingdom since the park opened in 1971. He earned his MBA in 2001 at the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College.
Dan puts great value on spending time in the operation and frequently spent time in the park, assisting cast members and interacting with guests. He believes that building relationships is critical for leadership success, and his approachability in the workplace is a testament to his people-first philosophy.
In addition to his operational responsibilities, Dan has been a keynote speaker for the world-renowned Disney Institute for 18 years. He has addressed open-enrollment participants as well as attendees in customized programs including the USAA Bank, General Motors, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Army, the Southern Methodist University Business School, Porsche A.G., and United Airlines. He also participated in the Sodexo Quality Life Worldwide Conference Panel, moderated by Arianna Huffington, in 2015.
He served on the board of Junior Achievement of Central Florida from 2004-2018, and was Chairman in 2010.
After a fulfilling and exciting 26-year career with the Walt Disney Company, and upon becoming empty nesters, Dan and Valerie made the decision to set out on a new adventure, balancing their time between Orlando and Boulder, Colorado. Valerie continues to facilitate Disney Institute programs in Orlando, as well as programs in French-speaking Quebec.
Dan provides customized, authentic presentations, focusing on leadership and management practices, drawing upon his extensive Disney career with relevant examples and inspiring storytelling.
Connect with Dan Cockerell
DanCockerell.com
Episode 348
This episode is brought to you by Super Joe’s Super Retreats!]]>
Tom has been playing music since the age of 9, which led him to the acclaimed James Tannenbaum of the Cleveland Institute of Music.
By 1998, Tom recorded his first album, “Treasure The Gift.” Shortly after he moved to Los Angeles and began performing at venues all over the city. The locals began to take notice and soon he found himself performing as J.J. Abrams’ private pianist, and alongside Grammy nominated artist Jim Brickman on tour, as well as producing and arranging for him. Tom’s arrangements can be heard on a vast array of Jim’s albums, including “Beautiful World” and the holiday album “Joy”.
Tom later hooked up with Somerset Entertainment, a Canadian record label, and has released multiple albums for them. Lavender” and “Inner Peace” are Wal Mart exclusives. “Love At First Sight” is available through Amazon, and theme parks throughout the country. “Twinkle Twinkle Little Starfish”, under the Fisher Price label, can be found at Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores.
Tom most recently released his 3rd Disney album earlier this year after the last 2 charted on the Billboard Top 10. All 3 are available on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. His next album is already in the works and promises to be the biggest yet.
In his spare time, Tom enjoys reading, and is a big video game junkie. He currently resides in Los Angeles. Stay tuned to the web site for all the new original music Tom is writing.
Connect with Tom Ameen
]]>By 1998, Tom recorded his first album, “Treasure The Gift.” Shortly after he moved to Los Angeles and began performing at venues all over the city. The locals began to take notice and soon he found himself performing as J.J. Abrams' private pianist, and alongside Grammy nominated artist Jim Brickman on tour, as well as producing and arranging for him. Tom’s arrangements can be heard on a vast array of Jim’s albums, including “Beautiful World” and the holiday album “Joy”.
Tom later hooked up with Somerset Entertainment, a Canadian record label, and has released multiple albums for them. Lavender” and “Inner Peace” are Wal Mart exclusives. “Love At First Sight” is available through Amazon, and theme parks throughout the country. “Twinkle Twinkle Little Starfish”, under the Fisher Price label, can be found at Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores.
Tom most recently released his 3rd Disney album earlier this year after the last 2 charted on the Billboard Top 10. All 3 are available on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. His next album is already in the works and promises to be the biggest yet.
In his spare time, Tom enjoys reading, and is a big video game junkie. He currently resides in Los Angeles. Stay tuned to the web site for all the new original music Tom is writing.
Connect with Tom Ameen
TomAmeenMusic.com
Facebook]]>
Laura Giknis is a Barrymore Award- nominated actress, singer and Actors Equity Association Member. With an honors degree in Visual & Performing Arts from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a former Vice President of Alpha Psi Omega, she currently resides in Philadelphia with her imaginary dogs and her extensive jacket collection. She has appeared in many professional musical productions and performances across the country including Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, FL, Bristol Riverside Theatre in Bristol, PA, People’s Light of Malvern and the nationally renowned Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. Some of her favorite performances include Sister Act, Working, UP!, Noises Off, High Society, Grease!, Joshua Harmon’s Bad Jews, & An Enemy of the People (check out that resume for more!).
