We’re used to thinking of Walt Disney as a major creator of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other timeless characters. Some of us even know that Walt’s partner was his brother Roy. Although they argued constantly, Roy, the financial genius, balanced Walt’s creative mind.

What most of us do not know is that there was, from 1958 to 1966, a second person Walt relied on completely. That person provided the impulsive Walt structure. It was his administrative assistant Tommie Blount (later Wilck). In honor of Administrative Asisistant Day, April 21, this Snap is about Tommie, pic.

Tommie kept Walt focused and on track. She was also his protector. Walt was, especially in the 1960s, an old man: something we also aren’t used to thinking about. In the midst of creating such wonders as Mary Poppins, Walt was battling serious health ailments, including excruciating back pain, a cracked neck vertebrae, a pinched neck nerve, a dragging right leg, kidney stones, aching teeth, a sore elbow and a chronic sinus infection.

Walt being a creative, his mind wandered. You had to be creative to manage him and Tommie was. Among the tricks she employed was typing important messages for him in all caps and on 3X5 note cards, ringing a ship bell to signal it was time for lunch his lunch, and shielding him from unwanted outside interferences.

She also had unusual responsibilities. She would pour him a scotch mist each evening at 5:00 PM (actually a lot of ice and very little scotch, given Walt's health issues). And when Disney left the office for the day, she would call Disney’s home to let his wife know he was on his way. She even had input on who should play Mary Poppins. Walt wanted Bette Davis, but Tommie convinced him to hire Julie Andrews.

Walt enjoyed Tommie because she would tell him the truth and give him a different perspective when he needed it. He was so fond of her that, when she got married, he walked her down the aisle to give her away, while whispering in her ear, “I didn’t tell him how sassy you are.” He also paid for the wedding reception.

Tommie also was a major player in the development of CalArts, the college Walt Disney founded. She served as an executive director on the women’s board and became its executive director. She also served on the board of trustees of the Newport Harbor Art Museum. She, unfortunately, passed away in 1985.

All of us who appreciate everything Walt Disney created owe her, his administrative assistant, a debt of gratitude. Mary Poppins may have been practically perfect, but Mary Wilck was perfect.

The lesson I take from the Walt-Mary story is one of excellence through partnership. In a past story, we examined the relationship between Walt and Roy and how neither would have succeeded without the other. Additionally, we have discovered how Walt needed artists who could deliver his visions and how employees can really make a difference in customer offerings.

Walt could not do it alone. Neither can any of us. We need people whose strengths complement our own to make us shine. Perhaps the Walt Disney Company could more accurately be called Walt AND Company.