Robert X. Fogarty founded Dear World as a humanitarian project in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The project gained global recognition for his distinct interview and portrait style. He would interview people about what message they would send to the world and then they would write a short message in washable black ink on their body. Since then we have developed multiple storytelling methods to help organizations close the gap between what they say they stand for and how people actually experience their mission, vision, and values. People tell stories to understand what they have endured, what they value, and who they hope to become. Our mission is clear: we connect people by helping them share the meaningful stories that shape their lives.

Strengthening CultureThrough Personal Stories

Interactive keynotes. Built on the power of storytelling.

Scroll to Explore

Real Impact,
Real Stories

+CASE STUDY

Google POPS Leadership Summit

View work

+DOCUMENTARY

Sandy Hook: One Decade Later

View work

Hi, I'mRobert X. Fogarty

As an interactive keynote speaker and the founder of Dear World, I've photographed more than 1 million people sharing the message they'd send to the world — written in washable black ink on their skin.

It started as a humanitarian project in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Today, we help organizations close the gap between what they say they stand for and how their people actually experience it — at conferences of 5,000 and boardrooms of 10.

Consider this your invitation to write your future with us.

Let's Get Personal

Happy Clients

How the Dear World
interactive keynote works

Robert's work isn't about leadership theory. It is the actual work.

Our core 3-part process unlocks powerful connections

Act 1

Opening interactive keynote

Act 2

Portrait and Video Shoot

Act 3

Storytelling Closing and Photo Reveal

Our process can scale up or down with ease to match events of almost any shape and size.

Write Your Future

Values Transformation

Close the gap
between values and experience.

We help organizations close the gap between what they say they stand for and how people experience their mission, vision and values.

Learn How It Works

CEO Perspective

Watch a CEO talk about how Dear World helped transform his company's purpose.

“Dear World helps me see that there is nothing wrong being extraordinarily authentic. We need to be more public about what we truly believe.”

Pierre Nanterme

Former CEO, Accenture · 1959–2019

“I definitely let my heart speak. It went beyond imagination. It is certainly the first time in my life I’ve been so personal.”

Testimonials / Impact

“We became so much closer as a group”

Coach Mike Krzyzewski—Duke Men’s Basketball

"I’ve been doing leadership summits and leadership events my entire career, and I can honestly say this was the best experience I’ve ever had."

Alex Chriss

CEO, PayPal

"Every Airman has a story — and this work made a huge difference in mine."

Lt. Gen. VeraLinn “Dash” Jamieson, Ret.

United States Air Force

"I’ve never seen an exercise break down barriers faster than this one. If you want a group to connect and bond quickly, I would highly recommend Dear World."

Malaika Myers

CHRO, Hyatt Hotels Corporation