Robert you have a powerful story. Why don’t you give us some details about you and introduce us to your story. How did you get to where you are today?

I am from Philadelphia and I grew up in a home where my Mother was a Doctor and my Father was an architect. So the desire to work with animals did not come from growing up in an animal friendly home. I was not even allowed to have a pet as I was told they smell and are too much work. So from a young age I found myself checking out books at the library on animals. I was a lover of all animals from a young age. I seemed to zone in on seals in my early teenage years. From about the age of 12 on I knew someday that I was going to become a marine zoologist and specialize in working with seals.

I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?

For one thing, my parents really wanted me to go to school to become a Doctor like my mother. My siblings used to laugh at me at what they call my ‘seal obsession’.  I had to dig deep and just focus on my own goals. I knew that I had to create a life that I wanted to live, not one that my parents wanted me to live. I ended up going to school at UCLA and got my Doctorate in marine zoology. My parents eventually came around. They came out to see a show that I was running at Sea World, Orlando. For the first time I think they actually got it. This is what I enjoy doing. I love animals, particularly seals. I am living my best life, without apology.

Let’s talk about the work you do. What makes you good at what you do?

I specialize in working with seals at Sea World, Orlando. I have a special bond with the sea mammals there. I work with them a minimum of 5 hours a day every day, so they tend to grow on you. One seal in particular Mannie, has really stolen my heart. He is so smart and devoted to just making his human friends happy. It is such a pleasure to come to work every day. Mannie is working on a new trick I started teaching him this week. He is able to give handshakes and kisses while balancing on his flippers. It is quite the site to be seen.

What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?

My best piece of advice is to follow your heart. There will always be adversity to become the person you want to be and live the life you want to live. Sometimes your choices won’t be popular with those around you. You need to stay the path and fight the good fight to live the life YOU choose, not the life others want to choose for you.

Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?

Success to me is being able to go to work every day and do what I love. The fact that I get paid for it is a bonus. I have worked long and hard to achieve my dreams. I will work at Sea World, and with Mannie for as long as they will have me.

What’s next for you Robert?

We are looking to open a new show at Sea World and I will be managing it. It will showcase my seals, and our beloved dolphins. I cannot wait to see my family in the audience cheering me on as do what I love on the stage. Yes I have come a long way, I love what I do.