He focuses on emotional connection, character-driven messaging, and narrative structure adapted from his years at Pixar.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Matthew Luhn is a master storyteller, keynote speaker, and former Pixar story artist with more than 25 years shaping world-renowned animated films. His story credits include Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, Cars, Ratatouille, and Up, where he helped craft narrative structure, character development, and emotional resonance for stories that have impacted millions.
After decades collaborating with creative pioneers at Pixar, Luhn now brings his storytelling expertise to Fortune 500 companies, executives, marketers, and innovation teams. He teaches how the same narrative tools used to build iconic films can transform brand messaging, leadership communication, and audience engagement across industries.
Matthew’s programs blend creativity with business strategy, offering clear frameworks that help organizations communicate purpose, build emotional connection, and differentiate in competitive markets. His clients include Google, Nike, Coca-Cola, and The Walt Disney Company, as well as startups and global corporations seeking to elevate storytelling across marketing, sales, and internal culture.
Known for his dynamic delivery and practical methodologies, he provides audiences with an inside look at how compelling stories are built and how those principles can drive influence, trust, and long-term loyalty. Matthew Luhn remains one of the most sought-after voices in applied storytelling, bridging the worlds of entertainment and enterprise innovation.
Matthew Luhn is a master storyteller, keynote speaker, and former Pixar story artist who has helped shape some of the most beloved animated films of all time. With over 25 years of experience in the art of storytelling, Luhn has worked on iconic projects like Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and Up. His expertise extends beyond film, as he now helps businesses, brands, and leaders craft compelling narratives that connect with audiences and drive engagement.
A highly sought-after speaker, Luhn delivers keynote presentations and workshops that unveil the secrets of great storytelling. By blending creativity, emotion, and strategic messaging, he empowers organizations to create authentic and impactful brand stories. His insights resonate across industries, from entertainment and marketing to leadership and corporate innovation.
Matthew Luhn’s career began at Pixar Animation Studios, where he played a key role in developing groundbreaking animated films. As a story artist, he contributed to the storytelling process of classics that have captivated global audiences. Working alongside industry pioneers like Steve Jobs and John Lasseter, Luhn honed his ability to craft engaging narratives that evoke deep emotional responses.
Luhn’s storytelling techniques focus on structuring messages in a way that builds trust, enhances emotional engagement, and fosters lasting connections. By applying the same narrative principles that make Pixar films unforgettable, he enables businesses to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. Whether coaching executives or working with creative teams, his guidance transforms abstract ideas into compelling, memorable experiences.
Matthew Luhn is a powerhouse in the world of storytelling, with a career spanning Pixar’s most successful films and top-tier corporate consulting. His expertise in narrative development, combined with his engaging speaking style, makes him a must-book keynote speaker for events focused on creativity, leadership, branding, and communication. Whether inspiring teams to think more creatively or helping brands develop authentic connections with their audiences, Luhn’s storytelling mastery leaves a lasting impression.
Hashtags:
#Storytelling #Pixar #Leadership #Creativity #BrandStory #Marketing #BusinessStorytelling #MatthewLuhn #KeynoteSpeaker #CorporateInnovation
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
A concise 2 minute 11 second showcase of Matthew Luhn’s Pixar storytelling expertise and the strategies he brings to brands, executives, and creative organizations worldwide.
This 2 minute 11 second sizzle reel highlights Matthew Luhn’s unique ability to translate Pixar-quality storytelling into practical tools for business, leadership, and brand communication. Featuring rapid-cut clips from his keynotes, interviews, and workshop moments, the video demonstrates how he helps organizations craft memorable narratives that strengthen emotional connection and drive action.
Luhn explains the universal value of storytelling and why audiences resonate with messages that follow clear narrative structure and authentic emotional beats. Short segments reveal his background contributing to blockbuster films such as Toy Story, Monsters Inc., and Finding Nemo, reinforcing his credibility as a master storyteller who understands how to shape characters, themes, and arcs that leave lasting impact.
Throughout the reel, he shares insights into how companies can leverage story to clarify purpose, differentiate their brand, and inspire employee engagement. Visuals of live events show his energetic, approachable speaking style, while testimonial quotes and audience reactions underscore the practical value he brings to marketing teams, leadership groups, and innovation-driven organizations.
The video positions Matthew as a storyteller who bridges creative artistry with business strategy, offering audiences both inspiration and actionable frameworks. It captures his core message: memorable stories are the foundation of trust, influence, and meaningful connection in every industry.
00:21–00:52 Clips explaining why storytelling drives emotional connection and audience engagement.
00:52–01:22 Insights on applying Pixar narrative principles to branding, leadership, and innovation.
01:22–01:52 Live keynote moments demonstrating energy, clarity, and practical frameworks.
01:52–02:11 Closing highlights and final branding emphasizing his impact and expertise.
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.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
He focuses on emotional connection, character-driven messaging, and narrative structure adapted from his years at Pixar.
Matthew shows how storytelling clarifies complex ideas, aligns teams, and accelerates buy-in for new initiatives.
His frameworks are used across marketing, tech, finance, retail, entertainment, and any organization seeking stronger communication and engagement.
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Adrian Gostick is an expert in corporate culture, employee relations, and human resources management. With a prolific track record of successful publications, Adrian is renowned globally as a foremost thought leader in his field. His books, including “The Best Team Wins,” “All In,” and “The Carrot Principle” (a New York Times regular bestseller), illuminate the […]
Abigail Posner is a multi-talented professional, combining creativity, intellect, and innovation into her work. With a rich background in various fields and a passion for exploring the intersection of technology and creativity, she has become a recognized figure at Google, consistently pushing the boundaries of brand marketing. Posner’s journey began with a solid academic foundation. […]
Srinivas Rao is a visionary in the realm of creativity and AI. As the host of the acclaimed podcast, The Unmistakable Creative, he’s interviewed over a thousand thought leaders, gleaning profound insights on creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of AI. His bestselling book, The Art of Being Unmistakable, has inspired thousands of readers to […]
Steve Lerch is an award-winning international public speaker, consultant, and former Google Executive, and has become a highly respected voice in the world of digital strategy, marketing, consumer behavior, and innovation. While at Google, Steve served as a digital strategy advisor to prominent brands like GoPro and Roku, respected non-profits like the YMCA and Save the […]
Shane Snow is a renowned keynote speaker, celebrated author, and esteemed entrepreneur whose expertise in high performance, culture, and teamwork has transformed organizations worldwide. As the co-founder of the content technology company Contently and an acclaimed journalist, Shane’s insights into the dynamics of collaboration and innovation have positioned him as a thought leader in today’s […]
Denise Lee Yohn is a globally recognized expert in brand-building and organizational excellence, captivating audiences worldwide with her profound insights and practical strategies. As a keynote speaker, she seamlessly blends her extensive industry experience with a dynamic and engaging speaking style, making her a sought-after presence at major business conferences and events. Her unique ability […]
Dr. Zoe Chance is a writer, teacher, researcher, and climate philanthropist obsessed with the topic of interpersonal influence. She earned her doctorate from Harvard and now teaches the most popular course at Yale School of Management, which is the basis for her international bestseller, INFLUENCE IS YOUR SUPERPOWER. Her framework for behavior change is the […]
Tom Goodwin is a dynamic and sought-after speaker who is at the forefront of innovation in marketing and artificial intelligence. With a career spanning over two decades, Tom has earned a reputation as a thought leader and visionary, constantly challenging the status quo and inspiring audiences around the world. His insights into the digital landscape […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
