#045 – Implementing a Culture of Psychological Safety in Large Organizations with Dan Cockerell

Dan Cockerell’s career evolved from parking attendant at Disney’s Epcot Center to VP of Epcot, VP of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and eventually, VP of the Magic Kingdom. He was ultimately responsible for leading a team of 12,000 cast members and always placed organizational culture at the forefront of his leadership.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Dan shares some of the magic he learned and contributed to during his 26 years with Disney, with a particular focus on how to implement and sustain a culture of psychological safety in large organizations.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

🎙️ Disney’s 4 key components to creating a high-performing culture

🎙️ The role of relationship, clear expectations and ongoing support in establishing psychological safety

🎙️ The impact of placing equal importance on performance and relational skills during performance reviews

🎙️ Encouraging diverse perspectives by gathering employee feedback with varied methods

🎙️ Implementing change within your zone of influence for maximum effectiveness

Dan Cockerell, the author of How’s the Culture in Your Kingdom? Dan graduated from Boston University in 1991 with a degree in Political Science. After graduating, he moved to Florida and worked as a parking attendant at Disney’s Epcot Center. He went on to join the Disneyland Paris management trainee program and went to France as part of the opening team in 1992.  After five years in France, Dan came back to Florida and held a number of management positions at the Disney World Resort, including Vice President of Epcot, Vice President of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and eventually Vice President of the Magic Kingdom, where he led 12,000 cast members, and entertained over 20 million guests annually.

If you’re wanting to better understand why psychological safety is so important and what steps you can take to foster it within your organization, then this episode is for you!

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 

A written transcript of this podcast episode is available upon request.  To request a copy, please send us an email.a

Dan Cockerell’s contact information:

Website: https://dancockerell.com/

Podcast: https://dancockerell.com/come-rain-or-shine/

Book: https://dancockerell.com/books/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Lindsay’s contact information:

To book a discovery call

Website

Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Conflict and Confrontation

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Lindsay Lapaquette

Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc.(A) works with middle managers who want to communicate authentically so they can effectively lead their teams without losing themselves. As a former Speech-Language Pathologist, Lindsay applies her expertise in the neuroscience of communication and connection to help managers foster an environment of trust and respect in their teams, so that everyone can bring their best selves to work.

Lindsay’s approach has been profoundly influenced by her work with Indigenous organizations, her experience as a parent to two neurodivergent children, and the premature loss of both of her parents. These experiences have taught Lindsay great lessons about the power of excellent people skills that extend well beyond her professional expertise.

Picture of Lindsay Lapaquette

Lindsay Lapaquette

Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc.(A) works with middle managers who want to communicate authentically so they can effectively lead their teams without losing themselves. As a former Speech Language Pathologist, Lindsay applies her expertise in the neuroscience of communication and connection to help managers foster an environment of trust and respect in their teams, so that everyone can bring their best selves to work.

Lindsay’s approach has been profoundly influenced by her work with First Nations organizations, her experience as a parent to two children with pervasive mental health challenges, and the premature loss of both of her parents. These experiences have taught Lindsay great lessons about the power of excellent people skills that extend well beyond her professional expertise.

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