In this episode of Driving Change, Jeff Bloomfield sits down with Hugh Kincaid, a 40-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company. From scooping ice cream at Disney World’s grand opening to shaping the company’s organizational culture, Hugh shares his journey of personal Growth, leadership, and the intentional lessons he learned along the way. With anecdotes that highlight his roots, mentors, and transformative moments at Disney, Hugh offers invaluable insights into leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of creating meaningful change in both professional and personal contexts.
Why You Should Listen
If you’ve ever wondered what makes Disney’s magic so enduring—or how a young dreamer from West Virginia grew into a leader shaping one of the world’s most iconic brands—this episode is for you. Hugh Kincaid’s journey is packed with life lessons on resilience, embracing unintentional opportunities, and using emotional intelligence to build lasting cultural change. His storytelling will inspire leaders, creatives, and anyone who wants to leave a Legacy of impact.
Key Takeaways
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The Power of Unintentional Moments: Success often comes from how you adapt to unplanned events and learn from them.
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Leadership Lessons from Disney: Culture change requires personal change—leaders must model the behaviors they want to see.
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Guarding the Magic: Whether in storytelling or customer experience, staying true to your values is key to maintaining organizational success.
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Work-Life Balance: “None of us are promised tomorrow.” Hugh’s lessons emphasize the importance of prioritizing Family and making memories.
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Kindness Matters: Simple acts of generosity and connection can have a profound impact on others.
I come from a large Italian family. I’m number seven in the line of ten kids!
When my dad passed away some years ago, I was fortunate enough to be there as the end was coming. I was standing just to the right of his hospital bed; he was lying there with his eyes closed. All of a sudden, Dad opens his eyes. He looks up at the ceiling with a look of peace – and maybe accomplishment – on his face. Then he closes his eyes for the last time. I guess out of instinct, I reached down and kissed him on that prickly cheek one last time. My dad left a legacy in that life well lived! A legacy based on three main principles: Family, Service, and Dedication. I do what I do to carry on that legacy to the best of my ability.
