From Theme Parks to C-Suite: A Career Journey Worth Studying
What if I told you that some of the most successful leaders started their careers serving food at Disney World or managing a small-town deli at age 16? Courtney Schultz's career trajectory proves that with the right mindset, strategic networking, and relentless curiosity, you can transform any entry-level position into a launchpad for executive success.
Courtney's journey from event dining manager to Director at Prosci (a leading change management consultancy) offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to accelerate their career growth. Even more impressive? She's now helping eliminate one of the workplace's biggest productivity killers: micromanagement.
The Power of Saying Yes: Early Career Lessons
Thrown Into Leadership at 16
Courtney's management journey began unexpectedly when she was just 16 years old:
"I was on a shift and a manager quit and they're like 'you guys are competent, Courtney, you're up, your shift manager.' So I kind of got thrown into it even at 16 before I knew I had this passion for people managers."
This early experience taught her a crucial lesson: leadership isn't about age or credentials—it's about competence and willingness to step up when needed.
The Disney Difference
Her eight-month internship at Disney World wasn't just about hospitality—it was about learning to perform under pressure:
"It was a very intense experience to be honest, a lot of hours, a lot of work but it was a lot of fun."
Disney's demanding environment prepared her for the high-stakes world of change management consulting, where attention to detail and customer service excellence are non-negotiable.
Strategic Career Growth: The Prosci Years
From Training Manager to Director in a Decade
Courtney joined Prosci in 2011 as a training manager, eventually rising to Director overseeing global operations. Her secret? Strategic curiosity and relentless skill-building.
Key Growth Strategies That Worked:
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Network Leverage: She recognized the goldmine of expertise around her
"I had an unbelievable network in front of me with those master instructors... executives from companies like Ford Motor Company, the State of California, Key Bank."
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Feedback Reception: She actively sought and implemented feedback
"I came back to probably 45 sticky notes on my little desk... I took all of that to heart and would practice."
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Cross-Department Learning: She volunteered for projects outside her role
"I would say 'I'm not flying anywhere this Friday, can I come into the office and work with the logistics team or help with the production team?'"
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Business Understanding: She learned how different departments interconnected
"I developed a lot of content expertise but also operational expertise and the integration of the two really helped put me in a position where I was able to grow."
The Micromanagement Problem: Why It Matters
Courtney's passion project centers on eliminating micromanagement—a leadership style that destroys productivity and employee engagement.
The Real Impact of Bad Management
"I have a passion for people managers and I think that everybody deserves to have a good experience at work... There's a lot of bad habits that managers have, so one of them that I've talked a lot about is micromanaging and how it kind of makes it about you and your position and takes away from your employees."
What New Managers Really Need
Most organizations fail new managers by focusing on policies instead of people skills:
"You usually get some videos to watch but nobody really sits you down to say when you enter into the management world you're gonna have some really tough conversations... somebody might lose a loved one while they report to you or somebody might just struggle with depression and anxiety."
Time Management Mastery for Working Parents
The Game-Changing System
After becoming a mother in 2019, Courtney revolutionized her time management approach:
Her Priority Framework:
- Son's needs first - Non-negotiable family commitments
- Critical work responsibilities - Must-do professional obligations
- Business development tasks - Future-focused activities
- Personal needs - Self-care and development
The Physical Planning Advantage
"Everything when I start is physical... that pen to mind connection is still very strong."
Research supports this approach—handwriting activates different parts of the brain compared to typing, improving memory and comprehension.
Her Complete System:
- Physical notebook for initial planning and brainstorming
- Google Calendar scheduled "down to the minute"
- Kitchen calendar for family coordination
- Phone alerts for critical reminders
- Wall planning for content strategy (12 days of ideas visible)
The Early Morning/Late Night Hustle
"90% of the first year of any of the work that I did was 4 a.m in the morning until my son woke up at 7 or 7 p.m when he went to bed until midnight or 1am."
This dedication demonstrates that building something meaningful requires sacrifice, but the payoff is worth it.
Goal Setting That Actually Works
The Daily Progress Approach
Instead of overwhelming long-term goals, Courtney focuses on consistent daily action:
"What is one thing I can do today or this week that's going to help me get to where I want to be in the future and I've been trying to keep that mindset going day after day."
The Motivation Factor
"This is something I'm doing today that's going to help change where I want to be with him in the future in terms of just creating a little bit more flexibility for myself with him."
Clear motivation makes daily sacrifices meaningful and sustainable.
Finding Your Purpose: The Discovery Process
The Five-Year Journey
Courtney's clarity didn't happen overnight:
"It's been a long process. I've probably been thinking about it for maybe five years... I just start asking people... have you ever struggled with your manager or do you struggle as a manager?"
Validation Through Conversation
She tested her ideas by talking to people:
"I would just kind of start to validate that with people... the idea that everybody's got a boss, everybody really wants to work for a good boss but a lot of the bosses don't get taught how to be a good boss."
Management Excellence: Her Solution
The Training Gap
Courtney identified a critical gap in management development:
"You're kind of trained... here's the goals we need you to drive your people towards... good luck and that's kind of your introduction into management."
What She Offers
- Emotional Intelligence Training - How to handle tough conversations
- Vulnerability Leadership - Balancing openness with authority
- Trust Building Systems - Practical calendar and reminder strategies
- Empathetic Management - Supporting team members through personal challenges
The Tagline That Says It All
"Management excellence... if you're going to manage, you have to mean it."
Key Takeaways for Career Growth
1. Embrace Unexpected Opportunities
Say yes to leadership roles, even when you feel unprepared. Competence develops through experience.
2. Build Strategic Relationships
Your network is your net worth. Learn from everyone around you, especially those with more experience.
3. Seek Feedback Aggressively
Active feedback-seeking accelerates growth. Don't wait for annual reviews.
4. Understand the Whole Business
Volunteer for cross-functional projects. Understanding how departments interconnect makes you invaluable.
5. Plan Everything, Execute Daily
Use physical planning for initial thoughts, digital tools for execution, and daily action for progress.
6. Find Your Why
Clear motivation sustains you through difficult seasons. Connect your work to something bigger than yourself.
The Future of Management Development
Courtney's work addresses a critical workplace need. As organizations recognize that poor management costs billions in turnover and lost productivity, her approach to developing management excellence becomes increasingly valuable.
"I hope to one day have some content on... helping organizations change the way we select and promote managers as well. It's not usually the best in position that makes the best manager."
Start Your Own Excellence Journey
Whether you're a new manager struggling with team dynamics or an experienced leader looking to eliminate micromanagement, Courtney's journey offers a roadmap. Success comes from consistent daily actions, strategic relationship building, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
The question isn't whether you have what it takes—it's whether you're willing to mean it when you commit to excellence.
Ready to transform your management approach? Start by asking yourself: What one thing can I do today to become the manager my team deserves?
Watch the Full Episode
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