124: The Disney CEO Race: How Josh D’Amaro Won Disney’s Top Job with Amanda From Once Upon A Marathon

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Disney has a new CEO, and if you’ve been following the leadership shifts at The Walt Disney Company over the past few years, you know this moment has been a long time coming. In this episode of the Well Hello Magic Podcast, I’m joined by Amanda from Once Upon a Marathon, one of my favorite creators when it comes to breaking down the business side of Disney.

Amanda is known for her thoughtful deep dives into how Disney actually operates behind the scenes, and in this conversation we unpack the full story behind the Disney CEO race and how Josh D’Amaro ultimately became the next leader of the company.

We start by going back to the beginning of the leadership transition, looking at why Bob Chapek was originally chosen to succeed Bob Iger, the challenges he faced stepping into the role just before the pandemic, and where things began to unravel during his tenure as CEO. From there we talk about the dramatic moment when Disney’s board brought Bob Iger back to stabilize the company, and why his return was always meant to be temporary.

As the company began preparing for its next chapter, a serious succession conversation began inside Disney. Amanda helps break down who the major contenders were, why Dana Walden emerged as one of the strongest candidates, and what the board may have been weighing as they looked at leaders from different parts of the company.

We also discuss the unique position Disney is in as a company that spans theme parks, movies, streaming, television, cruise lines, and consumer products, and how that complexity makes choosing the right CEO incredibly difficult.

Finally, we dive into why Josh D’Amaro ultimately stood out in the race, what his background in the parks and guest experience could mean for the future of Disney, and what fans might notice as the company enters its next era of leadership.

Amanda is incredibly insightful and brings such a smart perspective to the Disney business conversation. If you’ve ever wanted to understand how decisions are really made inside Disney, this episode is a fascinating look at the strategy, leadership, and personalities shaping the future of the company.

And as always…

✨ For more tips on minimizing parental stress at the Disney parks, follow @wellhellomagic.

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