Ep. 07 | Disney Legend - Set the Standard: The Power of Kindness with Integrity
In this very special episode, I had the privilege of talking with a very dear friend of mine, Martha Blanding. Martha and I have a great history together, and I’m excited to sit down with her and share some of the memories of working together. The strategies I have learned and the wisdom I have gained throughout the years from her play a significant role in my business and life. I’m excited and honored to have her share her unique story and knowledge with you.
Martha Blanding began her extraordinary run with Disney in May 1971 as Disneyland’s first-ever Black Tour Guide, launching an impressive five-decades-long career at “The Happiest Place on Earth” in Anaheim, California. In less than a year, she was promoted to VIP Tour Hostess, touring legendary entertainment notables such as Diana Ross, Elton John, Olivia Newton-John, Cary Grant, Rock Hudson, and numerous domestic and international government officials, including a delegation from the USSR.
Martha soon became the first-ever Black female in management at Disneyland, becoming an expert merchandise, candy, and film buyer and eventually the Senior Manager of Disneyland Resort Merchandise Special Events. In this role, she worked with world-renowned artisans, celebrities, and Disney Legends such as Lladro, Armani, Christopher Radko, Julie Andrews, Marie Osmond, Annette Funicello, and countless Disney artists and Imagineers including Marc Davis, Alice Davis, Marty Sklar, John Hench, Tony Baxter, Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnson, Ilene Woods, Tyrus Wong, the Oscar-winning songwriting team of the Sherman brothers, and many more. Along the way, she helped pioneer and produce the Official Disneyana Convention, a forerunner of today's D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience.
In addition to mentoring and inspiring many, Martha co-founded PULSE, a Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) for Black cast members and employees. Upon her retirement in 2022, Martha had spent 50 years with Disneyland Resort, becoming the first-ever Black American to achieve a half-century-long career with The Walt Disney Company.
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00:00:01 - Intro
00:01:10 - Life before the castle
00:02:20 - A first for the park
00:04:12 - The art of relationship
00:07:50 - From Tour Guide to Supervisor
00:09:28 - You never know who’s watching you
00:13:05 - The first black female in management
00:16:30 - Give the respect you expect
00:19:21 - When Noah met Martha
00:21:50 - Integrity rippled through 50 years
00:24:49 - Let them do their thing
00:27:35 - Noah gets the Martha's look
00:29:40 - Navigating conflict
00:33:14 - Don’t take yourself out of the game
00:37:00 - Leadership and emotional intelligence
00:39:10 - What is the magic way?
00:45:50 - What takes out a leader?
00:47:39 - Favorite memories
00:52:10 - The retirement event
00:53:50 - Martha’s three questions
00:58:10 - Don’t take it personal
01:02:09 - You’re not the only thing happening
01:04:40 - Noah’s favorite park moments
01:09:09 - Pay attention to the journey
01:12:15 - The book…coming soon!
01:15:19 - Closing remarks
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