Michael eisner
As Disney enters a new chapter, we look back at the man who shaped the company more than anyone other than Walt Disney himself.
Michael Eisner reflects on his 21 years leading Disney, from sparking a golden age of animation to bringing ABC and ESPN into the company and reshaping the theme parks. Over two days together, Eisner opens up about his departure from Disney, his outspoken views on the current media landscape, and the decisions that defined his tenure.
Michael Eisner
CLIPS
Disney’s blueprint meets football: Michael Eisner on buying Portsmouth FC
Michael Eisner explains how he and his family decided to buy Portsmouth F.C. and why rebuilding a historic club from the ground up appealed to him. From stadium renovations to long-term investment and fan experience, he shares what it really takes to bring a team back.
Does wealth dampen motivation? Michael Eisner on success and privilege
Michael Eisner looks back on the family dynamics that shaped him early on, sharing how pressure at home helped form his ambition, independence, and approach to success and failure.
Michael Eisner: Waiting 25+ years for my wife to read my plays
Michael Eisner shares the story of his first play, the rejections that followed, and why he ultimately walked away. From college theater to a brief writing stint in Paris, he explains how early failure helped redirect his path.
Michael Eisner: The 3 areas I always micromanaged as Disney CEO
Michael Eisner breaks down how leaders must balance control and trust. He explains why micromanaging taste matters while micromanaging people does not and how picking the right moments makes all the difference.
Michael Eisner: How Spielberg and Lucas convinced me to buy Indiana Jones
Michael Eisner reflects on his most memorable encounters across decades in Hollywood. From negotiating with Rupert Murdoch to backing Raiders of the Lost Ark and navigating relationships with Steve Jobs and Warren Buffett, Eisner shares the stories behind the deals, wins, and misses that shaped entertainment history.
Michael Eisner on Disney, Trump & why he stood up for Jimmy Kimmel
Michael Eisner explains why he chose to publicly criticize Disney over its handling of Jimmy Kimmel despite repeated warnings not to speak out. He reflects on corporate fear, instinctive decisions and what happened after millions responded overnight.
Michael Eisner on Bob Iger and Disney’s Future
Michael Eisner shares his unfiltered view of Disney today — from praising Bob Iger’s leadership to explaining why the Bob Chapek era didn’t work. He also weighs in on succession, internal leadership, and why a co-CEO structure would be a major mistake.
Michael Eisner’s terminal prognosis for movie theaters
Ex-Disney CEO Michael Eisner explains why fear has always driven the media business — and why the stakes are higher than ever. From billion-dollar movie bets to streaming, AI, and consolidation, he breaks down why companies must reinvent or risk destroying themselves.
Michael Eisner on Harvey Weinstein: I brought a wolf into the hen house
Michael Eisner reflects on the final years of his 21-year run at Disney — from hard leadership decisions to public conflicts and knowing when it was time for change. He explains what he stands by, what he’d do differently, and why leaving ultimately felt right.
Michael Eisner: Age bias prevents me from pitching TV shows
Michael Eisner reflects on his bypass surgery, the moment he realized something was wrong, and why he never thought of himself as sick. He also shares what life looks like today — from developing new ideas to navigating aging, perspective, and letting go of constant crisis.
How Michael Eisner’s wife launched the “I’m going to Disney World” craze
From a proposal that went sideways to a bear stalking them in the woods, Michael and Jane Eisner share the wild stories (and the marriage dynamic) that shaped everything.
Why Michael Eisner’s director son pushed back against working for dad
Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner explains why he chose to keep his company off a high-rise lot and instead on one of the few streets that still feels like New York—an intentional decision meant to keep creative leadership close.
Why architecture became one of Disney’s secret weapons
A teenage trip to Rome sparked a lifelong obsession with architecture for Michael Eisner. He explains how early experiences shaped his eye for design — and how great architecture later became one of Disney’s most powerful creative and business advantages.
Inside the home Michael Eisner spent 30 years building
Michael Eisner takes us inside the massive project that reshaped his Malibu property into a village-style home. From fixing a collapsing hillside to recreating a Moroccan tile building and using Disney-style design illusions, he shares why tackling challenges became the fun part.
Michael Eisner: Why I haven’t stepped inside Disney HQ since 2005
Instead of settling for trailers, former Disney CEO Michael Eisner chose to make architecture a statement. He walks through the playful postmodern buildings that transformed Disney’s studio lot and sparked a new creative era.
Michael Eisner: The Spielberg deal, Trump settlements & Bob Iger truth | Full interview
Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner discusses the Spielberg Raiders deal, his contentious relationship with Steve Jobs over Pixar, and why Harvey Weinstein was his hardest moment. He shares thoughts on Disney’s Trump settlement, defending Jimmy Kimmel, Bob Iger’s succession, and why a co-CEO structure would be “ridiculous.” Eisner reveals the Warren Buffett parking lot conversation that led to the Capital Cities/ABC acquisition, his 50-year partnership with Barry Diller, and unfiltered insights on leadership, Portsmouth FC ownership, and the future of entertainment. Michael Eisner served as Disney CEO from 1984 to 2005, growing the stock price from $1.24 to $23.80.