Rob Lawless – Book Rob Lawless for Your Event
Rob Lawless brings a rare blend of curiosity, discipline, and human warmth to his work as a speaker. At just 33 years old, he has already built one of the most ambitious social projects of our time: meeting 10,000 people, one hour at a time, solely to understand their stories. His journey began in Norristown, Pennsylvania, long before he set foot on stages or appeared on national television. Growing up with a natural interest in people, he carried that curiosity into his education, graduating with highest honors from Penn State University with a degree in Finance and minors in Accounting and Entrepreneurship.
Following graduation in 2013, Rob stepped directly into his dream role as a Business Analyst in Strategy & Operations at Deloitte Consulting. While he excelled in the corporate world, he recognized a growing disconnect between career success and personal fulfillment. After a year and a half, he made a bold choice characteristic of a new generation seeking meaning in their work: he took a significant pay cut to join RJMetrics, a venture-funded startup valued at $24 million. There, he worked in sales, cold emailing and inviting potential clients to 30-minute calls. Although he valued the challenge, the structured pace of corporate life and the transactional nature of sales made him miss the easy, authentic connections he had enjoyed during college.
How the 10,000 Friends Project Began
In November 2015, driven by a desire for human connection, Rob launched what would become a worldwide project: meeting 10,000 people for an hour each, with no agenda or angle, just to know them. What began as a simple idea resonated deeply. People from all walks of life reached out, eager to share their stories. Rob discovered the richness of everyday experiences, from individuals overcoming hardship to those defining success on their own terms.
As his project gained momentum, RJMetrics was acquired in June 2016. Rob did not have a position in the new organization, and instead of returning to corporate life, he made the decision to dedicate himself fully to his mission. This turning point allowed him to meet thousands of people across the world and explore what connection truly means.
A Global Journey of Connection
Since committing full-time, Rob has met more than 7,000 individuals from over 90 countries. His travels have taken him across the United States six times, giving him a firsthand look at how culture, geography, and circumstance shape us. Every conversation adds depth to his understanding of humanity, and every story fuels his belief that connection is one of the most powerful forces in our lives.
His project has captured significant media attention, leading to features on “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” the “TODAY Show with Hoda and Jenna,” and a memorable appearance on the Kelly Clarkson Show. In an unforgettable moment, he joined Jane Lynch and Jo Koy onstage in front of an entire audience filled with people he had met through the project.
What Audiences Gain from Rob Lawless
Rob’s talks weave together personal stories, surprising insights, and reflections from thousands of hours spent in conversation. Audiences gain a perspective rarely found in business environments: a clear look at how simple, intentional human moments improve collaboration, trust, and community.
He speaks about:
How to create genuine connections in a digitally distracted world
Why curiosity fuels both personal and professional growth
What thousands of conversations reveal about resilience, empathy, and opportunity
Why Book Rob Lawless
Rob is one of the most prominent voices on human connection today, not because of theory, but because he has lived his message. His stage presence brings warmth, humor, and authenticity, while his stories captivate audiences of all ages. Whether he is speaking to corporate teams, universities, or community groups, he inspires people to approach everyday interactions with a fresh mindset.
Above all, Rob continues to look ahead with excitement. With 3,000 conversations still to go, his mission is far from finished. He remains committed to exploring what can happen when a person chooses to truly listen and to sharing how these moments can change a life.
Book Rob Lawless for your event to offer your audience a speaker who embodies curiosity, courage, and the profound impact of connection.