Asia-based motivational keynote speaker and adventurer Rob Lilwall shares mindsets that inspire audiences to be more positive, courageous and resilient.

Asia-based motivational keynote speaker and adventurer Rob Lilwall shares mindsets that inspire audiences to be more positive, courageous and resilient.
Rob Lilwall is an internationally recognized keynote speaker celebrated for inspiring and engaging audiences across the globe.
With over 15 years of experience delivering impactful keynotes, Rob masterfully combines thrilling adventure stories with actionable insights, creating presentations that resonate with audiences of all industries and team sizes. From corporate conferences to client events and leadership summits, Rob’s talks leave attendees empowered and ready to embrace change.
His adventures include cycling 50,000 km from Siberia to England via Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan, trekking 5,000 km from Mongolia to Hong Kong, and navigating 1,000 km solo through China’s “Desert of Death.” Featured on Nat Geo TV and in his acclaimed books Cycling Home from Siberia and Walking Home from Mongolia, Rob’s stories are both inspiring and filled with practical lessons.
Rob is based in Hong Kong and is regularly invited to Dubai and all over the world as a professional keynote speaker.
More than just an adventurer, Rob is a gifted storyteller, blending authenticity, humor, and actionable takeaways. His ability to connect with audiences makes him a preferred choice for event organisers worldwide.
Extraordinary Stories: Rob’s incredible experiences—surviving -40°C Siberian winters, cycling across the Himalayas and trekking through Papua New Guinea’s jungles—captivate and inspire audiences, leaving them motivated and empowered.
Engaging Sessions: Rob’s keynotes are far from ordinary lectures; they are interactive, lively, and infused with humor, ensuring attendees stay engaged from start to finish.
Tailored Impact: While Rob’s themes of resilience and adaptability are universally relevant, he customizes his presentations to meet the unique objectives of your event.
“..after our first meeting, I knew Rob was the right choice for our annual client conference. Clients and colleagues were so impressed [at our Orlando event], that we had him speak at two subsequent conferences in Warsaw and Singapore this year. Rob’s story perfectly aligned with our theme of resiliency and the importance of a growth mindset and he even tailored his presentation to include some of the strategic themes gleaned from our global keynote.” – Traci F., SVP, Citi
“Rob is a true inspiration and a great speaker. His keynote speech I attended to APAC-wide kickoff in Singapore was engaging, upbeat, loaded with motivating messages about workplace resilience and goal achievements” – Mirza A., Director of Sales, Milestone Systems
“During our team building session in Singapore, Rob was giving the keynote session on how to overcome challenges as a team. His speech was super exciting and engaging as he could draw the parallels from his adventures and life-threatening experiences to the importance of collaborating as a team and how to ensure a high level of resilience under the daily pressures of a competitive business environment. Thank you, Rob!” – Jan-Klaus T., Managing Director, BOMAG
“Hiring Rob as a keynote for the CoreNet Singapore Chapter 2019 Annual Symposium supported the highest registration turnout to date. He was a pleasure to work with, and easily built our theme into an inspiring story that he delivered en pointe and with captivating ease, candour, energy, and enthusiasm…. Audience remarks and accolades included “inspiring”, “thought-provoking”, “energetic”, and “refreshing difference to typical real estate topics”. – Anna W., Board Chair, CoreNet Singapore
Setting the Tone for Your Event
A keynote sets the emotional and intellectual atmosphere for your event. Whether at the opening, midway, or conclusion, Rob’s speech unites attendees with inspiration, reflection, and enjoyment, fostering a shared positive experience.
Delivering a Transformative Experience
Through storytelling, vivid imagery, and actionable insights, Rob’s keynotes transport audiences into a realm of possibility, leaving them inspired and ready to embrace change.
Reinvigorating Audience Engagement
When energy levels dip, a powerful keynote can reignite curiosity and enthusiasm. Rob’s presentations inspire active participation and meaningful engagement throughout your event.
Creating Unforgettable Moments
Rob’s compelling stories leave a lasting impact on attendees, strengthening their connection to your organization and create a memorable event experience.
Driving Tangible Change
Rob empowers attendees with actionable strategies to tackle challenges, embrace change, and seize opportunities, ensuring they are equipped to make a real impact.
Tip #1: Clarify Your Event Goals
Define whether your focus is on inspiring change, building resilience, or fostering collaboration. Clear objectives will guide your choice of speaker.
Tip #2: Understand Your Audience
Consider whether your attendees prefer inspiring stories or actionable insights. Selecting a speaker who aligns with these preferences ensures a more meaningful experience.
Tip #3: Seek Proven Experience
Choose a speaker with a history of success at similar events, particularly in Dubai and the GCC region. This ensures confidence in their ability to deliver. Rob has extensive experience as an event keynote speaker in Dubai and globally.
Tip #4: Focus on Relevance
Select a speaker who can customize their content to reflect your industry, audience, and event objectives.
Tip #5: Prioritize Engagement
Choose a speaker who captivates with authenticity, energy, and humor, keeping your audience engaged from start to finish.
InterContinental Dubai Marina
This stylish hotel in the heart of Dubai Marina offers contemporary accommodations, exceptional dining, and convenient access to Jumeirah Beach. Its intimate setting makes it perfect for impactful events
Conrad Dubai
Renowned for its elegant design, breathtaking city views and cutting-edge meeting spaces, the Conrad Dubai on Sheikh Road is the ideal venue for professional and inspiring gatherings.
Hyde Hotel Dubai
Located in Business Bay, the Hyde Hotel Dubai offers a unique and stylish venue for motivational events with its blend of contemporary luxury and creative flair.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel
The iconic Jumeirah Emirates Towers on Sheikh Zayed Road is a premier venue for upscale corporate and motivational events, offering premium facilities and world-class hospitality.
Aloft Dubai Airport
Located near Dubai International Airport, the vibrant and design-forward Aloft Dubai Airport offers versatile event spaces, modern amenities, and a convenient location ideal for motivational talks and business workshops.
In the bustling business landscape of Dubai, keynote speakers play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of conferences, corporate events, and gatherings. As a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, the City of Gold attracts top-tier talent, and keynote speakers are no exception. These individuals are not just experts in their respective fields; they are masters of communication, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and captivating storytelling to the stage.
Whether the goal is to ignite passion, drive innovation, or foster collaboration, keynote speakers deliver impactful messages that resonate with the city’s diverse and ambitious audience. They understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with operating in this dynamic environment, and their insights leave a lasting impression, contributing significantly to the success of events in this thriving metropolis.
The cost of hiring a keynote speaker in Dubai and the UAE varies based on several factors, including the speaker’s experience, expertise, event duration, audience size, and travel requirements. It’s best to contact the speaker directly to discuss your specific needs and obtain a personalized quote.
The world of professional keynote speaking boasts a diverse array of talented individuals who captivate audiences with their expertise and charisma. Some of the best include:
These exceptional keynote speakers bring unique perspectives and powerful messages to the stage, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
The best keynote speakers go beyond simply delivering information; they create an experience. They are master storytellers, weaving narratives that resonate with the audience on an emotional level. Using humor, visuals, and interactive elements to keep attendees engaged, they tailor their message to the specific audience and event objectives. Most importantly, they speak with authenticity and passion, leaving a lasting impression that inspires action.