© Hilde Ruitenbeek
From Animal Behavior to Human Behavior
Robert van Schie
Robert van Schie is a speaker, trainer, and consultant for zoo animals where he aims to improve animal welfare. In his lectures, he demonstrates how insights from animal training can be directly applied in teams and organizations. He combines practical stories with relatable examples.
Languages:
Employability:
Keynote spreker
Categories
Animals, Arts Culture & Lifestyle, Behavior Change, Change Management, Communication & Media, Diversity & Inclusion, Education & Learning, Governance & Management, Health, Human Resources, Inclusive Organizational Culture, Individual development, Leadership & Strategy, Lifestyle, Motivation, Organizational Culture, Psychology, Strategy, Work Happiness
Employability:
Keynote spreker,
About Robert van Schie
Robert van Schie started as an animal caretaker at the age of fifteen. He grew into an animal trainer and behavior therapist with 32 years of experience. He has worked with dolphins, sea lions, walruses, gorillas, tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, and many other species. Over the years, he discovered that animals provide the same lessons that leaders, parents, and teachers need daily. Behavior. Trust. Communication. Motivation.
Robert is a speaker and trainer and still serves as a consultant for zoo animals where he aims to improve animal welfare. His lecture ‘Leadership with a Tail’ shows how insights from animal training can be directly applied in teams and organizations. He combines practical stories with relatable examples. He keeps the pace high and actively engages the audience in his narrative.
Additionally, Robert conducts training sessions for companies and zoos, where he utilizes his experience and allows participants to observe animals live. He then collaborates with the group to translate animal behavior into human behavior. This makes his approach concrete and directly applicable for anyone working with people.
Why Clients Book Him
Robert offers a unique perspective. He translates the world of animal behavior into human behavior. He speaks with energy, humor, and sharp observations. His examples are clear and immediately applicable. Organizations choose him because he makes behavior understandable and demonstrates how small steps can have a significant impact.
What animals taught me, I pass on to people. This way, trust, communication, and true leadership grow.
Key Themes
Leadership based on trust. Effective communication and body language. Motivation and behavioral change. Team development and psychological safety. Intuition and being present as a leader. Learning from mistakes. Stronger collaboration through clear agreements and consistent behavior.
About the Lecture ‘Leadership with a Tail’
In this lecture, Robert shows how animal training surprisingly resembles leading people. He shares stories about dolphins, sea lions, and lions, among others. He demonstrates how trust grows, why body language speaks louder than words, what constitutes a good reward, how to motivate without pressure, and how animals teach you to observe behavior without judgment.
The lecture is suitable for leaders, teams, HR, education, and healthcare. It is an energetic session with plenty of interaction and practical insights that provide immediate effects.
Core of His Work
Robert helps you observe like a trainer and act like a leader. He provides you with clear tools for communication, motivation, and collaboration. He ensures a program that is fresh, personal, and enlightening. Organizations book him when they want behavioral change that works and lasts.
Specialist Subjects
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