Former Disney COO and CFO Tom Staggs was widely expected to become Disney's next CEO. Then, in his words, Bob Iger decided he didn't want him there. At 10, Tom got fired from delivering penny savers after dumping a stack of them in a dumpster, and he decided he would never betray someone's trust again. The day before he joined Disney, someone from Disney's legal department gave him one piece of advice at a barbecue: trust no one. He spent his career doing the opposite. Under Michael Eisner, he became Disney CFO at 37. He was CFO through the Disney Pixar acquisition and the Marvel acquisition, deals Wall Street said Disney overpaid for. He then went on to run Disney Parks and Resorts and champion the MagicBand. Today he leads Candle Media with former Disney colleague Kevin Mayer. This is a conversation about leadership lessons from Disney, why candor won over Steve Jobs, why confidence and humility aren't opposites, how to build trust at work, and what happens when the job you love stops being yours. Through all of it runs one idea: if you're genuinely dedicated to the success of the people around you, they will trust you.
#TomStaggs #Disney #Leadership
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Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:12 The Penny Saver Lesson
00:03:49 Early Career & Falling Into Finance
00:06:52 Joining Disney & Becoming CFO to COO
00:12:04 Confidence & Humility
00:15:02 Mentorship from Frank Wells
00:22:09 Organizational Vibrancy
00:24:31 Acquiring Pixar
00:31:10 Lessons from Steve Jobs
00:34:59 Running the Magic: Parks & Resorts
00:41:24 Building MyMagic+
00:44:52 Spill the Chai
00:49:49 The Guest Experience Stories
00:55:09 Balancing Excellence & Burnout
01:01:06 Leaving the Throne
01:10:31 Building the Future: Candle Media & AI
01:15:46 The Learning Lounge Advice
01:24:20 Audience Questions
01:32:48 Close
DISCLAIMER:
The Learning Lounge content is for educational and informational purposes only. The opinions and experiences shared by hosts and guests are their own and are not medical, legal, financial, mental-health, tax, investment, or other professional advice. Consult a qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances. Results vary, and outcomes are not guaranteed. Guest views do not necessarily reflect those of The Learning Lounge, Dang World, its owners, employees, affiliates, sponsors, or partners.
CONTENT CREDIT:
Any imagery, footage, or references related to the Ambani and Kardashian events are used for editorial and illustrative purposes. Credit belongs to the respective copyright owners.
A DANG World Studios Production
OUR PEOPLE:
Karan Dang — Co-Host & Chief Creative Officer
Shruti Dang — Co-Host & Chief Operating Officer
Utsav Dang — VP Strategic Operations
Muita Muthee — Podcast Producer
Sydney Dutton — Community and Operations Manager
Leny Balute — Chief of Staff
Francis Manding - Social Media Manager
John Mark Galamay — Social Copywriter
July Studios — Long Form Editor
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German Belkin — Original Soundtrack
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SPECIAL THANKS:
Late Sidharth Raj Dang, Amrita Dang, Shashi Shukla, Praveen Shukla, Aria Dang, Blue Vir Dang, advisors, mentors, friends, and family.
