Meet Philip Wilkerson

 

We were lucky to catch up with Philip Wilkerson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Philip , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only Black male in a room is a frequent reality for me in higher education, and I’ve learned to embrace that position as both a challenge and an opportunity. When I find myself in these situations, I draw strength from the realization that I may be the only one in the room, but I am not the only one in the building or the broader community. Moreover, I remind myself that I am not the first. Many trailblazers who came before me—like my father, who was one of the first four Black students to attend VMI in the Class of 1972—faced far greater barriers and still paved the way for others, including me.

I lean on this history and the resilience of those who have navigated similar spaces to maintain perspective. My father’s experience serves as a reminder that while I may feel isolated at times, I am part of a legacy of resilience and progress. Unlike my father’s era, I have access to a wider network of support, which I intentionally cultivate.

For instance, I am deeply connected to organizations that affirm my identity and provide a sense of belonging, such as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and the Black Male Faculty and Staff Employee Resource Group (ERG) I founded at George Mason University. These communities serve as a source of strength and camaraderie, offering me a network to confide in and learn from.

In addition to leaning into these networks, I actively seek mentorship and guidance from others who have also been “the only” in their respective spaces. Their wisdom on navigating such environments has been invaluable in helping me not only endure but thrive.

Ultimately, I view these moments of being the only Black male in the room as opportunities to open doors for others. I focus on building resilience, creating pathways for representation, and fostering community. By starting initiatives like the Black Male Faculty and Staff ERG, I am contributing to a more inclusive environment and ensuring that future Black men entering these spaces won’t feel alone.

While the experience is not without its challenges, I have learned that progress requires presence. If I have the chance to create or strengthen spaces for others, I see that as a responsibility I must embrace. It’s through this mindset that I turn moments of isolation into stepping stones for greater inclusion and representation.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Please use some of the information from my last interview. I would add that I am interested in doing a TEDx one day and have been practicing public speaking through Toastmasters. I am a member of two clubs, GMU Toastmasters and Alpha Toastmasters 1906. I also podcast and have been podcasting for seven years. I am on my 7th season of the podcast now and I am excited to share the stories of my guest. My link is below:

Positive Philter Podcast Links and Social Media Links
Podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/positive-philter-podcast/id1223813013?mt=2
Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6yr4WIxoB6qgdgU0n5cxBt?si=ae8daf52a5af4a09

Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/positivephilter/
Twitter Page https://twitter.com/PositivePhilter
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PositivePhilter/
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/positive-philter/

Positive Philter Newsletter Sign Up:
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There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, there are three skills I wish I had developed earlier in my career:
1. Writing: I’ve recently started to find my strength in writing, but I wish I had made it a daily habit much earlier. Writing, even in small ways—notes, journal entries, or short reflections—helps strengthen communication skills and clarify thoughts. If you’re early in your career, start writing now. The more you practice, the better you’ll get, and strong writing skills will always serve you well.
2. Public Speaking: The ability to speak confidently in front of others is a game-changer. I wish I had taken a public speaking course in high school or college to refine my skills earlier. Many of the most confident leaders developed their speaking abilities early on and continued to grow in that confidence as they advanced in their careers. If you’re just starting out, invest time in improving your public speaking—whether through courses, clubs like Toastmasters, or simply practicing in front of friends.
3. Video & Audio Editing: As I’ve become more involved in media and podcasting, I’ve realized how valuable it would have been to start learning video and audio editing earlier. If you have a creative passion—whether it’s podcasting, video content, or digital media—don’t wait to start. Jump in, make mistakes, and learn as you go. The earlier you begin experimenting, the more prepared you’ll be when opportunities arise.

My advice to anyone earlier in their professional journey: Write often, speak confidently, and create fearlessly. Don’t wait until you feel “ready”—start now, embrace the learning process, and challenge yourself to grow. Your future self will thank you.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

This year, I’m looking to connect with creative individuals who are interested in collaborating on writing projects and my podcast, Positive Philter.

For those passionate about writing, I’m working on an anthology focused on success stories and the impact of mentorship. If you have a personal story about how a mentor has influenced your journey—or if you’ve served as a mentor yourself—I’d love to hear from you! Additionally, I’m developing a book centered on mentorship, so if you have insights or experiences to share, let’s connect.

On the podcast side, I’m always seeking guests to share their career journeys, lessons learned, and unique perspectives. I’d also love to be a guest on other podcasts to exchange ideas and collaborate within the podcasting community.

One of my major goals this year is to create more video content for Positive Philter to enhance visibility and engagement. If you have skills or interest in video production, editing, or social media promotion, I’d love to explore ways we can work together to take the podcast to the next level.

If any of these opportunities resonate with you, let’s connect and make something great happen!

Contact Info:

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