Introducing James Robilotta—a 2011 New Speaker
James Robilotta brings a new perspective to the popular topic of student leadership for a keynote like you’ve never heard before, and one in which you’ve never laughed as much.
James joined the CAMPUSPEAK team in 2011, bringing with him an engaging, thought-provoking keynote that is laced with humor that students can appreciate.
We got together with James to learn a little more about him, his keynotes and how he landed in the world of collegiate speaking.
1) Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in a luscious suburbia town called Sayville, NY. I received my B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. I then went to Clemson University and earned my Masters in Counselor Education in Higher Education Administration (makes sense, right?). I also became a proud brother of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. while at Clemson. I currently live in New York City and have worked in Higher Education for 10+ years, predominantly in residence life and have been speaking/presenting for 9 years.
Random Facts: I am a paid freestyle rapper in New York City; no matter what else is on my plate, I will always finish the potato products first because I hate cold potatoes; I once won $750 in a 10-week-long karaoke competition; I have been doing improv comedy since 2005; I used to sleep with a stuffed-animal walrus named Schmedley.
2) What part of the higher education world interests you, that made you want to become a speaker with CAMPUSPEAK?
I wanted to become a speaker because speaking allows me to do the two things I love the most: having a positive impact on individuals’ lives and making people laugh! CAMPUSPEAK was the only agency I wanted to be affiliated with—they represent innovative education brought to you by individuals who are passionate about being change agents. Throughout the time I have been working in higher education, my passion for working with college students has increased exponentially. I believe that in high school, students find out who they are, but it is in college where students figure out why they are who they are; and, that is such a crucial moment of growth in which I love being involved.
3) You’re all about student leadership. What got you interested in speaking to students about this topic?
When I was a first-year student at UNCW I was incredibly homesick and constantly questioned why I chose a school so far from my family and friends. I got involved very minimally at first, but then I became a Resident Assistant and really found my purpose at college. Grades were obviously important, but I needed more to feel a sense of ownership and pride in my college experience. In doing that, I uncovered a passion for empowering students to find their forte and harness their natural talents, while owning their weaknesses, in order to create their own college experiences and leave their own legacies.
4) What are three things you hope students take away after listening to your keynotes?
1. I hope each student realizes that being him or herself is better than being anyone else. That genuineness is crucial and that sometimes all it takes is getting out of your own way.
2. I hope they feel like it was more of a conversation with a friend than a speech.
3. I predict they’ll think: ‘this guy is quirky, but he’s funny, so it’s all good.”
5) There are a lot of speakers out there talking about student leadership, what makes your leadership keynotes different?
It comes down to the way I connect with students. I was an over-involved student leader in undergrad and grad school, and know what it’s like to be in a student organization that is performing and raising the bar for other organizations. I also know what it’s like to be in a club that is “storming” and can’t get anything done because “Mopey Moses” and “Bombastic Barbara” on the executive board just broke up and the rest of the club is socially divided now. I strive to make my keynotes to be more like conversations. I feel that I am very relatable to students and quirky at the same time. Because of my improv experience, each one of my keynotes is different because I am constantly riffing with the audience. Lastly, I think the best way to someone’s heart is through laughter. If my audiences are not laughing then I missed an awesome opportunity to connect with them… good thing I’m fairly funny!
6) What is your personal perspective on student leadership?
As leaders it’s your job to not only change others’ lives, but let them change yours.
7) It’s kind of your trademark to come up with your own quirky acronyms, like PHEAM or PEORM. How did this come about?
Some people create acronyms using buzzwords like “success,” or “dreams.” For me, I find the words that best accent my message and then I have fun coming up with an acronym around them. I also love it when people who have seen me speak come up to me and say “PHEAM!” or “PEORM!”
8) What do you hope to accomplish as a speaker?
I want to connect with students—it’s that simple for me. We are all at different places in our leadership development, but I strive to get to know each student individually and start the conversation from there. Going forward, my biggest hope is that I can continue making personal connections with students and student affairs professionals from around the country. I am an obnoxiously big extrovert—I get my energy from interacting with people, hearing their stories and growing with them.
9) What are some of your interests outside of work?
Some of my biggest interests outside of work are spending time with my family and friends, improv comedy, digital photography, hip-hop and trying new restaurants. My improv and stand-up comedy background transcends to most into my speaking. I heavily utilize humor to increase the stickiness of my message. I would say on average, I use about 47 knock-knock jokes per keynote. For example:
Me: Knock knock
You: Who’s there?
Me: Leader
You: Leader who?
Me: Leadership, AAAAAALLLL ABOARD!!!! insert tugboat sound
Get it?
Please note, I have never and will never use this joke or any one like it any keynote I ever do.
In all seriousness, my background in improv comedy allows me to play off of the audience creating a much more casual atmosphere where I feel free-flowing dialogue best occurs.
10) What’s your favorite quote? And why?
My favorite quote is by Bob Moawad who said, “You can’t leave footprints in the sands of time if you are sitting on your butt. And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?” I love this quote not only for the message it conveys, but also for of the visual it inspires. It tells me to get up, get out of my own way, and strive to leave a legacy everywhere I go.
James’ keynotes are a refreshing choice for first year experience, leadership, residence life or team building programming.
Check out campuspeak.com/robilotta to learn more about James and his keynotes, Check Your Leadership Ego and More Action, Less Title: Empowering Student Leaders To Do More.
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