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Rob Lawless

Rob Lawless shares the remarkable journey of meeting 10,000 people, revealing how simple conversations transform connection, curiosity, and community.

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5 of 5

“The Survey resulted in a perfect score. It’s the first time we have ever had a speaker get all 5s. We started tracking in 2015.”

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American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management - Philadelphia Chapter

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Why book Rob Lawless for your next event

  • Experience how Rob’s 10,000 friends project proves the power of genuine human connection in a fast-moving world.
  • Learn insights from thousands of conversations across 90+ countries, packed with stories that spark curiosity and empathy.
  • Bring energy to your event with a speaker who blends adventure, authenticity, and practical lessons on building meaningful bonds.

Non-binding request for Rob Lawless

Speaker on human connection, curiosity, and the 10,000 friends mission.

Rob Lawless has spent the last decade on an extraordinary mission: to meet 10,000 people for one hour each, simply to connect. With more than 7,000 conversations completed across 90+ countries, he shares what this experiment has revealed about authenticity, belonging, and the unexpected power of talking to strangers. From corporate roles to national media features, Rob brings a warm, relatable presence to the stage and shows audiences how every interaction can change their lives.

 

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.

Customer Reviews

5 of 5

“The Survey resulted in a perfect score. It’s the first time we have ever had a speaker get all 5s. We started tracking in 2015.”

American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management - Philadelphia Chapter

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“Rob's message is exactly what young people need to hear today. In a world that's emerging from solitude to connection, he models the ownership of interaction that empowers teens (and adults!) to bridge the gaps in their world. Connection isn't just transactional with Rob... and his message doesn't require us to imagine ourselves in an impossible or life-changing scenario. Rob asks us to change our lives in the little things, and that's probably exactly the message our kids, schools and communities actually need.”

New York FFA

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“Rob’s presentation, the closing session of our conference, provided an upbeat, hopeful reminder to our attendees that human connections are a sort of currency, not only for business success but for our individual well-being. The better we know one another, the more likely we are to find shared experiences, values, hopes, dreams – and that sharing can enrich us all. In a short time, Rob managed to reveal for us that potential.”

Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“Love love love this presentation. So refreshing. So engaging. So human!! More of this!!!”

SHRM Conference 2022

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“Our president loved the event so much! They will be incorporating the breakout rooms into our next quarterly all hands meeting to keep the connections going. Just wanted to pass along the impact!”

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

"Rob was the 2024 closing keynote at the Inclusive Leadership Conference co-hosted by Temple University and Campus Philly. He spoke to 300+ students from across the region, helped them feel significant and seen, and left them with tangible strategies to build authentic relationships with people in their network now and throughout their lifetime. Rob’s message was spot on for our goal of having students think more deeply about each other’s stories to foster diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. He would make a great speaker for anyone looking to encourage more inclusivity and connection across their organization."

President, Campus Philly

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

"Rob was the only external speaker at our annual sales event because we felt his theme of connection was something our attendees needed to hear! He spoke to 60+ of our employees, made them feel comfortable breaking out of their silos and building real connections with each other outside of the usual work chatter. I’ve already run into colleagues who are using Rob’s tips in the workplace and think he’d be a great addition to any speaker lineup!” -

Assoc. Director, Sales & Leadership Meetings Gilead

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“Rob’s session was the perfect opening keynote for our event. His framework for meeting new people really set a tone of community for our conference. He gave our audience tools to use that same day to create connections and network which was a goal for our attendees during the conference. His message is one that every leader, manager, and employee should hear. In HR we talk often about building community and connection through our culture, but we don’t enough teach people how to do that organically. Rob’s framework provides actionable ways to actually form those connections and get to know others which we know will help build a more inclusive community!”

Villanova University

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“Rob Lawless's speaking engagement for GVFHRA Connect was truly remarkable. He engaged the audience effectively and introduced us to his method, a simple yet powerful tool for making genuine connections in all aspects of life. Rob's emphasis on the universality of human challenges aligns perfectly with DEIB principles. Rob's interactive approach encouraged us to go deeper with strangers, and his method is an easily applicable framework. His dynamic presentation left a lasting impact, promoting meaningful connections and active listening. In my opinion, Rob Lawless is a fantastic speaker, and I wholeheartedly endorse his message on the 'Power of Connection.' Don't miss the opportunity to hear him speak; it's a game-changer!"

Greater Valley Forge HR Association (GVFHRA)

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

"One of the most impactful presentations I've seen this year. A clear call for improving communication, but more importantly making the effort to connect more deeply."

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“ Best DEI session in the past 2 years!”

Amazon

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

"I loved the active participation. I really enjoyed meeting colleagues that I otherwise would never have interacted with in my normal job duties.”

