How to Shape Thinking & Influence Executives with Retired Walt Disney World Parks President, Meg Crofton

In a captivating interview, we had the pleasure of hosting Meg Crofton, former President of Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts.

Meg's impressive journey to the top and her insights on leadership and personal development are truly enlightening. Growing up with a father involved in the space program and an education in marketing, Meg’s roots have significantly influenced her perspective on leadership. Her successful career journey, with diverse roles in operations and staff groups at Disney, have been instrumental in shaping her understanding of leadership, corporate culture, and organizational success.

The Leadership Journey

Meg's journey to the top of Disney's organizational ladder was not a straightforward path. She emphasizes that it's crucial to be open to different outcomes and to see career progression as a journey rather than a destination. Meg's ambition was not about climbing the corporate ladder for power or prestige. Instead, she aspired to be part of the senior leadership team where meaningful dialogues and decisions happened.

Translating Vision into Action

One of the critical concepts discussed during the episode is the power of 'Shaping Thinking.' This concept involves translating a company's vision and mission into meaningful activities that help people develop conviction for their work. Meg defines shaping thinking as more than just influencing others. It is about strong communication skills and leadership, and it requires understanding your audience and the context in which they operate.

Harnessing the Power of Diverse Experiences

In her leadership journey, Meg has also stressed the importance of diverse experiences in executive development. The episode explores the significance of moving leaders around within an organization to give them a holistic understanding of the company. This approach can also foster the development of influential skills and shape thinking.

Combatting Imposter Syndrome and Building Credibility

The conversation with Meg also uncovers her strategies for building credibility, connecting with audiences, and combating imposter syndrome. She shares how she transitioned from non-profit to for-profit boards, reframed insecurities, and harnessed the underestimated power of an outside perspective. Lessons from Non-Profit to For-Profit Boards Meg shares her experiences and lessons learned from transitioning from non-profit to for-profit boards. She stresses the need to reframe insecurities to present ourselves effectively in interviews and the power of an outside perspective in balancing positional authority.

Meg underscores the importance of continuous learning and the power of diverse client relationships. Her infectious enthusiasm for sharing her experiences gives listeners a wealth of knowledge and a renewed perspective on leadership. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring one, this episode will offer valuable insights and inspire you to harness your leadership potential.

About Meg Crofton: In addition, Meg truly enjoys and welcomes speaking opportunities aimed at leaders who are focused on their own development, customer service, culture building, and change management. During my presentations, she use storytelling and Q&A dialogue to share my career journey and lessons learned. With a passion for developing leaders, Meg derives great satisfaction from empowering high-potential talent to become the best possible version of themselves. She is interested in mentoring roles for executives and consulting projects on change management initiatives. Meg is confident that the wisdom and experiences she shares can bring game-changing results. Meg is a lifelong learner and inspirational leader who is highly motivated to engage in meaningful work that will be of service to others. She believes it is both a responsibility and a privilege to share our experiences in life and leadership, and to pay it forward. As an avid collector of inspirational quotes, one of my favorites is “leaders don’t force others to follow, they invite them on a journey.” (Charles Lauer)

About Betsy Jordyn: Betsy Jordyn is the founder and CEO of Betsy Jordyn International, a boutique branding firm that offers personalized mentoring and end-to-end creative design services to help high-achieving, purpose-driven entrepreneurs build profitable consulting and coaching businesses that they love. Betsy is the host of the weekly Enough Already podcast, blog, and YouTube channel, with over 300 episodes. Through her company and her content, she is on a mission to empower accomplished professionals to make the shift from success to significance and achieve their full potential in their careers and in their personal lives.  

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