Robert Shillman

Founder, Chairman Emeritus & Adviser, Cognex

Search every verified Robert Shillman interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In a September 2022 episode of his podcast "Life Lessons with Dr. Bob," Robert Shillman discussed the founding and culture of Cognex, the machine vision company he started. He said he became an entrepreneur because he "couldn't work for anybody else" and wanted to be in charge of creating a pleasant workplace. Shillman described establishing ten core values for the company and appointing himself Chief Culture Officer to maintain that culture across 45 offices, with "ministers of culture" in each location organizing events. He stated that Cognex aims to be "an example for other companies to follow" in how it treats customers, employees, shareholders, vendors, and neighbors, adding that "customers are the king." Shillman expressed support for the free enterprise system and meritocracy, saying hiring should be based on "merit" and "the best and most competent people irrespective of race, color, or sexual orientation." He criticized large shareholders who insist on social responsibility issues like board diversity, asking "Since when is that important?" He also recounted a lesson from expanding into Japan, where he learned that the packaging box "has to be perfect" as a statement about product quality. Shillman noted that most companies fail and that the most important thing is to "start doing something and be action-oriented."