Share
Gregory Robinson Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerGregory Robinson

TIME100 Pioneer 2022, 33-Year Veteran of NASA, Former Director, James Webb Space Telescope, Columbia University Faculty

A 33-year veteran of NASA, Gregory Robinson is the former director of the $10 billion dollar James Webb Space Telescope (Webb). With 100 times more power than its predecessor, the Hubble Telescope, Webb is considered one of NASA’s greatest achievements of the 21st century. Robinson’s role in not only turning... Read more

Watch Gregory Robinson in action

Popular Talks by Gregory Robinson

  • Taking on your own Moonshot

    Are you looking to inspire your organization to reach for the stars, conquer a huge challenge, or simply see the value of teamwork, open communication and innovative thinking? Let NASA veteran Gregory Robinson guide you on a journey to the far reaches of space and limitless human potential, going behind-the-scenes…
  • A NASA-Inspired Approach to Leading Innovation in any Organization

    Today, most organizations must innovate or fall behind. But what’s the key to leading innovation and overcoming challenges and failures? It isn’t just about hiring very talented people. At NASA, Gregory Robinson worked with, led and managed some of the world’s most accomplished scientists and engineers. Instead, he says, it’s…
  • From Sharecroppers’ Son to Time’s Most Influential People List

    Just being an engineer in a time when few Blacks were in STEM professions would have been an achievement. Just getting into NASA—where the ranks of Black professionals were few and far between would have been an inspiring success story. But Gregory Robinson’s against-all-odds journey to leading the James Webb…
  • Managing Global Teams in Turbulent Times

    When Greg Robinson took over the leadership of the James Webb Space Telescope, it was years behind schedule, billions over budget, tarnished by engineering failures and waning stakeholder confidence. The trouble didn’t end there. COVID, hurricanes, and other obstacles soon stood in the way of success. Still, Robinson managed to…

Biography

A 33-year veteran of NASA, Gregory Robinson is the former director of the $10 billion dollar James Webb Space Telescope (Webb). With 100 times more power than its predecessor, the Hubble Telescope, Webb is considered one of NASA’s greatest achievements of the 21st century. Robinson’s role in not only turning around an over budget program that was tarnished by a series of setbacks—but actually raising its efficiency rating from 55% to 95%—is attributed to his winning leadership style and willingness to shake up the status quo. He is credited with radically streamlining communications with multiple stakeholders (including four different committees in Congress, the Office of Management, Budget, aerospace contractors, international space agencies, the White House and more), smoothing political tensions, motivating teams and elevating transparency. He also drew widespread praise for his calm, soft-spoken leadership and communications style, and effective oversight of nearly 20,000 scientists, engineers and support staff in 29 countries and 14 U.S. states. Today, Webb is one million miles from Earth, transmitting never-before seen images. Over its projected 20-year lifespan, the space observatory is expected to capture galaxies being born and record the very origins of the universe itself, in many ways thanks to Robinson’s quiet, unassuming and highly effective leadership.

In honor of his achievements, Robinson was named to TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022 and EBONY’s 2022 Power 100 lists, and is a recipient of the TIME100 Impact Award. He was named 2022 Federal Employee of the Year and received the 2022 Distinguished Presidential Rank Award, one of the highest awards bestowed upon career senior executives by the President of the United States of America. His talents were also recognized by Columbia University, which recruited him to the faculty of the School of Professional Studies, where he now lectures on information and knowledge strategy and leading large, complex projects.

Ready to invite Gregory Robinson to your event?

Tell us about your event, one of our consultants will reach out within 24 hours.

How to book Gregory Robinson as a keynote speaker

How do I book Gregory Robinson for a keynote speech?

You can book Gregory Robinson through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Gregory's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Gregory Robinson's speaking fees?

Gregory Robinson's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Gregory tailored to your event.

What topics does Gregory Robinson speak about?

Gregory Robinson speaks on Future & Technology. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Gregory to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Gregory Robinson available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Gregory Robinson for events worldwide, subject to Gregory's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Gregory Robinson deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Gregory Robinson is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Gregory Robinson?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Gregory can accommodate.

Can Gregory Robinson tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Gregory Robinson on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Gregory can offer.

What languages does Gregory Robinson present in?

Gregory Robinson delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Gregory Robinson a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Gregory Robinson's areas of expertise include Future & Technology. To get a clear sense of Gregory's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Gregory Robinson speak at?

Gregory Robinson can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Future & Technology is relevant. Details of Gregory's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Gregory Robinson offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Gregory Robinson is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Gregory Robinson?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Gregory Robinson, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Gregory's current availability for your dates.