Carl Hobert

Author, Mentoring & Leadership Expert

Carl Hobert

Author, Mentoring & Leadership Expert

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Biography

Carl Hobert is the author of the critically acclaimed Raising Global IQ: Preparing Our Students for a Shrinking Planet and a globally recognized expert in international conflict resolution and mentoring-based leadership development. He teaches audiences how to build secure Communities of Trust, where the prevention of violence and dysfunction — rather than reaction to it — becomes the norm.

Carl draws on decades of experience working with youth, adolescents, and adults on four continents, including a transformative near-death experience in Africa that deepened his understanding of resilience, purpose, and human potential. As an Amigos Mentor in Massachusetts, he works directly with at-risk youth on gang violence prevention, developing skills in relationship-building, guidance, and motivation that translate directly to leadership and professional settings.

Building on this work, Carl trains executives and organizations to design and implement effective mentoring programs that develop talent, strengthen workplace culture, and foster engagement. He also helps organizations create community outreach initiatives that connect employees with youth for meaningful, measurable social impact.

With exceptional stage presence and real-world experience, Carl delivers practical, step-by-step strategies audiences can apply immediately — leaving leaders inspired, informed, and equipped to build trust, resilience, and connection in both professional and community environments.

Carl is fluent in English, Spanish, and French. He holds a BA in French and Political Science and an MA in Spanish from Middlebury College, as well as an MA in International Security Studies from the Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

Speaker Videos

Alumni Achievement Talk 2023 - Carl Hobert ‘83

Speech Topics

From the Community to the Boardroom: How Mentoring Builds Trust, Leadership & Lasting Impact

Mentoring is not charity — it is leadership development. Drawing from his work with at-risk youth and executive teams, Carl shows how mentoring builds trust, sharpens decision-making, and strengthens organizational culture. Leaders leave with a practical framework they can apply immediately in their organizations and communities.

Mentoring as a Strategic Advantage: How Organizations Grow Talent from the Inside Out

Structured mentoring programs increase engagement, retention, and performance while strengthening workplace culture. Carl teaches leaders how to design and implement mentoring systems that develop talent and build trust across teams.

Building Resilient Teams Through Mentoring: Leadership Skills That Hold Under Pressure

Mentoring develops emotional intelligence, accountability, and problem-solving — the core skills of resilient teams. Carl shows how to embed mentoring into daily workflows, so teams perform effectively during change, stress, and uncertainty.

Mentorship in Action: Practical Tools Leaders Can Use Tomorrow

An interactive, skills-based session focused on how to mentor effectively — listening, asking better questions, setting boundaries, and guiding without controlling. Participants leave with tools they can use immediately.

Mentoring That Changes Outcomes: What At-Risk Youth Can Teach Us About Leadership

Based on Carl’s work as an Amigos Mentor, this talk shows how effective mentoring reduces violence, builds confidence, and changes life trajectories — and why those same skills are essential in professional and organizational leadership.

Communities of Trust: Why Prevention Always Beats Reaction

Burnout, disengagement, and violence are often failures of connection. Carl explains how mentoring builds trust early, preventing crises rather than reacting to them later — in schools, organizations, and communities.

Chess as a Mentoring Tool: Developing Strategy, Focus & Leadership

Chess teaches patience, foresight, accountability, and decision-making under pressure. Carl demonstrates how chess can be used as a mentoring framework for youth and professionals alike — building confidence, discipline, and strategic thinking.

Testimonials

"You made a huge impression on everyone here. There is one man who has come up to me several times and commented ‘I still haven’t gotten over that talk.’ You rocked our world here."

- Concord Free Public Library

"Carl Hobert offers a unique and refreshing approach to studying global conflicts. I attended his two-day workshop at Boston University to gather ideas for teaching a senior elective on resolving global conflicts. Hobert transformed my classroom into a dynamic space for active negotiations. He demonstrated a warm spirit and enthusiasm for working with young people and equipping them with critical skills."

- History Teacher, Thayer Academy

"Carl is an extraordinary communicator. He has an ability to connect with young people from various backgrounds and get them to work together towards a common goal. He is diligent in preparing young people and, like a great teacher and coach, he pushes them to perform at a higher level than they are used to. Negotiation, debate, and compromise are integral skills which Carl both possesses and draws out in students."

- Director, Center for Entrepreneurial & Global Studies

"A lot of schools give talk to “global education” but often without the substance, resources, and skills you are able to bring to the table. I love how you helped our students (and faculty) realize the importance of developing and awareness of their place in an ever-shrinking world, the knowledge and skills to be effective participants in a global community, and the insight and sensitivity to craft sustainable solutions to the challenges of our/their time. As you state so eloquently and powerfully, these students will be the ones conducting international diplomacy very shortly."

- Director of Community Connections, Marin Country Day School

"Over the past three years, The Out-of-Door Academy (ODA) has had the privilege of hosting four conflict resolution workshops led by Carl Hobert. Without exception, each workshop had a lasting impact on students and faculty. Mr. Hobert’s greatest attribute is his belief in the intellect and empathy of youth…[his] ice-breakers and body language illustrated the importance of connecting with students beyond subject matter. I highly recommend [Mr. Hobert’s] workshops as an experience that will have positive ripple effects on numerous levels throughout a school community."

- The Out-of-Door Academy

"I am so happy and so thrilled at how much I learned; I now know that even kids at our age can do things to help save and improve the world. Now I know that I shouldn't be afraid to speak my opinion because America is a free country and everyone has the freedom to speak. I also know that one day, through my actions, I will possibly be able to change the world even if it does take work and time."

- Student, James Giles Elementary School

“Carl is an extraordinary communicator who connects with people from all backgrounds. Like a master teacher and coach, he motivates teams to perform at higher levels, fostering negotiation, debate, and collaboration in ways that stick.”

- Corporate Leadership Program

“You made a huge impression on everyone here. One attendee even said, ‘I have still not gotten over that talk.’ Carl truly rocks the world of his audience.”

- Conference Organizer