Louie Gravance: Culture Speaker

Louie Gravance, Disney-trained customer experience strategist and corporate culture storyteller turning everyday interactions into extraordinary “WOW” moments.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • More than 25 years at Walt Disney Company, designing customer experience and training programs for Disney Institute.
    • Authored SERVICE is a SUPERPOWER! (Lessons Learned in a Magic Kingdom), widely used as a practical service guide.
    • Recognized as a Top 30 Global Guru for Customer Experience; known for combining showmanship with strategy
  • Formats:
    Keynotes (45–60 min), interactive workshops, and customized virtual or live sessions tailored to brand culture and audience.
  • Audiences:
    Executives, HR & engagement teams, CX leaders, and organizations aiming to elevate service and employee connection.
  • Outcomes:
    1. Transform routine interactions into memorable “WOW” customer experiences.
    2. Build service-as-superpower mindsets using proven hands-on skills and Disney-rooted storytelling.
    3. Enable leaders to shape culture with humor, heart, and practical behavioral tools.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Orlando, FL
  • **Fee range: $15,000 - $20,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

Delivering WOW Moments that Transform Careers

When employees ask, “What’s in it for me?” the answer is clear: EVERYTHING. Exceptional service doesn’t just benefit customers—it enriches the lives and careers of those delivering it. Louie Gravance, renowned for inspiring Walt Disney World cast members, reveals how delivering WOW moments can transform service interactions into powerful personal and professional growth opportunities.

This dynamic keynote dives deep into the art and science of creating WOW moments, exploring how they not only delight customers but also energize and inspire employees, driving overall business success. Louie draws from his pivotal role in designing, developing, and delivering Disney Institute’s groundbreaking programs, as well as decades of experience reigniting service cultures across diverse industries—from healthcare to hospitality, retail, and beyond.

Through practical insights, actionable strategies, and unforgettable stories, your team will learn:

  1. The transformative power of viewing service as a personal superpower
  2. How to identify and create WOW moments in any customer interaction
  3. Techniques for turning routine transactions into memorable experiences
  4. Strategies for fostering a culture of service excellence that benefits employees, customers, and the bottom line
  5. The direct link between exceptional service and career advancement

Inspiring Employees to Deliver WOW Moments with Purpose

It is not what our employees are willing to DO, rather, it’s about what you need them to BE. Engaged teams create extraordinary customer experiences. Inspired and informed from his years motivating tens of thousands of Disney cast members, Louie Gravance shares how to align employee aspirations with your organization’s purpose to foster a culture of engagement and WOW service delivery.

Louie introduces his revolutionary P.L.A.N. for engagement—Purpose, Language, Actions, and shared Narrative—empowering leaders to transform their workplace into an energized, cohesive team working toward a common goal. This keynote equips your organization with actionable strategies to inspire employees to view their roles as integral parts of a larger, meaningful story.

When employees feel recognized, valued, and aligned with your mission, WOW service moments become the norm, not the exception.

A Story Worth Telling

Every customer interaction is a sensory experience—a story waiting to be told.  Drawing from his extraordinary role in launching the iconic “wand experience” at Universal’s Harry Potter Lands, Louie reveals how to transform ordinary service moments into unforgettable stories that captivate and delight. In this inspiring keynote, Louie Gravance demonstrates how every team member contributes to crafting a powerful narrative that defines your brand. From sight to sound, touch, and beyond, Louie reveals the hidden power of intentional storytelling in shaping customer perceptions and driving loyalty.

Louie shares 7 secrets for doing this:

  1. There’s No Business BUT Show business
  2. Never Let Them See the Wires
  3. You HAVE to Do Something that You Don’t HAVE to Do
  4. You Don’t Have to LIKE Them to DELIGHT Them
  5. Embrace Your Ignorance for Listening
  6. Creating the Illusion of Spontaneity
  7. (This one is kept a secret until the finale of the keynote)

With insights gleaned from his unusual, varied and vast experiences in multiple industries Louie illustrates how to create and sustain a culture that prioritizes WOW service moments. This humorous and engaging talk will inspire your team to own their role in shaping the ultimate customer experience—every day, with every interaction

Talent Short Bio

Louie Gravance is a globally recognized keynote speaker, culture consultant, and author who brings over 25 years of experience at Disney’s live entertainment and Institute training programs to businesses worldwide.

