How Bob Iger Mastered the Art of the Second Act at Disney

Episode notes

In this episode of The CEO Diary, Lucas and Luna unpack Bob Iger's remarkable return to Disney in 2022 and the strategic decisions that defined his second act. They focus on one specific number: the $1.5 billion in cost cuts Iger announced in February 2024, and how that disciplined move reshaped investor confidence. The conversation drills into Iger's leadership playbook — from his 2019 'Moonshot' strategy that overextended into streaming wars to his 2023 pivot back to core IP with a leaner cost structure. Lucas explains why Iger's willingness to reverse his own previous bets — selling off traditional TV, pulling back on content volume — is a rare CEO skill. Luna pushes back on whether it was a genuine turnaround or just a temporary sugar high. They also examine how Iger managed the messy succession saga that unfolded publicly, and what lessons other CEOs can draw from his willingness to say 'I was wrong.' A focused look at leadership humility, cost discipline, and the art of the strategic retreat.