Heidi Jo Gilbert’s journey in animation is as inspiring as the stories she brings to life. After losing her dream job at Disney and facing one of the darkest times in her life, Heidi found unexpected inspiration in the story of Tom Brady—a quarterback who overcame doubt to become one of the greatest. That spark ignited her comeback. She channeled her creativity into an Instagram reel about Wicked that went viral, catapulting her career to new heights.

In this episode, Heidi shares how she turned career setbacks into success, including her role as Head of Story on the critically acclaimed The Wild Robot. Created during a deeply personal time after the loss of her mother, the film became a heartfelt tribute to their bond. From her early inspirations to her career-defining moments, Heidi offers an intimate look at the artistry and resilience that define her journey.

Tune in for an uplifting and touching conversation with one of Variety’s Top 10 Animators to Watch. Heidi is cementing herself as one of animation’s brightest stars.