Create more connected, empathetic and successful business relationships through the exponential power of human connection. Rob Lawless is on a unique mission—to spend one hour in personal conversation with 10,000 different people.

His stories reveal a tapestry of meaningful friendships across continents and cultures, proving that genuine human connection knows no borders. Learn how to use Rob’s FRIEND methodology onsite at IMEX to help build authentic one-on-one connections with actionable strategies to foster deeper human connections in business.

Speaker Profile:

Rob Lawless initiated the “Robs10kFriends” project in 2015, committing to spend an hour with 10,000 people. With a finance degree from Penn State and a stint at Deloitte Consulting, he transitioned to a start-up, dedicating full-time to his project after its 2016 acquisition. Having connected with over 6,000 individuals globally to date, Rob emphasizes the transformative impact of intentional connections.

In his keynote, Rob shares insights on fostering positive, inclusive organizational cultures through intentional connections. Citing research on workplace exclusion's productivity impact, he empowers leaders to unlock value through meaningful connections, fostering belonging, innovation and opportunities.

Rob's interactive FRIEND framework aids audiences in facilitating conversations, practicing active listening and setting intentions for connection, creating lasting and meaningful relationships. Drawing from his experience connecting with thousands worldwide, Rob demonstrates how intentional human connection enhances business outcomes and fosters inclusive environments. Attendees leave inspired and equipped to implement intentional connection strategies within their teams and customer interactions.

Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa

Workplace Wellness that’s Smart for Business

Tuesday, October 7

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Mental health and wellness is no longer just a conversation for home. Evidence shows that the workplace is both an opportunity and risk for mental health, with positive environments seeing increased team performance and productivity and toxic environments being a source of excessive stress, low morale and high turnover. Investing in your organization’s wellness is not just the right thing to do, but a smart business decision.

Currently a resident doctor in psychiatry, Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa dives deep into the mechanics of wellness and what it looks like on an organizational level. She answers the question of what it means to be well among a diverse group of people, while exploring the neurobiological factors of wellness, including the neuroscience behind burnout.

Gain the tools and strategies to meet the needs of your team(s) on a collective and individual level and implement an organization-wide policy that promotes and protects mental health for transformational results.

Speaker Profile:

An accomplished physician, nationally ranked spoken word poet and thought leader, Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa is a multi-faceted powerhouse whose journey exemplifies authentic leadership in every aspect.

Through powerful storytelling and compelling narrative, she draws from her diverse experiences—across sectors, stages and disciplines—to share meaningful and actionable insights on leadership, connection and wellness, and how to unlock our true potential for transformative results in our organizations, communities and lives.

Oriuwa’s career is a testament to her insatiable curiosity about the human experience and the profound connections that define it. She is currently a resident doctor in psychiatry at the University of Toronto where she earned her medical degree and became the first Black woman named sole valedictorian of the department. Oriuwa has since become a vocal advocate for improving disparities in Black health and confronting institutional discrimination, spearheading change initiatives in healthcare and beyond.

Sponsored by

Elliot Eisenberg

Navigating the Complexities of Macroeconomics for Business Success

Wednesday, October 8

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

His engaging presentations cover crucial topics such as consumer sentiment, bank regulations and interest rates, empowering your team to navigate uncertainties confidently.

Access a trusted advisor who helps transform economic challenges into opportunities for growth. Don’t let confusion hold your organization back—invest in insights that matter!

Sponsored by