You may not recognize Matthew Luhn’s name, but you definitely know his work: The Simpsons, Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3, Monsters Inc., Monsters University, Finding Nemo, Cars, Up, and Ratatouille.
After a stellar 30 year career at Disney/Pixar, he turned his focus to helping the corporate world leverage the art and science of storytelling for business success, authoring The Best Story Wins and consulting to companies such as Charles Schwab and Adidas.
A top speaker on storytelling, creativity and innovation, he has delighted a range of Fortune 1000 audiences including Apple, Capital One, Clorox, Facebook, Gartner, Google, Microsoft, PayPal, Procter & Gamble, Sony, Target, and Vrbo. His keynotes and workshops have been featured at BNY Mellon, BMW, Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Family Museum, Lego, Prudential Insurance, Salesforce, Volkswagen, Wells Fargo, and many more.
Talking Points
AI & Storytelling
In this uplifting and empowering talk, master storyteller Matthew Luhn shares how AI is being used as a tool, copilot, and muse to create new ideas and stories for entertainment, business, and beyond. As one of the first animators on Toy Story, the first computer-generated animated film released by Pixar, Matthew is well versed in how new technology can transform an industry and create memorable stories. Matthew’s story credits include Toy Story 1, 2, and 3, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, Cars, UP, and Ratatouille. Like CG (computer) animation, AI is another tool in our storytelling toolkit—enhancing, not replacing creativity and innovation. Matthew will share his tips on how to use AI to bridge the gap between new technology and great storytelling.
AI & Storytelling
Storytelling for Business
Storytelling is the #1 business skill necessary to connect, motivate, and lead people in today’s world. Stories compel us to engage in experiences, learn lessons, and define our values and ourselves within our organization. Matthew Luhn, a 30-year Pixar story veteran, brings his experience creating and developing 10 blockbuster films at Pixar, and provides practical strategies that teach and inspire people and teams to connect more effectively with audiences on an emotional level. Matthew uses the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between business and heart, driving your story toward one unforgettable selling point.
Storytelling for Business
Inspiring Creativity in the Workplace
One of the most essential resources for any business to stay competitive is new ideas that spark innovation. As one of the original story creators at Pixar Animation Studios, Matthew Luhn participated in building and sustaining the creative culture at Pixar from startup to the most successful filmmaking group in the history of Hollywood. Matthew’s engaging and action-oriented talk will provide strategies on how to create a culture that encourages and nurtures new ideas, and embraces fear and failing as a necessary part of the creative process. He demonstrates how to empower relationships and build trust through authentic communication.
Inspiring Creativity in the Workplace
To Innovation & Beyond
When your company’s product or service appears similar to your competitor’s offerings, how can you differentiate and get consumers to notice? In this enlightening and entertaining talk, Matthew Luhn, accomplished writer and Pixar story artist on the Toy Story films, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, Cars, UP, and Ratatouille, will share his methods and experiences working with Disney/Pixar and advising other Fortune 500 companies. Audiences will learn how to innovate, differentiate and stay relevant in today’s business world, creating more value and winning customer loyalty.
To Innovation & Beyond
Storytelling for Leaders: Creating Memorable and Emotional Connections to Inspire and Motivate your Team
According to a notable Harvard Business Review article, “In our information-saturated age, business leaders won’t be heard unless they’re telling stories–facts and figures and all the rational things that we think are important in the business world don’t stick in our minds at all. That means leaders who can create and share good stories have a powerful advantage over others.” Nobody knows this better than Matthew Luhn, Disney/Pixar veteran (Toy Story 1,2,3, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Ratatouille, and more) and Fortune 500 storytelling consultant. In this essential talk for leaders, Matthew shows you how to sharpen your storytelling skills and develop your hero/leadership traits to gain an advantage in business and beyond. Providing key insights from his authoritative book, The Best Story Wins: How to Leverage Hollywood Storytelling in Business and Beyond, and hands-on experience consulting with companies ranging from Adidas to Charles Schwab, Matthew reveals how to leverage the power of storytelling to capture attention, give meaning to your message, make more powerful connections, and become a more effective leader.
Storytelling for Leaders: Creating Memorable and Emotional Connections to Inspire and Motivate your Team
Video
Matthew Luhn | Creativity & Storytelling Speaker | Saxton Speakers
Matthew Luhn is one of the world’s most compelling voices on creativity, storytelling, and brand communication. With over 25 years of experience as a lead story artist at Pixar (Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc.), Matthew now empowers business leaders, marketers, and teams to harness the emotional power of story to drive connection, trust, and action. Matthew has dynamic stage presence, sharp storytelling insights, and an ability to transform complex ideas into relatable, memorable messages. Whether delivering a keynote on creative leadership or guiding brands through story-driven innovation, Matthew leaves audiences inspired and equipped.Many stood up and gave Matthew a standing ovation when he was done which has not happened in our keynote sessions before! ...Matthew's presentation was a home run. ... keep reading Society of Certified Senior Advisors
Matthew Luhn has an incredible ability to captivate an audience through the art of storytelling. Unveiling some of the most insightful techniques used in Pixar films, he can effortlessly simplify complex ideas into concise messages – a valued skill in business. Matthew highlighted actionable tactics that sharpened my team’s storytelling skills right away.
We had the pleasure of having Matthew over for a two-day seminar and workshop on storytelling and he did fantastic. Sharing insights from his 20+ years experience in storytelling and translating its mechanics into everyday business life left the whole audience energized and inspired!
Matthew was a true professional to work with. He customized his presentation to match our theme on data, and as he promised made the audience laugh, cry and learn something new about storytelling. He is a truly inspirational and inspiring speaker! I hope we can work together in the future.
“Matthew, you were considered a highlight by everyone at the conference - they absolutely loved you and your message of storytelling and connection. People said things like "I realized I'm doing everything wrong!" So your impact was huge! :) Thanks so much for sharing your energy, enthusiasm and wisdom. We appreciate it!
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