Management Tips from Pixar Leadership Lessons with Woody Sully & Friends

GIS User
GIS Instructor
Management
management
Published

October 20, 2025

Presentation Type: Presentation (60 minutes)

Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Intended Audience: GIS User, GIS Instructor, Management

Abstract

Managing a GIS team can sometimes feel like herding sentient toys, navigating emotional rollercoasters, or trying to keep a superhero family from imploding-all before your second cup of coffee. In this session, two GIS managers dive into the surprisingly deep well of management wisdom hidden in Pixar’s animated masterpieces. With humor, heart, and just a touch of cartoon logic, we’ll explore how animated characters can teach us real-world lessons about communication, teamwork, motivation, and the occasional urge to dramatically jump out a window during a tough day. Expect laughs, relatable moments, and a few surprising pieces of good advice you can use with your team the next day.

Presenter(s)

Micah Williamson

Geospatial Services Manager, Maurer-Stutz, Inc

Mr. Williamson is the Geospatial Services Manager at Maurer-Stutz, Inc., where he leads a growing team focused on delivering innovative GIS solutions across industries. With over two decades of experience in geospatial technologies, Micah specializes in enterprise GIS architecture, utility mapping, and cloud deployments. He holds a Professional Science Master’s in GISci and is a recognized advocate for GIS education and collaboration.

Hunter Ray

Director of Technical Services, Cloudpoint Geospatial

Mr. Ray brings over 11 years of GIS experience to his role as Director of Technical Services at Cloudpoint Geospatial. He earned his Masters degree in Geographic Information Systems from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2020. Mr. Ray is instrumental in guiding Cloudpoint’s clients through the implementation and troubleshooting of ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise. His expertise extends to data processing, where he oversees QC/QA across a diverse range of projects. He is also well versed in web and mobile app design and development, as well as the latest innovations in GIS automation. He is passionate about leveraging GIS to drive impactful outcomes and improve efficiency.