The Disney Institute

The Goodman Speakers Bureau is now offering acclaimed Disney Institute professional development programs at your facility or any off-site meeting location. “Experience the Business Behind the Magic” at your next meeting with Disney Institute!

Highlighting the vision and ideals of Walt Disney, Disney Institute is a recognized leader in experiential training, leadership development, benchmarking and cultural change for business professionals across the globe.

Download Disney Institute One-Sheet (PDF; 140k)

Featured Disney Institute Speakers
(click on speaker's name for complete biography)

	FERNANDO BELTRAN Fernando Beltran brings 20 years of experience as a leader in the Disney organization plus the business savvy of an entrepreneur in the financial services industry to every Disney Institute program he facilitates. In his first Disney leadership role as a Stage Manger, Fernando was part of a dynamic team of leaders responsible for the scheduling and daily operation of the cast and crew of multiple live shows and events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™.

	CHRIS CARACCI After 12 years as a nationally Board Registered Respiratory Therapist with extensive clinical, managerial, and administrative experience at large hospitals in both Miami and Atlanta, Chris began his Walt Disney World® career in 1989. After various operational and management roles in park, retail, and food and beverage operations, Chris eventually taught a variety of educational programming at the Disney University.

	LEE COCKERELL Executive VP of Walt Disney World Resort Operations (retired) The Disney Institute prides itself on distinctive content and compelling facilitators. Now with the Executive Series, Disney is bringing Lee Cockerell and his incredible frontline experience directly to you. Integrate invaluable knowledge gained by years of living the Disney principles into your organization.

	BRUCE KIMBRELL Bruce’s leadership roles at Disneyland® have seen him serving his Cast and Guests in the Food & Beverage operation, Merchantainment, the Resort Stage Manager Program, Training & Development, Human Resources, Marketing, and Guest Services. In these areas, Bruce served as both a front-line leader and leader of leaders where most recently he was the Operations Manager for Resort Transportation & Parking.

	Nicole Lauria Nicole joined the Walt Disney World® Cast in 1999, where she held the position of senior sales manager for Resort Sales, Parks and Services. In her role, she was instrumental in developing and growing the national Diversity market for Walt Disney World® Resort and the Washington, D.C. association market. In this role she worked with organizations to bring their conventions to the Walt Disney World® Resort. In addition to her sales responsibilities, Nicole serves as a board member for Disney’s Local Diversity Action Team.

	Mark W. Matheis Mark started his career with Walt Disney World Co. in 1990 at the Disney Reservation Center. Since that time, Mark has advanced through a variety of key roles within the organization, from Front Desk host at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, to Entertainment Manager at the Magic Kingdom® Park, to his current role as Content Specialist with Disney Institute. In his Disney Institute role, Mark has delivered thousands of Disney Institute programs, including Professional Development programs, Team programs, and Disney Adult Discoveries.

	Katie Sanchez Katie Sanchez is driven by a strong sense of responsibility and a passion for accomplishment. She has extensive international experience, with a broad knowledge base earned through service in multiple disciplines including management consulting, organizational development, training and skills development, marketing, and human resources. This wealth of experience was gained as an individual contributor, a leader and as an entrepreneurial businesswoman.

	Jack Santiago Eight years spent helping executive teams from a broad spectrum of organizations from small, non-profits to multi-national corporations sharpened to a fine edge Jack Santiago's ability to match his Clients' organizational needs with the right Disney Institute program. Along the way, he developed a passion to personally deliver the learning experience himself. Now, as a Disney Institute Facilitator, Jack has the opportunity to bring his comprehensive program knowledge and business skill together to help his audiences take their business to the next level.

	Jeffrey Williford Jeffrey Williford’s Disney career began far away from any of the Disney resorts or theme parks, as an opening team member of DisneyQuest® (a free-standing family entertainment center) in Chicago. Since that time, he has served the Disney organization in a number of leadership roles in the Human Resources and Guest Services areas of operations ranging from family entertainment, resort/hotel, retail merchandise, food and beverage operations and more.

Uniquely positioned to combine the resources of all Disney Destinations, Disney Institute is a leader at providing professional development that meets your needs. Whether it be programs at Disney Destinations or tailored visits to other business locations, they can transport you out of the traditional classroom setting and into real behind-the-scenes interactions with Disney leaders who share their business practices first-hand. The Disney Advantage conveniently provides your organization with diverse off-site programs and keynote speeches when Disney Institute comes to you. Disney Institute programs provide a unique opportunity to "Experience the Business Behind the Magic" of core business strengths like: Leadership Excellence, People Management, Quality Service, Brand Loyalty and Inspiring Creativity.

Each presentation is normally 90 minutes in length and is presented by a professional from Disney Institute. All their speakers have considerable Disney leadership experience and a unique ability to motivate and inspire groups of all sizes. Each keynote presentation features stories and personal anecdotes from the speaker's own experiences.