The Jody Maberry Show

"You feed off of the energy that is happening around you. You can turn that into a positive experience. As the leader, the outcome has a greater chance of becoming a positive outcome or a negative outcome because you're personally involved and based on the way you handle a situation." Djuan Rivers is a former Disney executive whose retirement journey is anything but typical. When Djuan left Disney, he didn't settle into a quiet life. He packed up and moved to Paris, fully immersing himself in French culture. He even became a student again at the prestigious Sorbonne University. Listening to Djuan's stories, I couldn't help but smile as he shared how he mastered a thick French accent to fit in. Or remember him attending a Seattle Kraken hockey game wearing the wrong jersey. But beyond these adventures, Djuan's insights on leadership is always on point. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and transparency. Those are the traits he says carried him through his time at Disney and continue to guide him today. Djuan believes that true leadership means being transparent. You let your team see the successes as well as the challenges. This honesty builds trust and strengthens connections within a team. Adaptability and openness to new experiences make us stronger leaders. If you're ready to explore how authenticity and adaptability can transform your leadership, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Being a leader means you are willing to stay curious and embrace new challenges. Djuan's ability to balance adventure with reflection shows that great leaders never stop learning, even when they've stepped away from their formal roles. Djuan's journey proves that the best chapters often come after the expected ending. Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

"When you say no for someone else, you're deciding for them before they even have the chance to decide for themselves." Early in my career, I learned a powerful lesson about giving people the opportunity to say yes. I was working as a park ranger when reached out to Lee Cockerell, the former Executive Vice President of Walt Disney World. At the time, I had no idea that a simple introduction would eventually lead to a lasting friendship and professional partnership. Meeting Lee taught me not to say "no" for other people. For years I was hesitant to offer services, thinking someone might not be interested or couldn't afford it. But I was saying no for them before they even had a chance to decide. One experience changed that mindset. A client once surprised me by enthusiastically agreeing to a higher-tier service I had assumed was out of their budget. It wasn't about the price though. It was about the value they saw and the trust they had in the process. That moment taught me that we can't predict what someone values or what they're willing to invest in. When we say no for others, we're limiting more than just opportunities for ourselves. We are taking away a chance for them to benefit from something that could truly help them. Whether you're offering a product, a service, or even an idea, don't assume you know the answer. Give people the choice. Opportunity often lies in the space where we're willing to ask and let others decide. So, the next time you're tempted to say "no" for someone else, pause. Extend the invitation. Ask the question. You might be surprised by the doors that open when you let others make their own decisions. Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

"If your systems burned to the ground, how would you rebuild them?" Notable Moments 01:33 – Recap of the Perch community's Clubhouse call on unlearning 02:22 – Lee Cockerell as a model for learning and unlearning at every age 03:42 – Unlearning can apply to small things: routines, habits, opinions 04:30 – How taking notes as questions creates deeper curiosity 06:07 – Fresh perspectives reshape old processes 10:52 – Process evolution: solid foundations with open minds 11:59 – Learning vs. Fixed Mindset: failure as growth vs. identity 15:40 – Building reflection and reinvention into annual rhythms 18:42 – Perch Clubhouse calls: Every Saturday, 9am PT / 12pm ET Cassie Tucker and I explore the concept of unlearning. Our conversation sparked by a recent Clubhouse call with the Perch community member, Katie Currens. We often hold onto processes and habits simply because "that's how we've always done it." But growth happens when we stop, reassess, and rebuild with intention. Cassie has helped me with this by bringing her fresh eyes and marketing mindset to our internal systems. Our conversation reminds me that asking "why" can be the key to unlocking better outcomes. We also talk about the difference between learning and fixed mindsets, and how even processes should be reviewed like seasons; some roots stay, but the rest must evolve. Read my blog for more on how unlearning can make space for better systems, better habits, and better leadership. Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

Recently I was a keynote speaker for a conference for park professionals in the midwest. I spoke on Role and Purpose and how parks can thrive once they understand every job has a role to perform, and every role plays into the bigger purpose of the park. Once I was off stage, many people came up to ask questions and talk about my topic. As a speaker, the biggest compliment you can get for your presentation is someone seeking you out to ask questions. When someone finds me to ask a question, I know I have made a connection. After my morning keynote, and later in the day, I had the opportunity to talk to several people about Role and Purpose. Even the following day, the conversations continued. A few weeks after my presentation, the event organizer sent me some reviews they collected directly from the app they used for the event. As I read the reviews, I was feeling good as I saw comments like: "The concept stuck with me, and I intend to apply that to our team." "Love the concept." "It was a good way to get people thinking. A lot of organizations don't have a purpose that is known by the whole team." Then one review stuck out: "I'm sure he is a nice guy, so I blame the person who picked him thinking he was appropriate for this audience. Just not good." Wait a minute... For a moment, this is all I focused on. Do you ever get hung up on negative words from someone else? It doesn't matter how many compliments we get; we focus on the few negative comments. Don't let it stop you. You are not for everyone. If you let a negative review keep you from getting on stage, everyone else will miss out on your message. At this conference, where many people come to learn about park operations, safety, and new equipment, not everyone wants to hear how they can be better leaders. That is fine. The topic is not for people who are fixed on how they do things. The topic is not for everyone. I'm not for everyone. And neither are you. Keep writing your blog. Keep recording your podcast. Keep creating YouTube videos. Keep creating, and know you are not for everyone.

