Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • February 2021 (Revised March 2025)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Walt Disney: Changing the World

By: Robert Simons and Shirley Sun
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:18
ShareBar

Abstract

This case describes the rise of Walt Disney, founder of the worldwide entertainment company. The case describes how Disney, as a young artist, created memorable figures such as Mickey Mouse and went on to produce Academy-award-winning films and build the world’s most popular theme park. Students will learn how Walt Disney navigated life’s choices to leave a lasting impact on the world.

Keywords

Creativity Teams; Entertainment Industry; Family; Entertainment; Creativity; Personal Characteristics; Business Startups; Work-Life Balance; Personal Development and Career; Success; Entertainment and Recreation Industry

Citation

Simons, Robert, and Shirley Sun. "Walt Disney: Changing the World." Harvard Business School Case 121-056, February 2021. (Revised March 2025.)
  • Educators
  • Purchase

About The Author

Robert Simons

Accounting and Management
→More Publications

Related Work

    • September 2022 (Revised August 2024)
    • Faculty Research

    Walt Disney: Changing the World

    By: Robert Simons and Shirley Sun
    • February 2021 (Revised March 2025)
    • Faculty Research

    Walt Disney: Changing the World

    By: Robert Simons and Shirley Sun
Related Work
  • Walt Disney: Changing the World By: Robert Simons and Shirley Sun
  • Walt Disney: Changing the World By: Robert Simons and Shirley Sun
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College.