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.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Sales and communication expert & founder of the Art of Sell, Richard Moore, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into why most people are selling the wrong way, how to stop chasing vanity metrics, and what really drives business growth in 2025.

They discuss why content and engagement won’t pay the bills, how to ditch the spray-and-pray approach to sales, the power of deep, meaningful conversations over mass outreach, why client acquisition is the only metric that matters, the art of handling objections like a professional, and how self-worth plays a bigger role in closing deals than you might think.

If you’re stuck in the loop of posting, scrolling, and hoping for inbound leads - this episode is a wake-up call. Learn how to sell with elegance, build a business that lasts, and turn connections into clients.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

04:46 Follower Count vs. Follower Quality

09:57 Competency Over Volume in Sales

15:02 Finding Your Niche and Testing Ideas

20:06 The Role of Feel in Business

25:10 Intentionality in Engagement

30:13 The Reality of Selling on Social Media

34:33 The Art of Selling Elegantly

40:27 Overcoming Sales Inertia

47:01 Embracing Your Superpowers

54:07 The Intersection of Sales and Psychology

01:01:24 The Importance of Individual Interactions

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.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Presentation Coach, Creative Director, and Author, Ben Levy joins Jeff Abracen to break down the art of creative agency presentations, why the best idea doesn’t always win, and how to structure a story that sells.

Dig into the biggest mistakes people make in presentations (and how to fix them), why reading slides out loud is killing your pitch, how confidence in public speaking is built through preparation—not personality, the power of pacing meetings to avoid information overload, why agencies need to ditch templates and start answering the right questions, how to create conversations instead of monologues, and how Ben overcame social anxiety and became a presentation coach…and so much more!

Find Ben Levy Here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellitgreat/

https://www.sellitgreat.com/

https://www.sellitgreat.com/shop

https://schoolofastonishingpursuits.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro

05:42 Overcoming Presentation Anxiety

12:52 The Importance of Storytelling in Presentations

21:09 Building Trust Through Effective Communication

25:05 Teaching and Learning in the Creative Industry

33:25 The Power of Storytelling in Presentations

35:20 Influence of Family on Communication Skills

37:54 Overcoming Presentation Challenges

40:09 Learning from Industry Leaders

42:40 The Importance of Authenticity in Presentations

46:30 Lessons from Presentation Failures

50:27 Understanding Client Expectations

52:59 Competing for Attention in a Noisy World

54:13 Disruptive Presentation Techniques

57:18 Building Strong Client Relationships

59:05 The Role of Mentorship in Growth

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.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Albany-based Alana Sparrow, Brand Strategist, Visual Storyteller, Founder of The VIB, and Chief Brand Officer & Co-Founder of The Foundry for Art, Design + Culture, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into why storytelling is the ultimate tool for branding success, the rapid rise of personal brands in corporate spaces, how confidence is built through action, scaling a business without sacrificing freedom, the impact of authenticity on trust and growth, embracing Ikigai to align work and life, why entrepreneurs need to stop sprinting and start sustaining, shining a light on your strengths to unlock your full potential, how personal brands will shape the future of business in 2025…and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 – Intro
00:32 – Alana's Path to Brand Strategy
03:15 – Leaving Higher Ed for Entrepreneurship
05:21 – COVID’s Impact and Business Pivot
07:23 – Personal Branding for High Earners
09:21 – Authenticity in Branding and Marketing
11:15 – Early Influences on Entrepreneurial Mindset
15:26 – From Fine Art to Brand Strategy
17:21 – Time Freedom vs. Hustle Culture
18:30 – Slazy™ – A Smarter Work Approach
22:31 – Finding Purpose and Profit with Ikigai
28:23 – How Personal Branding Drives Growth
32:26 – Confidence, Mindset, and Taking Up Space
36:59 – Client Breakthroughs and Business Shifts
38:45 – The Future of Personal Branding in 2025
43:09 – LinkedIn vs. Instagram for Brand Growth
45:00 – Quality vs. Quantity in Social Media
46:56 – Connect with Alana Sparrow

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.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

In this extended episode, Darren Lee, Founder & CEO of Voics, and Podcast Host of Kickoff Sessions, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into how he built a 7-figure podcasting business from scratch, the importance of creating your own universe, how focus fuels success, learning through failure, why you should sell before you build, the importance of trust, the power of metrics, niching down and mastering simplicity, monetizing small audiences, leaning into your superpowers and overcoming the odds, why Bali is a haven for creators, personalized tips for my own business…and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 Intro
04:56 The Journey of Focus and Discipline
10:10 From Sports to Startups: A Reflective Shift
14:55 Building Connections and Trust
19:45 The Circle of Safety in Leadership
25:04 Generational Perspectives on Work Ethic
29:53 The Evolution of Entrepreneurship
33:09 Learning Through Experience
36:01 Mastering the Process
38:55 Building Skills for Success
42:13 The Importance of Measurement
46:01 Simplicity in Business
51:45 Selling Before Building
56:10 Finding Your Niche
01:00:01 Staying in the Market
01:02:57 Disrupting the Podcasting Industry
01:06:49 The Rise of Video Content on LinkedIn
01:11:59 Short-Form Video: A New Discovery Tool
01:12:56 Influences and Inspirations in the Podcasting Journey
01:16:15 Building Genuine Connections in Podcasting
01:18:09 Why Bali is the New Hub for Creators
01:22:03 Guidance for Emerging Podcasters
01:28:50 The Importance of Clarity in Communication Offers
01:31:13 The Impact of Helping Others Through Content Creation

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.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Kasey Jones, Growth Strategist, Personal Brand Coach, Founder & CEO at The Solo CEO, joins Jeff Abracen to talk about how self-compassion is a superpower, turning hardship into strength and opportunity, how finding your ‘One Thing’ brings clarity and magnetism to your brand and business, why your insecurities might be your biggest differentiator, how personal branding creates meaningful connections, why Kasey is a mix between Jocko Willink & Mr. Rogers, the ‘F*ck Yes’ principle…and so much more!

