'The Josh Effect'- How The New Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro Can Carry Walt Disney's Legacy Into The Future
Image Source: Chief Executive
On an early morning in the summer of 2025 Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro were preparing to celebrate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. D’Amaro was supposed to deliver the welcoming remarks, but there was a small problem. No one could find him. Eventually, the handlers tracked him down. Instead of being on stage or getting cozy with the press there to cover the events, he had slipped under the ropes to shake hands with the crowd. They found him in the back talking to employees. The leadership expert who had shadowed D’Amaro, Marcus Buckingham claimed, “That was a custom of his - to always go to the people furthest from the stage and do his Josh thing.” Another employee, Joe Gavigan, who has worked in the park for 25 years called him relatable and "confident but not cocky.” Employees of the Magic Kingdom coined the phrase “the Josh Effect,” explaining that he can make anyone feel seen or heard.
That ability will be indispensable to lead the parks as many have turned their back on Disney due to rising costs, controversial company decisions, or simply the loss of a fan-favorite ride like MuppetVision 3D. Another issue facing the company is the younger generation's preference for user-generated content on social media apps like Instagram and TikTok. This and an abundance of streaming services cut into the revenue Disney generates from cable.
RELATED:
Image Source: CBS12 News
Disney made a surprising investment in OpenAI last year, so naturally, there’s some speculation about how the company will use AI. In a previous interview, D’Amaro said, “You’re seeing it [AI] supercharge these creatives in amazing ways. If you were to walk over to their studios today and see them using AI, harnessing 70 years of history, this is when the Walt Disney Co. thrives - when technology intersects with brilliant people and creativity.” It will serve D’Amaro well to remember the Josh Effect as the temptation with AI is to use it not as a tool but as a replacement. So far D’Amaro has carried on the Disney legacy that can be summed up in a simple quote from the founder himself: “I only hope we never lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse.”
CultureSlate: Made by humans, for humans.
Please consider supporting our AI-free content via our Patreon page.
READ NEXT:
Latest News
Featured
