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A Chat with John Kao

Bob discusses Disney with the world's foremost authority on innovation

- by Bob McLain, February 8, 2011

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John Kao is one of the smartest guys I know. And one of the coolest, too.

In his early years, he played keyboard for Frank Zappa, and now in his 'mature' years he is one of the world's leading authorities on innovation. He has an MD from Yale, an MBA from Harvard, and his books about innovation (especially 'Jamming') are best-sellers. He's been an advisor to Hillary Clinton. Last month, he attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

And now he's here on the Disney Dispatch.

I asked John a few questions about Disney innovation and requested that he answer them in no more than a sentence or two. Here's our chat:

For a theme park, Disney or otherwise, what is the essence of innovation: what must the creators of these parks do, and keep doing, to provide an immersive experience greater than the sum total of their rides and shows?

JOHN: The essence of innovation is creating a must-have, multigenerational, repeatable set of experiences. These experiences in turn must cohere around a core narrative that activates the imagination and uplifts the soul.

What was the key innovation that set Disneyland apart from other theme parks and that has, over the years, led to the success of all its theme parks (to the point where the phrase 'going to Disney' needs no further explanation)?

JOHN: The theme park concept itself was Disney's key innovation. It was a pioneer in the cross media exploitation of characters and stories. Its key asset is the goodwill of millions for whom the Magic Kingdom is a must-have experience.

Has Disney, recently, lost its 'Midas touch' and does it risk losing not only its core audience but its role in our culture as the place 'where dreams come true'?

JOHN: Yes, Disney is now short its traditional Midas touch and has a serious case of incumbent's disease. Innoventions is a case in point, which should be at the cutting edge.

What is the one key innovation Disney should implement to ensure that doesn't happen?

JOHN: Integrating social media into the theme park experience at all levels of the theme park experience.

I know you're no stranger at Disneyland. Memorable moment?

JOHN: I rode on the Snow White ride when I was around 8. The wicked witch scared the daylights out of me and I had nightmares for months afterwards. My parents were sad that their happy day had backfired...

Thanks very much, John!

Last summer, John wrote an article for The Daily Beast that went into further detail about Disney innovation. Consider this chat your introduction to that article.

Don't stop there! More Features Await...

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