- Pixar story leader behind Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Up
- Storytelling and creativity consultant for Fortune 500 companies
- Author of The Best Story Wins
Matthew Luhn spent 30 years at Pixar and Disney creating stories that generated billions at the box office, working on Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, Cars, Up, and Ratatouille. Before joining Pixar at 19, he animated for The Simpsons after Steve Jobs personally recruited him to the then-unknown studio.
Matthew now consults with Fortune 500 companies, including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Adidas on brand storytelling and team development. He authored The Best Story Wins: How to Leverage Hollywood Storytelling in Business and Beyond, and recently wrote and directed the award-winning animated short Sprite Fright. His client list spans Facebook, PayPal, Salesforce, Target, and BMW.
Matthew teaches executives and marketing teams how Pixar's story development methods translate directly to business communication. He breaks down how to capture attention in eight seconds, structure messages that people remember, and connect emotionally with customers and employees. His approach turns abstract concepts into concrete narratives that drive action, using the same techniques that made Pixar films resonate with global audiences.
Attendees learn to build compelling brand stories, lead teams through storytelling rather than data alone, and apply creative problem-solving methods from Hollywood to business challenges. Matthew provides frameworks participants can use immediately to improve presentations, pitches, and internal communications.
Organizations book Matthew when they need teams to communicate more effectively and create messages that cut through noise in crowded markets.
Matthew's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
In this engaging talk, Matthew Luhn will explore how companies can stand out in a crowded market. Drawing on his experiences with iconic films like Toy Story and Finding Nemo, he will share valuable insights from his work with Disney, Pixar, and Fortune 500 companies. Attendees will learn innovative strategies to differentiate their products, remain relevant, and ultimately enhance customer loyalty.
In his insightful talk, Matthew Luhn, a veteran of Disney and Pixar and a Fortune 500 storytelling consultant, emphasizes the importance of storytelling in business. Drawing from his experiences on films like Toy Story and Finding Nemo, he highlights how leaders can gain a competitive edge by mastering storytelling techniques. Attendees will learn to enhance their storytelling skills, develop leadership traits, and effectively connect with their audience, all based on insights from his book, The Best Story Wins.
Inspiring Creativity In The Workplace
Matthew Luhn, a former story creator at Pixar Animation Studios, played a pivotal role in shaping the studio's innovative culture. In his engaging talk, he shares strategies for fostering an environment that nurtures new ideas and embraces failure as part of the creative journey. Attendees will learn how to empower relationships and build trust through authentic communication, equipping them with the tools to cultivate a thriving, innovative culture in their own organisations.
Storytelling For Business
In this session, Matthew Luhn emphasizes that storytelling is essential for connecting, motivating, and leading in today’s business landscape. Drawing from his experience with ten blockbuster films, he offers practical strategies to help individuals and teams engage audiences emotionally. Attendees will learn how to harness the power of storytelling to effectively communicate their message and create a compelling narrative that resonates with their audience.
In his inspiring talk, master storyteller Matthew Luhn explores how AI serves as a tool, copilot, and muse for generating innovative ideas and narratives across various industries. As a pioneering animator on Pixar's Toy Story, Matthew understands the transformative power of technology in storytelling. He emphasizes that AI enhances creativity rather than replaces it. Attendees will learn practical tips on leveraging AI to connect cutting-edge technology with compelling storytelling.
Why we recommend booking Matthew
Matthew Luhn transforms business communication using proven Hollywood storytelling techniques that helped create billion-dollar films, teaching your team to capture attention in seconds and build messages that stick. His unique blend of three decades at Pixar and Disney plus Fortune 500 consulting experience gives leaders practical frameworks to connect emotionally with audiences and drive real results. Book Matthew to turn your team's presentations and brand stories into powerful tools that cut through market noise.
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.
Matthew is a born storyteller and mentor. As a teacher, he demonstrates a true passion, drive, and expertise that is world class. Matthew is a true master of the craft of story.
Working with Matthew has been great! Whether running a workshop or speaking at Dreamforce, his brainstorming techniques and boundless creativity have inspired many at Salesforce. With his guidance, we have found fun new ways to tell a richer and more meaningful story. Matthew's journey and methods for creating story and memorable characters continue to resonate with me. I look forward to working with him again!
Senior Creative Director, SalesForce
Senior Creative Director, SalesForce
