"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/
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"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/
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"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.
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"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
Order the book – Dream Chasing
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