Dr. Jeffrey A. Barnes

Dr. Jeffrey A. Barnes is an author, Walt Disney historian, and keynote speaker specializing in Disney history, leadership, and personal development. Barnes, often referred to as Dr. Disneyland, served as dean of student success and professor of humanities at California Baptist University, where he developed the first accredited college course on the History of Disneyland. The course focused on leadership and personal growth, drawing lessons from Walt Disney's achievements and challenges.

Barnes is the author of "The Wisdom of Walt: Leadership Lessons from the Happiest Place on Earth" and "Beyond the Wisdom of Walt: Life Lessons from the Most Magical Place on Earth." In these books, Barnes explores Walt Disney's vision and leadership strategies, offering readers practical insights for professional and personal development. Both works use Disney history and the legacy of Walt Disney to encourage readers to pursue their goals and apply creative problem-solving.

Barnes's career includes more than 35 years of professional speaking and nearly 20 years in higher education, where he taught over 20 different college courses. His expertise in Disney history and leadership development has made him a recognized authority in these fields.

A significant moment in Barnes's life occurred when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor shortly after launching his Disneyland history course. He chose to delay surgery to complete teaching the course, demonstrating his commitment to the principles he teaches about overcoming adversity and pursuing one's mission.

After more than two decades in higher education, Barnes transitioned to writing and speaking full-time. He delivers presentations that combine Disney history, leadership strategies, and practical applications for audiences seeking to overcome challenges and achieve their objectives. Barnes also publishes the newsletter "WEDnesdays with Walt," which shares Disney history, inspiration, and leadership lessons with readers worldwide.