Jay Ward - Creativity Keynote

A Creative Director of Franchise at Pixar Animation Studios, Jay is a keynote speaker for innovation. As the Creative Director for the world of Pixar's Cars, he advises on all Cars-related projects globally. In his role, Jay provides expertise on motoring and franchises to Disney and its partners, covering publishing, consumer products, interactive media, marketing, and theme parks.

Jay also acts as a liaison with car manufacturers and museums working on Pixar-related ventures.

As the automotive and franchise creative consultant on the three ‘CARS’ films, the Cars Toons, and Cars Land, Jay has also contributed to the art departments of Monsters Inc., Ratatouille, and Brave, and served as the associate producer for a Pixar short. He also organizes the campus classic car show, the 'Pixar Motorama,' featuring vehicles from Jay Leno, Chip Foose, and many others.

He offers the following keynote programs, available in-person or virtually:

Virtual Keynote: Storytelling for Business

Storytelling connects, motivates, and leads people in today’s world, making it a crucial business skill. A compelling story helps us engage in experiences, learn lessons, and define both our values and ourselves within a business. Jay uses his experience creating and developing films at Pixar to deliver practical solutions that teach and inspire people and teams to connect with audiences on an emotional level.

Virtual Keynote: Building a Culture of Success and Winning: Traits of Pixar's Early Employees

Jay shares how Pixar was founded and how the animation studio built and maintains its culture that fosters creativity, fuels success for all partners, and produces award-winning films. Using his insight and experience, Jay inspires audience members to become better team members and leaders. He shows them how to forge stronger, more meaningful connections with their own teams, clients, and stakeholders.

Virtual Keynote: Inspiring Creativity in the Workplace

One of the most essential resources for any business to stay competitive is new ideas that spark innovation. Jay offers an engaging talk that provides strategies on how to create an atmosphere that encourages and nurtures new ideas while embracing fear and failure as part of the creative process.

Virtual Keynote: the Future of Cars and Entertainment

A self-confessed 'car nerd', Jay is the Creative Director of the hit Pixar movie Cars. He discusses trends and the future of entertainment and cars.