Steve Robbins

Featured Keynote Programs

This is Dr. Robbins most requested workshop. It provides a level-setting, science-based framework for the work of inclusion and diversity. 

Want to become a better human (at home and at work)? In this talk Dr. Robbins explores, from a cognitive science perspective, what leads us to be “sucky” at times and what we can do to become a “less sucky.”

Relational Aptitude refers to an individual's capacity to effectively manage and navigate relationships. This talk/workshop explores something Dr. Robbins developed calls the HERO Skills (Humility, Empathy, Reflection and Open-mindedness) and how they enable a person to interact successfully with others, build and maintain healthy relationships, and understand and successfully respond to a dynamic 21st century world, whether at work or home. 

Organizational culture can be thought of as a living organism that requires active attention and continuous care. While cultivating desired culture is everyone’s responsibility it is the primary responsibility of organizational leaders. This talk examines organizational culture and the leaders’ role as the keepers of culture.

One’s mental state has a significant impact on focus, attention, and task performance, ask any athlete. This talk looks at how psychological safety and social pain impact one’s ability to perform at one’s best, at work and at home.

Many of the inclusion (and other issues) organizations are attempting to address have, at their foundation, a root cause…closed-mindedness. This talk looks at why the brain tends to be closed-minded and how to become a more open-minded person that navigates life more effectively with a growth mindset.

The workshop explores cognitive bias, what it is, what it isn’t and how we might be able to mitigate the negatives of this design feature of the brain. 

How is it that everybody is so nice and yet we can be “sucky” human beings at times. This workshop explores this phenomenon by looking at what the acronym NICE stands for (Not Inclined to Critically Examine).

The old slogan by American Express accurately very accurately describes how the human brain treats in-group and out-group members. This workshop provides insights into the many advantages of being an “insider” and what it is like (from a brain perspective) to be an outsider.

How can a simple wording change dramatically make the work of inclusion and diversity? This workshop explores how “diversity” can only truly be leveraged if it sits on a foundation of inclusion, and why inclusion is so important to the brain.