She received a Barrymore Nomination for best actress in a musical for her role as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors and declared Best Supporting Actress in a Play by Philadelphia Weekly for the production of UP!. Laura also hosts a YouTube channel where she talks about beauty favorites, Disney, and all around good style. Laura is getting ready to set sail and join the Disney family on February 20th and is very excited to start this new chapter in her life. Having never been on a cruise before, this will indeed be a fun and challenging learning experience!
Connect with Laura Giknis
Episode 282
]]>She received a Barrymore Nomination for best actress in a musical for her role as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors and declared Best Supporting Actress in a Play by Philadelphia Weekly for the production of UP!. Laura also hosts a YouTube channel where she talks about beauty favorites, Disney, and all around good style. Laura is getting ready to set sail and join the Disney family on February 20th and is very excited to start this new chapter in her life. Having never been on a cruise before, this will indeed be a fun and challenging learning experience!
Connect with Laura Giknis
Youtube
Episode 282]]>
Jeffrey A. Barnes is an author, professional keynote speaker, higher education administrator, university professor, and leadership/success coach. He has over thirty-five years of professional speaking experience and nearly twenty years experience leading teams in higher education and teaching over twenty different college courses in both the traditional classroom and on-line—including The History of Disneyland at California Baptist University in Riverside, California.
He attributes his passion for Disneyland to his love of history, story, and success. He believes the Park teaches us some of life’s greatest lessons—as long as you know its history, know what to look for, and you are willing to connect it all to your own story.
Jeffrey A. Barnes lives in Riverside with his lovely wife, Niki, and their two boys, Logan and Wesley. Their daughter, Bethany, lives in Las Vegas where she works as an investigative journalist at the Las Vegas Review Journal. When he is not teaching or writing, Jeff enjoys spending as much time as possible in “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
Shoot me your questions to [email protected]
Episode 241
]]>He attributes his passion for Disneyland to his love of history, story, and success. He believes the Park teaches us some of life’s greatest lessons—as long as you know its history, know what to look for, and you are willing to connect it all to your own story.
Jeffrey A. Barnes lives in Riverside with his lovely wife, Niki, and their two boys, Logan and Wesley. Their daughter, Bethany, lives in Las Vegas where she works as an investigative journalist at the Las Vegas Review Journal. When he is not teaching or writing, Jeff enjoys spending as much time as possible in “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
Shoot me your questions to [email protected]
Episode 241]]>
Connect with Shannon Albert
I got to meet Shannon while were both at Podcast Movement. We were both in the same room to see Lee Cockerell’s talk and we started chatting about our dislike of webinars. She runs a great site for Walt Disney World vacationers to go and get strategies to help make their stay more magical. Make sure you check out her site www.WDWPrepSchool.com!
Read more about Shannon Albert
WDW Prep School was created by Shannon Albert. After planning several trips for herself and others, she decided to compile the information so that even more people could learn how to plan their own trips successfully.
Shannon’s approach to planning is focused around doing lots of research, making a plan with lots of fun touches and then being flexible so that everyone has a great time on their Disney World trip.
Shannon’s own family (including her husband, daughter and son) have enjoyed several Disney trips. Their very favorite resort is The Beach Club – a 5 minute walk from their favorite park, Epcot.
Episode 211
]]>WDWPrepSchool.com
I got to meet Shannon while were both at Podcast Movement. We were both in the same room to see Lee Cockerell's talk and we started chatting about our dislike of webinars. She runs a great site for Walt Disney World vacationers to go and get strategies to help make their stay more magical. Make sure you check out her site www.WDWPrepSchool.com!
Read more about Shannon Albert
WDW Prep School was created by Shannon Albert. After planning several trips for herself and others, she decided to compile the information so that even more people could learn how to plan their own trips successfully.
Shannon's approach to planning is focused around doing lots of research, making a plan with lots of fun touches and then being flexible so that everyone has a great time on their Disney World trip.
Shannon's own family (including her husband, daughter and son) have enjoyed several Disney trips. Their very favorite resort is The Beach Club - a 5 minute walk from their favorite park, Epcot.
