Justin Gidal

Experience

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  The Walt Disney Company

  Apr 2013 - now

  Orchestrated the rollout of a significant company initiative, meticulously monitoring the progress of multiple teams spanning the West Coast and East Coast, adhering to a stringent targeted launch deadline.Developed and executed a comprehensive training and staffing strategy, overseeing the onboarding and recruitment processes to successfully hire and integrate 150-200 direct reports into a newly established department.Produced official communication materials and training documents, subjecting them to rigorous review by various stakeholders, including Disney's legal and public affairs teams.Led engaging, multi-week training sessions aimed at fostering active participation among a diverse range of experienced employees. The objective was to enhance interactions for Guests with Disabilities, thereby elevating consumer satisfaction ratings.Maintained weekly reporting and tracking of key metrics, providing executive leadership with actionable insights to ensure alignment with the overarching company strategy. Show less Spearheaded the development and implementation of a groundbreaking business model that revitalized Disney's Guided Tours business. This initiative generated $4M in its inaugural year, surpassing projections by $1M and achieving more than triple the revenues compared to FY19.Assisted in the development of a comprehensive training and onboarding process for over 1,000 employees post-pandemic, ensuring compliance with strict deadlines for the reopening of the Disneyland Resort while adhering to health and safety measures mandated by the state of California.Served as an operational expert, adeptly managing various responsibilities and fostering collaboration with Resort partners on a daily basis.Led a dedicated team overseeing the operations of multiple departments including Guest Control, Guest Relations, Main Street Attractions, Guided Tours, Lost and Found, and Disneyland Phone Operators, collectively managing over 1,000 employees.Implemented company policies and collaborated with Employee Relations and Labor Relations for internal investigations, ensuring adherence to standards and fair practices.Oversaw disciplinary actions and recognition programs for employees, maintaining a balanced approach to personnel management.Coordinated all specialized tours and meticulously managed the calendar for Walt’s Apartment tours, ensuring seamless operations and exceptional guest experiences.Took charge as the head manager during digital downtimes, swiftly assessing issues, delegating tasks, and providing progress reports to executives, ensuring minimal disruption to guest experiences. Show less Managed a team of approximately 12 leads daily, overseeing the supervision of over 100 Cast Members from various departments across the Resort.Developed, trained, and implemented strategic plans for daily operations, events, and seasonal offerings, ensuring smooth and efficient execution.Established and organized a mentorship program that has become an integral part of the Guest Show Operations Team's core values, fostering professional growth and development.Implemented efficient administrative processes, including compiling rotation sheets, tracking Cast Member call-outs, and inspecting important operating checklists for attractions partners, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations.Facilitated the execution of various events by serving as a liaison between Resort Partners and clients. Events included filming in the park, Mickey’s Halloween Party, and Disneyland’s Candlelight Ceremony. Show less Conducted comprehensive training sessions for new and existing employees across various departments within the resort, ensuring alignment with company standards and best practices.Developed and implemented training materials, modules, and resources tailored to the specific needs and requirements of each department, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.Facilitated hands-on training sessions and workshops to enhance employees' skills and proficiency in their respective roles, promoting operational excellence and guest satisfaction.Collaborated with department managers and team leaders to identify training needs and areas for improvement, developing targeted training programs to address them effectively.Provided ongoing support and guidance to employees, offering feedback, coaching, and mentorship to help them succeed in their roles and achieve their career goals.Evaluated training effectiveness through assessments, feedback mechanisms, and performance metrics, continuously refining training strategies and approaches to optimize learning outcomes. Show less Crafted a seamless guest experience at iconic Disneyland Attractions, such as the World Famous Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones Adventure, and throughout the Disneyland Resort, ensuring unforgettable moments for visitors.Ensured safety remained the top priority by staying abreast of evolving operating guidelines and participating in regular training classes to maintain proficiency and readiness.Demonstrated exemplary customer service skills by warmly greeting guests and prioritizing the creation of an inclusive environment that caters to the needs of all visitors. Show less

  • Senior Guest Services Manager

    Jan 2024 - now

  • Senior Guest Relations Manager

    Aug 2018 - Jan 2024

  • Guest Show Operations & Specialized Event Supervisor

    Jan 2015 - Aug 2018

  • Resort Operations Trainer

    Jan 2015 - Aug 2018

  • Attractions Host

    Apr 2013 - Aug 2018
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  World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation

  Jan 2014 - May 2014

  Media Assistant

  Crafted weekly press releases to effectively communicate key messages and updates.Conducted comprehensive research on market strategies relevant to film and production, providing valuable insights to inform decision-making processes.Collaborated with supervisors to brainstorm and develop distribution strategies, leveraging collective expertise to optimize reach and impact.

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  Oops Doughnuts Productions

  Aug 2014 - Dec 2014

  Production Assistant

  Orchestrated the management of various social media platforms, ensuring consistent brand presence and engaging content delivery.Collaborated in daily brainstorm meetings and project planning sessions, contributing innovative ideas and strategies to enhance social media presence and engagement.Skillfully juggled office duties, including managing phone calls, emails, and scheduling tasks, maintaining efficient communication channels and organizational workflow.Supported the production team during live sets, working closely with the director to ensure smooth operations and effective execution of creative vision. Show less

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  Illumination

  Oct 2020 - Feb 2021

  Assistant Recruiter

  Conducted targeted research and outreach to identify prospective creative talents suitable for diverse roles within the industry.Created an Excel spreadsheet to streamline candidate tracking, enabling recruiters to efficiently access candidate information and facilitate communication.Coordinated and scheduled Zoom meetings for candidate interviews, facilitating seamless interactions between candidates and recruiters to explore potential project opportunities within Illuminations Animation. Show less