Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lawrence Phillips.
Purpose of the Interview
- To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers.
- To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
- To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources.
Key Takeaways
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Background & Career Shift
- Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade.
- Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global.
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Travel Experience
- Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year.
- Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity.
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Green Book Global
- Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation.
- Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations.
- Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence.
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Black Ambition Program
- Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence.
- Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience.
- His personal “why” statement:
“I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.”
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Impact & Vision
- Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity.
- Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually).
- Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints.
Notable Quotes
- “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion.
- “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle.
- “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers.
- “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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