Kathi Riddle: Disney VP on the Value of Mentorship and Consistency

In this episode of Finding Career Zen, special guest Kathi Riddle is here to share her journey and lessons learned through 27 years with The Walt Disney Company. 

Growing up and attending college in Oklahoma, Kathi accepted a position after graduation to work as an auditor for Deloitte & Touche. Three years later, she realized that she wasn’t happy with the career path she had chosen. It would take a leap of faith to chase after her dreams, but with the encouragement and support of a career mentor, Kathi believed she could achieve her goals. 

So, she packed her things and moved across the country to Orlando, Florida to work for Disney, her dream company.  Today, Kathi is Vice President, Business Process and Transformation of Disney Consumer Products, Games, & Publishing; a role and title she earned through years of dedication, effort, and consistent performance at the highest professional level. 

Tune in to this episode for exceptional advice on how to make your dream career a reality.

Career Advice:

1. When you can pursue your dreams, you should. That sense of urgency and ticking clock that so many young people feel pressure by isn’t real. It is so rare to find something you genuinely want to do, so if you find it, pursue it.   
2. Understand the value of a mentor. A mentor can be a family member, expert in their field, or leader of a company. Look for these people and value them. They will give you good advice and some even have influence to help you get to the next level. 
3. Earn respect. Respect isn’t given, it has to be earned. Your seriousness and passion towards your career will be noticed. 
4. The same path doesn’t work for everyone. Your path may change along the way and that is okay! You don’t have to have it all figured out based on a specific timeline. Where you are does not have to be where you will end up. 
5. Ambition breeds optimism. You have to believe it’s achievable or where would your ambition be? Your enthusiasm will separate you from everyone else. Everyone has the potential to show that kind of drive and effort, but very few actually do it. 
6. Believe in yourself. Have confidence in yourself and take risks. And for women, you are just as smart and just as good because you’re a female. You can do anything your colleagues can do!

• Additional Resources 

Connect on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathi-riddle-b482704/

Speaker at The Culverhouse: https://culverhouse.ua.edu/womens-summit/speakers/