Romisha, 35, recently graduated at Mandela University’s Autumn Graduation with her doctoral degree in industrial psychology, researching the career development of Walt Disney from a psychobiographical perspective. Her supervisor was Professor Roelf van Niekerk.
As someone who is passionate about understanding how careers develop, and intrigued by animation, particularly Disney content, it just made sense for Romisha to study the founder of Disney Studios, the pioneer of animation and the creator of Disneyland – Walter Elias Disney.
Early in his career, Disney was an artist, director, inker, painter, and editor, later focusing on story and character development, a career spanning five decades. While success did not come easy to him, challenges did not deter him from pursuing his aspirations.
Through commitment and tenacity, he finally attained success and recognition at the age of 54 with the creation of Disneyland. Sadly, his joy and career satisfaction were short-lived as he succumbed to lung cancer, 11 years later.
Disney's career development reflects a complex process that included multiple creations, innovations, disappointments, setbacks and serious health problems. Towards the end of his career, Disney commented on the importance of goal setting, hard work, and sacrifice. In his words: "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
Disney was extremely disciplined and committed to achieving his goals, with his professional ambitions above all other concerns. Consequently, he faced challenges in maintaining close relationships. He placed quality above all and perceived himself as a creator, and artist, but not a businessman.
He chose to focus on family entertainment, not only by creating cartoons, animated films and television shows, but also through his theme park, Disneyland in Los Angeles.
Disney was the first to synchronise sound and music in animation, as well as create a cartoon in colour and introduce personality to characters in his works (the first was the Three Little Pigs). He was also first to create and direct the feature length animation film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
After leaving the studio, he consulted while dedicating himself to designing Disneyland and creating a safe space for the entire family to enjoy. Though seen by some, as controlling, his deep involvement from its exhibits and rides to the landscaping and overall park layout, reflected his commitment to realising his vision.
By the 1960s, his company had expanded into live-action films, TV programming, and theme parks. Disney only deemed himself successful in his early 60s after Disneyland’s fame.
His numerous obstacles started with rejection as a newspaper cartoonist and financial struggles. Thereafter his first studio in Kansas City went bankrupt after he was cheated out of several animated films.
Throughout his life, he overcame nearly every challenge with determination, except lung cancer, which ultimately ended his journey at the age of 65.
Romisha believes that applying the psychobiographical approach emphasised the fact that career development should not be analysed through a rigid lens as career paths are different for everyone. Non-linear career development and failure to complete career tasks could also form part of a successful career.
“Disney was a gifted individual whose contributions had a significant impact on animation, entertainment, and cinematography. He is still recognised for his complex nature and simultaneously undertaking multiple professional roles, demonstrating that a successful career does not follow straight advancement through rigidly defined tasks,” says Dr Singh.
As registered Industrial Psychologist, Romisha who grew up in Gqeberha, is actively pursuing opportunities to enhance her skills set and broaden her understanding of contemporary career trends. “I am open to explore what the world has to offer,” she says.