His unique background includes designing immersive service experiences and leading Disney’s quality service curriculum that helped inspire organizational transformations across industries.

Louie delivers humorous, heart-led presentations that teach teams how to create magical customer service with practical, memorable action steps.

Louie Gravance is a globally celebrated authority in customer service, employee engagement, and corporate culture transformation. With an unparalleled ability to captivate audiences, Louie translates his rich expertise into actionable strategies that inspire organizations to create unforgettable customer experiences and foster thriving workplace cultures.

As a former Disney Institute Professor, Louie brings the magic of Disney’s exceptional standards to audiences worldwide, showcasing how to develop “WOW” moments that resonate across industries.

Known for his results-driven approach, Louie empowers organizations to elevate employee engagement, enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve sustainable success. His engaging storytelling and dynamic presence have made him a sought-after keynote speaker, educator, and consultant for businesses looking to transform their culture and exceed expectations in competitive markets.

Beyond Disney, Louie has continued to shape the global conversation on service and engagement. His insights are rooted in decades of hands-on experience, backed by an acute understanding of what motivates employees and delights customers. Louie’s work focuses on creating alignment between organizational goals and employee behaviors, ensuring every team member contributes to a cohesive and memorable customer experience.

From retail to healthcare, Louie’s methods have proven transformative across a wide range of industries. His expertise in building trust, promoting teamwork, and driving employee satisfaction has consistently delivered measurable results for organizations worldwide. A master storyteller, Louie weaves humor, relatable anecdotes, and practical insights into every presentation, leaving audiences both inspired and equipped with tools to enact meaningful change.

Louie Gravance is a world-renowned expert in customer service, employee engagement, and corporate culture transformation. With a foundation built during his tenure as a Disney Institute Professor, Louie has dedicated his career to teaching organizations how to create WOW moments and lasting impacts on their customers and employees. His engaging presentations, filled with practical advice and real-world applications, have inspired countless businesses to reimagine their approach to service and culture.

Hashtags

#LouieGravance #CustomerServiceExpert #EmployeeEngagement #CorporateCulture #DisneyInstitute #WOWMoments #KeynoteSpeaker #LeadershipDevelopment

View further Culture Speakers  and follow us on LinkedIn

Talent Videos

Lessons from Disney & Beyond

A former Disney cast member reveals how storytelling, timing, and purpose turn ordinary service into extraordinary experiences.

In this high-energy keynote, the speaker draws from years at Disney and Universal Studios to illustrate how service is storytelling and how every detail shapes the guest experience. From the smell of popcorn at 7:30 a.m. to a child’s magical interaction with Snow White, he shows that service moments aren’t tasks, they’re stories that define a brand.

He shares how even a backstage pizza maker, who never met a guest, understood her why: every detail mattered to the guest experience. He challenges organizations to ask: Are you selling sticks, or are you selling wands? The difference lies in how employees frame their role through the customer’s eyes.

The key takeaway: Excellence always finds excellence. Service is a superpower. No matter your role, when you deliver with purpose, you leave an imprint on customers that lasts a lifetime.

Key Moments

00:00 – Immersive Disney example: popcorn, music, and magic shaping guest expectations
02:00 – The power of brand names and founding stories (Bank of America example)
03:00 – “Excellence always finds excellence” — great service elevates both guest and server
04:30 – Universal Studios wand shop story: selling experiences, not objects
06:00 – Seeing service through the customer’s lens — what they see, hear, smell, and feel
07:30 – Every role tells a story — even a pizza maker backstage knows her why
09:00 – The unknown impact of service moments on a child’s lifelong memories
10:00 – Closing: service is a superpower; never forget your role in the story

From over 25 years at the Walt Disney Company, Louie enjoyed a distinguished career with Disney theme parks, designing everything from live-entertainment experiences to customer service training programs through the Disney Institute in Orlando Florida.

The speaker begins by explaining that great service isn’t about learning something new, it’s about remembering what you promised to be. Every professional has a grounding moment, a contact memory that shapes how they serve.

He then shares his own. Growing up in a small agricultural town, he dreamed of Disneyland. After boldly asking his father’s boss for time off so his dad could take him, his family made the trip. At Disneyland, he experienced the Golden Horseshoe Revue, where performer Wally Boag called him on stage. Nervous and frozen under the hot lights, the young boy was steadied when Boag gently took his hand and squeezed three times, grounding him in the moment.

