One of the most pivotal days of Chase Thomas’s career occurred on Disneyland’s Main Street. His colleagues and fellow performers were voting after months of campaigning and negotiating on whether to join the Actors’ Equity Association, an American union representing professional actors and stage managers. It was a surreal scene.
“I saw Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel cast votes,” says Thomas, a Disneyland performer, union leader, and Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB) program participant.
From Broadway Producer to Disneyland Performer
Thomas is the first person in his family to pursue higher education. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in entertainment business, he quickly built a multifaceted career. He worked on Broadway, where he was a Tony Award-nominated producer of Jagged Little Pill and associate producer of A Christmas Carol. He also founded a virtual production company that produced an award-winning livestream event to support children’s theater programs in historically underserved communities. In addition, Thomas coordinated visual effects for several television series and worked as a consumer product licensing agent, serving as an intermediary between well-known entertainers and consumer brands.
When his grandmother became ill, Thomas left his work in Georgia to care for her in California. It was then that his career took another turn. He joined Disneyland’s Fantasmic! show as a performer. When he arrived at the park, its performers were engaged in a historic unionization effort to join the Actors’ Equity Association. His experience caught the attention of union organizers and peers, who elected him as a leader.
Enrolling in CLIMB
Thomas enrolled in CLIMB to gain finance and technology knowledge and grow his leadership skills. He says it stood out from other programs because of its flexibility, comprehensive curriculum, and focus on forward-looking business skills. As an early-career leader, he was also drawn to its global cohort and the opportunity to build a lasting network of peers.
“Its emphasis on teamwork, digital tools, data-driven leadership, and personal branding aligns perfectly with my goals,” he says.
After beginning CLIMB in early 2024, Thomas quickly put his learnings to work. When union negotiations stalled or became heated, he used knowledge from Dynamic Teaming—an online course led by HBS Professor Amy Edmonson—and worked to build psychological safety.
“By fostering an environment of open, honest communication—where team members feel comfortable expressing their concerns and ideas—I’ve helped build the trust needed to navigate complex issues like compensation and working conditions,” Thomas says.
Related: CLIMB Program Q&A with HBS Professor and Faculty Chair Amy Edmondson
A case study featuring Mia Mends of Sodexo Latin America in Leadership Principles—another CLIMB course taught by HBS Professors Anthony Mayo and Joshua Margolis—resonated particularly deeply with Thomas. Like Mends, he faced challenges transitioning from a more task- to strategy-focused role and unifying diverse teams toward a shared goal.
Related: Tune in to The Parlor Room podcast for Mayo's takes on what makes an effective leader.
“The course’s emphasis on self-awareness, adaptability, and leadership responsibility has enabled me to guide the team through stressful negotiations with both confidence and empathy,” he says. “I not only support the well-being of employees but also contribute to Disney’s larger mission.”
CLIMB's Impact on Thomas's Career
Thomas’s leadership has paid off. In May 2024, 79 percent of eligible Disneyland performers voted in favor of unionization—a landslide victory. It was a historic achievement, paving the way for better working conditions and aligning them with their peers at Walt Disney World in Florida. Thomas continues working with the union and company to ratify a contract.
Beyond his work at Disneyland, Thomas has founded a fintech entertainment platform. His CLIMB electives—Financial Accounting and Launching Tech Ventures—helped hone his knowledge of technology and strategy as he brought the company into its pre-seed development phase. He also plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and hopes to grow to a Disney executive position.
Related: How to Choose Your CLIMB Electives
Thomas calls the CLIMB experience “transformative,” citing its vibrant network—particularly the peers he connected with at Connext, HBS Online’s annual hybrid conference that brings learners together to share ideas and learn from HBS senior leadership and faculty.
“If I were to give one piece of advice to CLIMB participants, it would be to focus on effective execution,” Thomas says. “CLIMB equips you with essential tools, but it’s your responsibility to apply them in your current role or ventures and create a meaningful impact. I’ve leveraged them at Disney by transforming creative concepts into actionable steps.”
Do you want to develop a robust set of vital, forward-looking business skills to grow as a leader? Explore our yearlong Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB) program, comprising seven courses for leading in the modern business world. Download the CLIMB brochure to learn more about its curriculum, admissions requirements, and benefits.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not represent or reflect the views of The Walt Disney Company or the Actors' Equity Association.
