The chairman of Disney Experiences, the division of The Walt Disney Company that manages theme parks and other vacation services, advocated for the intersection of creativity and business at an April 8 event hosted at the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business.
Speaker Josh D’Amaro (MSB ’93) emphasized the importance of embracing uncertainty and saying yes to new opportunities in business and life. The discussion was part of the Stanton Distinguished Leadership Series, which aims to connect Georgetown students with business executives and leaders to generate dialogue about leadership in a rapidly shifting world.
D’Amaro said his role at Disney Experiences merges his interests in art and finance, referencing his experience with a group of creatives pitching an idea to have Spider-Man soar nearly 80 feet through the air unsupported and land in a net above a crowd.
“People walk into that part of the park, Spider-Man flies up and they just watch,” D’Amaro said at the event. “Little kids, teenagers, full-grown adults, just standing there, holding their breath for a moment. They feel like you’ve created magic. They feel like you’ve created a connection from what they’re seeing.”
“The best finance people will realize you’re doing something for the brand, you’re doing something for the families and that ultimately will come back to you,” D’Amaro added. “For that one moment, it’s the best thing in the world.”
At Disney Experiences, D’Amaro leads a team of 185,000 and oversees the company’s efforts to grow the business through a 10-year, $60 billion investment plan.
D’Amaro said he originally had planned to pursue art in college before deciding to channel his passions into business administration and marketing.
“In my head, I was going to be an artist — I was painting, sculpting and studying art with a bit of business on the side,” D’Amaro said. “I loved it, but I realized I didn’t know what the hell I was going to do when I got out. That’s when I came to Georgetown to study business and marketing.”
D’Amaro said the lessons he’s learned on the job, particularly the power of vulnerability, have complemented his education and benefited him throughout his career.
“The moment you say, ‘I don’t know,’ is one of the most freeing, liberating, invigorating feelings you can have,” D’Amaro said. “More than that — people respond to it. They want to talk to you, give you advice, pull you in. You’re not just empowering yourself, you’re empowering the people around you.”
Reflecting on his first major promotion, D’Amaro said he has learned from mistakes from day one on the job after incorrectly advising his employees at his first meeting, an experience that centered on the importance of engaging with his team.
“Afterwards, I asked the senior leaders, ‘Why didn’t anyone say anything?’ And they said, ‘You didn’t ask.’ I didn’t even stop to say, ‘Hey, I’m just Josh. I don’t really know what the hell I’m doing.’ If I had said that, the room would’ve come alive,” D’Amaro said. “They would’ve said, ‘We’ve got 10 ideas no one’s heard yet — let’s go.’”
“There’s gravity to a business card with a title on it. You start to take on that identity, but that’s not who you are,” D’Amaro added. “Now, every time I walk into a new job, I say, ‘I don’t know.’ But I know you do, and I know I can help.”
D’Amaro said an open mindset and embracing uncertainty has shaped his career and life journeys.
“One of the things I tell my kids is, ‘Just say yes,’” he said. “If someone offers you something a little unfamiliar, say yes. There’s so much serendipity in life — you’ve got to open yourself up and explore.”
“Everything is never lined up perfectly,” he said. “Sometimes you just have to hold your breath and go for it.”