Business
Where’s Other Bob? – How Bob Chapek Is Ruining Disney
In February of 2020, Bob Iger stunned the business world by announcing that he was stepping down as the CEO of The Walt Disney Company after 15 successful years.
“I don’t want to run the company anymore.”
Fair enough, Bob.
During his tenure as CEO, Iger turned an already successful company and brand to even greater, more international heights. He broadened Disney’s library of content with the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. He made critical headway in East Asian markets. Under his guidance, the beloved company’s market capitalization grew from $48 billion to $257 billion.
It wasn’t just his savvy business mind that expanded Disney’s capital and influence. Bob Iger is widely regarded to have great interpersonal relationships. People across the board adore Iger. People did business with him because they liked him and his ideas.
It wasn’t just surprising and heartbreaking that Iger was stepping down after leading Disney to such success. It was who he chose to take over that was surprising: Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Bob Chapek.
It’s only been two years, but in that short time, it really seems that Bob Chapek is ruining Disney.
Chapek The Rising Star
Chapek began his career at Disney in 1993 as the marketing director for Buena Vista Home Entertainment at a time when VHS was still dominant but DVD was waiting in the wings. He is widely credited for bringing Disney’s home entertainment division into the digital age by leaning into the emergence of DVD and eventually Blu-ray.
Then-CEO Michael Eisner had high hopes for Chapek’s career:
“He was always an executive that you knew would be on the rise. He knew how to grow the business while adjusting to the changing marketplace, which was intense.”
And rise he did. In 2006, Chapek was promoted to president of Buena Vista Home Entertainment. Three years later, he was president of distribution for Walt Disney Studios. Two years after that, Chapek was appointed president of Disney Consumer Products.
Chapek was building success for Disney under Iger’s leadership. It wouldn’t be until 2015 that Chapek’s star rose even higher.
Disney’s Marvel-ous Galaxy Far, Far Away
After Michael Eisner was pushed out as CEO in 2005, Iger was warmly welcomed into the role. He started his tenure off very strong in 2006 when he led Disney’s acquisition of Pixar for $7.4 billion. This set an optimistic tone for Disney’s future after the post-Renaissance lull.
Roy E. Disney, in particular, was excited about Iger’s new role:
“Animation has always been the heart and soul of the Walt Disney Company, and it is wonderful to see Bob Iger and the company embrace that heritage by bringing the outstanding animation talent of the Pixar team back into the fold.
“This clearly solidifies The Walt Disney Company’s position as the domination leader in motion picture animation and we applaud and support Bob Iger’s vision.”
Iger’s vision was simple: bigger and better. In 2009, he led Disney’s acquisition of Marvel for $4 billion. In 2012, after a casual chat with George Lucas about retiring, Disney acquired Lucasfilm (and with it, the rights to the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises) for $4 billion.
Chapek ended up being a crucial talent for Iger’s vision. In 2015, he was named chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. In that role, he oversaw the launch of Pandora – The World of Avatar, directly managed the construction and opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and invested a staggering $24 billion into theme parks, attractions, hotels, and cruise ships.
That investment paid off in 2017 when Disney’s parks and resorts saw a 14% increase in operating income. This is when the media began to whisper and murmur about Chapek being a possible candidate for Disney CEO.
In 2018, as the company was preparing for the launch of Disney+, some divisions were reorganized and Chapek was given back the consumer products division in addition to his parks and resorts responsibilities.
Iger had faith in Chapek:
“Bob comes to this new role with an impressive record of success at both parks and resorts and consumer products and he is the perfect leader to run these combined teams.”
This open praise by Iger only fueled media speculation about Chapek’s candidacy for CEO.
Speaking of which…
Surprise! Chapek’s The New CEO
In 2020, Bob Chapek was announced as the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company, much to the surprise of many Disney employees who expected Tom Staggs to take over. The only caveat was that Iger, due to COVID, would handle many of Disney’s operational duties. This would ease Chapek into the role during a tumultuous time.
Iger stayed on in some capacity until the end of 2021. As he left, he warned executives not to let data influence Disney’s creative decisions.
Chapek knew the future of media consumption and made it a point to direct Disney in the right direction – producing direct-to-consumer content via Disney+:
“It’s about having a granular understanding of what the consumption patterns are, and then speaking to the consumers in a way that’s going to be relevant to the content that they want specifically for themselves.
“And, by doing so, we’ll drive engagement and consumption.”
Chapek settled into his new role with confidence. It wouldn’t be until legal problems presented themselves that Chapek’s lack of interpersonal talent and misguided priorities became a real problem for Disney.
The new CEO would unwittingly drive wedges between creative talent and executives in such a messy fashion that it would bring his status into question.
