Entrepreneurship the Disney Way

by Michael Goldsby, Michael Goldsby

This book focuses on the business story of Walt Disney and the company he built. Combining a unique blend of entrepreneurship, creativity, innovation, and a relentless drive to bring out the best in his teams, Walt Disney created one of the most successful ventures in business history. Outlining the specific processes of the company, Goldsby and Mathews provide the reader with the tools they need to embrace their own entrepreneurial leadership style, to lead effectively, to be more innovative, and to build a successful organization. Through the lens of Disney, the reader learns the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. Beginning with a general introduction to the concepts relevant to the entrepreneurial organization today, the book examines how Disney built his empire and how the company remains an industry leader. The book also provides the opportunity to take the Entrepreneurial Leadership Instrument, which measures one’s style in leading entrepreneurial ventures. The book is divided into two parts: • Part I provides an overview of Disney’s entrepreneurial journey, including the topics of vision, risk-taking, financing, and human resource management;
• Part II examines the company’s transition from a family business into a global operation, including topics such as succession planning and strategy. Part II also explores Disney Parks and Resorts, the part of the company that interacts directly with customers, including topics such as culture, employee engagement, customer service, and customer experience. Entrepreneurship the Disney Way brings entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership to life through the compelling story of one of the most recognizable businessmen and companies of our time. The authors’ interviews with high-level executives provides the reader with a rare inside look into the way his company functions. Disney fans, executives, and students of entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership will find it a delightful and informing read.

Genres: Business

308 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2018

Reviews

[Louis Prosperi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walt Disney and the company he built have inspired no shortage of business books, covering topics ranging from leadership to customer service, customer satisfaction to innovation and creativity. In this book Mike Goldsby and Rob Matthews explore the history of Walt Disney and The Walt Disney Company through the lens of entrepreneurship, offering new lessons and insights that can help anyone running a business, large or small. Entrepreneurship the Disney Way is a worthy addition to the Disney business literature, and belongs in the library of anyone looking to improve their business.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part history of Walt, part business book, part story of Disney through the ages but a book that any leader can use to become better! Love Disney and learned a ton from this!

[Annette Ridenour · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read! I think I would have been happy with an overview of points too. The first half moved a little slow since I’d already read an account of Walt’s life and this was a lot of repetition. I enjoyed the second half of the book with more specifics on business operations.