Entrepreneurship the Disney Way - Softcover

Goldsby, Michael; Mathews, Rob

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1138737550 ISBN 13: 9781138737556

Publisher: Routledge, 2018

Synopsis

This book focuses on the business story of Walt Disney and the company he built. Combining a unique blend of entrepreneurship, creativity, innovation, and a relentless drive to bring out the best in his teams, Walt Disney created one of the most successful ventures in business history. Outlining the specific processes of the company, Goldsby and Mathews provide the reader with the tools they need to embrace their own entrepreneurial leadership style, to lead effectively, to be more innovative, and to build a successful organization.

Through the lens of Disney, the reader learns the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. Beginning with a general introduction to the concepts relevant to the entrepreneurial organization today, the book examines how Disney built his empire and how the company remains an industry leader. The book also provides the opportunity to take the Entrepreneurial Leadership Instrument, which measures one’s style in leading entrepreneurial ventures. The book is divided into two parts:

· Part I provides an overview of Disney’s entrepreneurial journey, including the topics of vision, risk-taking, financing, and human resource management;
· Part II examines the company’s transition from a family business into a global operation, including topics such as succession planning and strategy.  Part II also explores Disney Parks and Resorts, the part of the company that interacts directly with customers, including topics such as culture, employee engagement, customer service, and customer experience.

Entrepreneurship the Disney Way brings entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership to life through the compelling story of one of the most recognizable businessmen and companies of our time. The authors’ interviews with high-level executives provides the reader with a rare inside look into the way his company functions. Disney fans, executives, and students of entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership will find it a delightful and informing read.

About this title

About the Author

Michael G. Goldsby is the Chief Entrepreneurship Officer and Stoops Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship at Ball State University, USA.

Rob Mathews is the Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise at Ball State University, USA.

Review

“Walt Disney and the company he built have inspired no shortage of business books, covering topics ranging from leadership to customer service, customer satisfaction to innovation and creativity. In this book Mike Goldsby and Rob Mathews explore the history of Walt Disney and The Walt Disney Company through the lens of entrepreneurship, offering new lessons and insights that can help anyone running a business, large or small. Entrepreneurship the Disney Way is a worthy addition to the Disney business literature, and belongs in the library of anyone looking to improve their business.” ― Lou Prosperi, author of 'The Imagineering Pyramid' and 'The Imagineering Process'
 
"As an evangelist, I promote the Disney philosophy and make it accessible to others every day. The beauty of Disney is more than movies and theme parks, it is a lifestyle. It is storytelling, it is being kind, it’s doing the right things and it’s making people feel good throughout our journey. Dr. Goldsby and Dr. Mathews do a magical job of showing us how we can incorporate the Disney way into our business adventures." ― Jamie Ane Eubanks, CEO, Magical Vacation Planner
 
"Many biographies have told the story of Walt Disney, but only this engaging book distills his extraordinary life into lessons and exercises to guide and inspire entrepreneurs everywhere." ― John Chisholm, author, 'Unleash Your Inner Company'; past president/chair, worldwide MIT Alumni Association
 
"The historian David McCullough remarked: “The only way to teach history, to write history, to bring people into the magic of transforming yourself into other times, is through the vehicle of the story. It isn't just a chronology. It's about people. History is human.”  With these words in mind, this book magically follows Mr. McCullough’s viewpoint as it relives the incredible Walt Disney journey and the Disney company growth through the use of engaging story telling.   In my view, a good book entertains and teaches.   This book does both.  Read this book for two reasons: (1) if you want to understand the inside story of how Disney is one of the most successful companies of all time; (2) if you want to learn how to be a better entrepreneur and leader." ― Christopher P. Neck, Associate Professor of Management, W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University 
 
"Mike Goldsby and Rob Mathews bring an enthusiasm to the subject of Disney that would make Walt proud. Where other authors leave off, Goldsby and Mathews are only hitting their stride and they take the reader from the illusion of Disney to the true magic of Disney." ― James Bishop, New Mexico State University, USA

"If you are looking for a book that combines the elements of creativity, innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship the Disney Way does not disappoint. Drs. Goldsby and Mathews bring their rich Disney experiences to the conversation as they skillfully craft a narrative around the magic that is Disney today, with the timeless lessons that Walt Disney so successfully inspired over his lifetime." ― Charles H. Matthews, University of Cincinnati, USA

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1138737550
• ISBN 13: 9781138737556
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 308