Chapek’s Embarrassing Legal Fumbles
Chapek’s talent as a “numbers guy” was no help for him as Disney navigated survival under COVID. While no one blames him for having to shut down parks and slowly reopen under CDC guidance, there were legal issues Chapek handled poorly, to put it mildly.
Black Widow Lawsuit
After a one-year absence, Scarlet Johansson reprised her role as Black Widow in her own solo film, on which she served as Executive Producer. The film proved to be a major success and vehicle for the superstar. However, due to COVID, many planned theatrical releases were canceled and moved to streaming platforms.
In July 2021, she filed a lawsuit against Disney. In the suit, she claimed that the simultaneous release of Black Widow on Disney+ breached a clause in her contract. Johansson was entitled to box-office profits, which the release on Disney+ denied her.
Disney responded… aggressively. The company went on a character attack, claiming that Johannson was indifferent to the “horrific and prolonged” effects of the pandemic. The back-and-forth between the two parties was very messy until they reached a settlement in September that year.
“Don’t Say Gay”
In 2022, Florida passed Florida House Bill 1557 (also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill). During the backlash, reports surfaced about Disney funding the very legislaters who wrote and sponsored the bill.
Normally, a company funding politicians wouldn’t come under much scrutiny. But the extremity of the bill was in direct contradiction with Disney’s proudly public pro-LGBTQ+ stance.
In a company memo, Chapek refused to criticize the controversial bill and intentionally played down the company’s backing of anti-LGBT legislators. His statements and lack of action drew quick backlash. And then came the backpedaling:
“I want to be crystal clear: I and the entire leadership team unequivocally stand in support of our LGBTQ+ employees, their families, and their communities. And, we are committed to creating a more inclusive company — and world.
“We all share the same goal of a more tolerant, respectful world. Where we may differ is in the tactics to get there. And because this struggle is much bigger than any one bill in any one state, I believe the best way for our company to bring about lasting change is through the inspiring content we produce, the welcoming culture we create, and the diverse community organizations we support.”
Disney announced that is was withdrawing all political donations and instead turning their financial support to LGBTQ+ causes. Florida Governor Ron Desantis retaliated in a way he almost certainly did not think through.
But that’s an entirely different story.
Will Chapek Squander Iger’s Success?
It’s a little early to say for sure. After all, it’s only been two years. Chapek is having a rocky start to his tenure, to say the least. But there’s always room for improvement.
The test of a good CEO is how they handle bad situations. Chapek had little control over COVID but had plenty of control how Disney handled the Black Widow lawsuit and the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The tensions he created between executives and creatives is incredibly damaging to a company that champions creativity above all else.
Chapek, as of today, still hasn’t quite found his footing. His latest embarrassing blunder involved comparing himself to Iron Man and confusing Disneyland’s motto for Disney World’s at his alma matter, Indiana University:
“IU was my ticket to a new life…I was kind of desperate. Desperate to demonstrate my worthiness and desperate not to waste a dime of my parents’ money on a school that was frankly testing my limits at the time.
“But that desperation turned to determination and my dream of defying expectations and the odds took over. And just like Iron Man draws his energy from that Arc Reactor, I get a thump from my drive to prove myself every single day.
“It’s a lifetime power supply that pushes me through doubts, difficulties and around those who underestimate kids from the region.”
In the speech, Chapek confused Disneyland’s motto “The Happiest Place on Earth,” for Disney World’s “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” OOPS. The motto mixup gaffe wouldn’t be that big of a deal, if Chapek hadn’t run Disney’s parks for five years.
Bob Chapek has become a bit of a joke of a CEO. Whether or not he can turn his reputation around is entirely up to him. As of now, morale at Disney post-Iger is low and does not like the direction Chapek has been driving the iconic company. The creative geniuses that drive Disney’s success must be wondering, “Where’s other Bob?”
Iger, despite rumors of tensions between the two Bobs, has expressed support for Chapek:
“He’s very different from me. That doesn’t mean he can’t do that job well. Give him time. It’s the only fair thing to do.”
Fair enough, Bob.
What was once old is new again: mid century modern is back in style. From architecture to furniture, the postwar look is in, and the hype extends all the way to office chairs.
Do you need a mid century modern office chair in your life? If so, there’s plenty to choose from. Your office chair should be tailored to your style, whether you like luxury, utility, or something in between.
That’s why we’ve put together our 10 favorite places to find your ideal mid century modern office chair.
What is mid century modern design?
After World War II, spirits were high in the US, and new technology was taking the country by storm. Mid century modern refers to the design concepts that came about during this time.
As opposed to the frilly, ornate designs of classical furnishings, mid century modern designs are angular, material, and functional. Wood is a common design element, especially teak. Mid century modern furniture may also have materials like glass, vinyl, and metal. Designs are simple and geometric, with bold accent colors to make them pop.
