Scott Henderson’s Post

People often get too focused on 'digital' experiences....and then you read this: - Live Nation announces record Q1 results - Disney's highest growing division in Q1....Theme Parks People want real-life experiences. Don't focus on digital at the expense of IRL.

"You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality." - Walt Disney I'm continuing to spend time with my talented team here in Shanghai, China...at Disney World! It's truly been magical. In reflecting on my time here with the team, I can't think of better quote to capture how important people are to business. People are the heart and soul behind every aspect of every business... As the digital world grows, we must always keep the human connection at the center of business. PS- What do you think Walt Disney would say if he could see the globalization of the Disney brand? #team #globalbusiness #digitalization

🚀 Insights on Disney's Performance in a Challenging Year As we navigate an economic landscape that continues to present unique challenges, The Walt Disney Company has exhibited remarkable tenacity. Although there's been a dip in the EBITDA margin, reflecting the complexities of the post-pandemic era, revenue figures tell a story of persistent advancement and strategic adaptability. In 2023, sales have upheld a positive trajectory, illustrating robust demand and a brand that continues to resonate with global audiences. This upward trend bears testament to Disney's diversified approach, spanning from films and television shows to theme parks and memorable experiences. 📈

As an Information Technology leader and a huge fan of The Walt Disney Company, I was recently inspired by the announcements made at the Disney Experiences Showcase during the D23 event. Disney’s commitment to innovation and the creation of magical experiences is nothing short of remarkable. What stands out to me is not just the technology they leverage but the incredible engagement and dedication of their employees—the cast members—who bring these experiences to life and inspire such fervent loyalty from fans. There are valuable lessons we can learn from Disney’s approach as IT leaders: • 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Just as Disney continuously evolves to captivate and delight their guests, we must relentlessly pursue innovation within our own organizations. By embracing emerging technologies and thinking creatively, we can develop solutions that not only meet but exceed the needs of our clients and stakeholders. • 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: Disney's success is built on a deep understanding of their audience's desires and expectations. Similarly, by actively listening to our employees and clients, we can develop technology strategies that truly resonate with their needs. This involves not just meeting their current requirements but anticipating future demands and being ready to deliver beyond expectations. • 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Disney’s cast members are a testament to the power of an engaged and passionate workforce. In IT, our teams are the backbone of innovation. By fostering an environment where our employees feel valued and empowered, we can inspire the same level of dedication that Disney cast members bring to their roles. As we continue to drive technological advancements, let us take a page from Disney’s book and remember that our most valuable assets are our people and the relationships we build with those we serve. By focusing on innovation, listening, and engagement, we can create experiences that are as magical as a day at the park. #Innovation #Leadership #ITStrategy #DisneyMagic #EmployeeEngagement

Here is a message to share with your team 👇🏻 NEVER LET BACKSTAGE compromise ONSTAGE Essentially don't let what's going on in your personal life be shown when you are in front of customers. One of my businesses service standards is: Be on Stage: Meaning deliver a performance that the customers won't forget This principle was a key to Disney's success and it can be a key in your own business when it comes to delivering Superhero level experiences.

Revolutionizing Disney: A Strategic Call for a Unified Tech Vision and Global Expansion In the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, Disney is at a pivotal crossroads, facing a call for transformative change from Blackwells Capital, an activist investor urging for a streamlined technological future. This initiative highlights a fundamental shift, advocating for the appointment of a singular Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to spearhead Disney's technological advancements, with a particular emphasis on harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI). The rationale behind this push is clear: for Disney to maintain its legendary status in the entertainment domain, it must evolve into a technology-first entity. This transition is not merely about staying relevant but about leading the charge in innovation, setting new standards for storytelling, user experience, and immersive entertainment. Moreover, Disney's strategic maneuver to merge its media operations in India with Reliance Industries marks a significant step towards global expansion. This partnership, resulting in a dominant conglomerate owning at least 61% of the venture, signifies Disney's commitment to strengthening its footprint in one of the world's most vibrant entertainment markets. This dual strategy—prioritizing technological leadership and global market expansion—underscores the critical importance of innovation and adaptation in today's fast-paced world. It's a clarion call for Disney to not just participate in the future of entertainment but to actively shape it. #Disney #Technology #Innovation #GlobalExpansion

Friday Fun Post: Anyone seen "Disney Behind the Attractions”? Did you know the term "Blue Sky" comes from Disney? I think the show demonstrates a master class in product development. The way Disney prototypes, iterates, and stays nimble all while doing it in the physical world is pretty unbelievable. It's interesting to contrast the development goals of a company like Toyota (Lean manufacturing) to one like Disney (Blue Sky) and think about how that impacts a products development cycle. #Disney #productdevelopment

Who doesn't like a dash of magic in their experiences? A commitment to creating enchanting experiences is like a sparkling elixir; it signifies not just excellence but an unexpected charm that leaves a lasting impression. As Walt Disney, the master of creating magical experiences, once said, - "𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺." Infuse your customer and employee interactions with a sprinkle of magic, and watch the dynamics change. Transformation awaits when we dare to tread the path less traveled. #CustomerExperience #EmployeeEngagement #BusinessMagic #Transformation

In our Compass newsletter this month, we talked about ways to simplify your business, with some awesome examples from industry revolutionaries like Walt Disney. Did you know the Matterhorn was created in less than a year, essentially from scraps that the Disney Imagineers melded together to create one of the most iconic rides in Disneyland? That the ride permanently revolutionized the way rollercoasters were built! It's amazing what you can do when you look at the resources you already have - including the creative minds of your employees! Don't be afraid of using your resources in a new way to solve problems - you might just change the industry by simplifying! #jambojon #simplicity #simplify #webdevelopment #disneyland #innovators

When it comes to innovation, The Walt Disney Company’s approach is anything but magical. Disney consistently receives negative rankings in surveys identifying the world’s most innovative and influential companies. By addressing Disney’s innovation issues, we can boost Disney’s share price. Our campaign for #thefutureofdisney emphasizes a native tech stack and Board leadership with years of tech expertise. Read more about our vision: https://lnkd.in/e2Pjbdzp #disneydeservesthebest