Meet Robyn Mussler

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robyn Mussler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Robyn, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

My little sister Susie, who had Down syndrome, was one of the most remarkable teachers in my life. From the moment she was born, she faced challenges that most people couldn’t imagine but she met every obstacle with a smile, unwavering curiosity, and a courage that inspired everyone around her. Watching her navigate a world that often underestimated her taught me that strength isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence, creativity, and heart.

Susie showed me that everyone has a place in this world and that every person deserves the chance to lead in their own way. That lesson became the foundation for everything I do, including founding NGT360, now Sharkmakers. When I created this program, I wanted it to be more than a technology and entrepreneurship initiative. I wanted it to be a space where young people could discover their own strengths, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and realize they are the CEO of their own lives.

Every time I watch a student team tackle a tough challenge, iterate on their ideas, and shine in ways they never imagined, I see a bit of Susie’s spirit in them. She taught me to lead with heart, to create opportunities for others, and to believe that no obstacle is too big when you approach it with courage and love. Her influence continues to guide Sharkmakers, and it reminds me daily why empowering others to find their place and lead with purpose is the most meaningful work I could ever do.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Robyn Mussler is a seasoned leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for youth innovation whose work blends technology, education, and accessibility in transformative ways. Inspired by her little sister Susie, who had Down syndrome, Robyn has dedicated her career to creating opportunities that empower young people to embrace challenges, develop critical skills, and lead with heart.

She is the founder of Sharkmakers, formerly known as NGT360, a pioneering youth innovation program that teaches high school and collegiate students to solve real-world problems through entrepreneurship, technology, and design thinking. What makes Sharkmakers unique is its focus not just on skills, but on mindset—helping students understand that they are the CEOs of their own lives, capable of leading, creating, and making a difference in the world.

For Robyn, the most exciting part of her work is witnessing students transform their ideas into impactful solutions, often addressing accessibility, social impact, and emerging technology challenges. Every student project carries the spirit of resilience and curiosity that Susie inspired in her, and every success is a reminder of why inclusive, opportunity-driven education matters.

Currently, Robyn is focused on expanding Sharkmakers nationally, bringing the program’s model of youth innovation, mentorship, and entrepreneurship to more schools and communities. This season includes new high school and collegiate cohorts, opportunities for mentors and sponsors to engage directly with student teams, and a series of competitions that showcase student ingenuity on both regional and national stages.

Robyn Mussler is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders to lead with heart, innovate with purpose, and embrace the challenges that shape their future. Through Sharkmakers, she continues to transform education into an experience that is dynamic, inclusive, and deeply inspiring.

Upcoming Dates:
– Mentor KIck off – 11/11/25 – sign up ;https://form.jotform.com/242024393882155
– High School Season: Dec 13, 2025 – Apr 14 2026, info session sign up – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvZrv9mij1zpBZG-zpJWL3Ers88NCH4S8KestCpGmaf-IIEw/viewform?pli=1

– Collegiate Launch: Premier in 2026

– Conference Appearances: CEO Connect Global Conference – Oct 31 (https://www.c-e-o.org/events/ceo-global-conference)

🏆 Robyn Mussler – Notable Honors
TEDx Talk: The Next Generation – Are You Ready? https://www.ted.com/talks/robyn_mussler_the_next_generation_are_you_ready

Titan 100 – 2024 Tampa Titans – https://www.titan100.biz/2024-tampa-titans/robyn-mussler/

Selected as one of 50 Women to KNOW in Florida 2025–26 – The KNOW – https://theknowwomen.com/

website: https://thesharkmakers.com/

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, curiosity, and leading with heart.

Resilience taught me to embrace challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. Whether navigating complex projects, launching Sharkmakers, or mentoring students, there were countless moments when the path forward wasn’t clear. I learned to persist, adapt, and break problems into manageable steps.

Curiosity has been equally vital. Staying curious allowed me to explore emerging technologies, understand the needs of young innovators, and continuously learn from both successes and failures. It’s what keeps innovation alive and ensures that solutions are meaningful and relevant.

Leading with heart, a value instilled in me by my little sister Susie reminded me that impact comes from empowering others, listening deeply, and creating spaces where everyone feels capable and valued. This approach has shaped Sharkmakers into a program that nurtures confidence, creativity, and purpose.

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: embrace challenges, never stop learning, and lead with empathy. Build resilience by taking on projects that stretch you, cultivate curiosity by asking questions and exploring new perspectives, and lead with heart by supporting and uplifting others along the way. The combination of these qualities will not only shape your career but also allow you to create meaningful, lasting impact in any endeavor.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m always looking to partner with people and organizations who are passionate about helping young innovators step into their superpowers and create collaborative, thriving communities. Whether you’re a mentor, educator, sponsor, or advocate, there are opportunities to help students turn ideas into real-world solutions while learning to lead with heart.

We’re especially excited to connect with anyone who has high school or college students who would like to participate in Sharkmakers, gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and problem-solving.

If you’re interested in collaborating or having students join our program, you can connect with me through the Sharkmakers website https://thesharkmakers.com/ or reach out directly at [email protected] . Together, we can empower the next generation to realize their potential and make a meaningful impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thesharkmakers.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynmussler/
• Other: I put many links in my bio – reference there