Shell

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

"Rob was our closing keynote at our annual CoreNet Global India conference, which had 450+ attendees. His talk was about human relationships and the unexpected ways they can transcend boundaries. Our audience was truly inspired by Rob and the insights he gave on the power of human connection, leaving our attendees equipped to foster a workplace environment that has a genuine feeling of belonging. Rob was a joy to work with and we would definitely recommend him for other organisations."

(VP of Member & Component Relations at CoreNet Global)

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“Rob was EXCELLENT. Everyone loved him. He is such an engaging and energetic speaker with such a warm personality. I really think he enjoyed getting to know everyone during the welcome reception. The survey results were all positive!”

Events & Marketing Manager, North Carolina Dental

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“We partnered with Rob to speak at our 2024 Sales Summit because building strong connections with our clients and employees is how we live out our company Purpose everyday. Rob spoke to 240+ of our salespeople and helped our team get to know each other more deeply through his breakouts, which I enjoyed more than I anticipated. He made our team feel connected, he left us with the framework to conduct meaningful conversation, and motivated our team to not just build relationships for business but in their personal lives as well. Rob was a pleasure to work with and would be a great fit for any team's sales event!”

Sales Business Partner, Brokerage Services, Holmes Murphy

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

"After seeing Rob at an event in late 2023, I couldn't wait to bring him in as a keynote speaker for our 2024 full team annual meeting. We were looking for a keynote speaker that would be of value to our team members professionally, but also a message that would be of value for personal growth as well. Building true connections is difficult when working in a remote environment. Rob engaged our team and helped us bring our 70 member team closer together. The presentation was customized to align with our company core values. We received very positive feedback and thanks from the team for investing in them, with the gift of Rob Lawless sharing his story and the relationship tools he provides."

Veritas Association Management

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“I heard nothing but positive comments about his keynote and his follow up session. People felt he was exactly the right kind of speaker to set the tone for the conference. Because Rob focused on networking, that is the tone that was set for folks. Subsequently I heard that this conference, more than others, saw a huge uptick in attendees networking, socializing and generally hanging out together. I can attest to this. I met more people at this conference than I have at previous ones. Several commented that Rob really helped lay the groundwork for this. Lastly, Rob was personable. People related to him and they liked that he hung out after his sessions. He also came to dinner with us that evening and people really thought that was great. So, truly a good experience. Rob was great and we would highly recommend him to others.”

NACAS Central (National Association of College Auxiliary Services)

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

"We hired Rob for our NACUFS Spring Conference - Buffalo where he spoke to 225+ of our collegiate dining professionals and industry members. Many of our members have experienced challenges with burnout and student staffing and retention since Covid so we wanted to focus on connection and inspiring growth. Rob’s talk gave our members a tangible framework for building relationships in their own trainings, it reignited their curiosity in the people around them and even helped introverts feel comfortable asking questions and having conversations with new people. Rob was amazing to work with behind the scenes and he’d make a fantastic speaker for any organization!"

Event Professional, NACUFS (National Association of College & University Food Services)

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

"We had Rob come to speak to the Washington State Chapter of the American Public Works Association in April as his project aligned well with my theme for the year. He was a hit! We had just under 500 participants in attendance and Rob did a great job of engaging them all! No one was looking at their phones and everyone participated in mini 1:1 sessions that Rob facilitated. So not only did we have his message on the value of Intentional Connection, but through these mini-session he was able to demonstrate the value. And of course it was fun! Highly recommended as your next keynote speaker!"

President, APWA Washington State Chapter

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“Rob was a guest speaker at a quarterly program for the Strategic Marketing & Patient Engagement team at Penn Medicine. His talk was not only inspiring but also highly interactive, fostering engagement and participation. His incredible cooperation and ease of collaboration behind the scenes contributed to the seamless execution of the event. He instilled a sense of empowerment among our group of 90+ employees, creating stronger connections within our team. I'm confident that every individual in the audience left the room motivated to cultivate deeper connections in their life. Based on his exceptional delivery and the positive response from our team, I know Rob would be a fantastic speaker for other organizations!”

Associate Director, Marketing, Penn Medicine

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“I have heard numerous positive comments about Rob’s session and how much people appreciated using the framework during the keynote as a tool to meet new people. We will share a pdf of the Framework as a tool for attendees to continue using. Throughout the week there were many references (every single day) to the FRIEND framework (verbally) and to Rob and how important it was for us to establish connections with each other moving forward.”

