Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins is a bestselling author, executive coach, and one of the most sought-after leadership speakers in America on the topics of authenticity, appreciation, and team performance. A former professional baseball player who pitched at Stanford University and signed with the Kansas City Royals, he has spent over 25 years working with organizations including Google, Microsoft, and the NBA to build cultures where trust and connection drive results.

From Stanford Pitcher to Leadership Authority

Robbins grew up in Oakland, California, raised by a single mother with a dream of playing Major League Baseball. After turning down an offer from the New York Yankees to attend Stanford, where he pitched in the College World Series, he signed a professional contract with the Royals. When injuries ended his baseball career, he channeled the lessons he learned about mindset, collaboration, and resilience into a new career helping leaders and teams perform at their highest level.

The Power of Authenticity and Appreciation

Robbins is the author of five books including We’re All in This Together, Bring Your Whole Self to Work, and Focus on the Good Stuff. He has delivered three TEDx talks and his work has reached millions worldwide. His keynotes deliver powerful, research-backed strategies for building psychological safety and trust, leading with authenticity, creating cultures of appreciation and belonging, and helping teams navigate change and perform at their best.

We’re All in This Together

We may not always be in the same boat, but we’re usually all in the same storm…just in different boats. Great teams find a way to come together and build authentic relationships, regardless of the circumstances they face.

This keynote is based on the almost 25 years of research and experience Mike Robbins has done on the topics of appreciation, authenticity, communication, collaboration, and performance, as well as the core themes of his five books, especially his latest title, We’re All in This Together.

• Authenticity Leads to Greater Trust and Psychological Safety – Understanding and embodying authenticity is essential for leaders and teams to enhance trust with one another and psychological safety for the group.
• Appreciation is Distinct from Recognition – Recognition is about results. Appreciation is about people. Teams and leaders who understand and act upon this important distinction are able to collaborate and perform their best.
• Embrace Change by Embracing Challenges – There is so much change and challenge in today’s world. The people, leaders, teams, and companies that lean into the uncertainty and difficulties with a growth mindset have an important advantage.

Authentic Leadership

Leadership can be challenging, especially in today’s fast-paced, globalized world. Leaders with a strong sense of emotional intelligence (EQ), a willingness to be courageous and vulnerable, and the capacity to inspire others in a genuine way, have a distinct advantage. This program, which is based on the core principles of Mike Robbins’ work and books, delves into practical ways for leaders to enhance their impact and effectiveness by leading with authenticity.

Takeaways:

• Teaches leaders how to connect at a deeper level with their teams and build real trust
• Exemplifies the importance of authenticity and even vulnerability
• Shows how appreciation positively impacts productivity, loyalty, and engagement
• Encourages leaders to be transparent in a way that’s both liberating and inspiring
• Teaches leaders key elements for enhancing their EQ

Embracing Change

Change is inevitable, especially in today’s business world. The one constant in the midst of all of the change, stress, and uncertainty we face at work and in life is us. When we take ownership and responsibility for our experience, we not only make it easier to navigate the changes we face, we can empower ourselves and those around us to be successful, regardless of the circumstances. This program, which is based on the core principles of Mike Robbins’ work and research, illustrates how individuals, leaders, and teams can navigate change effectively and thrive in the process.

Takeaways:

• Take ownership and responsibility in an empowering way
• Enhance their emotional intelligence (EQ)
• Deal effectively with change and uncertainty
• Have more compassion for themselves and others
• Inspire the people and culture around them in a positive way, regardless of what’s going on

Bring Your Whole Self to Work

For us to truly succeed, especially in today’s diverse and ever-changing business world, we must be willing to bring our whole selves to the work that we do. And, for the teams and organizations that we lead or are a part of to thrive, it’s essential to create an environment where people feel safe enough to bring all of who they are to work, as well. When we operate with courage, trust, and vulnerability, we’re able to unlock innovation, connection, and performance at the highest level for ourselves and those around us.

Takeaways:

• Teaches people how to build more authentic relationships with those around them
• Exemplifies the power of appreciation
• Shows ways to enhance emotional intelligence
• Encourages people to operate with a growth mindset
• Challenges team members to work together and collaborate