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  • Lee Cockerell: From Banquet Waiter to Disney CEO – A Journey of Perseverance and Success /Ep 2952
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About Lee Cockerell

Lee Cockerell is a retired Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. He held this position for ten years, overseeing an impressive portfolio of operations. His responsibilities included managing 20 resort hotels with over 24,000 guest rooms, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 5 golf courses, a shopping village,...

…a nighttime entertainment complex, a sports and recreation center, and numerous support operations.

Career Journey

Lee began his Disney career in July 1990 as the Director of Food and Beverage and Quality Assurance for Disneyland Paris hotels. Before Disney, he gained extensive hospitality experience during his 17 years in executive roles at Marriott Corporation and 8 years at Hilton Hotels.

Entrepreneurial and Nonprofit Work

Today, Lee runs his own consulting, seminar, and speaking business, Lee Cockerell, LLC, specializing in leadership, management, and customer service. Additionally, he has dedicated six years to the Heart of Florida United Way Board, serving as Chairman, Campaign Chairman for Central Florida, and a member of the Executive Committee.

Community and Educational Contributions

Lee has actively contributed to various boards and organizations:

  • Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY (Board of Trustees).
  • Production and Operations Management Society (Board of Directors).
  • Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Chairman, appointed by Governor Jeb Bush).
  • Creative Ambassador for Oklahoma, assisting with leadership and business development (appointed by Governor Brad Henry).
  • Board of Advisors for Oklahoma State University School of Hospitality and Tourism, UCF Rosen College of Hospitality, and Rollins College Department of Business.

These roles underscore his commitment to improving both community and educational initiatives.

Awards and Recognitions

One of Lee’s proudest achievements is being named Best Grandfather of the Year for 23 consecutive years by his grandchildren: Jullian, Margot, and Tristan.

Published Works

Lee is the author of several acclaimed books on leadership, management, and customer service. Many universities and the U.S. military use these works as textbooks:

  • Creating Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies From a Life At Disney (available in 18 languages).
  • The Customer Rules: 39 Essential Rules to Deliver Sensational Service (available in 13 languages).
  • Time Management Magic: How to Get More Done Every Day.
  • Career Magic: How to Stay on Track to Achieve a Stellar Career.

He also co-authored A-Game Magic: Introduction to Business 101 for SUNY Suffolk County Community College.

Podcast: Creating Disney Magic

In addition to his books, Lee hosts the Creating Disney Magic podcast. This weekly 15-minute show provides valuable insights into leadership, management, and customer service. You can tune in via iTunes, Stitcher Radio, iHeart Radio, or at LeeCockerell.com.

Personal Life

Lee and his wife Priscilla live in Orlando, Florida. He enjoys teaching seminars on leadership and service excellence, traveling, dining out, and spending quality time with his grandchildren.

For more information, visit LeeCockerell.com.

 

Previous Episode 403 (2016)

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