Lifelong Learnings from 10,000 Conversations with Rob Lawless

Rob Lawless set out to meet 10,000 strangers for one hour each. 7,000+ conversations in, the project has become more than a social experiment - it's a masterclass in empathy, presence, and the untold power of human connection.

In this conversation, we go deep into what drives Rob, how he turned a bold idea into a global movement, and what he's learned from spending thousands of hours truly listening. From growing up in a big family, coffee shop chat and international stages, we unpack not just Rob’s journey, but our shared humanity.

And in a twist, Rob flips the mic and interviews me for part of the episode, bringing out personal stories I rarely get to share on air. It's a conversation full of curiosity, surprises, and reminders of what really matters.

In this episode:

• Why Rob started meeting strangers for one hour at a time
• The “Friend” framework for finding what connects us
• What 10,000 hours of presence can teach you about being human
• Rob’s storytelling superpowers — and how he discovered them
• The discipline, empathy, and mindset behind long-term vision
• My pie chart of identity — and what’s shifted since becoming a dad
• What’s next for Rob after 10,000 people
• Why being present is the ultimate superpower

Connect with Rob:

Instagram: @robs10kfriends
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rob-lawless-robs10kfriends/

Connect with Jeff:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/

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Chapters

00:00 – Intro

01:30 – How the 10,000 People Project Started

04:54 – From Coffee Shops to Cruise Ships

09:56 – The “Friend” Framework

15:07 – The Art of Conversation

20:03 – Post-10,000 Vision

26:47 – Jeff’s Creative Roots

29:48 – Life as a Timeline: Curiosity, Memory, and Storytelling

32:55 – Natural Gifts and Learned Superpowers

37:23 – The COVID Pivot That Changed Everything

42:48 – The Real Influences: Family, Friends, and Gratitude

44:21 – Books, TV Shows, and Staying Relevant (or Not)

46:43 – Presence Over Performance

48:00 – If We’re Popping Champagne Next Year...

50:00 – A Masterclass in Presence

51:57 – Mutual Gratitude and the Power of Saying Yes

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you.

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Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen