In 2015, keynote speaker Rob Lawless began a journey to make 10,000 new friends.
Today, Rob shares insights on the transformative impact of intentional connections in creating positive, inclusive, and empowering organizational cultures.
The power of meaningful and intentional connection.
As companies strive to stay competitive in a fast-paced and ever-changing market, there is an increased need to attract, engage and retain top talent.
According to BetterUp Labs, employees who feel excluded from the workplace experience a 25% reduction in productivity, as well as a 50% greater risk of employee turnover.
Through his keynote Rob empowers leaders to unlock the value of meaningful connections to foster belonging, innovation, and opportunities within their organization.
Rob’s interactive and captivating keynote will take you through his incredible experience of connecting with thousands of people and how meaningful connections can drive growth and innovation.
Audiences will walk away from Rob’s keynote with the ability to:
Foster a sense of belonging & community
By leveraging the potential of deliberate and significant connections, companies can nurture a heightened sense of unity and belonging within their workforce.
Broaden their collective vision
By embracing diverse perspectives through intentional interactions, organizations can expand their shared outlook and drive innovation.
Unlock unprecedented opportunities
Meaningful connections pave the way for discovering untapped possibilities, enabling corporations to excel in their respective fields.
During his keynote, Rob also shares his interactive FRIEND framework which makes creating lasting and meaningful connections easy (even for introverts!) and intentional.
Rob has used this to create meaningful connections with over 5,600 people from 90+ countries.
With the FRIEND framework, audiences walk away with the tools they need to:
Facilitate conversations
By knowing what questions to ask, individuals will have the ability to dig deeper in their conversations to connect on a deeper level and create strong relationships.
Practice Active Listening
Active listening will ensure that conversations are meaningful and productive allowing for greater understanding and connection between people.
Set Intentions For Connection
Becoming more intentional about connection will help audience members tap into the compounding value of connection over time.
Through his experience in connecting with over 5,600 people from 90+ countries, Rob demonstrates how investing in human connection can lead not only to better business outcomes, but also create more inclusive environments where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Ready to put the power of intentional connection to work for your organization? Your audience will leave inspired and ready to create meaningful connections with their teams and customers.
Rob Lawless is a motivational speaker, storyteller, and human connection advocate whose ambitious mission—meeting 10,000 different people for one hour each—has captured global attention and transformed his understanding of purpose, resilience, and relational intelligence. What began as a personal project has evolved into a powerful exploration of human nature, revealing how authentic connection can spark growth, expand perspective, and strengthen wellbeing both personally and professionally.
Through thousands of conversations with people from every background, Rob has developed a compelling framework centered on curiosity, vulnerability, and courage. He has learned what motivates people, how they overcome adversity, and what helps them thrive. His insights are practical, heartfelt, and deeply relevant to today’s organizations navigating disconnected workplaces and rapidly shifting cultural landscapes.
Rob brings to the stage a rare blend of humility, presence, and narrative depth. Drawing on experiences from his marketing and entrepreneurship background, he blends engaging storytelling with actionable guidance that helps teams build trust, embrace openness, and adopt a growth-oriented mindset.
Rob Lawless is not your typical keynote speaker. His remarkable mission to meet 10,000 different people for an hour each has reshaped his life and inspired thousands globally. With a unique approach to human connection and personal growth, Rob combines his journey with motivational speaking to offer audiences a fresh perspective on resilience, empathy, and stepping beyond one’s comfort zone. His story resonates deeply, making him a sought-after speaker for organizations seeking to spark change and inspire their teams.
Rob Lawless’s journey began with a simple yet profound idea: to connect with 10,000 different people, dedicating an hour to each conversation. This mission, which started as a personal challenge, evolved into a powerful platform for exploring the essence of human connection. Over time, Rob has met with a diverse range of individuals from all walks of life, each encounter adding a new layer to his understanding of human nature and resilience. His experiences have led him to develop a unique framework for personal and professional growth, grounded in the principles of empathy, openness, and courage.
Rob’s background in marketing and entrepreneurship has also contributed to his success as a motivational speaker. His experience in these fields has honed his skills in storytelling and audience engagement, allowing him to craft presentations that are both inspiring and relevant. His ability to relate to a wide range of audiences, from corporate teams to community groups, has made him a sought-after speaker for events focused on personal development, leadership, and team building.
In addition to his speaking engagements, Rob Lawless is a frequent contributor to media outlets and podcasts, where he shares his insights on connection and resilience. His thought leadership in these areas has helped to elevate his profile and establish him as a leading voice in the field of motivational speaking. His influence extends beyond the stage, impacting individuals and organizations through his unique approach to human connection.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Overview of User Reviews for Rob Lawless's Presentation
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Overall, Rob Lawless is highly recommended for his ability to inspire and connect with audiences through his dynamic presentations on the power of human interaction. His approach is both practical and uplifting, making it a worthwhile experience for…
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
Cassandra Worthy is a trailblazing thought leader in change management, known for her disruptive insights and dynamic approach to organizational transformation. As the world’s leading authority on navigating change, she equips companies with the mindset and tools to build resilience and adaptability in today’s fast-paced business landscape. With her signature energy and expertise, Cassandra has […]
Angelica Malin Speaker is a dynamic and versatile professional emcee, author, awards host, and keynote speaker who bridges the bustling cities of New York and London. Known for her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, Angelica transforms live events into unforgettable experiences, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Her charisma and professionalism have made her […]
Karen Hao is a globally recognized voice at the forefront of AI reporting, named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people in AI and heralded as “one of the foremost tech journalists covering AI” by Dr. Joy Buolamwini. A former Silicon Valley engineer turned investigative journalist, Karen is the author of the New York Times bestselling book Empire […]
Zainab Salbi is a world-renowned humanitarian, social entrepreneur, and author whose life’s work has been dedicated to advocating for women’s rights and global peace. As the founder of Women for Women International, Salbi has directly impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of women survivors of war, providing them with the resources and support needed […]
Michelle Mace Curran, a distinguished and inspirational keynote speaker based in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Michelle is not merely a pilot; she is a trailblazer who navigates audiences through captivating journeys woven with her rich experiences in the aviation industry. With an unwavering passion for flying and a gift for storytelling, Michelle leaves […]
Scott Greenberg is a dynamic and established motivational business speaker hailing from Los Angeles, California. With a passion for transforming ordinary teams into high-performance powerhouses, Scott’s journey is a testament to the power of leadership and resilience. His unique approach, honed through years of hands-on experience, has made him a sought-after figure in the world […]
Daniel Pink is a best-selling author and one of the most influential thinkers in the realm of business and human behavior. His profound insights into motivation, leadership, and innovation have captivated audiences worldwide, making him a sought-after keynote speaker. With a career spanning over two decades, Pink has become synonymous with groundbreaking ideas that challenge […]
Nathan Jamail is the author of three bestselling books, The Leadership Playbook, The Sales Leaders Playbook and the The Sales Professionals Playbook although he will tell you he is not a writer, rather a business leader that writes books for business leaders. Nathan spent the last two + decades helping and coaching leaders and organizations […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel