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 ways they think about the world. Born in Vietnam, Dr. Robbins immigrated as a little child 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 inclusion & innovation, leadership, and the power of caring.  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. The inclusive power of his message are why organizations like Amazon, Chase Bank, Coca-Cola, Disney, Ford Motor Company, Microsoft, Pepsi, Pixar, NASA, The NBA, Victoria’s Secret, Walmart and numerous others call on Dr. Robbins to inspire, educate and prepare their people for the exciting challenges of dynamic and diverse environments.  

A thought leader and innovator, Dr. Robbins’ unique, science-based approach to inclusion and diversity has captured wide acclaim from numerous audiences and organizations across the world. His approach does NOT blame or point fingers. It uses neuroscience and the science of human behavior to encourage individuals and organizations to be more open-minded, mindful and intentional about inclusion and valuing people for their unique gifts, abilities and experiences. Dr. Robbins’ newly created HERO Skills (Humility, Empathy, Reflection and Open-mindedness) are being used by many to create more human-centered organizations, ones in which the human brain can perform at its best. 

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, social-psychology and cognitive neuroscience drives his work with individuals and organizations – the core of the work is about understanding human behavior and leveraging human differences fast-paced, dynamic 21st century world.