James Robilotta

Improv Comedian turned Leadership and Culture Nerd

Expert on

  • Leadership
  • Comedian/Humorist
  • Communication
  • Teambuilding
  • Workplace Culture

Fee Range

$10,000–$15,000

Travels from

MN, US

Biography

James Robilotta, CSP, is a seasoned motivational speaker, author, emcee, and professionally-trained improv comedian sought after for his ability to bring both humor and genuine connection to the stage. After nearly two decades of engaging audiences through his stand-up comedy and speaking work, James has mastered the art of using humor as a tool to create an environment where walls come down and meaningful messages get through.

As a full-time speaker at conferences, retreats, trainings, and more, James leverages a unique blend of relatable storytelling, comedy, and profound insights to leave his audiences both laughing and deeply moved. His secret sauce? The ability to connect with audiences authentically, leading with humor and then diving deeper into principles that build stronger individuals, teams, and company cultures.

With a professional background in counseling, education, and successful entrepreneurship (one business incorporates freestyle rap into improv comedy—a story for another day!), James brings years of research and a few too many real-life case studies to his work on the stage. From top leadership to early career employees, James’ messages to become curious, lead imperfectly, and foster community resonate at all levels. 

James has captivated both willing and unwilling audiences at over 800 events for a variety of organizations, including American Express, GE, Minnesota Twins, Canadian Olympians, and MIT. By bringing humanity and community back into the workplace, James is on a mission to ensure people are seen, heard, respected… and giggling a little, too. 

Speaker Videos

Choosing to Care: How curiosity creates community in the workplace

No organization wants its people to be apathetic—toward the work, the people, or the community. Community ignites loyalty and drives retention in both in-person and hybrid workplaces, and is built with one simple thing: curiosity. Curiosity is the opposite of apathy. Events are ideal opportunities to authentically connect, reflect, validate, and innovate. In this hysterical and motivational keynote we will talk about how to ask better questions, change the way we hear people’s stories and insights, and adapt the mindset of curiosity. Let’s stop the apathy and the assuming and start learning about each other because curiosity creates community.

Leading Imperfectly: The Value of Being Authentic for Leaders, Professionals, and Human Beings

Hey Superwoman, take off your cape. Hey Batman, take off your mask. Hey decision makers, put away your ego. Let’s talk about who you are personally as a leader and as a partner. As humans, we can’t learn things from people who are perfect, we can only learn things from people who are imperfect. So, it is time to own who you are so you can be real to others and lead through your faults. This deep but hysterical session will leave you feeling introspective about the person you show to others and recognize the rapport and trust building power of authenticity in your communication and relationships. If you’re looking to master the art of courageous feedback and authentic relationship building, this is the session for you.

IMPROV Your Teamwork and Communication

Teamwork and communication are the backbone of any effective organization. These highly interactive workshop(s) focus on highlighting best practices and common pitfalls that teams exhibit in these areas. I will cater each workshop to your team’s specific needs and they can range in length from 1-4 hours. I will stretch your team’s comfort zone, breaking down the barriers that hold us back from authentic and supportive workplaces. At the same time I will create a safe place for people to laugh at themselves and process what they are experiencing.

Find Your Third Place: A work/life balance conversation that’s actually helpful

Hold the eye rolls, this is a conversation about balance that is both realistic and worthwhile! The truth is, work cannot run our lives AND work Is not the only source of our balance issues. In this session James offers an alternative to traditional methods (things like, find one hour of your week and hold it sacred) and, instead, uses the “Third Place Principle” as a way for us to gain more control and purpose. We all crave more balance, and this introspective session will help audiences understand how a Third Place can add more stability at work and home, create more impactful stories, and, most importantly, generate a more fulfilling life.