The mid century modern aesthetic never really went away, but it’s made a noted comeback in recent years. Some have chalked it up to Boomer and Gen X nostalgia, others point to mid-century-set shows like Mad Men and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Why should I buy a mid century modern office chair?
Mid century modern is the perfect fusion of style and utility. If you want to cultivate an office space that commands respect without being ostentatious, mid century modern is the style for you.
When it comes to office chairs, an MCM one is often made with sturdy wood and vinyl. They combine the ergonomics of a modern office chair with old-fashioned grace.
If you’re concerned with utility and utility only, a more bog-standard office chair may suit you. But a mid century modern office chair is great for someone who wants to wow colleagues with a mature, thoughtful business space.
Where can I get a mid century modern office chair?
1) Wayfair
When it comes to furniture, Wayfair offers the best of both worlds. Their goods, including their mid century modern office chairs, are stylish and affordable. You can get a sturdy task chair for less than $100 or a more distinguished seat for less than $350.
MCM office chair examples: Dovray ($126), Bradford ($139), Lithonia ($133)
2) France & Son
Wayfair’s chairs are affordable, but France & Son is the perfect option for luxury shoppers. Their mid century modern office chairs are robust and sleekly designed. If you dress to impress and enjoy the finer things in life, these are the chairs for you.
MCM office chair example: Brooks ($695)
3) Houzz
Started as a community for people to share home decor tips, Houzz has become a great ecommerce platform for finding stylish furniture. They’re more known for home decor than desk chairs, but they have plenty of great, affordable finds if you know where to look.
MCM office chair examples: Arvilla ($173), Rathburn ($259)
4) Laura Davidson
The Laura Davidson collection offers a fairly limited selection of classic office furniture. Still, there’s a reason they’re trusted by big-wigs like Apple, Disney, and Salesforce. Their chairs are sturdy and beautifully designed, reimagining classic Eames and Knoll designs.
MCM office chair examples: Rockefeller ($275), SOHO II Soft Pad ($450)
5) Icons of Manhattan
Icons of Manhattan has a simple philosophy: do one thing, and do it right. Their office chairs are handcrafted from premium materials and tailored to a mid-century modern style. If you want that Mad Men energy in your office (hopefully with a lot less angst), these are the chairs for you.
MCM office chair example: Ribbed Medium ($219)
6) Amazon
Yes, the internet’s premier shopping destination has a robust collection of mid century modern office chairs. Like with most products, their selection of seats is vast and can be hit or miss. Still, they’ve got stunning chairs available for any style, whether you care about comfort, class, or ergonomics.
MCM office chair examples: IDS Home Modern ($219), Art Leon MCM Swivel ($139)
7) AllModern
AllModern’s collection of desk chairs and other furniture truly embodies the mid century modern spirit. Their work is tight, angular, and functional above all. They’re part of the Wayfair family and they traffic in a number of modern styles, but their sleek chairs are perfect for any mid century modern space.
MCM office chair examples: Frederick ($229), Kealey ($349)
8) Overstock
Overstock is known as a one-stop shop for quality home goods at sub-wholesale prices. If you want a spiffy mid century modern office chair that won’t break the bank, they’re the first place to look. While they’re somewhat less reliable than the more upscale platforms on this list, their selection is massive.
MCM office chair example: Joseph Modern ($163)
9) Walmart
Hayneedle’s selection of mid-century modern office chairs falls somewhere between the minimal Laura Davidson and the endless Amazon catalog. Their array of mid-century designs is affordable and versatile, with chairs that match almost any style. While they may be part of the Walmart family, these chairs are anything but second-rate.
MCM office chair example: Waleaf ($97)
10) Target
Why splurge when you can save? As usual, Target is a hidden gem, offering a sturdy selection of mid century modern office chairs for some of the cheapest prices out there. Many of the chairs they offer are from the same designers as these other stores—Christopher Knight, LumiSource, Armen Living, etc.—at reduced prices.
MCM office chair example: Lombardi ($136)
A quality payroll service is one of the most invaluable tools any entrepreneur can have. Whether you’re a small business owner or an HR manager, paying your employees on time is crucial. This makes choosing a service even more weighty, after all, it is a heavy administrative burden. The good thing is, you can outsource this duty to an online payroll processor.
According to statistics, 49% of workers begin a new job search after just two paycheck errors, and with 65% of workers living paycheck to paycheck, it’s more important than ever to ensure an efficient, effective payroll process.
These services can save you precious time and mitigate potential issues. To make it easy for you to choose, we listed the best online payroll services for 2025.
