At a presentation sponsored by the First-Year Experience Program, Disney executive Clark Jones (Acct’91) shared the lessons that he “never knew he was learning” that have brought him success in work and life.
In a room filled with over 170 eager first-year students, Clark Jones (Acct’91) brought more than just the allure of his impressive title to a presentation hosted by Leeds’ First-Year Experience program—he delivered timeless lessons from his career journey at Disney, a company celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2025 and a household name.
Through witty anecdotes and references to beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and Moana, Jones, Leeds Advisory Board member and the senior vice president of Disneyland Resort Finance, Revenue Management and Special Events, emphasized the importance of networking, seizing opportunities and staying passionate about one’s work.
In addition to “networking, networking, networking, networking,” Jones’ defining career mantra can be boiled down to three words: “I love opportunity.” He had the audience enthusiastically repeat the phrase several times in unison.
“You run into a lot of interesting people that do a lot of interesting things,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to tell people what you’re interested in.”
He challenged audience members to step out of their comfort zones and make at least one new connection before leaving the event.
Career Lessons, Disney-Style
Jones structured his advice around five key lessons he “never knew he was learning,” each tied to a Disney film.
1.“Porch your papers” (Newsies)
As a teenager, Jones delivered newspapers. One Thanksgiving, in a rush, he scattered papers in customers’ yards instead of following the family rule of “porching” them. His father made him go back and correct his mistakes, even though it held up the family’s holiday plans. The lesson? “You have one shot to do the right thing,” Jones said, quoting Walt Disney: “Do it well, and people will come back for more.”
2. Sacrifice (Hercules)
“Things don’t come easy,” said Jones, recalling challenging relocations and work travel during the early years of his marriage to Amy, also a CU alum. “You have to make hard choices, but it will be worth it.”
3. Accept feedback (McFarland USA)
Jones referenced the film based on the true story of an unlikely band of cross-country runners who became a champion team. A runner himself, he recalled a cross-country teammate in high school who excelled when she embraced her coach’s advice to run long-distance, even though she wanted to be a sprinter. Despite her initial resistance, she ultimately went on to pursue ultra-marathons. “Find your ultra-marathon,” Jones said, urging students to take feedback to heart, even if it’s difficult to hear.
4. Develop self-awareness (The Muppets, specifically the saxophone-playing character Zoot)
As a saxophone player in CU’s marching band, Jones wanted to be a section leader. The band director admitted Jones wasn’t a strong enough musician but recognized his leadership skills. The director appointed Jones co-leader, with another student handling the musical aspects. Jones emphasized, “Surround yourself with people who can fill your gaps. That will only lift you up.” He shared that he never strives to be the smartest person in the room but prefers to collaborate with others to create something greater than himself.
5. Love what you’re doing (Cars)
Jones recounted an audit he did for a tire company while working at Deloitte, noting how mundane the task felt. He went into the warehouse one day out of boredom and had an epiphany about tires. “Never forget how cool something truly is,” he said. He encouraged students not to lose sight of the magic in their work, comparing the concept to a scene in Carswhere the main race car character gets a new set of dazzling white wall tires. Beyond serving a critical function of safely transporting people, Jones noted, “People in the tire industry love tires because they put food on the table.”
“Leeds’ students are some of the best—if not the best—business students out there. And that’s a responsibility that you get to carry forward.”
Clark Jones (Acct’91)
Taking the next steps
As Jones’ presentation ended, students surged forward, eager to shake hands, ask questions and introduce themselves—embracing his challenge to network and lay the groundwork for their future success.
Just as Jones found the magic in something as seemingly mundane as tires, students were reminded to find their own spark.
His parting words will likely leave a lasting impact, like the characters in the Disney stories—one that will guide students long after their first year at Leeds.
“Leeds’ students are some of the best—if not the best—business students out there. And that’s a responsibility that you get to carry forward.”