4 days ago

From Disney to Deep Trust: JB Adams on the 5 People Who Shaped His Life

S05 EP10 J.B. Adams

In this warm, thoughtful and deeply human episode of People Are Everything, Julia Duthie speaks with J.B. Adams, an executive development strategist and coach whose work is rooted in trust, listening, leadership and genuine human connection. From the very beginning, Julia and JB discover a shared language around depth, curiosity and the kind of conversations that move far beyond small talk. Julia reflects openly on her own need for realness in relationships and workplaces, while JB explains how trust is built through simple, repeated acts of care: saying hello, asking questions, listening properly, and making people feel seen.

JB’s chosen five take the conversation across literature, Disney leadership, listening, family history and generational trauma. He reflects on Victor Hugo, whose Les Misérables became a year-long daily discipline that changed how he saw humanity; Valerie Oberle, the first female executive at Disney Corporate and a model of high-trust leadership; Dr. Rick Bommelje, who taught him the power of listening and the “golden pause”; Roy Disney, the quieter brother whose strategic leadership helped build the Disney empire; and William David Jr., a troubled ancestor whose story opened up questions about identity, shame, family history and the choices passed down through generations. Julia’s responses are especially powerful in this episode, often gently challenging JB’s interpretations and adding emotional insight, particularly around trauma, belonging, and the different ways people survive difficult histories.

Highlights

Why trust is the foundation of meaningful relationships and strong leadership
JB’s work as an executive development strategist and coach
Julia and JB’s shared dislike of shallow small talk and love of deeper conversation
Growing up on a family farm in rural Illinois
The stability, affection and safety JB experienced through his parents
The importance of siblings and “belonging” as life moves into later chapters
JB’s identity as a “sensitive introvert”
Reading all 365 chapters of Les Misérables across one year
How literature helped JB understand humanity, suffering and history
Working at Disney University and learning from Disney culture
Valerie Oberle’s example of trust-led, people-centred leadership
Why laughter at work can indicate a high-trust environment
The power of listening, reflection and the “golden pause”
Roy Disney as the unsung strategic force behind Walt Disney’s creative vision
The relationship between Walt and Roy Disney, including Walt’s final vision for Disney World
JB’s genealogy research and the dramatic story of William David Jr.
Generational trauma, shame, silence, anger and forgiveness
Julia’s reflection on why the podcast matters: the joy of uninterrupted, meaningful conversation

J.B.’s 5 Most Influential People

1. Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo influenced JB through Les Misérables, which JB read one chapter at a time over an entire year. The experience helped him see humanity as a vast, interconnected story and deepened his understanding of suffering, history, justice and the human condition.

2. Valerie Oberle

Valerie Oberle was the first female executive at Disney Corporate and a major influence on JB’s understanding of leadership. Her ability to make people feel seen, valued and trusted left a lasting impression on him and shaped his views on high-trust work environments.

3. Dr. Rick Bommelje

Dr. Rick Bommelje, author and listening expert, taught JB that listening is not passive. Through years of mastermind sessions, JB learned the importance of making others feel heard, acknowledged and validated, as well as the value of the “golden pause.”

4. Roy Disney

JB chose Roy Disney as the quieter, often overlooked force behind the Disney empire. While Walt was the creative visionary, Roy managed the money, strategy and business decisions that allowed the dream to survive and grow. For JB, Roy represents introverted leadership and the power of influence without needing the spotlight.

5. William David Jr.

William David Jr., a troubled ancestor from JB’s family tree, influenced him through genealogy and identity work. His life story opened up questions about family shame, generational trauma, forgiveness, and how people choose what to carry forward or leave behind.