EP141: The Magic of Vision in Leadership (and Life) - Disney Style
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
I recently returned from an unforgettable trip that has been on my bucket list for years: the Adventures by Disney Southern California Experience. It was a dream come true, filled with rich history, iconic locations, and lessons that continue to resonate with me. This group trip, organized by my friend Amanda Bauner from Me and the Magic, and in partnership with MEI and Mouse Fan Travel, was a journey through the legacy of Walt Disney in Southern California.
One of the many highlights included visits to Walt Disney Studios, Imagineering, Disneyland, and Disney's California Adventure. I could talk for hours about what we saw and learned, but the key takeaway for me was the importance of vision—not just for a business, but for life and leadership.
The Magic of Vision
Walt Disney once famously said, "I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing—that it all started with a mouse." But the reality is, it all started with a man and his unwavering vision. Walt Disney’s ability to imagine what could be, and to communicate that vision, was the foundation of his success.
When I speak about vision, I’m not referring to a typical corporate vision statement, though those are important. I’m talking about a broader, personal vision—one that guides your actions, fuels your purpose, and helps you overcome obstacles. This type of vision is more fluid, evolving as you grow, yet grounded in a strong sense of purpose.
What Vision Means for You
Vision is the power of imagination—the ability to see beyond your current reality and envision possibilities for the future. It provides direction, helps you stay on course when things get tough, and keeps you motivated when the path ahead is unclear.
This trip reinforced for me the significance of having a vision for yourself, your work, and your impact on others. Whether you're leading a team or navigating personal goals, having a clear vision is essential.
Lessons from Walt Disney
Throughout my time on this trip, I was reminded of several lessons from Walt Disney’s story about the power of vision:
When you know, then do.
Walt didn’t just dream—he took action. He felt a spark of inspiration and acted on it, despite the many challenges he faced. Whether it's a new idea, a career move, or a personal goal, when you feel that inkling, trust it and take steps toward it.Self-awareness is the key.
Understanding your strengths and what might hold you back is crucial to realizing your vision. Walt's personality was a mix of creativity, enthusiasm, drive, and determination. Even if your style is different, self-awareness can help you navigate challenges and stay aligned with your vision.Empower others to help bring your vision to life.
Walt didn’t achieve everything alone. He empowered those around him to contribute to his vision—whether it was his brother Roy, his animators, or his team of Imagineers. Surround yourself with people who complement your strengths and challenge you to grow.Stay true to your vision, even when faced with adversity.
Walt faced countless setbacks, from losing the rights to his first animated character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, to facing skepticism about his ideas for animated feature films. But he stayed true to his vision and created something the world had never seen before.Your vision impacts more than just you.
Your vision not only shapes your life but also impacts the people around you—your family, colleagues, and even your community. Walt's vision created opportunities for thousands of people and brought joy to millions around the world. Never underestimate the ripple effect of your vision.
Bringing Your Vision to Life
It's one thing to have a vision, but how do you bring it to life? For Walt Disney, it was about empowering others and believing in their abilities. He didn’t hold the reins too tightly; instead, he trusted his team and allowed them to contribute their unique skills.
Whether your vision is personal or professional, it's essential to empower both yourself and others. Belief in yourself is the starting point—believe that you are capable, that your dreams are possible, and that your vision can become a reality.
Once you have that belief, empower others to help you on the journey. It takes collaboration and trust to bring a vision to life, and this is where the magic happens.
Final Thoughts
Vision is not static—it evolves with time and experience. One of the things that struck me during this trip was how Walt Disney constantly listened, assessed, and adjusted his approach. He stayed true to his overarching vision while adapting to the challenges and opportunities that came his way.
Whether you're leading a team, pursuing a personal goal, or dreaming of something big, having a vision is crucial. It helps you navigate the tough moments, empowers you to take risks, and ultimately brings your dreams to life.
What Do You Think?
What’s your vision? What do you want to achieve, create, or impact in the world?
Head over to my Instagram account and send me a DM - - let me know what you come up with!
Links
Episode 6: The Magic of Your [Leadership] Why
Episode 54: Making Decisions from the Future
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