00:00 Intro
03:01 Evolving Solopreneurs into CEOs
05:57 Finding Your One Thing
08:54 Navigating Personal and Professional Trauma
12:02 The Journey of Self-Discovery
14:46 The Role of Empathy in Coaching
18:07 Post-Traumatic Growth and Healing
20:59 Where Personal Growth and Business Success Meet
23:55 Uncovering Your Unique Value
27:05 The Balance of Tough Love and Kindness
29:54 The Evolution of Personal Branding
31:43 Embracing Personal Transformation
34:33 Identifying and Owning Your Superpowers
38:49 The Role of Hardship in Shaping Success
41:39 Leveraging Unique Skills for Business Growth
45:21 The 'F*ck Yes' Principle in Client Relationships
49:38 Experimentation as a Path to Clarity
55:21 The Emotional Side of Entrepreneurship
01:00:57 Self-Compassion and Personal Systems for Neurodivergence

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.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Dhaval Bhatt, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Courage Inc., joins Jeff Abracen to share how he co-built Courage into one of Canada’s top and most awarded in under three years - crafting work for clients like KFC, CIBC, Kit-Kat, Taco Bell and Skip.

They chat about treating clients as collaborators, how to present big ideas & moving at the speed of culture, why the human-to-human approach matters more than ever, the people who have inspired him, the lessons that keep him and his team pushing for better work every day - and the culture behind it all.

And of course, working on big budget productions with celebrities like Jon Hamm (aka Don Draper).

Chapters

00:00 Intro
03:02 Building Courageous Client Relationships
05:53 Human-to-Human Communication in Marketing
08:46 The Importance of Being Proactive
12:08 Promises of Courage: A Unique Agency Approach
15:01 Selling the Sizzle: The Art of Presentation
17:52 The Pursuit of Perfection in Advertising
21:11 Founding Courage
24:03 Collaboration in High-Stakes Production
28:27 Adapting to Client Needs
30:22 The Role of Celebrity in Advertising
34:10 Creative Connections with Calendar Events
37:58 The Customer Experience
41:47 Behind the Scenes of Agency Work
44:07 The Pursuit of Perfection in Creativity
48:45 Influences on Creative Growth
52:36 The Human Element in Professional Relationships
54:27 Guiding the Next Generation of Creatives

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.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Robb Gilbear, Coach & Founder of Growth Habit and author of Die Before They Do, joins Jeff Abracen to share how fear can spark breakthroughs, decoupling learning from school, how accountability transforms goals, using storytelling as a tool for connection, the clarity found in digital detoxes, and the power of forgiveness and empathy in healing. Robb also opens up about the personal growth behind his heart tattoo, why adaptability fuels success, how fear-setting can crush limitations, and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 Intro
01:13 The Bold Move: Hosting a Conference
05:01 The Power of Vulnerability and Connection
08:48 From DJ to Business Coach
13:02 The Importance of Attitude Over Credentials
17:10 Finding Meaning Through Struggles
21:02 The Role of Accountability in Growth
25:51 Experiencing Flow and Celebration After the Event
32:01 The Evolution of Coaching
35:51 Personal Growth and Family Dynamics
41:31 Empathy and Understanding in Coaching
45:23 Finding Joy and Humor in Life's Challenges
49:18 Fear Setting: Confronting and Overcoming Fears

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.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Robin Waite, Business Coach & Founder of Fearless Business, joins Jeff Abracen to share why a 'boring business' might be for you, the 7/11/4 concept for building trust, simplifying offers for better outcomes, how fewer clients can mean better service, why giving away books is a winning strategy, how guesting on podcasts is one of the best marketing moves you can make...and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 Intro
02:37 The Strategy Behind Quick Reads
05:54 Understanding 7/11/4
10:02 The Importance of Marketing Assets
12:50 Building Trust Through Value
17:06 The Power of Podcasting and Partnerships
22:11 Pricing Strategies for Business Growth
26:55 Harnessing Superpowers and Professional Passion
29:15 Coaching from the Stage
30:10 Passion vs. Profit in Business
32:02 The Balance of Pricing and Philanthropy
33:00 The Importance of Implementation
35:19 Personal Transformation and Resilience
39:21 Recognizing Unfulfillment and Taking Action
41:46 The Power of Intuition in Coaching
45:28 Screening Clients for Coaching Success
49:14 Refining Offers and Simplifying Business
52:36 Overcoming Overwhelm in Business
55:00 Disruptive Coaching Techniques
57:46 Influential Books and Final Thoughts

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.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Ben Albert, Founder of Real Business Connections and Balbert Marketing, joins Jeff Abracen to discuss the journey from accidental entrepreneur to podcasting expert, the power of local connection and how to build genuine business relationships, the essential role of gratitude, the importance of commitment and consistency in podcasting, the art of storytelling, monetizing a podcast beyond sponsorships...and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 The Path to Full-Time Creation
01:44 Accidental Entrepreneurship
05:58 Authenticity in Podcasting
09:47 From Local to Global
15:23 Perseverance in Podcasting
19:10 Equipment and Preparation
25:50 Engaging Conversations
30:32 Weaving Narratives in Podcasting
34:19 Monetization Strategies
40:56 Thinking Beyond the Podcast

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.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen