Speaking Testimonials

Rob is a very well regarded expert on social network analysis and collaboration who has shared his incredible understanding of the issues at two Conference Board events to great success. He recently spoke at The Conference Board’s Annual Talent Management Strategies Conference which attracts approximately 200 top HR executives. His presentation was very well received, with executives in attendance commenting on his gregarious, approachable style; the depth of his presentation, and the real value that it presented in terms of applicability to their challenges. He also recently presented to another group of HR executives via a webcast. Even in this format, Rob engaged the audience and kept the energy level up throughout the session, indeed, we ran a little overtime because the audience had so many questions. Clearly the depth of his understanding and the passion for the subject are significant drivers of this success. They are matched by his humor and a modest approach that puts the ideas front and center. We would highly recommend him as a speaker for an executive audience.

Jean McNulty and Russell Morris
Program Directors, The Conference Board

Among the more successful events we produce is the Annual Knowledge Management Conference and Exhibition. In its 8th year, this popular event brings together more than 1,000 government professionals and their industry counterparts. Rob Cross of the University of Virginia participated in the 7th Annual KM Conference in April 2006 and was a member of the single most popular session of the three-day conference. Rob’s contribution motivated one long-term event attendee to report: “Kill me now, it doesn’t get any better than this!” Many participants noted this was “the best session of the conference,” and discussed a valuable topic for large organizations that needs to improve their communications strategies and results. We were delighted that Rob Cross participated and will actively encourage his contribution to future events. He is a recognized expert in the discipline and provides practical, actionable information on how all can leverage the power of social networks to improve their daily operations.

Martha McGrath
Director of Programs, FCW Events

Rob Cross was recently the keynote speaker for our Chief Marketing Officers' event.  This event is presented by The American Lawyer and Law Firm Inc. and includes several hundred very senior law firm executives. Rob was thoughtful, insightful, articulate and most importantly his message resonated with the audience.  Rob received excellent reviews from our attendees.

Kimberly K. Fine
Managing Director, Conferences and Content, ALM Events

EDA Networks forms, facilitates and manages peer networks for HR executives from the largest organizations in the world.  The firm currently has 10 networks with over 250 executives from over 200 organizations. In the fall of 2006, Rob ran a session on social networks for our Chief Learning Officer Forum.  He did a wonderful job in bringing this somewhat esoteric topic to light for our members and also very effectively linked organization network analysis to bottom-line business outcomes. Rob’s speaking style is engaging, witty, and provocative.  I'd wholeheartedlyrecommend him as a speaker or seminar leader to any organization.

Michael Dulworth
President & CEO, EDA Networks

As the Executive Director of the Center for Information Management Studies (CIMS) at Babson College I am always looking for top talent to speak about interesting topics to IT executives. When I heard Rob Cross talk about social networks at a research conference I knew he would resonate with action-oriented IT executives. He did! Based upon his outstanding presentation at Babson, I was delighted to recommend Rob as a keynote speaker for the Society of Information Management (SIM) at their international symposium on innovation in 2005. Cross is an authority on organizational networks and a gifted speaker who brings high levels of insight and enthusiasm to his audiences. His messages about the impacts of “energizer” and “de-energizer” individuals are great

Kavin Moody
Executive Director, CIMS and Board Member, SIM

Rob Cross is one of those rare speakers who ties academic research to business examples in a crystal clear way. His work on social network analysis is especially important for our clients, large commercial and federal IT organizations who need to deliver on both innovation and operational efficiency.  Harnessing the power of people in a connected world is key for this, and as organizations get bigger and the connections more complex, taking a disciplined approach to making the most of those connections is something organizations will need to do. Rob makes his material actionable – he tells you what to do with it or what the implications of the data are.  He speaks with energy and passion, drawing the audience in with his easy-going style that invites questions and discussion.  Rob keeps the audience engaged, learning and wanting to hear more.

Bill Koff
Chief Technology Officer, and Director Leading Edge Forum, CSC