The Jody Maberry Show

"If you take an opportunity and it doesn't work out, you can always go back and find that next window that's going to open and you do something different." Notable Moments 01:11 Embracing Risks and Opportunity 02:24 Mentor and Role Model Growing Up 05:13 Memorable Guest Service Excellence 09:40 Purpose of Luxury Experiences Barry Jacobson is a seasoned expert in guest experiences. He is also now a seasoned guest of the show that is making a return to ask me three questions. His experience in creating memorable customer experiences, brought a fresh set of questions that took me down memory lane. Read my blog for more on my reflections from my past. 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

"Luxury means that I'm going to have this innate ability to have intuitive service radar. It's going to allow me to understand you as an individual and to be able to ensure that your needs are met no matter who you are." When most people hear the word luxury they think about dollar signs or exclusivity. For Barry Jacobson, luxury is about creating that absence of worry and making each interaction magical. Barry's career spans three decades in the hospitality and customer experience industry, including key roles with Disney. He joins me to explore what luxury truly means and how anyone can incorporate it into their business model. Barry started working with Disney as a lifeguard, and worked his way to leading luxurious endeavors like Club Thirty-Three and as the General Manager at Golden Oak, Disney's first luxury residential community. He recognized the importance of blending personal touch and attention to detail to elevate ordinary experiences to extraordinary. For example, at Golden Oak, crafting personalized Thanksgiving meals with family recipes exemplified this elevated service level. Even the smallest detail is crafted for comfort and delight. Barry knows that true luxury is in the details. That may be a thoughtfully clean restroom or a warm greeting as simple as a friendly hello. These are the markers of a business that cares deeply for its customers, regardless of scale or industry. We dug into how making customers feel special doesn't take a big budget, just a deliberate approach. Whether it's showing empathy at an orthopedic clinic or offering a little extra for restless children in a restaurant, it's the human connection that leaves a lasting impression. Barry's insights affirm that any business, no matter if it's a corner store or a massive resort, can offer luxury. The tools? Kindness, attention to detail, and the desire to create meaningful moments. Remember, it's not only about lavishness; it's making people feel valued and cared for in the simplest ways. Connect with Barry https://www.barryjacobsonconsulting.com/ 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

"I have a show that I've had in mind for a couple of years, and I wouldn't say I'm too scared to pursue it. I just look at it and say, okay. I'd have a good time with that, but it would take a lot of work." One of the benefits of audio storytelling isn't just in the words we share; it's in the experiences we create. Recently, I welcomed back Rick Allen, to turn the tables and ask me three questions. We ended up talked about dream guests, unexplored episode topics, and the creation of audio experiences. Read my blog for more insights from this episode. Notable Moments 01:02 Dream Guests 05:24 The Magic of Audio Experiences 07:30 Chasing Creative Dreams 10:01 The Role of Technology in Storytelling Connect with Rick https://rickallenconsultinggroup.com/ 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

"Having a relationship based culture is going to beat everything else you try to do when it comes to guests." The magic of Disney isn't just in the attractions; it's in the people. That's at the heart of my conversation with Rick Allen, a Disney veteran of 43 years. Rick has seen firsthand how relationships shape the culture of an organization. Read the blog for more on why he says strong connections between employees, leaders, and customers are the foundation of long-term success. Connect with Rick Rickallenconsultinggroup.com 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

