Apollo Robbins Speaking Fee: $50,000 to $75,000

Apollo Robbins, born in Plainview, Texas, on May 23, 1974, is an American sleight-of-hand artist, security consultant, and self-described "gentleman thief." His fascination with human behavior and misdirection began at an early age, influenced by his two older brothers. Despite facing challenges such as having a blind father and wearing leg braces during childhood, Robbins developed a keen understanding of attention and perception. Robbins gained national attention after a remarkable incident involving former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. While entertaining the President, Robbins skillfully pickpocketed several Secret Service agents, retrieving items including the keys to the motorcade and the itinerary. This bold act showcased his exceptional talent and led to collaborations with law enforcement agencies seeking insights into criminal tactics. In 2006, Robbins founded Whizmob Inc., a consultancy that brings together law enforcement professionals and reformed criminals to study and teach about fraud, theft, and scam trends. His expertise has been sought by various organizations, and he has lectured at institutions such as the Harvard Kennedy School of Business and the Society of Neuroscience. Robbins' unique perspective bridges the gap between entertainment and practical applications in security and human behavior. Robbins' work extends to the entertainment industry, where he has served as a technical advisor and guest on television shows. Notably, he contributed to the TNT series "Leverage" and the Warner Brothers movie "Focus," starring Will Smith and Margot Robbie. He also produced and co-hosted the National Geographic program "Brain Games," which received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Informational Series. His TED Talk, "The Art of Misdirection," is among the top 20 most-viewed TED Talks, highlighting his ability to engage audiences with insights into the flaws of human perception. Throughout his career, Robbins has been featured in publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Atlantic, National Geographic, and The Wall Street Journal. His ability to blend entertainment with insightful commentary on human behavior has made him a sought-after speaker and consultant. Robbins continues to captivate audiences worldwide, demonstrating how easily our perceptions can be manipulated and offering valuable lessons in awareness and attention.