Meet a Facilitator: Austin Brock
 Austin Brock is a 14 year veteran of The Walt Disney Company. In 2000 she was selected to guide new Disney Cast Members through Disney Traditions, the Disney new employee orientation program, as well as the Disney Days sales orientation program. She has held positions writing training programs and working with the Disney College Program to teach Interns courses.
Why did you become a Disney Institute Facilitator?
I have a huge amount of passion for Disney. I wanted to work with Disney Institute for six years prior to having the opportunity, because I can’t think of anything more fun than sharing my love of Disney with organizations from all over the world. As a facilitator, I’ve met some amazing people and like program participants, have learned best practices that that have made me a better leader and Cast Member (employee).
What is your favorite client success story?
There was a gentleman named Clinton from a police department in California who attended a Quality Service program. He and I laughed at first because we were both struggling to define service for his organization, since most people don’t think of a police officer as giving great service when he or she is issuing a citation. However, we did discover that a police department and Disney have a lot in common, since both organizations are committed to serving people. Clinton took the information he learned and successfully created an impressive service training program for his team, which he shared with us.
What are the characteristics of an effective team?
Teams should trust each other, communicate with each other, understand and embrace the same mission and vision, and every voice has to have the chance to be heard. If your team members don’t see themselves as equal in terms of expressing their thoughts, the team simply can’t be effective. Disney believes in creating a culture where everyone is equal, and you never know where your next outstanding idea will come from in the organization.
Why do you think a collaborative culture is important within an organization?
If an organization can achieve a collaborative culture, the employees are much more creative because everyone’s input is considered and encouraged. There is more creative thinking when all are involved. Creativity is the wave of the future because it inspires companies and their people to be innovative and enables them to be one step ahead of the competition in a constantly–changing business environment.
What is an example of a successful team that you have been a part of?
I was in Educational Partnerships, which is a role within the College and International Program Department at the Walt Disney World® Resort. I worked with faculty members around the country to secure credit agreements, so their students could earn practical work experience through our program and receive college credit for their participation.
I can’t say enough about that department. Everyone excelled at his or her own role and also pitched in to assist co–workers whenever it was needed. There was a consistent communication flow, plus everyone liked, trusted, and believed in each other. It was a very positive environment, and the team was focused towards the same goal.
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