"Have other people around you that have different points of view, or related points of view with different perspectives. I think that benefits a lot of people." Isn't it funny how those unplanned "hallway conversations" drive creativity and collaboration? Bob Weis, retired president of Walt Disney Imagineering, returns to share how our unexpected chats can spark innovation and shape an organization's culture. Read the blog for more insights from this episode. Notable Moments 03:11 Book Signings Aboard Disney Treasure 07:11 Monitoring the Los Angeles Fires from a Ship 08:58 Unknown Impact of the Fires on Neighborhood and Home While Aboard 15:26 Disney's Strong Alumni Support Network 18:24 Book Signings Give Opportunity to Connect with Fans 21:16 Inspired by Author Timothy Egan's Personal Touch 23:50 Author Signings at Walt Disney's Barn in Griffith Park 27:10 Spontaneous Hallway Conversations Sparked Creative Exchanges at Imagineering. 30:36 Diversity's Role in Creative Success 33:13 Marty Sklar's Energizing Walks to Boost his Mood and Productivity 37:01 Stewardship and Storytelling in Tourism Attracts Repeat Guests Connect with Bob Weis www.bobweis.com Order the book – Dream Chasing 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 you're confident that you've done your very best, then you can't do anything better than your very best." It's been nearly two years since Jeff Noel joined for a conversation. We dove deep into the five quotes I tell myself every day to stay focused and motivated. There are a number of ways that these reminders can aid professionals in both their personal and professional lives. Read my blog or take a listen to learn more about my five quotes. 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 you want to invent an innovative future, first, you have to start where you are." Ever wonder what a crow named Bernice has to do with innovation? Bob Allen returns to share more from his fascinating journey from executive leadership with Disney to his latest venture, Zenovation. Our conversation highlights how blending personal passions can lead to groundbreaking ideas. Read the blog for more highlights from this episode. Connect with Bob Allen Bob's Website https://zennovationnetwork.com/ 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

"You have to push through that first fear barrier because it's one of those universal themes in storytelling, the fear of failure." The spark of a great story can come from the most unexpected places. In my recent conversation with Matthew Luhn, an accomplished storyteller and former Disney/Pixar creative, we talk about the magic of universal themes in storytelling, whether for film or business. Read my blog for more about our conversation. Resources: Matthewluhnstory.com twitter.com/matthewluhn The Best Story Wins: How to Leverage Hollywood Storytelling in Business and Beyond by Matthew Luhn 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 you go through the process of doing the research and showing up prepared with questions, you may never get to ask any of those questions. And I say it doesn't matter. The fact that you were prepared with questions will make the conversation that much better." Preparation is key to an unforgettable conversation. This was front and center of my mind as I prepared for my interview with Bob Wise, author of "Dream Chasing" and retired president of Walt Disney Imagineering. By being well prepared I am able to genuinely listen and respond to the nuances of guest's insights rather than just ticking off a list. Read the blog to for more on my approach to preparing for a guest. 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 open this mailbox to put a letter in, do you think it squeaks or it doesn't squeak? And I said, oh, it probably doesn't squeak. And he said, but if you were on Main Street in small town, Missouri, would it squeak? I said probably." Bob Weis, retired President of Walt Disney Imagineering and author of "Dream Chasing," returns to turn the table and ask me a few questions. Our conversation explores my time as a park ranger, the epic journeys of Lewis and Clark, and the art of storytelling. His first question is about my own journey as a park ranger. For eight years, I had the privilege to serve in the breathtaking landscapes of Washington state, from the parks near Idaho to the scenic Olympic Peninsula. It was a reminder of why storytelling is so powerful. The ability to bring history alive is what makes our experiences memorable. Our conversation took an fun turn when Bob tested my knowledge on two historic figures: Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. These explorers braved countless hardships to discover new lands, and their stories remain a testament to human perseverance. Bob even threw in a trick question about William Clark's middle name (or lack thereof). It was a great reminder that there's always something new to learn. One of the highlights was revisiting an unforgettable moment when I recounted the story of Captain George Vancouver to a visitor. The joy of sharing that history on the exact spot where it happened was indescribable. There is a special kind of magic that happens when you are prepared for that one moment when a visitor's curiosity aligns with your passion. Bob emphasized that whether it's in national parks or at Disney, capturing someone's imagination can make their entire experience. This episode reminded me why I love helping others connect with the stories that shape our world. Connect with Bob Weis www.bobweis.com Order the book - Dream Chasing 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