What we can learn from Disney about storytelling...Plus a behind the scenes peek at my book editing process!
My family just got back from an EPIC trip to Florida, where we lounged on the prettiest island I’ve ever been to (Anna Maria Island), swam with dolphins (Discovery Cove Orlando) and ticked off the ultimate bucket list family adventure: Disney World.
Our vacation was all the things—fun, scary, sweet, frustrating, surprising and exhilarating.
We had 14 glorious days together, where I got to spend precious time with my husband and best friend, and also had more quality time with my kids than I can handle. 😜 (I’m thinking 7 days tops next time, preferably at an island all-inclusive where we can each do our own thing and come together for meal times.)
I also got to tap that childlike wonder that Disney is so famous for evoking. The firework shows, particularly at Magic Kingdom, were truly AWE-some, and it got me thinking about immersive experiences, AI and the power of story. (I can’t help it, my mind is just wired to go that way.)
Disney is a master storyteller. Everything from the show narrations, to the way the parks are laid out, to the highs and lows of each ride and roller coaster.
Still, I wondered, can Disney compete in a world of AI and Web3?
Well, it was able to hold my Fortnite-obsessed twins’ attention for days at a time, so that’s something. Disney’s 4D rides and attractions definitely give it an edge over any videogame or platform we can currently play with at-home. There’s also the nostalgic appeal of older rides and newer attractions that lean on animatronics and the physical thrills of being thrust at 60 miles per hour (the new Tron Lightcycle Run, which we all chickened out of) and tossed 200-feet in the air (Expedition Everest—we came, we saw, we conquered!).
I know it’s a question many of you are asking: How do we stay relevant in such a rapidly shifting universe? And what’s more, how do we keep up?
I’ll take my cues on that from Disney, which has created a 170-billion-dollar industry from telling stories and creating memorable experiences:
1) Tell an emotional story. 2) Be intentional about where you’re leading people. 3) Use your platform, product and book as a way to connect others through immersive, memorable and yes, even nostalgic experiences that help us find the common ground between us.
Disney wins time and again because it creates experiences for people to come together. Parents like me will pay whatever it costs to visit to create memories that last a lifetime. And kids will want to recreate those experiences with their own children.
Experience is the key. Story is the way.
Cat xo
Question: What does the book editing process look like?
Answer: While I was at Disney, my client Shannon Talbot launched her book Breaking Free: Stop Holding Back, Start Being You: Your Guide to Creating the Career & Life of Your Dreams.
Shannon and I started working on this book over a year ago. She wanted to create a book that would take readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions, that would give them hope and steps to create and live their best life, and that would help boost her coaching and speaking business.
It was also important to Shannon to take her time with the book, so she could enjoy the process, while growing her new business and being present for her family.
Now Shannon is a brilliant writer. Take after take, she nailed it. She’s also an expert on the subject of career advancement, entrepreneurship and work-life balance.
My job was to listen, to be a sounding board, and to guide her through the book writing and publishing process. To stretch her to be even more honest, vulnerable, creative and even playful than she was already, and to make the book as immersive, fun and of value as it could be for readers. I was also there to hold her high and cheer her on as she rode her own roller coaster of fears and doubts that we all experience when embarking on anything new, especially writing a book.
Sometimes writing doesn’t look like writing. And sometimes editing doesn’t either. Sometimes a great editor is just a great friend, with a fine-tuned sense of rhythm and timing.
PS: Now that Shannon’s book is published, I have one spot open in my 1-on-1 book development program for my next star author. If you have a story to tell, a message to share, and a business to spotlight, and you’re ready to commit to your book this year, message me to grab this spot before it’s gone.
Book Review - Breaking Free: Stop Holding Back, Start Being You: Your Guide to Creating the Career & Life of Your Dreams, by Shannon Talbot
I wish I had Breaking Free five, seven, 10 years ago. When I was struggling with a career that wasn’t working for me or my life with kids, anymore. When I was scared and hopeless and frustrated and yes, maybe even a little bit angry.
I wrote a book about it, and how I too managed to break free. But that’s not coming out until next year 😉
Fortunately Shannon Talbot’s book Breaking Free is now available, and provides a clear, practical guide to creating the life and career of your dreams. Along the way, Shannon shares her own entrepreneurial journey, and includes interviews with other inspiring women like Mabels Labels founder Julie Cole and former CEO of Second Cup Stacey Mowbray.
This book resonated with me on so many levels and fills me with so much hope that women really can have it all—the fulfilling career, the loving family, without sacrificing their health or mental well-being. Seeing how other women have created a balanced, meaningful life, alongside Shannon’s strategies and tools to make it happen for ourselves, makes this book a must-have for any woman striving for her best life, or next chapter.
Now available at Amazon, and coming to a book store near you. Be sure to grab an extra copy for your friends!