Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People Duncan Wardle: Disney's Creative Genius
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Mar 12, 2025 Duncan Wardle, the former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, discusses his journey of transforming creativity at one of the world’s most beloved companies. He shares how fostering a culture of innovation among all employees, not just leaders, can yield groundbreaking ideas. With amusing anecdotes like the presidential turkey PR stunt, Duncan emphasizes the importance of play in idea generation and the role of intuition in understanding consumers. His new book, Imagination Emporium, offers fresh insights on unlocking creativity and fostering emotional connections in marketing.
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From Coffee Boy to Creative Head
- Duncan Wardle started at Disney as a coffee boy and became Head of Innovation and Creativity.
- His early career involved a mishap with Roger Rabbit and Princess Diana, which unexpectedly boosted publicity.
Reframing Challenges
- Reframe challenges to foster innovative thinking, like Disney calling customers 'guests'.
- This shift in perspective creates a culture of hospitality and generates new revenue streams.
Dim Sum Architecture
- A young Chinese chef's unique perspective on architecture, drawing dim sum-inspired buildings, shaped Shanghai Disney's design.
- This highlights the importance of diversity in generating innovative ideas.