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
These Keynote Speakers Prove Innovation is a Habit, Not a Big Idea [2026 Guide]
Our 2026 list of innovation keynote speakers that reveal why real innovation is a repeatable habit, not a big idea, and why marketing is the proof.
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Fear vs. Intuition: How Michelle Poler Can Help You Finally Tell Them Apart
Learn how to tell fear apart from intuition using a simple decision-making exercise from Hello Fears founder Michelle Poler.
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Happiness at Work Starts with Progress, Not Perks
Happiness at work goes beyond perks. Discover the research-backed factor that drives real engagement and fulfillment.
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Resilience Lessons to Rebuild Your Life, with Military Veteran Travis Mills
Resilience keynote speaker Travis Mills shares how he rebuilt his life after losing all four limbs, with lessons on mindset, purpose, and never quitting.
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AI Impact in the Workforce Demands These Keynote Speakers
Discover how AI is reshaping work in 2026 and which keynote speakers can guide your team through the shift.
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Event Planning Strategies to Book the Right Keynote Speaker
Learn how to choose the right event keynote speaker by balancing executive expectations with what your attendees actually want.
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