Episode 211]]>
Connect with Lee Cockerell
I am pumped to get to share this episode with all of you today! Not only was Lee Cockerell gratis enough to be on Dreamers Podcast, but he also did an interview for my new show Living the Dream Podcast which I highly recommend you check out!
Growing up and going to Walt Disney World many times in my life pushed me into the person I am today. I can’t thank Lee Cockerell enough for helping make Walt Disney World a magical, safe, and customer friendly place for my family to take me to growing up. I am glad that I got to thank him in person while down at Podcast Movement 2015 in Texas a few weeks ago.
Lee Cockerell is offering a promo code (MAGIC) for Thrive15.com, edutainment 15 minute videos if you want to become a better leader, manager or to create world-class customer service. (use promotion code MAGIC for a FREE trial period. When you join a military veteran or active duty service member receives a free subscription.)
Also make sure you check out Lee Cockerell’s podcast “Creating Disney Magic” which is produced and co-starring Jody Maberry! Jody was on a previous episode of Dreamers Podcast!
More About Lee Cockerell
One of Lee’s major and lasting legacies was the creation of Disney Great Leader Strategies which was used to train and develop the 7000 leaders at Walt Disney World. Lee has held various executive positions in the hospitality and entertainment business with Hilton Hotels for 8 years and the Marriott Corporation for 17 years before joining Disney in 1990 to open the Disneyland Paris project.
Lee Cockerell has served as Chairman of the Board of Heart of Florida United Way, the Board of Trustees for The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the board of the Production and Operations Management Society and the board of Reptilia a Canadian attractions and entertainment company. In 2005 Governor Bush appointed Lee to the Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Public Service for the state of Florida where he served as Chairman of the Board.
He is now dedicating his time to public speaking, authoring a book on leadership, management and service excellence titled, Creating Magic…10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney. which is now available in 13 languages and his latest book, The Customer Rules…The 39 Essential Rules for Delivering Sensational Service. Lee also performs leadership and service excellence workshops and consulting for organizations around the world as well as for the Disney Institute. Lee has received the following awards;
- Golden Chain Award for Outstanding leadership and business performance from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operations Association (MUFSO).
- Silver Plate Award for Outstanding Operator in the foodservice industry from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA).
- Excellence In Production Operations Management and Leadership (POMS) from the Productions and Operations.
- Grandfather of the year from his three grandchildren, Jullian, Margot and Tristan.
Lee and his wife Priscilla live in Orlando Florida.
Episode 194
]]>LeeCockerell.com
Thrive15.com
I am pumped to get to share this episode with all of you today! Not only was Lee Cockerell gratis enough to be on Dreamers Podcast, but he also did an interview for my new show Living the Dream Podcast which I highly recommend you check out!
Growing up and going to Walt Disney World many times in my life pushed me into the person I am today. I can't thank Lee Cockerell enough for helping make Walt Disney World a magical, safe, and customer friendly place for my family to take me to growing up. I am glad that I got to thank him in person while down at Podcast Movement 2015 in Texas a few weeks ago.
Lee Cockerell is offering a promo code (MAGIC) for Thrive15.com, edutainment 15 minute videos if you want to become a better leader, manager or to create world-class customer service. (use promotion code MAGIC for a FREE trial period. When you join a military veteran or active duty service member receives a free subscription.)
Also make sure you check out Lee Cockerell's podcast "Creating Disney Magic" which is produced and co-starring Jody Maberry! Jody was on a previous episode of Dreamers Podcast!
More About Lee Cockerell
Lee Cockerell is the former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort. "As the Senior Operating Executive for ten years Lee led a team of 40,000 Cast Members and was responsible for the operations of 20 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a shopping & entertainment village and the ESPN sports and recreation complex in addition to the ancillary operations which supported the number one vacation destination in the world."
One of Lee's major and lasting legacies was the creation of Disney Great Leader Strategies which was used to train and develop the 7000 leaders at Walt Disney World. Lee has held various executive positions in the hospitality and entertainment business with Hilton Hotels for 8 years and the Marriott Corporation for 17 years before joining Disney in 1990 to open the Disneyland Paris project.
