Rob Lawless initiated his “Robs10kFriends” project in 2015, committing to spend an hour with 10,000 people. With a finance degree from Penn State and a stint at Deloitte Consulting, he transitioned to a start-up and, after its 2016 acquisition, went full-time with his project. Having connected with over 7,000 individuals globally to date, Rob emphasizes the transformative impact of intentional connections.In his keynote, Rob shares insights on fostering positive, inclusive organizational cultures through intentional connections. Citing research on workplace exclusion’s productivity impact, he empowers leaders to unlock value through meaningful connections, fostering belonging, innovation, and opportunities.Rob’s interactive FRIEND framework aids audiences in facilitating conversations, practicing active listening, and setting intentions for connection, creating lasting and meaningful relationships. Drawing from his experience connecting with thousands worldwide, Rob demonstrates how intentional human connection enhances business outcomes and fosters inclusive environments. Attendees leave inspired and equipped to implement intentional connection strategies within their teams and customer interactions.