Episode 7: Tricia Wilber
On this episode I welcome Tricia Wilber. Tricia a highly accomplished leader in the consumer products, media, and entertainment industries. She spent 20 years working for the Walt Disney Company, where she held various leadership positions, including Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Disney's business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). During her tenure, she successfully managed a diverse team of 300 people across 40 different countries and cultures. Tricia played a pivotal role in driving brand development, integrated marketing, and talent building, leading to a total revenue of $21 billion for Disney's EMEA brands. She has also served on the boards of Euro Disney and Disney's Magical Cruise Company, as well as other organizations such as electroCore and Yale New Haven Hospital.
Tricia shares her experiences and insights on leadership, diversity, and cultural differences. Growing up in a close-knit Italian American family, Tricia developed a love for reading and imagination, which shaped her approach to problem-solving and leadership. When she relocated to London to lead Disney's EMEA operations, Tricia faced the challenge of managing a diverse team across 40 different countries and cultures. She had to adapt her leadership style to accommodate cultural differences and navigate the complexities of brand development in each market. Tricia also discusses the importance of diversity in leadership and the need to challenge unconscious biases. She shares her own experiences of breaking through the glass ceiling as a woman in a male-dominated industry and highlights the value of creating inclusive work environments.
Here are some key takeaways:
Cultural differences require leaders to adapt their communication and leadership styles to effectively manage diverse teams.
Each country and culture presents unique challenges and opportunities for brand development and marketing strategies.
Unconscious biases can hinder diversity and limit opportunities for individuals in the workplace.
