Executive Career Development Secrets from a Life at Disney... Career Development Magic is a unique book full of priceless advice and insightful experience. Lee Cockerell chronicles how he went from being a college dropout, rose through the ranks at both Hilton and Marriott, and ultimately became the Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World® Resorts. As the Senior Operating Executive for more than a decade, Lee led a team of 40,000 Cast Members and was responsible for the operations of 20 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a shopping & entertainment village and the ESPN sports and recreation complex. After spending more than 40 years in the hospitality industry developing skills, learning lessons in management and excellence in customer service, people were always asking Lee, "How can I climb the corporate ladder? How can I get into management? How can I get promoted? How can I make more money?" It was these persistent questions that led Lee to write this book. Lee candidly shares the specific things he did to experience such dramatic success in the corporate world, but he also shares the mistakes he made along the way, and the million-dollar lessons he learned that ultimately led him to the top spot at the number one vacation destination in the world. It was not Disney magic that made Lee Cockerell's career so successful, but the way he dealt with the ups and downs that made it magical. It's the same with your career. Through this book, you will learn how to navigate the ups and downs along your own career path and zero in on your ideal job - and ultimately, the life you desire. When Lee Cockerell says "If I can do it, so can you," he truly means it. No matter where you are along your career path, you have an opportunity to climb the ladder of success by paying attention, asking questions and having a passion for your chosen career.