Rick Rekedal believes that stories have the power to transform our lives. In an age of AI, a widening digital generation gap, and an era of alternative facts, he argues that debate and fact-checking often divide us further, while stories bring us back together. Listening to each other’s stories breaks down barriers, reminding us that despite our differences we share the universal search for purpose, belonging, and meaning. From Aristotle to Spielberg, from campfires to social media, Rick shows how story works and how each of us can apply it to our own growth. In his talk, he reveals the three cornerstone questions that shape every story (plus a fourth that ensures our stories matter to others) reminding us that in today’s “Story Economy,” good storytelling is not just for creatives, it is for everyone.

Rick is an award-winning storyteller with more than three decades of experience using story and the arts to bring truth, light, and meaning. He spent over 20 years at DreamWorks Studios, serving as Chief Creative for Global Franchises (and other senior leader roles), shaping beloved properties such as How to Train Your Dragon, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, Spirit, Shrek, and The Prince of Egypt. His work has earned two Annie Awards, two Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, and multiple honors across books, games, and toys. Beyond DreamWorks, Rick has developed projects with Imagine Entertainment, created an animated preschool series for YouTube, and co-authored books with VeggieTales co-creator Mike Nawrocki. He is the author of the graphic novel series Shapes: Rise of the Jaggeds, One Small Step, and the forthcoming YA novel The Cry of Ramah (2026). Today, he serves as Chief Creative Officer and Senior Fellow for Storytelling at Belmont University in Nashville.