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Bob Iger’s Organizational Leadership Skills Have Helped Preserve the Legacy of The Walt Disney Company While Promoting Innovation and Growth

“Optimism. One of the most important qualities of a good leader is optimism, a pragmatic enthusiasm for what can be achieved. Even in the face of difficult choices and less than ideal outcomes, an optimistic leader does not yield to pessimism. Simply put, people are not motivated or energized by pessimists.” ~ Bob Iger

Walter E. Disney, known to all as the famous Walt Disney, did what few could ever do – he established himself and his brand as an indelible part of Americana. In his 43-year career, Disney managed to change the landscape of American (and later world) culture and create an enduring legacy that will live on for generations to come.

Fast forward nearly a hundred years (Walt Disney established Disney in 1923) and The Walt Disney Company is a major worldwide company that isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. And at its helm is Bob Iger, largely considered one of the most successful CEOs in the history of the company.

From 2005-2020, Iger served as CEO (though he’s been part of Disney since the company acquired Capital Cities/ABC in 1995). During this time, he made extraordinary decisions that included acquiring bands like Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, and Lucasfilm… expanding into international markets… closing a $71 billion buyout of 21^st Century Fox… and starting the streaming Disney+ service. Under his tutelage, Disney expanded its reach to East Asia and opened the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and the Shanghai Disney Resort.

With an eye on retirement, he stepped down as CEO in 2020 (but was still involved in the company); however, in November 2022, it was announced that he would return as CEO to The Walt Disney Company to take the company into a new chapter of transformation.

During Iger’s tenure, The Walt Disney Company was named as one of the “Most Reputable Companies” by Forbes; as one of the “World’s Most Admired Companies” by Fortune, and one of the “World’s Most Respected Companies” by Barron’s.

Iger began his career in 1974 at ABC studios, where he held the role of studio supervisor. He spent the next 30 years climbing the corporate ladder until he became CEO of The Walt Disney Company in 2005. When he began his role as CEO, Disney had a net income of $2.5 billion; by 2019, the company had a net income of $12.3 billion – a 404% increase.

In his 2019 book, The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, he identified ten core principles for leadership: optimism, courage, focus, decisiveness, curiosity, fairness, thoughtfulness, authenticity, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and integrity. Based on Disney’s growth, it’s clear Iger practices what he preaches.