Lee Cockerell has served as Chairman of the Board of Heart of Florida United Way, the Board of Trustees for The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the board of the Production and Operations Management Society and the board of Reptilia a Canadian attractions and entertainment company. In 2005 Governor Bush appointed Lee to the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Public Service for the state of Florida where he served as Chairman of the Board.
He is now dedicating his time to public speaking, authoring a book on leadership, management and service excellence titled, Creating Magic…10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney. which is now available in 13 languages and his latest book, The Customer Rules…The 39 Essential Rules for Delivering Sensational Service. Lee also performs leadership and service excellence workshops and consulting for organizations around the world as well as for the Disney Institute. Lee has received the following awards;
* Golden Chain Award for Outstanding leadership and business performance from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operations Association (MU...]]>
Connect with Joe Pardo!
Hey Dreamers! Today is the big day, the launch of my first book, Joe Pardo’s 31 Life-Changing Concepts! I am so excited to share this book with all of you. So I decided to bring Al Kessel (Episode 1, Episode 100 and Episode 145) on to take over hosting duties!
It was great to get to talk with Al Kessel about 31 Life-Changing Concepts because we were able to work together on getting an audio book version of the book released!
I wrote 31 Life-Changing Concepts because I strive every day to live by these concepts. How I wrote this self-development book was important to me because I am a slow reader and do not read many books. My hand-drawn pictures were done with Sharpies to show the power of what someone who “isn’t an artist” can accomplish. The message here is simple: Be Yourself!
My book Joe Pardo’s 31 Life-Changing Concepts comes out April 6th! You can order it today on Amazon, just click here!
Episode 161
]]>Joe Pardo.net
Hey Dreamers! Today is the big day, the launch of my first book, Joe Pardo's 31 Life-Changing Concepts! I am so excited to share this book with all of you. So I decided to bring Al Kessel (Episode 1, Episode 100 and Episode 145) on to take over hosting duties!
It was great to get to talk with Al Kessel about 31 Life-Changing Concepts because we were able to work together on getting an audio book version of the book released!
I wrote 31 Life-Changing Concepts because I strive every day to live by these concepts. How I wrote this self-development book was important to me because I am a slow reader and do not read many books. My hand-drawn pictures were done with Sharpies to show the power of what someone who “isn’t an artist” can accomplish. The message here is simple: Be Yourself!
My book Joe Pardo's 31 Life-Changing Concepts comes out April 6th! You can order it today on Amazon, just click here!
Episode 161]]>
Connect with Krista Joy of Disney Ways!
Krista Joy pushed herself and her entrepreneurial streak to the limit to make her dreams into reality! Starting up her blog, Disney Ways was only the beginning of her trying to break away from traditional jobs! She has been doing big things down in Orlando, Florida! Not only with a community that she has built up, but getting to be a part of Disney Parks Podcast which has helped her make more connections with fans of Disney and opened up for even more interviews with Disney legends!
I am so glad that Beatrice Feeney (from episode 33) connected us, because we have become great friends since then! As you may already know, I love passionate people, and Krista is one of those people! I am happy to help her on her journey with Disney Ways and Disney Parks Podcast! In fact, Krista and I had just met for the first time in person the other day while on a trip down to Disney World for WDW Today’s Reunion meet up events, and also Podcast Florida conference, in part, held by previous guest Jared Easley (from episode 37)!
Episode 112
]]>disneyways.com/connect
disneyparkspodcast.com
Krista Joy pushed herself and her entrepreneurial streak to the limit to make her dreams into reality! Starting up her blog, Disney Ways was only the beginning of her trying to break away from traditional jobs! She has been doing big things down in Orlando, Florida! Not only with a community that she has built up, but getting to be a part of Disney Parks Podcast which has helped her make more connections with fans of Disney and opened up for even more interviews with Disney legends!
I am so glad that Beatrice Feeney (from episode 33) connected us, because we have become great friends since then! As you may already know, I love passionate people, and Krista is one of those people! I am happy to help her on her journey with Disney Ways and Disney Parks Podcast! In fact, Krista and I had just met for the first time in person the other day while on a trip down to Disney World for WDW Today's Reunion meet up events, and also Podcast Florida conference, in part, held by previous guest Jared Easley (from episode 37)!
http://youtu.be/TGWnND034bA
Episode 112]]>