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Career Magic: How To Stay On Track To Achieve A Stellar Career
Executive Career Development Secrets from a Life at Disney...
Career Development Magic is a unique book full of priceless advice and insightful experience. Lee Cockerell chronicles how he went from being a college dropout, rose through the ranks at both Hilton and Marriott, and ultimately became the Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World? Resorts. As the Senior Operating Executive for more than a decade, Lee led a team of 40,000 Cast Members and was responsible for the operations of 20 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a shopping & entertainment village and the ESPN sports and recreation complex.
After spending more than 40 years in the hospitality industry developing skills, learning lessons in management and excellence in customer service, people were always asking Lee, "How can I climb the corporate ladder? How can I get into management? How can I get promoted? How can I make more money?" It was these persistent questions that led Lee to write this book.
Lee candidly shares the specific things he did to experience such dramatic success in the corporate world, but he also shares the mistakes he made along the way, and the million–dollar lessons he learned that ultimately led him to the top spot at the number one vacation destination in the world.
It was not Disney magic that made Lee Cockerell's career so successful, but the way he dealt with the ups and downs that made it magical. It's the same with your career. Through this book, you will learn how to navigate the ups and downs along your own career path and zero in on your ideal job – and ultimately, the life you desire.
When Lee Cockerell says "If I can do it, so can you," he truly means it. No matter where you are along your career path, you have an opportunity to climb the ladder of success by paying attention, asking questions and having a passion for your chosen career.
Career Development Magic is a unique book full of priceless advice and insightful experience. Lee Cockerell chronicles how he went from being a college dropout, rose through the ranks at both Hilton and Marriott, and ultimately became the Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World? Resorts. As the Senior Operating Executive for more than a decade, Lee led a team of 40,000 Cast Members and was responsible for the operations of 20 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a shopping & entertainment village and the ESPN sports and recreation complex.
After spending more than 40 years in the hospitality industry developing skills, learning lessons in management and excellence in customer service, people were always asking Lee, "How can I climb the corporate ladder? How can I get into management? How can I get promoted? How can I make more money?" It was these persistent questions that led Lee to write this book.
Lee candidly shares the specific things he did to experience such dramatic success in the corporate world, but he also shares the mistakes he made along the way, and the million–dollar lessons he learned that ultimately led him to the top spot at the number one vacation destination in the world.
It was not Disney magic that made Lee Cockerell's career so successful, but the way he dealt with the ups and downs that made it magical. It's the same with your career. Through this book, you will learn how to navigate the ups and downs along your own career path and zero in on your ideal job – and ultimately, the life you desire.
When Lee Cockerell says "If I can do it, so can you," he truly means it. No matter where you are along your career path, you have an opportunity to climb the ladder of success by paying attention, asking questions and having a passion for your chosen career.
280 pages, Hardcover
Published November 15, 2016
30 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 14, 2019
Loved it!
Honestly, I struggled a bit with the editing of this book (several awkward sentences/paragraphs and thoughts out of the blue) but it was like hearing Lee speak.
I’ve highlighted so many quotes and now need to get them on notecards. I am finding that Lee has go-to quotes and phrases (great leaders do!) and I must develop my own as well.
This book is a tremendous encouragement for those who are struggling through some murky moments of their career. Lee’s ups and downs are valuable because he learned from them, and he shares the lessons so we can learn the easy way.
Honestly, I struggled a bit with the editing of this book (several awkward sentences/paragraphs and thoughts out of the blue) but it was like hearing Lee speak.
I’ve highlighted so many quotes and now need to get them on notecards. I am finding that Lee has go-to quotes and phrases (great leaders do!) and I must develop my own as well.
This book is a tremendous encouragement for those who are struggling through some murky moments of their career. Lee’s ups and downs are valuable because he learned from them, and he shares the lessons so we can learn the easy way.
January 29, 2025
Lee Cockerell’s Career Magic is an inspiring and insightful guide for anyone looking to take control of their professional journey. Drawing from his own experiences—rising from a farm boy to an executive at Disney—Cockerell shares valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of taking initiative.
One of the book’s most impactful messages is the importance of perseverance: “Adversity is a terrible thing to waste.” Cockerell doesn’t shy away from discussing setbacks, but instead, he reframes them as opportunities for growth. He also highlights the importance of attitude and self-development: “Your career is not your employer’s responsibility—it’s yours.”
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your career, Career Magic offers practical advice and real-world wisdom that will keep you motivated and on the right path. A must-read for anyone serious about professional growth!
One of the book’s most impactful messages is the importance of perseverance: “Adversity is a terrible thing to waste.” Cockerell doesn’t shy away from discussing setbacks, but instead, he reframes them as opportunities for growth. He also highlights the importance of attitude and self-development: “Your career is not your employer’s responsibility—it’s yours.”
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your career, Career Magic offers practical advice and real-world wisdom that will keep you motivated and on the right path. A must-read for anyone serious about professional growth!
August 1, 2022
Interesting read though having read his first book on leadership, some of the stories seemed a little repetitive. Still plan on reading his other two books sometime. Great reminders on how to stay focused throughout the roller coaster and keep the big picture of your reputation in mind.
January 5, 2025
This is the second book of his that I have read, the first being about Time Management. Lee is a strong storyteller and uses his own experiences to offer countless pieces of advice in order to grow your career. This one gets 5 stars from me :)
May 21, 2019
I loved listening to Lee's story and how he has advice pertaining to each life and career event that happens. Great read!
October 8, 2017
Time-Worthy
Part-autobiography and part-leadership guide. Practical tips on how to live life and be a good leader. Teaches that life lessons work in the business world, and vice-versa.
Part-autobiography and part-leadership guide. Practical tips on how to live life and be a good leader. Teaches that life lessons work in the business world, and vice-versa.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews