Disney Exec's Secret to Success: Ditch the Ego, Embrace PRIDE - Jim Fielding | 17

Everything you thought you knew about leadership might be just performative.Jim Fielding’s journey from Disney’s boardrooms to coaching in the real world is a tale of radical authenticity, crushing doubt, and finally, finding your voice. In this episode, he reveals how he learned to stop dimming his light, and how you can too.👉 From feeling othered in secret to reclaiming your story👉 From silent self-doubt to sharing the truth even when it terrifies you

Discover

🟣 Why embracing “I don’t know” might be your greatest strength

🟣 How to lead without faking it—and still keep your team’s respect

🟣 Why your quirks and otherness might be your superpower

🟣 And the leadership lesson that saved Jim’s career

Connect with Jim

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimfielding/

https://www.hijimfielding.com/https://www.instagram.com/hijimfielding/

The Searchlight is a weekly briefing on leadership, venture, and building in the age of AI. Every Friday.https://thesearchlight.com/subscribe

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

01:14 – From Disney to DreamWorks: The Pivotal Move

02:55 – Why Jim Left the C-Suite for Coaching

05:32 – ‘All Pride, No Ego’: Living Your Truth

09:03 – Generational Shifts: Out & Proud

13:47 – Coaching Beyond Labels: Everyone Has a Story

22:21 – Bridging Gaps Without Creating More

29:02 – The Superpower of Not Knowing

33:38 – Where Great Ideas REALLY Come From

38:37 – Leading Authentically Without Losing Yourself

41:02 – Managing Your Inner Voices

45:50 – AI, Change & The Future of Leadership

51:48 – When It’s Time to Leave: Don’t Dim Your Light

57:04 – What’s the Question No One Asks?

58:32 – Reflecting on the Journey: Finding Peace & Power