Ever wonder how Disney is able to evoke profound emotions of joy and wonder even in those far removed from childhood?

In this episode of Mitlin Money Mindset, Larry Sprung speaks with Theron Skees and James Warda, two experts in the Disney universe, to explore the enchanting world behind Disney’s most beloved experiences. Learn about the emotional connections forged by Disney rides, the behind-the-scenes magic of Imagineering, and how businesses can harness these storytelling techniques to create impactful customer experiences. Plus, discover the unique journey that led to the creation of James Warda’s book, “How Does Disney Do That?”.

Larry, James, and Theron discuss: 

• The emotional impact of Disney attractions and guest experiences.
• The book ‘How Does Disney Do That?’ came to be and the role Joe Rohde had in its creation.
• The collaborative process between creators and fans in bringing Disney magic to life.
• Business lessons that can be learned from Disney’s storytelling methods.
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial  
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung 
• Facebook: How Does Disney Do That?
• LinkedIn: How Does Disney Do That?

Connect with Larry Sprung: 

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with James Warda:

• LinkedIn: James Warda 
• Instagram: James Warda
• YouTube: James Warda
• X (Twitter): James Warda
• Website: James Warda
• Website: How Does Disney Do That?

Connect with Theron Skees: 

• LinkedIn: Theron Skees
• Facebook: Theron Skees
• Instagram: Theron Skees 
• YouTube: Theron Skees
• Website: Designers Creative Studio 

About Theron:

Theron Skees is the founder of The Designer’s Creative Studio and has over 30 years of experience assembling and leading multi-disciplined teams for both domestic and international projects in the Themed Entertainment Industry. 

As a veteran of Walt Disney Imagineering, he has led diverse creation, design and construction projects from hundreds of millions to multiple billions of dollars in a wide variety of experience types. He is a corporate culture evangelist who applies vision, strategy, focus and high personal standards to advance design and increase brand equity. Using “Story” as the key element to deliver business goals and make an emotional connection to guests

Theron is an organized creative leader with exceptional capability in managing multiple, concurrently running teams and is a highly respected, natural communicator who interfaces positively and professionally at all levels. 

About James:

James Warda is writer, keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and author of  multiple books such as “How Does Disney Do That?”, “Where Are We Going So Fast?” and more. His background includes being a blogger for the Chicago Tribune Media Group, and columnist for the Chicago Tribune and Pioneer Press.

James is recognized for ability to make the complex simple and align groups to execute large-scale change initiatives across multiple industries, including aerospace, defense, energy management and automation, Finance, healthcare, insurance and more. 

James leads with expertise in executive communications, internal communications, public relations and media relations, crisis communications, digital communications, marketing, and Labor Relations and Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) communications.

Most Recent Episodes

December 25, 2024

Prioritizing JOY and Teaching Financial Literacy with David Delisle

What if teaching kids about money could change their lives forever? This week on Mitlin Money Mindset®, Larry Sprung welcomes David Delisle, founder of The Awesome Stuff™, to explain how financial...

Listen · 35:23

December 18, 2024

Building Champions On and Off the Ice with Gordie Stafford

What does it take to create champions both in sports and life?  For Gordie Stafford, it’s a blend of discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for mentorship. In this episode, Larry Sprung sits...

Listen · 40:00

December 11, 2024

Harnessing the Power of Culture in Business and Beyond with Dr. Marcus Collins

Ever wonder how culture shapes the way we view the world and influences our actions?  In this episode, Larry Sprung chats with Dr. Marcus Collins, an award-winning marketer and cultural translator,...

Listen · 38:20

Load More Episodes

Larry Sprung Host Mitlin

Lawrence “Larry” Sprung, CFP® is a husband, father, entrepreneur and mental health advocate.

Larry is the author of the Amazon Bestselling book “Financial Planning Made Personal” and the also host of the Mitlin Money Mindset™ a podcast that reminds you to ask yourself “What did you do today that brought you joy?®”

In 2004 he founded Mitlin Financial, Inc. naming the firm memory of Larry’s wife’s grandfather, Mitchell, and his mother, Linda. During his career, Larry has found that a lot of industry terms and concepts can seem confusing to outsiders. That’s why he works with the families he serves to break down complex financial topics into easy-to-understand concepts.

In recognition of Larry’s significant contributions to his profession, he has received quite a few awards. In 2021, Larry was named to the Investopedia 100 Top Advisors in 2021 and was even more humbled to make their Top Ten list for 2022.

Outside the office, one of Larry’s greatest passions is raising awareness for mental health. He spent over 12 years serving on the National Board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and sits on its financial and investment committees. With his wife, Denise, he has raised more than $1.7 million for the organization through the Keith Milano Memorial Fund. The fund was created in memory of his brother-in-law.

Larry values his family tremendously and his desire to do right by his wife and two sons drives who he is in and out of the office.