Embrace the Lessons From Your Past

Jody Maberry Show Episode 345 Embrace the Lessons From your past

“If you take an opportunity and it doesn’t work out, you can always go back and find that next window that’s going to open and you do something different.”

Barry Jacobson is a seasoned expert in guest experiences. He is also now a seasoned guest of the show that is making a return to ask me three questions. His experience in creating memorable customer experiences, brought a fresh set of questions that took me down memory lane.

The first thing Barry asked was, “What advice would you give your younger self?” It surprised me how quickly I looked back at all my past decisions. There was a recurring theme though; action. I think the advice I’d give my younger self is to do it sooner. Whether it was leaving a secure job at a commercial bank to become a park ranger or deciding it was time to move on from being a park ranger. I often knew my next step a couple of years earlier but hesitated to jump. Life is about taking those big swings, especially when you’re young and the risks are manageable.

Another one of Barry’s questions centered around who my mentor was growing up. This took me on a trip back to my roots in Illinois. My granny was the cornerstone of our family. Her presence taught me so much about life. Even though she could be grouchy, she instilled qualities that shaped who I am today.

Since Barry is an expert in service, it is no surprise he was interested in a memorable service experience I’ve had. There was a time at Disneyland when exceptional care was given to my daughter during a medical scare. Disney’s team turned a potentially stressful situation into a huge display of empathy and care. Even with that uncertainty they made sure our vacation remained special.

These questions from Barry remind us that reflecting on our past can offer valuable lessons for today. Each experience, whether it’s risk-taking, mentorship, or customer service, shapes our journey in surprising ways.