Walt Disney: Cartoon villain or genius leader?

Few brands are as famous as Disney – but what about the man behind the cultural behemoth? In the fifth episode of History's Greatest Leaders, historian Christopher Holliday talks to Mike Soutar about Walt Disney's style of leadership

Published: August 17, 2026 at 11:32 AM

Save

Few brands are as famous as Disney. From animation blockbusters to theme parks and TV series, it’s a name with enormous cultural cachet around the world. But what do we know about Walt Disney himself? Was he the avuncular, creative genius of his public persona, or do some of the darker tales about the man – of his ruthlessness and need for control – have some truth to them?

Ad

In this episode, Christopher Holliday – senior lecturer in liberal arts and visual cultures education at King’s College London – tells Mike Soutar about the man who came to represent an entire industry, and asks whether his story has lessons for creative leaders in the modern world.

Watch below or listen to the full interview, ad-free:

Ad

For more on the life of Walt Disney, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos

Authors

Mike SoutarEntrepreneur and author

Mike Soutar is an entrepreneur and author of Next Gen CEO, and advisor on BBC One’s The Apprentice

Ad

Ad

Loading...

Ad

Loading...