William McKnight – President and Chairman, 3M, 1949 - 1966


Walt Disney – Founder and CEO, The Walt Disney Company 1923 -1966


In 1923 Walt Disney created the organisation that established itself as the leader in the American animation industry, but now embraces live action film, publishing, internet, radio, and TV networks. It now operates 14 theme parks around the world. The company, referred to as Disney, is the largest conglomerate in the world in terms of revenues, more than US$38 billion in 2010. The famous Mickey Mouse is still the official mascot of the company.


“All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.”


Walt Disney achieved all of this during a period of economic depression and world wars, by focusing on his business goals and being innovative. He had several failed attempts to successfully break into the cartoon world, but once Mickey Mouse became an instant hit he had the confidence to take the innovative step to create the first animated feature-length movie. Even though it took 3 years and all of his money, finally in 1938 he released “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. It became the


September 2011 | Management Today 49


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