Dan Cockerell

Upon graduating with a B.A. in Political Science from Boston University in 1991, Dan Cockerell moved to Florida and began his career as a parking attendant at Disney's Epcot Center. He then joined the Disneyland Paris Management Trainee Program as part of the opening team and moved to France in 1992. In Paris, Cockerell progressed through various management roles in Parking, Ticketing, Guest Relations, Food & Beverages, and Human Resources.

After a five-year stint in France, he returned to Florida and took on multiple executive positions at Walt Disney World Resort, spanning the theme parks and resort hotels. His last nine years with Disney were particularly significant, as he served as Vice President of Epcot, Vice President of Disney's Hollywood Studios, and ultimately Vice President of the Magic Kingdom. In this final role, he led a team of 12,000 cast members and was responsible for operations that entertained over 20 million guests annually.

Cockerell also enriched his experience by serving as a keynote speaker for the Disney Institute for 18 years, sharing his insights with a global audience, including organizations such as USAA Bank, General Motors, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Army, SMU Business School, Porsche A.G., and United Airlines. After completing an MBA at the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College in 2001 and culminating a rewarding 26-year career at Disney, Cockerell, alongside his wife Valerie, embarked on a new chapter by establishing a consulting and speaking business. His firm offers personalized presentations, workshops, and coaching, focusing on leadership and management practices. He draws extensively on his Disney experiences, employing effective storytelling to enhance the learning experience.

Now an acclaimed author, Cockerell penned "How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?" which delves into creating dynamic employee cultures and enhancing leadership skills. His consulting work takes him around the world, helping a variety of organizations, including corporations, government agencies, and non-profits, improve their performance and workplace culture. His keynote speeches cover a broad array of topics such as leadership, self-preparation, world-class customer service, and the significance of employee experience in achieving customer satisfaction, stressing the importance of personal well-being in effective leadership and the impact of organizational culture on success.