DOING RIGHT — The Weekly Opine

My perch for last Friday’s interview with Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Making Hoosiers proud

Last Friday, as previously promoted in this space, on Indiana University websites, social media, and LinkedIn, I moderated a livestream event featuring Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer Bob Chapek.

Preparation, in the weeks leading up to the big day, was refreshingly intense and reminded me of readying for important presentations when I worked at McDonald’s Corporation. The outstanding staff at IU’s College of Arts and Sciences Advancement office, responsible for producing the event, were superb. A palpable buzz accompanied us, especially as RSVPs grew from around 100, to 250, to 700, then 1,200 and finally, the morning of the event, we topped 1,700 RSVPs! The audience included a blend of alumni, faculty, students, parents, and friends of the university.

I felt an adrenaline rush driving into the city last Friday. Professionally, it was unlike anything I’ve experienced since November 2017, when I launched The Weekly Opine. Or, prior to that, when I made major presentations at McDonald’s, or was myself interviewed by ESPN on national TV. The music volume in my car was turned way up as I sped toward the city, rehearsing what I intended to ask CEO Chapek.

As is often the case in the business world, we had to scramble making a few late changes, less than 45 minutes before the webinar started. Once everything was all set, I stepped aside just five minutes before the show began and nearly swallowed a banana whole. Then I settled into my seat.

The next hour was blissful.

The response to the livestream event was overwhelmingly positive. (Photo credit Instagram screenshot)

Zoned out

Athletic competitors sometimes talk about being in “the zone.” They cannot miss, whether shooting three pointers, painting the strike zone, or hitting deep forehand winners along the baseline. During these rare moments, athletes say time slows down and they feel unhurried, playing at a pace they dictate. That is what last Friday’s interview of Chapek felt like for me.

Beforehand, I reminded myself that moderating a prestigious event that included interviewing Disney’s CEO – a fellow IU alumnus – required my “A” game. Driving into the city, confident nerves turned into all-out anticipation. As I parked my car, a feeling of “I’m ready, let’s get this thing started” rushed over me like a monster wave engulfs a surfer.

Immediately following the conclusion of the interview, my phone blew up with congratulatory text messages complimenting Bob, IU, and me. On Instagram, a young adult who watched the event summed it up splendidly writing, “you killed it!”

It was an outstanding collaboration between Indiana University and Disney. And it was an honor and privilege for me to participate, representing IU and The Weekly Opine.

Looks like Disney CEO Bob Chapek is enjoying our interview last Friday. (Photo credit Indiana University screenshot)

A great answer

Bob Chapek is a pleasure to interview. He grew up in the Northwest corner of Indiana in what is known as “The Region.” Chapek exudes an aura of determination and tenacity. His answers are straightforward and revealing. He does not mess around but rather is direct and honest. Chapek is a midwestern charm, with an at-the-ready toughness simmering near the surface. He and I achieved a comfortable rapport that several audience members commented on following the event.

When it becomes available, I will provide a YouTube link to the interview. You should check it out. Without giving away too much, I will say my favorite answer from Chapek was when I asked what prompted him to open Disneyland as a mass COVID-19 vaccination site. He concluded his answer by succinctly saying, “it was the right thing to do.” Brilliant. We need more people who recognize what the right thing to do is, and then go ahead and do it.

Hearing Bob Chapek’s journey, from microbiology major at IU, to scientist at Amoco, to CEO in the creative world of Disney, is worth your time.