Rob Lawless

In 2015, Rob Lawless set out to meet 10,000 people, spending one hour with each person to truly understand their stories.  His project, Robs10kFriends, is all documented on his Instagram @robs10kfriends.

Rob believes that genuine human connection is something important in today’s world and through his journey, Rob has discovered how the power of intentional connection can unite, connect and empower us in ways far deeper than we ever imagined.

Rob Lawless is a 33-year-old originally from Norristown, PA, with a genuine passion for getting to know new people. Graduating with highest honors in May 2013 from Penn State University, he earned a Finance degree with minors in Accounting and Entrepreneurship. Rob then joined Deloitte Consulting as a Business Analyst in Strategy & Operations, fulfilling his dream job. However, after a year and a half, he made a typical Millennial move, accepting a significant pay cut to join RJMetrics, a $24 million venture-funded startup.

At RJMetrics, Rob worked as a sales representative, engaging in daily cold emailing and requesting 30-minute phone calls to discuss the company’s product offerings. Yet in his post grad life, he missed the authentic connection he’d experienced in college. As a result, he set off on a journey in November 2015, aiming to meet 10,000 people for an hour each for no specific reason. The responses were overwhelmingly positive, and he began meeting people from incredibly diverse backgrounds.

Discover the Untapped Value of Human Connection

In this captivating keynote, Rob Lawless shares his extraordinary journey of spending one hour, one-on-one, with 10,000 diverse individuals. Through Rob’s gripping anecdotes, you’ll discover the remarkable connections he’s forged with newfound friends in far-flung corners of the world, illustrating the unexpected ways in which human relationships can transcend boundaries.

Rob’s encounters encompass a profound range of experiences, from meeting a survivor of a mass shooting to embarking on a flight piloted by the plane’s builder. These encounters have bestowed invaluable insights on him, shedding light on the power of human connection and empathy.

Moreover, the keynote introduces the FRIEND framework (Family & Relationships, Industry, Entertainment, Needs & Dreams) to facilitate meaningful one-on-one interactions among participants. Rob’s stories and photos of his adventures underscore the significance of deliberate connections, leaving attendees inspired and equipped to foster a workplace environment where everyone feels genuinely seen, heard, and valued.