864 · What Does It Actually Take to Lead Disney? Chairman Thomas Mazloum - His First Interview

In this landmark episode of WDW Radio, host Lou Mangiello sits down with Thomas Maslum, the newly appointed Chairman of Disney Experiences, in his first official interview since succeeding Josh D'Amaro. The conversation unfolds at Disneyland during a special Make-A-Wish event, underscoring Maslum’s deep commitment to the company’s humanitarian values. Maslum reflects on his 28-year Disney journey—from Disney Cruise Line to leading Disneyland Resort—and shares his vision for guiding a global portfolio of 12 theme parks, 57 resorts, Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney Imagineering, and more, all while supporting over 180,000 cast members. At the heart of his leadership philosophy is a relentless focus on trust, people-first leadership, and the enduring power of Disney storytelling. He emphasizes that scale doesn’t change what matters: making decisions centered on the guest experience, empowering cast members, and protecting the trust that Disney has earned over generations. Maslum also discusses the strategic expansion of Disney Cruise Line, the creative challenges of Disneyland Forward, and the timeless relevance of shared, immersive experiences in an increasingly digital world. His promise to guests and cast members is clear: listen, care, and always act in their best interest. Key takeaways include: (1) Trust is earned over a lifetime and lost in a second—protect it fiercely; (2) Leadership at scale requires discipline to stay focused on the basics: guest experience, cast support, and trust; (3) Disney’s future lies in connecting stories to people where they are, both physically and digitally; (4) The most powerful experiences are still those shared in person with loved ones; (5) Hiring for attitude over skills ensures cultural alignment and long-term success; (6) Walt’s legacy is not about the mouse, but about the man who believed in imagination and people; (7) The best decisions come from asking, 'How are we doing this?' not just 'What are we achieving?'; (8) Expansion and innovation must be guided by a North Star—Walt’s belief that 'this event will never be completed as long as there is imagination left in the world.'