Years later, the speaker himself would wear that same costume, perform in that same show, and invite children on stage. Most froze as he once did, and each time he repeated Boag’s gesture, taking their hand, grounding them, and giving away the magic. He emphasizes that service moments are not tasks but opportunities to transform lives.

The closing message is clear: service is a superpower. It shapes both the guest and the server, grounding each in shared humanity. Excellence in service is something you give away every time, because you never know which moment will change a life forever.

Key Moments

00:00 – Service as remembering who you promised to be
00:45 – Childhood dream of Disneyland and father’s reluctance
02:00 – Confronting his dad’s boss at a Christmas party, securing time off
03:00 – First Disneyland trip and entering the Golden Horseshoe Revue
04:15 – Wally Boag calls him on stage; paralyzing stage fright
05:00 – A hand squeeze that grounded the moment and changed everything
06:20 – Returning decades later as a performer, guiding children on stage
07:15 – Realization: service moments define both guest and server
08:00 – Final lesson: service is a superpower, meant to be given away

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

You may be interested in...

  • (12)
Barry Allen Cohen

Here’s everything you get when you book with A Touch Of Class: Extremely talented DJ, Emcee Singer, Guitarist, ultimate music playlists, continuous music, music consultation, venue site visit, full professional state-of-the-art sound and lighting production, set up and breakdown. Being a musician in addition to being a Wedding DJ gives you the best of both […]

  • Travels from: Rancho Santa Fe, CA
  • Mobile DJ
  • (18)
Aqualillies

Aqualillies is the world’s most glamorous water entertainment company, reinventing the classic art form for the new millennium. Diving off the pages of Vogue, Marie Claire and The New York Times, Aqualillies has become synonymous with beauty, sophistication, luxury, and style. In front of the camera or at live events for clients such as the […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Water Performers
  • (53)
Lisa-Marie Burnside

Lisa-Marie Burnside has a passion for life, something that is apparent the moment you meet her. An avid fitness enthusiast and former marathon runner, she found herself on the hunt for something that would allow more self-expression and creativity, while still getting a great workout. Aerial dance was the answer. With over 10 years of […]

  • Travels from: Altadena, CA
  • Aerial Performers
  • (72)
MARCUS MONROE

Marcus Monroe is a New York City-based, award-winning comedian and juggler. His show is a high-energy blend of innovative juggling with in-your-face comedic banter riddled with awkwardness. This makes him one of the most sought after variety performers. Not only is Marcus giving comedy juggling a much-needed makeover, but Marcus is taking a strong lead […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Speciality Acts
  • (22)
Maggie Nichols

Maggie Nichols joined the Eureka! Ranch in 1999 after graduating from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business. After reading an article about the Ranch during an Entrepreneurship class, she decided that the Eureka! Ranch was the place where she was going to work. Months and dozens of pestering visits later, Founder, Doug Hall, finally acquiesced […]

  • Travels from: Cincinnati, OH
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (27)
Farnoosh Torabi Emcee

Farnoosh Torabi can inspire your audience as a financial reporter, Farnoosh empathized with young professionals who felt financially drained and lost. Farnoosh will help educate and get you excited about taking control of your money. As more people are searching for answers, hope, and smart strategies around their money. She has become a frequent financial […]

  • Travels from: Montclair, NJ
  • Finance Speakers
  • (34)
  • (4)
JJ DiGeronimo

JJ DiGeronimo, President of Tech Savvy Women, a powerhouse in the realm of empowering professional women in the tech industry. With a trajectory marked by remarkable achievements and a passion for driving change, JJ stands as one of the most esteemed speakers, authors, and executive strategists dedicated to advancing women in the technology sector. JJ […]

  • Travels from: Cleveland, OH
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (32)
Jen Bricker

Born without legs, Jen Bricker defied every conceivable limitation from the very beginning. Adopted by a loving family who instilled the empowering mantra, “Never say can’t,” Jen has consistently transformed challenges into achievements. Fueled by a passion for gymnastics, Jen found inspiration in her idol, Olympic gold medalist Dominique Moceanu. In a twist of fate, […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Inspirational Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.