Rob Lawless

Rob Lawless is the creator of Robs10kFriends, a social experiment and human connection project through which he has committed to spending one hour each with 10,000 strangers. Since beginning this journey in 2015, Rob has had meaningful conversations with over 6,000 people from more than 90 countries, using his story to highlight the transformative value of intentional connection. With a background in finance and entrepreneurship from Penn State University, Rob began his career at Deloitte Consulting before moving into the start-up space. After the company he joined was acquired, he took the opportunity to pursue his connection project full-time. The decision was driven by a desire to restore the sense of community and authenticity he had experienced during his university years — something he felt was lacking in corporate life. Rob’s experience has not only led to thousands of hours of conversation but also appearances on national television and features in major media. Through these platforms, he shares the insight that every human interaction holds the potential to inspire, connect and create opportunity. His work has resonated with organizations looking to improve culture, foster inclusion and retain talent by focusing on genuine human relationships. In his talks, Rob introduces the FRIEND framework - a practical tool designed to help individuals build rapport through more meaningful conversations. He demonstrates how these simple, structured connections can enhance collaboration, innovation, and a sense of belonging across teams. By drawing on thousands of diverse human stories, Rob shows how slowing down and making time to truly listen can change not only workplace dynamics, but also individual lives.