Good leaders understand who they are, what they do, and they ask for what they want. - Jody Maberry
In this episode of The Jody Mayberry Show, I had the pleasure of welcoming back Jim McPhee, the retired senior vice president of Operations and chief operating officer of Walt Disney World Resort. This time Jim asks me questions, which leads to a discussion about the qualities of effective leaders.
Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to speak with numerous leaders. There are three common themes among them.
During our conversation, I shared a personal anecdote about the impact my work has had on others. Hearing from an individual who learned they could be a leader and take control of their own career was a profound moment for me. It reinforced the importance of asking meaningful questions and facilitating the sharing of impactful stories and insights.
Jim asks me about the biggest threat to the industry or the world today. That question makes me think about the lack of engagement I observed during the uncertain times of 2020. When people stop engaging with each other, divisions arise, and societies can break down. Addressing this lack of engagement is crucial for maintaining a healthy society.
If you're an aspiring or current leader looking to enhance your leadership abilities, this episode is a must-listen. It highlights the qualities that make leaders effective, and how implementing them can make. a positive difference in your life and the lives of others.
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About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
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Episode Highlights
00:01:18 - Key Traits of Great Leaders
00:03:30 - Lack of Clarity as a Threat
00:05:31 - Finding Joy and Satisfaction
00:08:28 - The Biggest Threat to the World
00:10:01 - Jim's Future Endeavors
Relationships matter. They are finite, and you need to take advantage of them in a good way for as long as they're offered to you. - Jim MacPhee
Jim MacPhee is a former executive leader with Disney who joins to share some of his lessons on becoming an inspirational leader throughout his 43 year career. His experiences range from starting as a boat driver and retiring as the COO/Senior Vice President of Walt Disney World. We spend a lot of time discussing the impact of building relationships and creating positive experiences. He emphasizes the fact that effective leaders make people feel valued. Throughout his career at Disney, Jim discovered that true engagement involves looking people in the eye, asking about their lives, and listening to their responses. He believes that caring leadership fueled by authentic engagement can turn average performances into extraordinary ones.
Making emotional connections and making people feel valued contribute to the overall success and reputation of an organization. This is echoed in Jim's philosophy of inspirational leadership, which is rooted in engaging, inspiring, and leading others. True engagement involves making eye contact, smiling, and showing appreciation to everyone in the organization. He shares how he made people feel valued throughout his career. I love when he says that the true measure of an experience is how an organization or individual makes someone feel. This is also why he encourages leaders to spend time engaging with frontline employees. They often hold valuable insights and play a crucial role in shaping the customer experience.
This episode is a wonderful conversation with valuable insights around improving leadership skills and enhancing customer and employee engagement. The experiences Jim shared showecase the power of relationships and what set the stage for his successful leadership style.
Connect with Jim MacPhee
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About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlight
00:02:48 - The Window on Main Street
00:05:27 - Building Meaningful Relationships at Work
00:08:23 - Fly Fishing and Finding Joy in Retirement
00:10:57 - Embracing a Student Mindset
00:13:31 - Introduction to Disney and Epcot
00:14:35 - The Epcot Center Preview Center
00:16:01 - The Importance of Curiosity and New Challenges
00:18:22 - The Power of Relationships and Understanding
00:21:36 - Engage, Inspire, Lead
00:27:29 - Importance of Personal Connection
00:28:45 - The Value of Frontline Employee
00:29:01 - Challenges for Leaders
"A podcast lets people see your work, it lets people hear your work. And when people can see and hear your work, they can connect with you on such a deeper level." - Jody Maberry
There are some incredible benefits of starting a podcast for your business. I know firsthand just how powerful podcasting can be for growing your visibility and establishing yourself as an expert in your industry. I used to have my doubts about podcasting. I didn't like the sound of my own voice, and I wasn't sure if anyone would even listen. But boy, was I wrong!
Once you are able to push past insecurities and start your own podcast, amazing things start to happen. By consistently talking about your product or service, you become the go-to expert in your field. People start to trust you and see you as an authority in your industry. And you know what that meant? It meant more clients, more opportunities, and more growth for your business.