Top 5 Online Payroll Services
Gusto
Gusto is a great option for both new and experienced payroll administrators, boasting an incredibly clean user interface and a first-rate payroll setup. Gusto lets you manage your employee’s time off (vacation and sick pay), company health insurance, and worker’s comp. Gusto offers excellent mobile access, too. This allows employees to manage aspects of their Gusto profiles, view payday insights, and access Gusto Wallet financial tools.
Gusto offers four tiers of membership, the most affordable of which is the Contractor’s Only plan, which offers unlimited U.S.-based and global contractor payments, supporting more than 100 countries, plus 1099 creation and filing at a rate of $6 per person per month with no base price.
The other three are Simple, Plus, and Premium. Here’s a deeper look into each plan:
Simple
Price:
$40/mo + $6/mo per person
Plan details:
- Full-service single-state payroll including W-2s and 1099s
- Employee profiles and self-service
- Basic hiring and onboarding tools
- Gusto-brokered health insurance administration
- Employee financial benefits
- Payroll and time-off reports
- Custom admin permissions
- Integrations for accounting, time tracking, expense management, and more
Plus
Price:
$80/mo + $12/mo per person
Plan details:
(All Simple plan features +)
- Full-service multi-state payroll including W-2s and 1099s
- Next-day direct deposit
- Advanced hiring and onboarding tools
- PTO management and policies
- Time tracking and project tracking
- Workforce costing and custom reports
- Team management tools
- Full support
Premium
Price:
Bespoke pricing, reach out for a personalized quote
Plan details:
(All Plus plan features +)
- HR Resource Center
- Compliance alerts
- Access to certified HR experts
- Full-service payroll migration and account setup
- Health insurance broker integration
- R&D tax credit discount
- Waived fees and exclusive pricing
- Performance reviews
- Employee surveys and insights
- Dedicated support
QuickBooks Online Payroll
Founded in 1983, Intuit is a California-based financial software company. Since its inception, Intuit has developed into one of the best-known providers of accounting software. Their online payroll service, QuickBooks, includes the essential features you need to run payroll.
QuickBooks offers three tiers of membership. The least expensive membership covers basic accounting features, such as invoices. For more features, check out the Essentials and Plus memberships. Each plan’s features are as follows:
QuickBooks Simple Start (2025)
- Price: $38/month for 1 user
- Best for: Freelancers and small teams with basic payroll needs
Features:
- Automated bookkeeping
- 5 free ACH bank transfers/mo for bills
QuickBooks Essentials (2025)
- Price: $75/month for 3 users
- Best for: Small businesses needing deeper financial tracking
Features:
- Includes all Simple Start features, plus:
- Recurring invoices
QuickBooks Plus (2025)
- Price: $115/month for 5 users
- Best for: Growing businesses with HR and compliance needs
Features:
- Includes all Essentials features, plus:
- AI-powered profit & loss insights
- Anomaly detection and resolution
- Budgeting
QuickBooks Advanced (2025)
- Price: $275/month for 25 users
- Best for: Established businesses with HR and compliance needs
Features:
- Includes all Plus features, plus:
- Custom user management and permissions
- Custom report builder
- Data sync with Excel
- Revenue recognition
- Forecasting
OnPay
OnPay is a cloud-based full-service payroll processing system capable of running payroll according to a preset schedule, automatically disbursing wages, and calculating and withholding taxes.
OnPay can sync up with several other software your team is already using, making it easy to integrate the service into your team’s system. Another benefit of OnPays model is the simple, transparent pricing structure. No tiers; just one base rate.
Pricing:
$49/mo + $6/mo per employee
SurePayroll
SurePayroll’s award-winning service supports W-2 employees and 1099 contractors. Additionally, it handles 401(k) deductions and manages flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA).
SurePayroll also offers a mobile app— available on both Apple and Android devices.
SurePayroll offers live support through its United States-based support team through chat, email, or phone.
Small Business Payroll
- Price: No Tax Filing: $20/month + $4 per employee, Full Service: $29/month + $7 per employee
- Best for: Small businesses and startups
Features:
- We file and deposit your federal and state taxes!
- Run payroll in 3 simple steps
- Schedule payroll to run automatically
- Unlimited payroll runs and free 2-day direct deposit
- Reports and pay stubs are available online 24/7
- Supports W-2 employees and 1099 contractors
Nanny & Household Payroll
- Price: Full-Service Household, $39/month, includes 1 employee, $10 per additional employee
Best for: Homeowners
Features:
- Signature-ready Schedule H
- We file & deposit your federal and state taxes!
- Run payroll in 3 simple steps
- Schedule payroll to run automatically
- Unlimited payroll runs and free 2-day direct deposit
- Reports & paystubs available online 24/7
- Supports W-2 employees & 1099 contractors
Be sure to choose a payroll service that works for your business, and provides you with the peace of mind that comes with a reliable bookkeeping system. Your employees will thank you.
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