Iger's Uncanny Ability to Preserve Culture

After reading "The Ride of A Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of The Walt Disney Company", I deep dive into Iger's unique ability to build relationships and preserve culture during times of change.

I have been to Disney World over 50 times. I also spent 12 weeks working in The Walt Disney World Costuming Department. So when I was told I had to pick a book about management practices and leaders, what better book to pick than “The Ride of a Lifetime” by Disney CEO Bob Iger?

Image from Frankie Sailer

I am well acquainted with the most magical place on earth, and having worked behind the scenes, have seen a small glimpse into how much it takes to make the day to day magic. “The Ride of A Lifetime” details the early life, the professional beginnings and the 15 year reign as Disney’s CEO from Bob Iger’s perspective.

One thing I loved about this novel was that it followed the chronological sequence of Iger’s career, and incorporated lessons within each of his big experiences. I loved reading about things I remember witnessing or hearing in the news, then seeing how Iger was feeling and acting behind the scenes.

In my public relations capstone, we have talked a ton about different aspects of leadership, culture, and management strategy. While I think this novel touches on all of them multiple times in different ways and with a variety of examples, one part of the book I was extremely enthralled in was Iger’s ability to build relationships with some of the most infamous minds in California.

Image from Google Images

One individual Iger was able to form a special bond with was Steve Jobs. When he came into the role of Disney CEO following Michael Eisner, tensions were high between Disney Animation and Pixar, of which Jobs was CEO. Iger had to be meticulous and strategic in his process in mending the relationship for the company, but in the process formed a beautiful life long friendship. At the end, Iger provides an appendix entitled “Lessons to Live By”. While there are tons of insightful lessons that can be read about in action in the book, one that really stuck out to me was:

“A lot of companies acquire others without much sensitivity toward what they’re really buying. They think they’re getting physical assets or manufacturing assets or intellectual property (in some industries, that’s more true than others). But usually what they’re really acquiring is people. In a creative business, that’s where the value lies”

Not only did Iger live this lesson through the Pixar merger, but continued to keep this alive with the acquisition of Marvel and Star Wars. After having such consistent conversations about culture throughout our course, it was inspiring to see it so skillfully in action by such a big name CEO. Iger was diligent, thoughtful and an advocate for both sides throughout the mergers he oversaw and ensured not only a smooth transition financially but culturally.

Image from Frankie Sailer

Overall, while there were many lessons to be learned from the novel and Iger’s career, I personally took the most away from Iger’s uncanny ability to build, maintain and utilize personal and professional relationships to benefit his organization. I will take with me the importance of considering culture as one of the most important aspects of a merger, and taking into consideration the people and creativity you are gaining, rather than just the assets.