Walt Disney World is not only a favorite vacation destination, but the Disney Company itself serves as a personal visionary role-model from which I have long aspired to replicate both personally and professionally. The allure of the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT) began as a nod to technology, which is certainly a key tenant of today’s culture. But the collection of a various cultures within close proximity to one another ended up serving as an interesting example of the impact that COVID-19 had upon our world. Ultimately, the emergence from the worldwide pandemic shutdowns demonstrates that we all figure out how to best move forward, collectively.

EPCOT has experienced its own metamorphosis. Its transformation began pre-pandemic and, is just now nearing completion. It is no secret that people do not like change. However, change is absolutely necessary if we are to continue to grow. New days lead to new weeks, months, years. Each new experience creates new opportunity to learn and discover. Searching for new insight simply broadens the possibilities to explore even further. Certainly comfort is found in familiarity, but often newness brings excitement and further engagement. How can we as a community effectively strike the balance needed to keep folks engaged, while continuing to return to what is sacred and beholden as treasured experience that is to be shared generationally?

T.S. Eliot said, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” There is virtually no incentive for public leaders to risk anything in public service. Perhaps that is at least partly the reason behind the loss of community. I know in my heart that visionary leadership and passionate service to others can transform organizations, and community. I also know that grass roots momentum is vital to being able to sustain forward progress.