Steve Robbins Speaker Biography
Diversity, Inclusion & Cultural Competency Expert and Unintentional Intolerance Thought Leader
A powerful storyteller with a powerful story to tell, Dr. Steve L. Robbins has an uncanny ability to inspire people even in the midst of disrupting and challenging the way they think about the world.
Overcoming Obstacles
Born in Vietnam, Dr. Robbins immigrated with his mother to the United States where they faced many challenges during a time when there was much anti-war and anti-Vietnamese sentiment. Working through and rising out of the challenges of poverty, discrimination and the tough streets of Los Angeles, Dr. Robbins now brings insightful perspectives on issues of leadership, inclusion & innovation, and the power of caring.
Storyteller
Drawing upon a compelling life journey, his talks and workshops are filled with intriguing stories, laugh-out-loud humor and a keen understanding of human behavior. Dr. Robbins uniquely knows how to simultaneously challenge and motivate people with a dynamic use of storytelling, humor and extensive knowledge of pertinent issues and concepts.
Clients
The inclusive power of his message are why organizations like NASA, Caterpillar, Boeing Disney, Paypal, Microsoft, Gap Inc., McDonald’s, HSBC Bank, Toyota, WestJet, Northrop Grumman, Kraft Foods, Transamerica, Autozone, AMC Theatres, The National Guard, Department of the Treasury, US Navy, Marathon Oil, and numerous others call on Dr. Robbins to inspire, educate and prepare their people for the exciting challenges of a 21st century world.
Unintentional Intolerance
A thought leader and innovator, Dr. Robbins’ unique concept of “Unintentional Intolerance” has captured wide acclaim from numerous audiences and organizations across the United States. His approach does NOT blame or point fingers. It uses neuroscience and the science of human behavior to challenge individuals and organizations to be more open-minded, mindful and intentional about inclusion and valuing people for their unique gifts, abilities and experiences.
Training
His recently released “anti-training training” video training series called “What If? Factory” is already being heralded as a groundbreaking approach in corporate training. He describes its “laugh and learn” style as a mix of Saturday Night Live, Bill Nye the Science Guy and Big Bang Theory.
Book
His book, What If? Short Stories to Spark Diversity Dialogue, is used by numerous organizations and schools to invite people into deeper conversations about diversity, inclusion and the power of caring.
Education
Dr. Robbins earned an undergraduate degree in Communication from Calvin College, and his masters and doctorate in Communication Science from Michigan State University. His background in communication, socio-psychology and cognitive neuroscience drive his work with individuals and organizations – the core of the work is about understanding human behavior and leveraging human differences in an ever-changing, dynamic world.
Steve Robbins Speaking Topics
Understanding Systemic Racism: A Framework for Positive Action (virtual workshop)
Systemic racism is a complex phenomenon that relatively few people understand well. Indeed, many people believe they have a fairly good grasp of the issues and yet would be hard-pressed to provide much information, data or knowledge that would indicate a more than a surface-level understanding. What the general public often sees and understands are the symptoms of systemic racism, the proverbial 10% tip of the iceberg. What most miss is the remaining 90% of the iceberg, hidden from their experiential viewpoint. The invisible system hidden beneath the surface, how it operates and its effects, can be made more visible however if one is willing and motivated to take a deep dive of discovery, with a curious and open mind. Developed from a similar workshop he created in 2008 for NASA (and still conducts for NASA), Dr. Steve L. Robbins facilitates the “Understanding Systemic Racism: A Framework for Positive Action” workshop with passion and deep content knowledge. The workshop offers participants a powerful spotlight on the subtle, hidden aspects of racism and systemic racial bias. helps participants escape the handcuffs of superficial knowledge, freeing them to a deeper understanding of the how, what and why of systemic racism. To address systemic racism in any effective manner requires an accurate understanding of the problem. Such an understanding is required to develop a strategy and next steps that will have a greater chance of producing desired results. The Understanding Systemic Racism: A Framework for Positive Action workshop will better inform and prepare participants to battle a powerful foe like systemic racism.
Your Brain is Good at Inclusion…Except When It’s Not
Dr. Robbins provides a foundational look at “level-setting” content around Inclusion. In this keynote address, he will share with participants a science-based business case for inclusion by looking at how the human brain responds to inclusion (better cognitive performance and engagement) and exclusion (social pain and distraction).
Be Less Sucky: A Neuroscience Look at Showing Up Better in Times of Change and Uncertainty
Helps people and teams understand what’s happening in their brains during times of change—and how to show up better instead of spiraling.”
The Future of Leadership: Why Relational Intelligence Matters More Than Ever
How leaders with high relational intelligence thrive in a world of AI, automation, and rapid change.
Becoming a HERO: The Four Metacognitive Skills Every Leader (and Human) Needs to Thrive
A deep dive into the HERO Skills (Humility, Empathy, Reflection, Open-mindedness) and how they are essential for cultivating better leaders and high-performance teams.
Leading Through Change and Uncertainty: A Neuroscience Perspective on Adaptability
This insightful keynote unpacks the neuroscience of adaptability, explaining how our brains are wired to resist uncertainty and why some leaders thrive in change while others struggle.
Steve Robbins Books
What If?, 10th Anniversary Edition: Short Stories to Spark Inclusion & Diversity Dialogue
Purchase BookSteve Robbins Videos
Steve Robbins Articles
Steve Robbins Speaker Testimonials
“Dr. Steve has a gift for taking something complex and making it not just understandable, but practical. I walked away with tools I used the very next day with my team.”
- HR Director, Fortune 500 Company |
“His storytelling keeps you hooked, but it’s the science that sticks. I thought I was signing up for a webinar. It felt more like a coaching session for real life.”
- Manager, Global Tech Firm |
“Our people still reference his sessions months, years later. The blend of humor, humanity, and neuroscience is unlike anything else we’ve brought into the organization.”
- VP of Learning & Development, Manufacturing Company |
