Meet Austin Brock

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Bruce Jones, Programming Director, Disney Institute
Walt Disney once said, “I happen to be kind of an inquisitive guy, and when I see things I don’t like, I start thinking ‘why do they have to be like this and how can I improve them?’”

It was this creative, innovative thinking that laid the foundation for The Walt Disney Company as it exists today. Disney Institute Content Development Specialist, Austin Brock, shares those insights and how she believes that Creativity & Innovation can be the differentiator in the world of business. “It’s not just creativity and innovation in a product. It’s how you listen to your people; it’s how your treat your guests; and it’s how your leadership leads.”

As a front line Cast Member in merchandise for the Walt Disney Company, and later a manager, Austin has witnessed and encouraged other Cast Members who have shared innovative ideas that have been implemented company-wide. These experiences are what led her to become a Disney Institute facilitator. Her favorite course to deliver, no surprise, is Creativity & Innovation. She believes that any business can be creative, from a car dealership to a candy store. Creativity and innovation is the “foundation of who we are at Disney,” says Austin. All you need to do, she insists, is to teach yourself to think differently.

Would you like to learn more about Creativity & Innovation and its applications for your business? Join us Wednesday, Aug. 1 at noon EST on Twitter, as Austin answers questions, shares experiences and offers insight on the topic. Leave your questions for Austin in the comments below, and tune in for the Twitter Chat next week.

Follow @DisneyInstitute at www.twitter.com/DisneyInstitute and join a community of like-minded professionals for this opportunity to discuss solutions, best practices and past experiences with Austin.



Posted in Creativity & Innovation | Tagged Creativity & Innovation, Creativity, Innovation, Austin Brock, Expert, Facilitator, Twitter, Twitter Chat

4 Responses to Meet Austin Brock

  • Holly says:
    on July 26, 2012

    What do you think is the biggest thing that holds people back from engaging in innovative thinking? In your experience, what has worked to help draw people into creative thinking type meetings?

  • Michele says:
    on July 26, 2012

    I was a previous Disney Employee (2004-2005) and what a wonderful experience! I also attended Disney Institute Animation Events and was able to meet creative people in the animation industry. But, I'm back in Tennessee again and find it hard to be "creative" in my current job at times. What are some suggestions for making your job more interesting when there's no changes happening.

  • Rejean says:
    on July 28, 2012

    Hi Austin, I heard you once said; creativity is process driven can you expand a little more?

  • Fran says:
    on July 29, 2012

    Hi Austin! I would love to know how you facilitate and foster creativity and innovation in an era where there seems to be an increasing amount of negativity and suspect in certain workplaces. And what can we do as an individual, on a day to day basis, in that kind of environment? Thank you.

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