Biography
Jay Ward is a top innovation keynote speaker, Creative Director of Franchise at Pixar, and a consultant on all Cars-related projects worldwide. He provides automotive and franchise expertise to both Disney and its partners in matters pertaining to consumer products, interactive, marketing, publishing, and theme parks. He also serves as a liaison with automotive manufacturers and museums working on Pixar-related projects. Jay was the automotive and later franchise creative consultant on all three Cars films, the Cars Toons, and Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California.
In addition to his work on Cars projects, Jay worked in the art departments of Monsters Inc., Ratatouille, and Brave, and served as the associate producer of the 2008 Pixar short film Presto. Ward also runs the campus classic car show, the “Pixar Motorama”, hosting vehicles from Jay Leno, Chip Foose, and many others.
Videos
PIXAR CARS | THE CREATIVE STORY OF CARS WITH JAY WARD
Meet the Speakers: Jay Ward
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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. Jay Ward brings his experience creating and developing 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. Jay uses the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between business and heart, driving your story toward one unforgettable selling point.
Jay Ward, a Pixar Creative Director, shares how Pixar was started and how they built and maintain a culture that inspires creativity, creates success for all stakeholders and produces best-selling, award winning films. Jay’s experience and insight will empower and inspire audience members to be better team members, leaders and how to forge stronger, more meaningful connections with their own team, clients and all stakeholders.
One of the most essential resources for any business to stay competitive is new ideas that spark innovation. As the Creative Director at Pixar Animation Studios, Jay Ward participated in building and sustaining the creative culture at Pixar from startup to the most successful filmmaking group in the history of Hollywood. Jay’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.
Jay Ward was raised in a car shop, he is a “car nerd” and he’s the Creative Director of the hit movie Cars – working for Disney and Pixar. Who better than Jay to have visibility into trends and the future of entertainment and cars?
Blog Posts
Financial Planning in 2026 Requires a Clear Strategy
Have you noticed that the internet has never given more financial planning advice than it does right now? That's actually the problem. Your feed has become a 24/7 trading floor of hot takes. "Buy this."...
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Crisis Leadership Lessons from September 11 Reveal Everyday Resilience
What if the most powerful crisis leadership lesson from September 11 isn't about the decisions made in underground bunkers, but about the farmers, truckers, teachers, and everyday workers who make heroic responses possible? After sharing...
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Best Artificial Intelligence Speakers for Cybersecurity Conferences (2026 Guide)
Quick Links Artificial Intelligence Speakers Healthcare Keynote Speakers Top Technology Speakers Innovation Speakers Leadership Speakers Future of Work Speakers Get Proposal (availability & fees) If you’re searching for the Best Artificial Intelligence Speakers for Cybersecurity...
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Communication Strategies from Sarita Maybin that Transform Workplace Conflict Into Collaboration
Why Your Team's Real Problem Isn't Strategy—It's Communication When was the last time a workplace conversation went sideways, not because of what was said, but how it was delivered? Most organizations pour resources into strategic...
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The 2026 Keynote Speaker Lineup That Creates Real Momentum
If you're looking for a sign to power start your 2026, here it is: this is the year you stop negotiating with your potential. January arrives packed with goals, spreadsheets, and ambitious plans. However, goals...
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Best Artificial Intelligence Speakers for Technology (SaaS) Conferences (2026 Guide)
Quick Links Artificial Intelligence Speakers Healthcare Keynote Speakers Top Technology Speakers Innovation Speakers Leadership Speakers Future of Work Speakers Get Proposal (availability & fees) This guide features the Best Artificial Intelligence Speakers for Technology (SaaS)...
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