Totally Booked with Zibby: Episode Summary featuring Michael D. Eisner

Episode Title: Michael D. Eisner, CAMP: Life, Leadership, and Why You Never Stop Paddling
Release Date: May 12, 2025
Host: Zibby Owens

Introduction to Michael D. Eisner

In this episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes Michael D. Eisner, a legendary figure in the entertainment industry. Eisner, renowned for his tenure as Chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company for 21 years, delves into his latest book, "CAMP: Life, Leadership, and Why You Never Stop Paddling." The conversation explores Eisner's deep-rooted connection to summer camp and how those formative experiences have shaped his views on leadership and perseverance.

The Genesis of "CAMP"

Zibby Owens introduces Eisner by highlighting his extensive career and his current endeavors with Tornante, an entertainment company. Eisner explains his motivation behind writing "CAMP," emphasizing the multi-generational influence of camp in his family.

[03:14] Michael Eisner: "A lot of people have gone to camp. A lot of people feel love of it, youthful strength, growth and all that. And I just thought this would be a good subject to go back and think about."

Eisner reflects on his personal experiences, noting how camp fostered creativity, leadership, and resilience from a young age. He shares his journey of collaborating with Aaron Cohn, a former camper, to co-write the book, underscoring the importance of authentic storytelling.

Writing the Book: Challenges and Revelations

Eisner discusses the challenges he faced transitioning from an editor to an author. He candidly shares his initial struggles with co-writing and his quest for a co-writer who could bring fresh perspectives to the project.

[05:10] Michael Eisner: "If somebody tells you that movie is awful, it's awful. If somebody tells you that movie is fantastic, you run to it. If somebody says that movie was okay, was good, not so good. I felt that."

He recounts how unsolicited work from a former camp counselor inspired him to embark on this literary journey. Eisner details the unexpected success of the manuscript, leading to the development of eight scripts intended for a serialized television series.

Personal Anecdotes and Camp Stories

Eisner shares heartfelt stories from his time at camp, illustrating the profound impact these experiences had on his life and leadership style. One particularly gripping tale involves a harrowing encounter with a bear during a camping trip, highlighting themes of teamwork and survival.

[20:00] Michael Eisner: "You'll learn that you have to work together and you also learn... how to paddle through it all early on during early childhood development, in their formative days."

These stories not only serve as engaging narratives but also reinforce the book's central message about the importance of perseverance and collaborative effort in overcoming life's challenges.

Insights on Leadership and Teamwork

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around how camp experiences translate into real-world leadership and teamwork skills. Eisner elaborates on scenarios where campers must navigate obstacles, such as crossing rivers or pitching tents under pressure, fostering essential life skills without formal instruction.

[28:26] Michael Eisner: "There are interruptions that are difficult to handle and you just have to keep going."

He draws parallels between these camp experiences and professional environments, emphasizing that the ability to "keep paddling" through adversity is a universal trait crucial for success in any field.

Balancing Personal Life and Professional Demands

Eisner touches upon the dynamics of maintaining long-term relationships amidst demanding careers. Drawing from his own marriage, he attributes the longevity of his relationship to mutual support and shared resilience.

[28:38] Michael Eisner: "There are people that are rooting for you drowned so they can take your office. There are competitors. There are people that are not always completely honest. And it's good to have somebody with you who can keep you focused and not let those things drive you crazy."

This segment offers listeners a glimpse into the personal side of a high-profile executive, illustrating how the principles learned at camp extend beyond professional settings into personal relationships.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Camp

As the conversation wraps up, Eisner reiterates the timeless value of camp experiences in shaping individuals' character and leadership abilities. He reflects on reconnecting with camp later in life and witnessing the continued impact on his grandchildren, reinforcing the book's message about the enduring benefits of such formative experiences.

[31:54] Michael Eisner: "All of your interviews are interesting. But I was thinking everything in my book is true except one thing... it was an honest mistake."

Zibby Owens closes the episode by thanking Michael Eisner for his insightful contributions and encouraging listeners to engage with his new book.

Key Takeaways

• Camp as a Leadership Incubator: Summer camp serves as a foundational environment for developing leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

• Personal Growth through Adversity: Overcoming challenges in camp settings mirrors the obstacles faced in professional and personal life, fostering a mindset of perseverance.

• The Importance of Storytelling: Eisner's transition from editor to author underscores the power of personal narratives in conveying meaningful life lessons.

• Intergenerational Impact: The values and skills acquired at camp influence not just individuals but also subsequent generations, as seen through Eisner's family experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Eisner at [03:14]: "A lot of people have gone to camp. A lot of people feel love of it, youthful strength, growth and all that."

• Michael Eisner at [28:38]: "There are people that are rooting for you drowned so they can take your office... it's good to have somebody with you who can keep you focused."

For more insights and discussions with your favorite authors, subscribe to Totally Booked with Zibby and stay updated with over 2,000 episodes available.