Sparking School Magic: Recent Episodes
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How does your school become the most magical place on Earth? An interactive series about sparking the future and transforming a school community for tomorrow. Dan Cockerell, retired VP of the WDW Magic Kingdom, and I share lessons in leadership that are anchored together and focused on delivering exceptional experiences sparked by the magic of Disney. Cover art photo provided by Robert Collins on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@robbie36
Leadership during a time of crisis can be challenging for any organization. Listen to Dan Cockerell and I discuss what makes leaders successful during a crisis. How do exceptional leaders stand out during these challenging times? What do they do with intention and how can you as a school leader embed these "take aways" as a part of your approach when crisis strikes? Do you have "executive presence?" Take a moment to listen to this short segment as Dan, former VP of the Magic Kingdom, and I talk about the our leadership lessons together
During this episode of Sparking School Magic Dan Cockerell and I interview educational leader, author and Innovative Teaching Learning and Leadership Consultant, George Couros. A well-known published educational author of two exceptional books, The Innovator's Mindset and Innovate Inside the Box with Katie Novak, George offers many different ways to foster a culture of innovation and creativity within our schools. George offers leadership stories and actionable ideas for school leaders to use immediately. Listen to this conversation between Dan Cockerell, former Disney executive who lead over 12,000 cast members, and George Couros as they compare ideas, Disney approaches as we spark even more innovative MAGICAL ideas for leaders in our schools!
Todd Whitaker, educational leader, author, and expert in the field of education joins the conversation on this episode of Sparking School Magic. Listen as Dan Cockerell, former Vice President of the Magic Kingdom, and I ask Todd about his national best selling book series. During this episode we talk about the most important aspect of what great leaders do differently with a few Disney anecdotes and lessons learned along the way. Todd Whitaker shares what matters most offering his best advice on this episode of Sparking School Magic.
Sparking School Magic was recently featured on the 103.9 radio show called “Spotlight on Long Island Schools.”
"Spotlight on Long Island Schools is a 30 minute show highlighting LI School Districts, schools, and educators promoting positive school news and notable programs while providing thought-provoking interviews and discussions with school officials and community leaders. Hosted by Robert Vecchio, local school board trustee who remains active with the Nassau Suffolk School Boards Association, is a member of the legislative and executive committees and widely regarded as a strong advocate for public education." Listen to this most recent episode with Bob Vecchio and Dan Cockerell.
Dan Cockerell and I discuss a follow up to divergent thinking and the importance of recognizing diversity with your team. Fostering diversity and knowing your people is key to your success as a leader. We will share a few examples for you to apply in your role. Like the beauty of the rainforest we marvel at the vast arrangement of flowers; all adding purpose to this amazing natural environment. Yet, we must pause to realize that it is the beauty of each individual flower that that makes this all possible. Your people are like flowers-delicate and beautiful each in their own way.
This episode features the Creative and Innovation Catalyst and Guru, Lee Kitchen, from Disney's in house marketing branch of the company called Yellow Shoes. Together, we discuss how to breed a culture of creativity and innovation using the magic of Disney to inspire others. Lee provides anecdotal examples and a "few out of the box" suggestions for us to utilize in the school business. Dan Cockerell, Disney's former Vice President of the Magic Kingdom, and I talk with Lee about how to embrace your inner creative genius.
How do you create a brand or logo that sets you apart? In this Sparking School Magic episode Dan Cockerell and I discuss the power of branding your product or school in order to share your story. We draw on experiences using specific examples from the Magic Kingdom and the NY & FL public school system. Listen for the part about The Jungle Cruise-creative and brilliant!
When things go right-everyone is happy! But, how do you resolve a conflict when things go wrong? This episode will provide you with two strategies in a world of possibilities. A Disney approach that is easily used in our schools and will keep the magic going in your community! Let us know your feedback.
Dan Cockerell, retired VP of the Magic Kingdom, and Dr. Robert Avossa, former Superintendent of Palm Beach County, FL and Fulton County Atlanta, Georgia share connections to how Disney's 4 keys are similar in our schools!