Where is Dana Walden? If you’ve been following her lightly used Instagram, you might have spotted her at the premiere of the new season of “Only Murders in the Building.” She even made an appearance at D23, but mysteriously avoided the spotlight, making her absence felt while her colleagues basked in the limelight. It’s almost as if she’s ghosting Disney fans, which seems so uncharacteristic for someone with her immense credentials.
Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, has certainly shown her business acumen, helping Disney reach a record 183 Emmy nominations. But as any Disney aficionado knows, running The Walt Disney Company isn’t just about behind-the-scenes success—it’s about being a public face. From Michael Eisner taking acting classes to become more telegenic, to Bob Iger winning fans by bringing Oswald back and creating D23, a Disney CEO must be charismatic and engaging. Just as U.S. presidents must win the hearts of their citizens, Disney’s leaders must captivate Disney’s widespread fanbase.
Recent reports have pitted Dana Walden against Josh D’Amaro as the front-runners for Disney’s next CEO. And while setting colleagues against each other can be uncomfortable, D’Amaro undeniably has the edge in public engagement. He has pioneered the Disney executive presence on Instagram and is a fan favorite in the parks, often stopping for selfies and feedback. His D23 presentation was full of self-deprecating humor, a tactic that makes him endearing and relatable.
Walden, on the other hand, lacks a theme park stage on which to connect with Disney fans regularly. Although she oversees Disney Branded Television and significant portions of Disney Channel and Disney+, including Television Animation, she doesn’t leverage these touchpoints to foster a more visible connection with the community. Whether it’s for promotion or engagement, she missed recent D23 fan events for shows like “Shogun” and “Only Murders in the Building,” golden opportunities to win the hearts of Disney followers.
What I hope to see from Dana Walden, should she lead Disney in the near future, is a greater understanding and communication of what makes Disney unique. Unlike 21st Century Fox, Disney occupies a special place in American culture and the hearts of families around the globe. It’s not just another entertainment company—it’s a legacy. We need a leader who respects this legacy while pushing it forward. My unsolicited advice to Walden: start sharing your passion for Disney. High-ranking executives may not grant us interviews, but major outlets would surely help Walden express what Disney means to her.
Would you prefer Dana Walden or Josh D’Amaro as the next Disney CEO? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going!
Source: LaughingPlace.com
