Mike Robbins Speaker Biography
Leadership and Teamwork Expert, Author, and Former Professional Baseball Player
As someone who works with today’s most dynamic and cutting-edge organizations, Mike Robbins blends storytelling from his own life, his background as a professional baseball player and his experience working with some of the top companies in Silicon Valley and around the world, to inspire leaders and teams to build high-performing cultures and authentic connections – both internally and externally.
Books
Mike Robbins is the author of five books, Focus on the Good Stuff, Be Yourself Everyone Else is Already Taken, Nothing Changes Until You Do, and, Bring Your Whole Self to Work, which have been translated into fifteen different languages. His latest book is We’re All in This Together: Creating a Team Culture of High Performance, Trust, and Belonging.
Teamwork, Leadership, and Emotional Intelligence
As an expert in teamwork, leadership, and emotional intelligence, Mike delivers keynotes and seminars (both in-person and virtually) that empower people, leaders, and teams to engage in their work, collaborate, and perform at their best. Through his speeches, seminars, consulting, and writing, Mike teaches important techniques that allow individuals and organizations to be more appreciative, authentic, and effective.
Clients
His clients include: Google, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Schwab, LinkedIn, Deloitte, the U.S. Department of Labor, Gap, Harvard University, Coca-Cola, Chevron, eBay, Kaiser, Airbnb, UC Berkeley, the NBA, Genentech, Adobe, the Oakland A’s, and many others. Mike is a member of the National Speakers Association and is one of less than 10% of the professional speakers in the world to have earned the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation.
Media
He has been featured on NPR, ABC News, the Oprah radio network, and in the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, the New York Times, the Economist, the Wall Street Journal, and many others. He was a regular contributor to Forbes and is the creator and host of the popular podcast, We’re All In This Together.
Baseball
Prior to his speaking, writing, and consulting career, Mike was drafted by the New York Yankees out of high school. He turned the Yankees down and instead chose to play baseball at Stanford University, where he pitched in the College World Series. He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals out of Stanford and played three seasons of professional baseball in the Royals organization before arm injuries ended his playing career while still in the minor leagues.
Post-Athletic Career
After his athletic career was cut short, Mike worked in sales and business development for two Internet start-ups. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, it allowed him to follow a deeper passion – empowering and inspiring people – and opened the door for him to start working full time as a speaker, author, and coach.
Education
In addition to earning a degree from Stanford in American Studies with a specialization in race and ethnicity, Mike has continued to educate himself. He has extensively studied many disciplines of both personal and professional development and received training from the Coaches Training Institute.
Philanthropy
He’s also a former board member for two non-profit organizations – Challenge Day (a powerful youth organization that focuses on inclusion, mindfulness, and personal development for teens) and The Peace Alliance (an organization focused on creating a culture of peace in America and around the world, as well as a grassroots political campaign to create a cabinet-level U.S. Department of Peace).
Chicken Soup for the Soul Contributor
Leadership Keynote Speaker Mike Robbins is a contributing author to: Chicken Soup for the Single Parent’s Soul, Creating a Marriage You’ll Love, and Thirty Things to Do When You Turn Thirty.
He lives in Novato, CA (in the San Francisco Bay Area) with his wife Michelle, and their two daughters, Samantha and Rosie.
Mike Robbins Speaking Topics
Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation--Inspire success, engagement and perspective by being appreciative
Appreciation is one of the most powerful, yet overlooked aspects of successfully motivating and empowering people and teams. According to the latest research in the fields of positive psychology and strengths-based leadership, when individuals and teams put more attention on what is working and their strengths, instead of focusing on problems and perceived weaknesses, they thrive. Through this program, which is based on the key principles of his book Focus on the Good Stuff, Mike Robbins illustrates exactly how appreciation impacts productivity, morale, and success.
Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken: The Power of Authenticity--Create trust, confidence and team unity by being real
Authenticity is fundamental to relationships, communication, and success. Now more than ever, people, leaders, and teams must utilize the power of authenticity in order to build trust, resolve conflicts, and create cohesion. Some fascinating research in the field of emotional intelligence is proving that being real, honest, and even vulnerable are key elements to success and engagement. Through this program, which is based on the core principles of his book, Be Yourself, Mike Robbins illustrates exactly how authenticity impacts relationships, trust, and productivity.
Nothing Changes Until You Do--Navigate change and enhance resilience by taking ownership
Wherever we go in life, there we are. The one constant in the midst of all of the change, stress, and uncertainty we face in business and 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 authentically successful, regardless of the circumstances. This program, which is based on the core principles of Mike Robbins’ latest book, Nothing Changes Until You Do, illustrates exactly how individuals, leaders, and teams can thrive in the midst of change.
Creating a Championship Team--Enhance loyalty, attitude, & success by doing what winning teams do
A “championship team” is a group of people who can effectively handle adversity and conflict, trust one another, communicate clearly and authentically, and appreciate each other in a positive way. In this program, which is based on key principles from all three of Mike Robbins’ books, as well as his background as a college and professional baseball player, he teaches people, leaders, and groups the fundamental aspects of creating successful teams that truly win. This program: Teaches people how to build more authentic relationships with the teammates Unifies and inspires teams around their common goals and purpose Shows how appreciation positively impacts both morale and productivity Encourages people to be authentic in a way that builds trust Challenges team members to take ownership for both personal and team success
Authentic Leadership--Inspire others and build trust by being a REAL leader
Leadership can be challenging, especially in today’s face-paced, globalized world. Senior leaders with a strong sense of emotional intelligence (EQ), an ability to lead with personal transparency, 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’ three books, especially Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken, delves into practical ways for leaders to enhance their impact and effectiveness by leading with authenticity. This program: 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
Communicating with Impact--Speak to others in a way that inspires, resolves, and influences
Being an effective communicator is one of the most important skills one can possess, especially in today’s fast-paced, globalized world. A person who is able to engage others in meaningful dialogue, listen effectively, and have a positive impact with their communication, has an important advantage in life and business. This program teaches the fundamentals of communicating with impact. Leaders who want to inspire their teams, sales people who want to influence their clients, and anyone who has conflicts to resolve, all need effective communication skills. Some of the core themes addressed in this program are: How to communicate to people with different communication styles and backgrounds Ways to effectively deal with conflict and engage in difficult conversations How to inspire and motivate action in others Listening skills that empower those around you Core elements of emotional intelligence (EQ) that allow for deeper connection and dialogue
Mike Robbins Books
We’re All in This Together: Creating a Team Culture of High Performance, Trust, and Belonging
Purchase Book
Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance
Purchase Book
Nothing Changes Until You Do: A Guide to Self-Compassion and Getting Out of Your Own Way
Purchase Book
Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken: Transform Your Life with the Power of Authenticity
Purchase Book
Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation
Purchase BookMike Robbins Videos
Mike Robbins Speaker Testimonials
“Mike Robbins has a unique ability to open people’s minds, touch their hearts, and teach valuable lessons about life and business. I have personally benefited from his work, as have so many of the people on my team.”
- Banana Republic | Jack Calhoun, President
“Mike is a gifted storyteller and talented speaker. His talks on authentic leadership and appreciation, and his exercises to ‘lower the waterline’ and build trust have been incredibly effective to both my management team as well as an international audience of 600. I have consistently received rave reviews from colleagues on Mike’s various efforts within Google.”
- Google | Alan Moss, VP of U.S. Sales
“You gave each of the 1,600 people within our group tips and techniques for enhanced success – individually and collectively. Thank you for the positive impact you have had on our business.”
- Wells Fargo Bank | John Montero, VP Human Resources
“Mike Robbins is an amazing speaker! His powerful message resonates with our players, coaches, and front office staff, which is why we have invited him in to speak numerous times. He truly has helped us be a championship team.”
- San Francisco Giants | Leilani Gayles, Chief People Officer