Podcasting is not just about credibility and expertise. Podcasting also allows you to connect with your audience on a personal level. Your listeners get to know who you are and what you stand for. They become familiar with your voice and your personality, and that creates a deep sense of trust and loyalty.
If have been looking to take your business to the next level, I highly recommend starting a podcast. It's a powerful tool that can help you showcase your unique approach, answer frequently asked questions, and build a personal connection with your audience. Don't let fear hold you back. Take a leap of faith and start podcasting today.
Connect with Jody
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
Episode Highlights
00:01:14 - Story of Kevin Jury
00:03:05 - Podcasting and Personal Branding
00:06:07 - Jody's Journey into Podcasting
00:09:21 - Three Reasons to Start a Podcast
00:16:35 - The Power of a Podcast
00:18:15 - Cutting Out the Introductory Phase
00:20:26 - Becoming the Expert
00:22:53 - Unique Approach in Your Industry
00:27:17 - Overcoming Podcasting Challenges
00:33:19 - The Power of Talking About Your Product
00:34:15 - The Importance of Differentiation
00:35:23 - Overcoming Self-Doubt
00:36:32 - Impact of Podcasting
00:39:02 - Be Willing to Stand Out
"Don't ever say no for somebody else. Give them the chance to say no for themselves."
Recently, I was invited by Church on the Rock in St. Charles, Missouri, to speak at their Marketplace ministry event. While I was there, they asked me to sit in and record an episode of their Leadership Lifter podcast. The tables were turned. This time Pastor David Blunt had me on a podcast as the guest. The conversation was so good that I wanted to share it with you as an episode of The Jody Maberry Show.
During our conversation I revisited my journey from Illinois to Washington State. It was fun remembering stories of my past as a park ranger and my transition into podcasting. It made me realize how much of my own story was shaped by the very topic we discussed - the power of staff, service, and stories in setting an organization apart.
An important lesson I've learned over the years is that those are the only three ways to stand out. Having spent several years as a park ranger, I've seen firsthand the impact of staff, service, and stories on the visitor experience. Every park has trees and trails, but it's the human element - the interactions with park staff, the level of service provided, and the stories visitors take home - that truly differentiates one park from another. This concept holds true for any organization, reminding us that it's people's experiences that truly set us apart.
If you're looking to differentiate your organization in the service industry and attract more customers, this episode is a must-listen. The practical tips and real-life examples will inspire you to focus on your staff, provide exceptional service, and leverage the power of storytelling.
Connect with Jody
Listen to the Leadership Lifter Podcast
Connect with Jody
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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"There is no work-life balance, just life. Prioritize what's important and put your energy where it needs to be."
The conversation during the last episode really hit home on something that is near and dear to my heart. Chris Neema and Michael McGreevey highlighted the importance of nurturing relationships within the family. We had a candid discussion about parenting, relationships, and the transition that happens when our children leave home.
During the episode, Chris and Michael asked me some thought-provoking questions that have stuck with me. We discussed the challenges couples face when their children grow up and leave home, as well as the need to redefine our relationships and individual identities. It really struck a chord with me because my son recently graduated high school and is going away to college. This has been a major transition for our family, and it has made me realize the opportunity to focus more on building a deeper relationship with my daughter.
We also touched on the differences in parenting approaches between spouses. It can be challenging when we have different beliefs and philosophies, but it's important to address those differences and find a common ground. We shared some personal stories and insights that I think many parents will find relatable.
Throughout the episode, we emphasized the significance of spending quality time with our spouse and each child individually. It's crucial to prioritize these relationships and make intentional efforts to strengthen them. The conversation was full of practical tips and advice that have helped us in our own journeys as parents.
If you are a parent who wants to nurture stronger family relationships, I highly recommend listening to this episode. It's filled with relatable stories, valuable insights, and actionable tips that will resonate with you. It's time to prioritize what truly matters - our family.
Connect with Jody
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
Episode Highlights
00:01:06 - Chris's question - Leading Family through Transition
00:03:16 - Michael's question - Parenting Differences
00:06:06 - Lee Cockerell's Advice on Parenting
00:09:20 - Challenges in Empty Nest Season
00:10:50 - Taking Time for Dates