Dr. Steve L. Robbins is one of today’s most compelling voices on human behavior, neuroscience, and performance. Born in Vietnam and raised in the toughest neighborhoods of Los Angeles, Dr. Robbins developed an early fascination with why people behave the way they do under pressure. Today, he works at the intersection of leadership, neuroscience, and communication science, helping organizations understand how the brain responds to stress, uncertainty, and rapid change. His programs are grounded in science, delivered through powerful storytelling, and designed to help leaders think clearly and perform better in a fast-changing world.
What Does Dr. Steve L. Robbins Speak About?
Dr. Robbins focuses on leadership development, psychological safety, relational intelligence, resilience, and decision-making under pressure. His keynote The Tale of Two Brains: Ancient and Modern explores why intelligent people react emotionally when stakes are high. AI Is Great… Until It’s Not examines the neuroscience behind artificial intelligence and critical thinking. In Mind Settings: How to Build Mental Resilience and Prevent Burnout, he offers practical strategies for managing stress and preventing overload. His keynote Why Smart People Do Dumb Things breaks down the predictable brain patterns that lead to poor decisions and regret.
Other popular presentations include Psychological Safety, Trust, and the Social Brain, The HERO Skills: Human Skills for a Messy, Fast-Changing World, Relational Intelligence in a Virtual and Hybrid World, and Human 2.0: Becoming Fully Human in a Fast-Changing World. Each keynote blends neuroscience with relatable examples, giving audiences actionable insight rather than abstract theory.
The HERO Skills and Relational Intelligence Framework
A central theme of Dr. Robbins’ work is Relational Intelligence, the ability to relate, reflect, and respond effectively in complex situations. His signature HERO Skills framework—Humility, Empathy, Reflection, and Open-mindedness—provides leaders with practical tools to regulate reactions, strengthen trust, and build high-performing cultures. In an era shaped by AI, disruption, and constant change, Dr. Robbins emphasizes that while technology evolves rapidly, the human brain remains the core driver of trust, collaboration, and innovation.
Dr. Steve L. Robbins’ Book What If
Dr. Robbins is also the author of What If: A Controversial Dialogue on Race and Diversity, a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to examine difficult conversations through curiosity rather than judgment. Written in a conversational format, What If explores race, identity, bias, and misunderstanding by asking bold questions that many people are often afraid to voice. The book reflects Dr. Robbins’ lifelong commitment to understanding human behavior and creating space for honest dialogue. Based on his study of the fields of behavioral science and cognitive neuroscience, Robbins explores unconscious bias in many of its forms, including: availability bias, confirmation bias, anchoring bias and others. With his signature humor, these weighty but important topics are addressed with great insight, care and humility.
Frequently used in leadership development programs, book clubs, and corporate learning initiatives, What If aligns closely with his keynote themes on psychological safety, relational intelligence, and inclusion. Rather than offering simplistic answers, the book encourages reflection, empathy, and open-mindedness—the same HERO Skills he teaches on stage. For organizations navigating complex cultural conversations, What If provides a practical entry point grounded in behavioral science and human connection. By framing challenging topics through a lens of inquiry, Dr. Robbins equips readers with tools to foster trust, strengthen teams, and lead with greater awareness. The book serves as both a catalyst for meaningful discussion and a roadmap for building more inclusive workplace cultures.
Recent Successful Events and Corporate Impact
Organizations including Amazon, Coca-Cola, Disney, Ford Motor Company, Microsoft, NASA, the NBA, and Walmart have invited Dr. Robbins to speak to their leaders and teams. At a recent global leadership summit for a Fortune 100 technology company, his keynote on Psychological Safety and the Social Brain received exceptional feedback for its relevance to hybrid work and AI integration. Attendees praised his ability to translate complex neuroscience into practical leadership behaviors that improve communication and decision-making immediately.
How to Book Dr. Steve L. Robbins Through Speakers.com
Event planners frequently ask: How do we book Dr. Steve L. Robbins for a keynote? As an internationally recognized speakers bureau, Speakers.com represents Dr. Robbins for conferences, corporate meetings, leadership retreats, and association events worldwide. To inquire about availability, keynote topics, seminar formats, or speaking fees, contact Speakers.com directly for customized recommendations and booking support. For organizations seeking a keynote speaker who combines behavioral science, humor, and real-world application, Dr. Steve L. Robbins delivers more than inspiration—he delivers insight that transforms how people think, relate, and perform.
