Check Out Craig Robinson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Robinson.

Hi Craig, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My professional journey has really been an evolution, guided by a principle I call ‘Curiosity Over Conviction.’ It started on a more traditional path in commercial real estate, where I spent years at firms like CBRE and AIG Investments, and later as a division CEO at Cassidy Turley (now Cushman & Wakefield), Colliers International and Newmark. That world taught me the fundamentals of business, leadership, and how to build value.

The first major shift came when I moved into executive roles at high-growth, impact companies like WeWork and later Industrious (which was acquired by CBRE). I was at the epicenter of the global conversation about the future of work. It was no longer just about office space; it was about culture, community, and human potential. I saw firsthand that while companies were chasing growth and efficiency, the most successful ones were those that also prioritized their people’s well-being and fulfillment. That observation sparked a deep curiosity in me about the drivers of happiness, both in and out of the office.

That curiosity led me back home to Atlanta, where I’ve intentionally designed a ‘portfolio’ career that allows me to engage with this topic from multiple angles. As an adjunct professor at Emory’s Goizueta Business School, I get to explore these ideas with the next generation of leaders. As an independent board director and advisor, I help organizations build stronger, more human-centric cultures.

This entire journey—from the c-suite to the classroom—has culminated in my forthcoming book, The Happiness Reboot – The Path to Reclaiming Your Joy. It’s my synthesis of everything I’ve learned about weaving together professional ambition with a deep and authentic sense of purpose.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been anything but a smooth road, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. The biggest challenges are often the most valuable teachers.

For me, the most significant struggle wasn’t a single failed project; it was a growing internal conflict. By every traditional metric, I was successful—climbing the corporate ladder, leading divisions, and achieving the goals I had set. But that relentless pursuit of external validation came at a significant cost. It began to take a serious toll on my health, my marriage, and my own sense of happiness. I was succeeding on paper, but I felt like I was failing at life.

The hardest part was trying to reimagine an identity that wasn’t centered on a C-suite title and the visible markers of success. Stepping off that corporate treadmill wasn’t just a career change; it was a leap of faith into the unknown.

However, after a few years of deep introspection and intentional work, I started charting a new path—one centered not on achievement, but on happiness and health. That struggle was the genesis of everything I do now. It forced me to redefine success on my own terms and allowed me to discover new passions like scuba diving, fitness, and writing. That entire journey is what gave me the insights for my coaching, public speaking and advisory work, and for my book, The Happiness Reboot. The bumps in the road weren’t obstacles on my path; they became the path.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
While my career has been rooted in the business world, I’d like to talk about my life as a creative. It’s a role I’ve stepped into more recently, but it’s the most accurate description of my professional life today.

My primary creative project is my forthcoming book, The Happiness Reboot. My goal was to avoid writing a preachy or scientific manual. Instead, I use a Socratic method—engaging the reader with stories, humor, and practical frameworks to help them interrogate their biggest assumptions about their careers, relationships, and faith. To make it real, I share my own trials and tribulations, humbling myself as the primary example of the journey.

What makes this project uniquely creative is the deep collaboration with my brother, Janssen Robinson, an amazing visual artist and painter also based here in Atlanta. Together, we use his thought-provoking images, cartoons, and graphics to tell a story in a way that words alone can’t. We hope this blend of words and art will inspire readers to find the courage to organize their lives around their own true and authentic happiness.

On a more personal level, my creative energy extends to my passions. For fun, I love filming ocean life when scuba diving and making short videos, which I mostly post on Instagram. It’s my way of sharing the breathtaking beauty of our planet. When not diving, I love collecting art, listening to music, and traveling to distant places. All of these pursuits help expand my understanding of the world around me and fuel my curiosity.

This creative chapter is the culmination of everything that came before it. My business career provided the raw material and the real-world laboratory, but it’s this creative work—in all its forms—that truly brings my mission to life.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
That’s a great question. My main advice is to reframe the entire concept from ‘networking’ to ‘relationship building.’ Networking often feels transactional and driven by a short-term goal, while building relationships is about creating genuine, long-term connections.

With that mindset, a few things have worked for me. First, always lead with generosity. Before you ever think about asking for something, think about what you can give. It could be an introduction, an article, or just a piece of encouragement. Add value to someone’s world with no expectation of immediate return.

Second, instead of searching for a single, all-knowing ‘mentor,’ I advise people to curate a ‘personal board of directors.’ This is a diverse group of trusted individuals—peers, senior leaders, and even younger people—who can offer different perspectives on the various aspects of your life and career. Your board can evolve over time, but its purpose is to provide holistic counsel, not just a leg up the ladder.

Personally, my entire portfolio career is built on a foundation of these deep, authentic relationships. My most effective strategy has been my guiding principle: ‘Curiosity Over Conviction.’ When I meet someone, my goal isn’t to pitch or persuade. My goal is to be genuinely curious about their story, their perspective, and what drives them. That curiosity has been the key to every meaningful connection I’ve made.

Finally, the most rewarding part of this journey has been becoming a mentor myself. The process of giving back, whether to students or to founders I advise, is a powerful reminder that the best way to grow your network is to be the kind of person that others want to have in theirs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.craigmrobinson.com/
• Instagram: KeepGoingDeeper
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigmrobinson/

Image Credits
A few of the professional photos were taken by Dan Rodriguez. Others were taken by friends on iphones and/or not requiring image credits.