"We don't make a big deal out of the podcast. It's just like you dropped by the coffee shop and we were sitting there talking."

Key Moments

02:03 Global connectivity via podcasting

03:48 Value of dialogue about anxiety, depression, and feedback.

08:23 Using a podcast format best fit for your message

11:06 Solve problems through conversations and new perspectives.

15:25 Podcast bloopers and learning opportunities.

17:27 Celebrating 10 years of support for Creating Disney Magic podcast.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

How to Spread Your Message with a Podcast

We recently celebrated a big milestone for the podcast with the release of our 500th episode. That episode ended up being a live recording so people all over the world could join us, and they did. Despite Jody losing his voice, the event was a success with a lot of questions popping up in the chat. There were quite a few questions about podcasting, so we decided to dedicate this episode to answering them.

There have been a lot of topics around leadership, management, and customer service shared over the 10 years of this podcast. Despite not knowing much about a podcast, it didn't take me long to realize that they are a great way to spread your message worldwide. The format we've decided to use, with Jody as the host, has seemed to really help with the conversation and engagement. We haven't had many guests, but when we do they provide great new perspectives. One of the biggest recommendations I have is to keep it authentic and conversational. That is how your audience will connect with you.

There have been a few memorable moments such as the episode when I discussed my experience with depression and anxiety. That one really touched a lot of people. Even though we don't really plan our episodes in advance we've not had a bunch of bloopers. The episodes are great conversations that feel like you are walking into a conversation at the coffee shop. I think that is what has made it so successful.

This podcast has been great and I have no plans to slow down. At this rate, episode 1000 would be done when I am 90. I love the subjects that come up because it makes me think about the way I handle myself in situations. And when you do this, you learn along the way. It may seem like I am teaching, but I'm also learning.

If you have been thinking about starting a podcast, go for it. 500 episodes ago I would not have realized how much it would have helped me spread my message around the world.

Thank you for continuing to show up to the podcast. If you want to find the other work we're doing, go to cockerellacademy.com. You can also reach us at leecockerell.com and jodymaberry.com.

You should also reach out to Magical Vacation Planners for help planning your next vacation. They are great supporters of the show and great support for the people they help plan trips for. Reach out to them at 407-442-2694.

Until next week, go out and create magic for others.

"We need less bosses and more teachers because that's where you make the big impact, and that's where people get better, And that's where people get more comfortable with you."

Key Moments

00:57 Reflecting on the importance of teaching, helping others, and leaving a lasting impression.

05:11 Learned skills at Marriott and Disney then developed training and the skills to others

09:06 Professional experience open opportunities to share knowledge and influence others positively.

10:31 Write down skills and strengths when reflecting on career

13:44 Upcoming workshops and Masterminds with Lee

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Dan Cockerell’s Book How’s the Culture in Your Kingdom?

Be a Teacher

Adopting a teaching mindset can make you a greater leader in your professional and personal life. Once I took on a teacher's mindset I transformed my leadership style and career for the good. It's a lesson that took me a long time to figure out, but pretty fulfilling as I hear about the the long-lasting impact I've had on others' careers and lives. During our conversation, Jody and I talk more about why leaders need to be a teacher, the value of writing down your knowledge, and how you can remain relevant and influential even after a long career.

Three key takeaways from our conversation:

• Teaching Transforms Leadership: transitioning from being a boss to becoming a teacher can have a profound impact on your career and legacy. It's not just about leading; it's about helping others grow and succeed.
• Importance of Patience and Repetition: Effective teaching requires patience and the willingness to repeat essential lessons until they are understood. It's these consistent efforts that create lasting value in your team/students' lives.
• Document and Share Your Knowledge: Whether you're transitioning careers or just want to make a bigger impact, writing down your insights and experiences is powerful. It helps crystallize your thoughts and serves as a valuable resource for others. My son Dan Cockerell did this after retiring from Disney. He used those notes to write his book, "How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?"

Make sure to listen to this episode for more lessons from my career, and how teaching will have a major impact on your personal and professional growth. Let this episode be the inspiration you need to become a teacher in your own right. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and create magic for others.

Looking for someone to teach you a lesson on how to enjoy a relaxing vacation in your dream destination? Make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. Let them plan your next vacation with you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

“Every problem in business is a person that didn't do what they say they're going to do.”

Key Moments

01:37 Effective leadership requires self-reflection and collaboration.

03:52 Identifying and overcoming workplace barriers.

05:13 Candor is truth with empathy.

07:01 Identifying and overcoming personal barriers.

10:14 Cockrell Academy program: guiding you to leadership.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-2694

Leaders Break Down Barriers

Great leaders are good at removing obstacles to create a cohesive, efficient workplace. However, sometimes you just don't know why there's a barrier. When you don't know, you feel it and you know it's there, the leader should be the one to step up and find out why. We need to stay committed to the job that we took, which includes taking care of each other and our guests. And when you don't break down those barriers or put in the effort to remove obstacles, one of those is going to suffer.

Whether you are leading a team, managing a project, or trying to excel in your personal life, understanding and overcoming barriers is key to success. Be proactive about detecting and addressing conflicts that can create barriers within teams. Whether these barriers are relational, organizational, or self-imposed, identifying and directly addressing them can prevent minor issues from becoming major roadblocks.

Being honest and straightforward about challenges has a ton of benefits. It clarifies expectations and builds trust within teams. This openness paves the way for more effective collaboration and problem-solving. When leaders create an culture where apologies and accountability are valued, it encourages a more collaborative and trusting team dynamic. Be open, be honest, and lead with empathy. Candor is kindness.

Recently I realized that I needed to remove some barriers in the Cockerell Academy. It has been revamped to make learning leadership, management, and customer service more structured and accessible. It’s now easier than ever to navigate through the resources with guided paths. Check it out and let me know what you think. There is a link below in the resources.

Considering a magical vacation? Contact our friends at Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-2694 and let them know Lee Cockerell sent you. They’ll help craft a vacation as seamless and enriching as navigating through the revamped Cockrell Academy.