The Wisdom of Walt: Leadership Lessons from the Happiest Place on Earth (Disneyland): Success Strategies for Everyone (from Walt Disney and Disneyland)

by Jeffrey A. Barnes

As much as Walt wanted to build the “Community of Tomorrow,” the real lesson of EPCOT is the cutting-edge concept of always having a frontier. Granted, the idea of frontier, especially in the context of Disneyland, conjures up images and ideas from yesterday and years long ago. This concept is even echoed in Walt’s own words when he dedicated Frontierland: It is here that we experience the story of our country’s past. The color, romance and drama of frontier America as it developed from wilderness trails to roads, riverboats, railroads and civilization. A tribute to the faith, courage and ingenuity of our hearty pioneers who blazed the trails and made this progress possible. But what if we challenge the limits of our thinking? Perhaps a frontier can be far more than a place? What if we move the boundary and make frontier a mindset? I am challenging you to picture yourself as a pioneer. Pioneers make progress. Don’t just live off your stories of yesterday and accolades from years long ago. Instead, dedicate yourself to a life that is always moving forward. Pioneers do things they have never done and go places they have never been. Successful people know what Walt Disney knew—Frontierland is your friend.