68. Chasing Big Dreams: Creativity and Connection in Teams with Disney Imagineer Bob Weis and Tricia Cerrone

Mission First People Always's podcast

How do you turn dreams into reality while leading teams through complex, high-stakes projects? Dr. Mike Patterson hosts a LIVE discussion on linkedin with Bob Weis, former head of Walt Disney Imagineering, and Tricia Cerrone, a leadership expert, to uncover the lessons behind chasing big dreams, fostering creativity, and leading with purpose.

About the Episode:

In this special live episode, Dr. Mike Patterson is joined by Bob Weis, author of Dream Chasing, and Tricia Cerrone, who facilitates a rich conversation about leadership, creativity, and collaboration. Bob shares his journey leading massive projects, including his 40 years with Disney Imagineering, where he managed creative teams that built theme parks around the world.

The discussion highlights the importance of storytelling in leadership, a skill Bob mastered while designing immersive experiences that unite people across cultures. He reflects on the development of Shanghai Disneyland as a transformative project, not just for Disney, but for fostering international understanding and cultural collaboration.

Tricia adds her expertise in leadership, emphasizing how building trust and empathy are critical to guiding diverse teams through challenges. Dr. Mike ties the conversation back to actionable lessons for leaders in all fields, emphasizing the balance of mission and people.

Join the next LIVE on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson

Key Takeaways:

• Chasing Dreams, Not Just Following Them: Turning dreams into reality requires intentionality, teamwork, and relentless focus.

• The Power of Storytelling in Leadership: Stories unify teams, provide clarity, and keep everyone aligned toward a common purpose.

• Creative Leadership: Building trust, fostering collaboration, and encouraging out-of-the-box thinking are essential for innovation.

• Lessons from Shanghai Disneyland: The project exemplifies leadership through international collaboration, cultural understanding, and respect for workers.

• Empathy and Connection: Effective leadership requires empathy and a commitment to understanding the perspectives of others.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and dream chasing. Bob Weis and Tricia Cerrone share inspiring stories and practical strategies to help leaders think big, lead with purpose, and build stronger, more creative teams.

Hit play to hear the full episode and discover how to take your leadership and dream-chasing skills to the next level

Connect with Dr. Mike:

• Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com
• Book: https://www.missionfirstpeoplealwaysbook.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson
• Buy The Book!: Mission First People Always

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction to the Episode
• 01:05 - Meet Bob Weis: Leadership Insights from Disney Imagineering
• 03:10 - Introducing Tricia Cerrone: Leadership and Creativity Expert
• 04:50 - Chasing Dreams vs. Following Dreams: What It Takes to Lead Big Projects
• 07:30 - The Power of Storytelling in Leadership
• 10:15 - Building Shanghai Disneyland: Lessons in Collaboration and Culture
• 13:45 - How Leaders Can Foster Creativity and Innovation in Teams
• 17:30 - Empathy and Trust: The Cornerstones of Leadership
• 20:20 - Lessons Learned from International Projects
• 23:45 - How to Balance Mission and People in Leadership
• 27:10 - Advice for Dream Chasers: Insights from Bob and Tricia
• 30:05 - Closing Thoughts: Turning Dreams into Reality