We connect peoplethrough meaningful stories

Built on the power of storytelling.

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Real Impact,
Real Stories

+DOCUMENTARY

Sandy Hook: One Decade Later

+CASE STUDY

Google: Values Alignment at Scale

Robert X. Fogarty founded Dear World as a humanitarian project in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

The project gained global recognition for his distinct portrait style, in which people shared messages with the world in a simple way: written in washable black ink on their skin.

Since that genesis, we have expanded our work 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.

Write your future with us.

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

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

What do CEOs say about Dear World?

Have a leader who hates the touchy feely stuff or is more comfortable with your standard celebrity thought leader? Listen to Nuance CEO Mark Benjamin reflect on his end to end experience with us, one year after his event.

Founder Intent

"We didn't just build a methodology.
We built a way to finally be SEEN.
"

Robert X. Fogarty

Founder / Dear World

Testimonials / Impact

"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

"When the whole team shares something deeply personal, you don’t just have a chance to become closer — you do. It had nothing to do with basketball, and yet it had everything to do with basketball."

Mike Krzyzewski

Duke University

"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

"Dear World is the strongest tool I’ve seen for helping people understand themselves and connect authentically with others."

Daniel Raedel, Psy.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

"Dear World opens the door to honest communication and gives students the courage to take risks and share their stories."

Stephanie Barksdale

Tulane University

"As the Executive Producer for our largest event, I collaborate with many speakers, but Robert stands out as a true creative partner. He took the time to deeply understand our audience of critical care nurses and worked closely with our team to craft a program that felt authentic, thoughtful, and perfectly aligned with our goals. What he delivered on stage was far more than a keynote. It was a shared experience that invited our audience to reflect, connect, and recognize the power of their own stories. Robert's ability to collaborate, listen, and co-create made the entire process seamless and incredibly rewarding."

Jennifer Bitting

Executive Producer, National Teaching Institute / American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

"They provide a process that is authentic, safe, and memorable for us to truly tell our stories and listen to our colleagues."

Thomas Fuchs

VP, Market Analysis and Strategy Genentech

"Dear World makes friends of strangers. Their process is remarkable because colleagues truly begin to understand the stories within their team."

Patty McCord

Former Chief Talent Officer, Netflix

If your people are
navigating change,
this work helps them move forward.

Let’s talk about what your moment requires.

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