MEGA SESSION: Sustaining the Disney Culture Through Selection, Training, and Engagement
At each and every Disney destination around the world, these assets create our roadmap — the corporate culture that defines our selection, training, and engagement processes, and the philosophy that leads to every business decision. Communicating and nurturing the culture of your organization is vital to the successful management of your employees. From recruiting to career management, employees want to know your expectations and how you are going to support them in meeting those expectations. This program will help you to select employees with the skills who are the right “fit” for your organization’s culture; train employees to make their best contribution, and provide them with opportunities to improve their performance; communicate with all levels of your organization; and provide a supportive environment that celebrates success.
Mike Reardon, MBA, CPLP
Mike Reardon incorporates outstanding leadership skills, a passion for customer service and an entrepreneurial spirit into helping businesses enhance the way they do business. Mike began his Disney career in 1999 as a part-time merchandise host. Inspired by Disney’s approach to leadership and service, Mike sought and obtained a role as park retail guest services manager for the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. During that time, he implemented practice techniques such as engaging employees through action planning sessions, safety meetings and feedback sessions. Mike’s team received recognition as the guest service team of the year for 2002. He was also instrumental in the development and execution of a new and very successful employee recognition program for the Magic Kingdom. In 2006, Mike served in a temporary role as a Traditions assistant, welcoming new cast members to the Disney family on their first day of employment. This led to an opportunity to join the operations learning and development team where Mike taught the principles of the Disney service basics to cast members. He also facilitated leadership sessions focused on making recognition a priority at Disney University. Mike brought his comprehensive knowledge to Disney Institute in 2008.
Prior to joining Disney, Mike earned extensive experience as a leader with a major energy company. Mike earned his Associate of Arts degree from Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, Mass. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, and a Master of Business Administration degree in human resource management from Saint Leo University, in Saint Leo, Fla. He is a member of Delta Nu, the Saint Leo division of the national scholastic honor society Delta Epsilon Sigma. Mike is a member of the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) and holds the ASTD Certification Institute's Certified Professional in Learning and Performance Certification (CPLP). He is also a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). He is driven by a passion for family, faith, leadership and conveying the principles of guest service. Mike is a history buff and researches family genealogy and looks for inspiration from historical leaders, plays guitar, and follows the pursuits of New England football and baseball teams.
Follow Michael on Twitter @DisneyInstitute.