Senior Director, Hills Pet Nutrition

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

"We hired Rob for our 2024 HR Retreat because we wanted an uplifting message that reminded us of the importance of human connection. He spoke to 30+ of our members across business, legal, labor relations, security and our creative services teams. He made our attendees feel empowered and reinvigorated to make real connections with our colleagues, he left us with a framework to build those connections and he set the tone for how our teams can create a better culture. We absolutely loved Rob's session and found his theme of connection and communication to be a common thread throughout our retreat!"

Director Business Operations, FOX Sports

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

"I had the pleasure of hearing Rob Lawless deliver his keynote, "The Untapped Value of Human Connection," at Delta Phi Epsilon's International Leadership Forum. From our initial communications, Rob impressed me with his professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication to understanding our event's goals. His engaging and insightful presentation introduced the FRIEND framework, leaving a lasting impression on our members. Many cited his keynote as the jumpstart they needed to begin making meaningful connections at the conference for which I am extremely grateful. Rob's ability to connect with the audience and convey the importance of human connections was truly inspiring. I highly recommend Rob as a keynote speaker for any event."

Coordinator of Leadership Education, Delta Phi Epsilon

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“We brought Rob in to speak during Lincoln International's US Employee Meeting because social capital is a very important part of our culture. I saw him speak at an event last November and was so inspired by his talk I hosted over 70 coffee conversations of my own and knew our employees could benefit from his message as well. After Rob's session, our attendees shared that they felt just as inspired as I did. He made them feel empowered with tools they can use to have a personal, intelligent conversations with anyone including senior leaders they may find intimidating. Hiring Rob now, felt like getting Gary Vee on the cusp of his popularity (and fees) skyrocketing. Rob was a great fit for our event and I would definitely recommend him for other orgs!”

Head of Events at Lincoln International

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

"Rob Lawless was a fantastic addition to our inaugural YP Summit. His demo reel was the selling point, and he absolutely delivered. The feedback from our audience has been excellent! Many attendees shared that his insights on new ways to communicate were extremely helpful, and his talk played a key role in driving ticket sales. Rob’s impact extends beyond the event—his message will continue to shape the way our young professionals connect and grow within their organizations. He took the time to truly understand our audience, making his talk even more meaningful. Rob is a great fit for any event focused on connection, networking, and professional development. We truly appreciated his time and expertise!"

Chief Revenue Officer, Little Rock Regional Chamber

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“Rob was great! The entire team enjoyed his presentation and asked many questions.”

General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at AXIS Capital

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“Rob was great! Lots of positive feedback from our group which is very hard to please. Maybe the best speaker as far as message goes that we’ve used!”

MCL Construction

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“(Due to Rob’s keynote), this is the most engaged I’ve seen the crowd be with each other in 20 years!”

member APWA Southern Nevada

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“Rob joined us for our College-wide training at Northcentral Technical College (NTC), where 400+ employees gathered for a day of team building. His keynote message was well-received regarding how imperative the human connection is now more than ever. Our employees left buzzing about developing meaningful connections with students and within their teams! NTC welcomes the opportunity to work with him again!”

MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Human Resources Manager at Northcentral Technical College

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“Rob was fantastic! I am so glad it worked out for him to be a Keynote Speaker for our conference 😊 Rob was professional and easy to work with. His presentation was a perfect way to kick off our conference, helping attendees break the ice and engage in natural conversation, something that can be challenging in a room full of engineers. Throughout the rest of the event, I continued to connect with people I met during Rob’s session, which was fantastic, as networking is a key goal of any conference. Many attendees referenced his presentation over the following two days, reinforcing that it was both insightful and memorable.”

2025 Keynote Speaker Conference Committee Chair, American Public Works Association (APWA) Nevada Chapter Spring Conference

Rob Lawless

5 of 5

“Rob was a delight to have at our manager meetings! Communication ahead of the event was well planned and seamless, and his speech was inspiring! I had more than half a dozen people afterward say how much they enjoyed his keynote speech, several saying it was the highlight of our meetings. Two noteworthy things, several people mentioned how much they enjoyed a short Q and A at the end of his speech, we really appreciated that he was willing to do that. Rob also attended our employee years of service event the night before his speech, we were glad that the timing worked out to do that and really enjoyed getting to know him. We would recommend Rob if you're looking for an inspiring speaker, thank you Rob! “

Director of Training, HOM Furniture

Rob Lawless

Rated 5.00/5 based on 31 customer reviews

Keynotes

Keynote by Rob Lawless:

The Untapped Value of Human Connection

Create more connected, empathetic, and successful relationships in the workplace and with your clients through the exponential power of human connection. 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 6,000 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 6,000 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.  

Request a quote: Rob Lawless The Untapped Value of Human Connection

Rob Lawless Story Reel

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The Untapped Value of Human Connection Keynote segment

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