Disruption Diaries #1: How to be like Walt—join a startup

How often do you get to create something new, that has the potential to shake up an industry?

When Walt Disney premiered the first full-length feature animation, it was something that had never been done before. His animators scoffed. Doctors fretted it would cause patrons to go blind. But, when Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs debuted at the Carthay Circle theater, it would go on to be one of the most successful films of all time.

Walt Disney was the pinnacle entrepreneur. Because of his vision and constant risk-taking, The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) is still one of the most recognized brands in the world almost 100 years later. 

Back in 2010, I followed my own dream down to Florida and joined TWDC as a front-line Cast Member. During my seven-year tenure, I collected Guest feedback, managed costuming operations during Star Wars Weekends, welcomed new Cast Members as a facilitator, lived abroad in China, and served as a Walt Disney World Ambassador, an official representative and spokesperson of the company. I felt confident about how to do my job, I knew how to meet (or exceed) expectations, and I loved the culture. Plus, it wasn’t too shabby to be a part of the greatest entertainment company in the world (IMHO).

So, it may surprise you that I left my beloved Mouse. 

To join a tech startup.

Yep, that’s right. I went from a huge, well known, established company (with awesome perks and benefits, btw) to a company nobody has ever heard of.

When Eric and Kenny, Bacarai Co-Founders, first called me, I was living in China. Their passion and excitement for this project was catching. It was the same zeal I had whenever I spoke about Disney. The difference was that they spoke of something that had not yet been created. A dream yet to be realized. It would take a lot of work, but we would create it ourselves, from scratch. 

It wasn’t an easy decision to leave a stable job that I loved. When you work for an established company, you have the benefit of a blueprint. Roles and functions are clearly defined. Processes are meticulously documented.

But when you join a startup—there is no blueprint. Your business constantly evolves and pivots. Everyone is pitching in, figuring things out, supporting each other. Creativity and teamwork are imperative. (And possibly some after-work cocktails.)

And that is what makes the chance to join a startup so alluring. I imagine a startup is what the Walt Disney Company was like way back in the day, when Walt and his first animators would hole up in the studio late into the evening, all figuring out how to make a movie. Sculptors became animators, animators eventually became theme park designers, everybody was squashed and stretched and challenged together.

They were creating something new.

And that is what finally pushed me to take the leap and join Bacarai: Walt’s enduring spirit of discovery and innovation combined with the chance to create something the world has never seen before.

Bacarai may grow to have its own blueprint one day—but for now, I am excited to be a part of something in its infancy. Our initial team of developers will create the bones of a company that could still be around a century from now. Like those early founders of The Walt Disney Company, we will contribute to a new platform that will make our industry better. And that, to me, is pure magic.

Cait Busscher is the Communications Director at Bacarai, a travel tech startup for group airfare. When she isn't busy learning about AI and blockchain, she is traveling the world, working on her multiple pet side businesses, or eating ice cream with her husband.