Most Innovative Companies Will Bob Iger’s new successor fare better than his last?
Feb 12, 2026
Kecia Steelman, CEO of Ulta Beauty, a retail leader known for democratizing beauty and using tech. David Litsky, Fast Company’s editorial strategist and media analyst. They dig into Disney’s succession and strategy shifts. They explore Ulta’s rapid growth, store formats, robotics and agentic AI plans. Short takes on leadership, inclusivity, and retail innovation.
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Balance Parks And Digital Worlds
- Disney must pursue both real-world experiences and digital engagement to stay relevant in the 21st century.
- David Litsky argues Josh D'Amaro needs to invest in parks while enabling digital and AI-driven experiences like Epic/Fortnite partnerships.
Creativity Fuels Disney's Flywheel
- Reviving creativity in films is central to driving Disney's wider revenue flywheel across parks and products.
- Litsky warns Disney has over-relied on sequels and IP mining, and needs genuine new ideas to fuel growth.
Affordability Is A Strategic Risk
- Price hikes risk making Disney feel like a luxury brand and reduce accessibility for many guests.
- Litsky recommends finding ways to keep Disney affordable across streaming and parks to sustain demand.