ABOUT ME
ACCIDENTAL STORYTELLER
Over 15 years ago I asked a public relations acquaintance to critique a short marketing brochure I had drafted to get more consulting clients. It was called Elegant Solutions: Rules to Innovate By, capturing lessons learned from spending over eight years as an advisor inside Toyota.
Little did I know that the request would change my life. She shared it with a friend, who happened to be a literary agent. The next thing I knew that little brochure had morphed into a book proposal. A year later, Simon & Schuster published The Elegant Solution: Toyota’s Formula for Mastering Innovation. Before I knew it, I was telling my stories all over the world…speaking, writing articles, and giving interviews. None of it was planned.
Five books later, with a sixth on the way, the happy accident continues. This time, with a long-time colleague.
BOOKS
FIVE HERE, ONE ON THE WAY
SOUNDVIEW TOP 30
“This book should be a must-read for any innovator, leader or problem solver.”
BRAD SMITH
Chairman/CEO, Intuit
SBA BOOK AWARD
“A compelling case for achieving the maximum effect with minimum means.”
KEVIN HUNTER
President, CALTY Design
AXIOM GOLD MEDAL
“This little gem sheds light on the hidden potential of our everyday struggles.”
SCOTT BELSKY
Founder, Behance
BUSINESSWEEK BEST
“Matthew May reveals the hidden elements beneath genuine innovation.”
DAN PINK
Bestselling Author, Drive
WSJ BESTSELLER
“The lessons in this book are fast becoming LAPD’s roadmap to innovation.”
PATRICK FINDLEY
Commander, LAPD
SPEAKING
THE ART OF ORATION
Writing is one thing. Speaking is quite another.
Whether in front of a live audience in person or in front of a camera on video, whenever I’m asked to address a group, I blend my frontline experience with research from my books in order to deliver useful concepts with immediate application.
I give tailored presentations that aim to do four things: (1) inspire new and different thinking; (2) share a unique perspective; (3) tell compelling, entertaining stories; and (4) deliver practical takeaways.