Doug Lipp, Speaker

02/12/2026

Four days ago I came to due to an emergency. My “Japanese father” and dear friend of over 50 years (Akishige Jun) was in hospital with a serious illness. I immediately jumped on a flight so I could visit him.

He was projected to live another 1-2 months, so I thought I would have a full week to visit and reminisce. Unfortunately, he died the day I arrived in Japan.

So, the week that was supposed to be hospital visits turned into funeral home visits, Jun’s wake, and Jun’s funeral. His passing turned the worlds of so many people upside down as he was such a gracious man with a kind heart and gentle soul.

The devastation I feel is somewhat assuaged by having so many lifelong Nagoya YMCA friends to visit with, cry with, share hugs, and share some smiles.

Thankfully, Pam Lipp and I were blessed to visit Jun and our many Nagoya YMCA friends exactly one year ago. Who would have thought the laughter and hugs we shared last year will now have to carry on forever.

In closing, here are are a few photos from last year’s parties featuging Jun Akishige, my “Japanese father” and our many NagoyaYMCA friends.

Kosuke Sakaguchi, sakaguchi,

10/15/2024

The 2024 is off to a fabulous start with a full house for the Opening General Session! Watch NISC Senior Marketing Communications Specialist, Lauren Dunnigan's interview with NISC President and CEO, Doug Remboldt, who gave a review and his thoughts on my keynote presentation.

08/07/2024

Dear friends and colleagues, attached is my second Dear Disneyland letter that appears on MiceChat.com.

Here is the link to Part 1 which you should read first: https://www.micechat.com/391936-dear-disneyland-im-worried-about-you-a-heartfelt-letter-from-a-friend/

The key messages in Part 2 are those I share with all of my corporate clients:
1) Does your organization support truth-tellers?
2) If so, does your leadership listen to them, and act upon their recommendations?
3) Or, is truth-telling stifled due to a corporate culture of fear?

My hope is that The Walt Disney Company leadership once again embraces the brilliance of Walt Disney to constantly “Plus the Show” by embracing truth-tellers like my mentor (and founder) Van France!

Read Part 2 here: https://www.micechat.com/392605-dear-disneyland-im-worried-about-you-part-2-the-disney-way/

In PART ONE of "Dear Disneyland," we met Doug Lipp, a former member of the Disney University training teams at Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, and the corporate headquarters, who was mentored by the Disney Legends responsible for

07/17/2024

I’m sharing this link with friends and colleagues for two reasons:

1) You know about my history with, and love of Disney and Disneyland and,
2) I am worried about the health and welfare of my beloved Disneyland; the park just doesn’t offer the magical experiences of years past and I hope this message resonates with Disneyland’s current leadership team.

I am honored MiceChat.com is promoting this series, starting with this first letter, timed with Disneyland’s 69th birthday, July 17, 2024.

With equal parts respect and trepidation, I invite you to read the first of my three part letter to Disneyland.

We have something special for our readers today: a heartfelt letter to Disneyland from a former cast member who worked with some of the most iconic leaders Disneyland has ever known. Doug Lipp worked closely

06/26/2024

Grief and setbacks are part of life's journey, but giving back can provide incredible healing. 🌻

In my latest blog, I share our family's experience with NAMI and the immense support we received. I hope our story inspires you to find solace and support in challenging times. 💪

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/bdejmj4c

Also, take a moment to read last week's blog on the "Normalization of Deviance" to understand its impact on organizations. 🏢👉 https://tinyurl.com/ytwp946p

If you're interested to get a copy of my book "Disney U" (published by McGraw Hill), order from here: https://a.co/d/0dGrHyK6

06/04/2024

Have you ever noticed small lapses in standards becoming the norm in your organization? 🧐 That's the "Normalization of Deviance" at work!

In my newest blog, I discuss how this insidious culture villain can lead to disaster and share insights from NASA’s history.

Don’t let mediocrity take over – learn how to spot and stop it! 🚀📈

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/3ep9b9w5

And if you missed it, last week's blog "We've Become Robots" is all about combating robotic service in our everyday roles. Check it out! 🤖👉 https://tinyurl.com/ytwp946p

05/31/2024

Have you noticed how customer service has become robotic? 😟 It's time to change that!

Discover how businesses are transforming their customer interactions by being more attentive and personal. Learn actionable steps to turn your team into customer service stars and boost your profits. 📈

Read my latest blog to find out how: https://www.douglipp.com/blog/weve-become-robots/

05/22/2024

Merging teams? Beware the hidden traps! ⚠️

Explore why many mergers fall apart despite shared values. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and create a cohesive, successful team.

Unlock the secrets to seamless integration! ⭐

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/bajpyryt

05/15/2024

✨ Looking for the secret to true happiness?

Shawn Achor's powerful insight might change your life: "Happiness is the joy you feel moving towards your potential."

In my new blog, I discuss into how this perspective can transform your outlook and everyday life.

Read now and start your journey towards true happiness: https://tinyurl.com/mzvmnajj

05/07/2024

🌟 Ever wondered what makes a true leader?

Let me take you backstage with Wayne Gretzky and reveal the essence of greatness.

Hint: It's not just about the goals scored!

Get ready to be inspired and motivated, click the link to read my story: https://tinyurl.com/3y8hfuek