It has been a very interesting year for Disney CEO Bob Iger.
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Iger took back the reins as head of The Walt Disney Company last year, and since then, he has been working to get the company’s financial and organizational situation back on track. Many bold changes have been made since then, and Iger’s business decisions have earned him a very prestigious accolade for 2023 — being named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People for 2023.
Of course, that honor comes with an interview. During his Q&A with TIME Magazine, Bob Iger answered various questions about his role at the company, his goals moving forward, and his biggest business decisions. But one of the most interesting things Iger said in the interview is when he addresses the changes Disney has seen over the years.
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Disney is often criticized as a company for “changing” as time goes on, whether that includes business strategies, political involvement, or even something as singular as updating an old ride in the theme parks. But when Iger was asked “Can you change a company and keep the values?” in the interview, he had some decisive things to say.
©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters
Iger replied, “I actually think that if you study great companies over time and you try to figure out why some companies stand the test of time and others do not, you would quickly conclude that most companies fade away because they’ve abandoned the core values that created the company in the first place. That, in the interest of staying relevant, they distance themselves from the essence of what they were. There is a way to completely adhere to those same values but to present them to the world, to your customers, and to your employees in much more relevant ways.”
Cinderella Castle
So, it seems that according to Iger, change is necessary to propel a company forward, but those changes must be made with the company’s values in mind. This will likely be Iger’s strategy to lead Disney going forward. We’re interested to see how he implements this thought process in the future!
©Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images
This isn’t the first time Iger has been asked a tough question about The Walt Disney Company, though. Iger was also questioned on “the situation in Florida.” The interviewer asked Iger, “Did you checkmate Ron DeSantis?” Talk about a direct question!
Click here to see how Bob Iger responded to the question “Did you checkmate Ron DeSantis?”
Iger is clearly no stranger to hard questions. In the past, investors have grilled Iger on Disney’s handling of the Reedy Creek situation, as well as other politically-charged issues. It seems like no matter how difficult the question, Iger has an answer.
Cinderella Castle
From questions about the future of the Disney theme parks to inquiries about the company as a whole, Iger has managed to address a LOT of people’s concerns since his time back as the CEO. At the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference, Iger was asked about dynamic pricing, guest satisfaction, park pass reservations, and even sports betting.
Click here to learn more about what Iger has to say at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference
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We’ll keep you in the loop with any more updates from The Walt Disney Company, so stay tuned to DFB! We’ll share all the news you need to know.
Click Here to See Bob Iger’s Remarks on Governor Ron DeSantis
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Interesting article, but really didn’t answer it for me. What are Disney’s core values? Either they never had any, or they have changed so much no one knows what they are. I always thought it was forever childhood, now it’s taking away kids’ innocence. Careful. Making them be adults will cause them to go to Universal.
Which is exactly what Chapek failed to do. He tried to transform but lost Disneys values
Interesting as it seems to me He’s moving as far from core values as possible.
The man needs to look in the mirror and ask himself if the Disney today has kept to its core values. And then he needs to be honest with his answer. There is a large percentage of Disney fans that would tell him it hasn’t. Being in the political mess they are in should have been a clue.
The only “core value” I see these days is “Squeeze as much money out of the punters as possible”. I’m sure this wasn’t Walt’s vision. ALL HAIL THE SHARE HOLDERS! If I’m too cynical, prove me wrong.
By the way, Love the new price increases (sic)
I have read all above comments and agree with all of them! Iger is just another corporate mouthpiece. “Core values”? Currently NOTHING like Walt wanted!! Doubt they ever will be. Very sad!
To those who think Disney is taking away kid’s innocence, you might want to review that statement. Disney employs the most talented and diverse people. Some are straight, some gay or trans. What difference does it make if Disney stands behind their people or incorporates diversity in their films. It doesn’t hurt anyone. But you know what does hurt kids – school shootings. Maybe you should direct your energies towards a solution for that. No child wants to go to school thinking they might die that day and no parent wants that either.
For all who think Walt Disney was a saint, far from it. He was a racist and a bigot. He didn’t treat his employees fairly either. Not everything is as it appears. As for Don’t Say Gay, the gay and trans community will always be with us. Maybe even one or two of your own children are gay. This is reality and to ignore it would be stupid and ignorant.
The one thing that needs to stop at Disney…is the woke garbage. That would be a good place to start. Second thing would be to get rid of that Super franchise destroyer Kathleen kennedy for flushing Star wars down the toilet. Otherwise keep digging that hole even deeper, keep losing money/subs. Keep going the way you’re going until there’s nothing left.. That’s the only thing consistent at Disney these days.
I agree with the comments that Iger hasn’t a clue. He has lost what the vision of Disney was, and what Walt started… a Magical place for ALL FAMILIES to afford. I do agree change can be good, but the changes made for the last decade or so has benefited the CEO ON DOWN TO THROUGH THE SHAREHOLDERS ONLY! Iger specks but all that comes out of his mouth is pure babble! It’s a shame, I used to like him.
Hmmm please state Disney’s “core Values” for the record. I really don’t see how they have been pursuing them based on my understanding of what they would be.