Bob Chapek
The Walt Disney Company CEO says: Develop the greatest strength in the world — willpower
Corporate Competitor Podcast Episode 40
Search Episodes
Walt Disney Company CEO traces his remarkable journey, from humble roots running cross country in America’s industrial heartland to running one of the world’s most iconic companies.
As a track and cross country athlete, Bob Chapek used to run beneath the smokestacks of the steel mills and oil refineries of his native Hammond, Indiana, and imagine that he was headed to someplace else. His legs were strong, but his imagination and resolve were stronger and carried him far away from those smoke clogged streets to the magical kingdom of Disney, where he has spent nearly three decades leading growth and transformation at The Walt Disney Company, home to some of the most respected and beloved brands around the globe, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN and National Geographic.
“I think one of the greatest strengths in the world is willpower. Individual human willpower,” Bob said, “To an extent, running for me was a symbol of wanting to persevere and do something bigger and better. Since then, I’ve seen it at work in countless places. Never underestimate the power of one person’s will to get something done!”
Listeners looking to sharpen their presentation and leadership skills will receive a mini-tutorial from the master himself as Bob shows how he has turned “overpreparation” into an art form, including his patented “pencils down” process.
You will learn:
You will learn:
- 6:00 How easy it is to cut corners in practice and why you’ll suffer as a result.
- 8:00 How to emphasize the power or “we” on your team.
- 11:00 How living and working in Japan in the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster taught Lane that caring was the universal language of respected leaders.
- 15:00 The level of employee interaction required to achieve success.
- 18:30 The difference between being accountable and responsible.
- 27:00 How to identify a meaningful friend or mentor.
Resources:
- Celebrating 40 Years of Life-Changing Wishes.
Never Miss An Episode
You will receive a FREE chapter from Don’s best-selling book on GREAT TEAMS when you subscribe.
Bonus Resource
Search episodes
Share Episode
Recommended For You
Never Miss An Episode
Love This Podcast?
We would be so grateful if you left us a rating and review!
Greg Brenneman
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
John C. Maxwell
“I am a subscriber because you are one of the greatest teachers, one of the best storytellers I have ever met, and I know you will maximize the people you have on the podcast. I’m telling everyone because when you find gold you point everyone to it.”
Simon Sinek
“Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
Beth Brooke
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
Rick Hendrick
“We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
Bill George
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
Savannah Gallagher
Jon Rousseau
Francisco Nunez
Brett Rutherford
Special thanks to Dave Moore, Lauren Hafner, Samantha Clark, and the Florida State University Internship Program for consistently supporting our research team.
Join the Greatness Community
Download Don’s fill-in-the-blank notes and reflection questions so you can create powerful, positive change in your organization.
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
Step 1: Open the Apple Podcasts App.
Step 2: Search Corporate Competitor Podcast and click the episode art.
Step 3: Scroll to the bottom of the page and leave a rating and review.
BONUS Screenshot your review, and send to corporate.competitor@greatnessinc.com for a free gift!