Let’s be real, Disney is basically the Beyoncé of the business world. It’s iconic, unstoppable, and somehow manages to make you spend way too much money without even realizing it. But behind all that magic is one man who transformed Disney from a struggling has-been into the entertainment powerhouse we know today: Bob Iger.
Iger took Disney from “meh” to mind-blowingly successful with strategies so good, they should be illegal. The best part? You don’t need to be a CEO to use them. Whether you’re building a business, leveling up your career, or just trying to become the main character of your life, these seven strategies will help you dominate, Disney style.
1. Bet Big on Game-Changing Ideas
The Problem: Playing it safe never leads to greatness. If Disney had stuck to old formulas, we’d still be watching low-budget sequels nobody asked for (looking at you, Cinderella II).
What Iger Did: He went all in on massive acquisitions, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox. These weren’t just deals; they were power moves that redefined entertainment.
Your Move: Stop thinking small. Invest in skills, relationships, or tools that will make a massive difference. Thinking of starting a side hustle? Don’t just dabble, commit and go all in.
2. Build a Brand People Obsess Over
The Problem: If nobody remembers you, do you even exist?
What Iger Did: He made Disney unforgettable. He focused on quality storytelling and experiences that turned casual fans into hardcore loyalists.
Your Move: Whether you’re selling a product or building a personal brand, consistency and quality matter. Be so good that people have to talk about you.
3. Master the Art of Reinvention
The Problem: If you don’t evolve, you get left behind (ask Blockbuster).
What Iger Did: He didn’t let Disney get stuck in the past. He revamped theme parks, launched Disney+, and made sure the company stayed fresh.
Your Move: Keep upgrading. Learn new skills, try different approaches, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary.
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4. Take Calculated Risks
The Problem: Playing it safe is the riskiest move of all.
What Iger Did: He greenlit Black Panther and Frozen, both seen as risky at the time. The result? Billions in revenue and cultural game-changers.
Your Move: Stop waiting for permission. Whether it’s launching a business or making a bold career move, take the leap, strategically.
5. Surround Yourself with Power Players
The Problem: You are who you hang out with.
What Iger Did: He worked with the best, Steve Jobs, Kevin Feige, and top creative minds in the industry.
Your Move: Network like your success depends on it (because it does). Find mentors, connect with ambitious people, and level up your circle.
6. Keep the Audience First
The Problem: If you’re not solving a real problem, nobody cares.
What Iger Did: He listened to what fans wanted, more representation, better stories, and unforgettable experiences.
Your Move: Whether you’re building a brand or selling a service, ask yourself: “Would I actually love this?” If the answer is no, fix it.
7. Never Stop Learning
The Problem: The world changes fast. If you stop learning, you become irrelevant.
What Iger Did: He adapted. Whether it was navigating digital shifts or buying companies, he stayed ahead by staying informed.
Your Move: Read, take courses, and stay curious. Speaking of learning, Bob Iger’s book The Ride of a Lifetime is a must-read for anyone who wants to master leadership. Grab your copy here and thank me later.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Own Magic
Bob Iger didn’t wait for a fairy godmother, he built his own empire with strategy, risk-taking, and relentless execution. And guess what? You can too.