You can find out more about the Perch at https://jodymaberry.com/perch

With the Jody Maberry Show, I like to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it is like to work with the people I work with. In this episode, Dan Cockerell and I talk about what it took to put together a cruise for his online community, known as The Perch. Dan explains what led to doing a cruise for the community. Then he discusses what he would do differently about the next cruise. A member of the Perch, Rob Midiri, joins us as a guest on the episode to ask questions to both me and Dan. In fact, Rob was the inspiration behind this episode. Since he asked Dan and me questions, we decided to turn on the microphone, record the conversation, and share it with everyone. Rob gives his impression of the cruise and what it was like to spend several days with the group. Rob's questions centered around interviewing podcast guests. Rob asks: How do you transition between different shows since the people you work with have different personalities? What do you do to get to know someone before you have them as a guest on your podcast? How long did it take you to get used to the interview process? Do you use interviewing skills you learned at Disney when interviewing people for your podcast? What tactics do you use to help get information out of guests on your podcast? The cruise was a big success, and Dan and I plan on hosting another cruise in 2023. If you want to learn more about joining The Perch, you can get more information here -jodymaberry.com/perch. Don't forget; Dan Cockerell has a great podcast, Come Rain or Shine. You can find it Here.

"Human connection is important. Don't take it for granted... Covid really taught us not to do that." The past two years have restricted many of the personal interactions we took for granted. Now as pandemic constraints ease, businesses have a prime opportunity to reconnect with customers. During my recent trip to Indiana, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Great Lakes Park Training Institute where I presented on the difference between role and purpose. How can you make people feel truly seen, heard and cared for? Start with the power of a smile, a warm greeting and focused attention. Our National Parks are welcoming guests back just like theme parks and museums, so they are looking at how they can get back to serving in a way that makes their guests feel welcome again. Disney cast members have always used enthusiastic personal interactions to make guests feel special. After two years of masks, restrictions and distancing, Disney can regain that competitive edge simply by getting back to the welcoming basics. This type of shift will feel extra meaningful for returning visitors wherever they go. Likewise, small businesses can plan more in-person events and gatherings that fulfill people's craving for connection. After extended isolation and detachment, most customers want to reunite with company reps, communities and each other. An in-person event allows for bonding and a sense of belonging not possible over Zoom. And if you can't meet in person yet, provide creative ways to alleviate lingering feelings of loneliness. Even a short weekly video chat or friendly email newsletter helps customers feel someone cares. The pandemic created constraints for businesses but also opportunities to innovate. Ending restrictions allows for fresh approaches to customer interactions. Going back to the basics of personal connections will now feel more impactful than ever. Take the time to come up with at least one way you can improve how you get back to serving and building connection with your customers. Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

"Watch how those around you are briefing and how they interact. Learn from that and adapt along with that." Notable Moments 00:01:21 - Eric's Position at Disney 00:03:19 - Importance of Feedback and Adaptation 00:09:20 - The Power of Storytelling 00:11:41 - Adapting to a New Environment 00:12:55 - Importance of Giving and Receiving Feedback 00:13:41 - Being Receptive to Unexpected Feedback 00:16:43 - Doing Homework on Company Culture 00:20:49 - Adapting to a New Environment 00:23:31 - Watching People and Adjusting It is not uncommon to have a bit of a struggle adapting to a new company's culture after years in your previous career. Transitioning from a long-held position to a completely different environment can be daunting, especially when it comes to learning new work styles and cultural expectations. It's like trying to speak a different language without the right translation guide. But there's a way to ease this pain and find success in your new role. Eric Velez retired from the FBI in 2016 to then serve as a vice president for security at the Walt Disney Company. He joins to share his experience adapting to a new culture. Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

Cassie Tucker is back, and we are unpacking five lessons learned from live events and how they are run, especially in this post covid world. These lessons may be specific to a live event setting, but they are principles that can extrapolate into just about any arena of business. First, set yourself up for adjustments. Every single day something will change. When you expect it and plan for it, you will keep everything running smoothly. Have backups. Think through the worst-case scenario and plan accordingly. Second, you win by thinking inside the box. Innovation is great, but if there are rules and policies required to be able to participate, it is better to stay in line and innovate around the non-negotiables. Next, you will get more done by influence than authority. You may have the authority needed to force an issue, but if you can steer and direct with influence, everyone will have a better experience. If you find yourself at the point that you must use your authority, something has already gone wrong. Fourth, people want to be with people. Creating the opportunity and space for face time and connection will help establish a report and an environment that people want to be in. Last, be ready rather than get ready. If you must get "ready," you are already losing. Keep in mind the highest authority in your company and run your area in such a way that you will be excited when they show up because it is an opportunity for them to see how well it is going. Leaders are proactive, and if you are ready from the get-go, you can pivot and adjust as things come up. These lessons not only make for superb events, but they will also create a strong environment for any business out there. Connect with Jody: www.jodymaberry.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/

There are lessons to be learned from most interactions and experiences. They can then be applied to many different areas of life. Cassie Tucker and I are taking some time today to extrapolate the seven lessons I learned from my time in the Luxury Homebuilder business. First, show up on time. Do that, and you will always have an advantage. It is simple, but something that people notice. Second, simply put, do what you say you will do. Be a person of your word, and people will talk about you behind your back in the best way possible. Third, always be upfront about costs. Don't try to bait people with the promise of a lower price and then inflate it at the last minute. If there is ever any reason for a price increase, make sure you communicate scope creep as soon as possible. Next, show your work. Give people the ability to see behind the veil. Share stories and pictures of where the work is getting done. People appreciate transparency. Make sure your communication is clear and copious. You cannot over-communicate when people are investing time and money. Next, the office or point of entry to your space sets the expectation for your business. When people walk in, that experience will set their expectations for what you do behind the scenes. What foot are you putting forward? Lastly, use words wisely. You may like how something sounds, but if it isn't providing clarity for the customer, get rid of it. Eliminate the fluff so you can be concise and clear. Regardless of your industry or the service you offer, the foundation is the same. Create a consistent, clear, and valued product from start to finish. Connect with Jody: www.jodymaberry.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/