Sessions

In this insightful and engaging keynote, Dr. Steve Robbins will examine the domain of diversity and inclusion from the frameworks of human behavior and cognitive neuroscience. He will make the case that diversity (i.e., human differences) is really not the problem. Rather, the real issue is closed-mindedness, or the hardwired bias to be cautious and skeptical about people, places and things with which we are unfamiliar.

Drawing on the fields of cognitive neuroscience, socio-psychology and communication (among others), Dr. Robbins will explore with you the human need to be recognized, valued and included – and what happens when that need is not met. He will demonstrate how our brain views the world from an “insider vs. outsider” lens and how that can lead to the exclusion of others (and their ideas). He will examine the concept of “noise,” and how noisy mental models can lead to unintentional intolerance and reduced productivity, and have a negative impact on creativity and innovation.

Dr. Robbins ultimately will make the case for “open-mindedness,” and describe how open-mindedness (the cognitive ability to entertain multiple perspectives) is key for inclusion AND innovation. He will also show how you can become more open-minded, and explain how an open-minded and mindful approach to life, whether at work or home, can pay huge dividends as you navigate a complex world filled with different perspectives, values and beliefs. And as always, Dr. Robbins will deliver all this science-based content neatly packaged with real-world relevance, a good dose of storytelling and laugh-out-loud humor.