Meet Philip Wilkerson

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

Hi Philip, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

How did I overcome imposter syndrome? To overcome imposter syndrome, I first had to understand what it was. A pivotal moment was watching a YouTube video that explained how imposter syndrome disproportionately affects marginalized groups. People from these groups often feel their achievements are undeserved. This resonated with me, and it helped me realize that my feelings were part of a broader experience.

One technique that has been particularly helpful is connecting with mentors who look like me. Being one of the few in certain spaces can feel isolating, but finding others who have navigated those same spaces has been invaluable. These mentors reassured me that feelings of isolation and self-doubt are normal. More importantly, they reminded me that through their own merit and hard work, they succeeded—and that I could too.

Another strategy I adopted is celebrating my own achievements. Initially, I worried that recognizing my success would seem arrogant, but I’ve learned to view it as confidence, not narcissism. I now keep a Google document where I log my accomplishments. This practice helps me reflect on my growth and provides tangible evidence of my progress. It also serves as a useful tool for performance reviews, making it both practical and empowering.

Lastly, mentoring others has been an unexpected way to overcome imposter syndrome. Sharing my story and guiding someone else reminds me of the hard work I’ve put in, reinforcing my confidence and affirming my accomplishments. In doing so, I feel more grounded in my own journey and achievements.

These strategies—understanding the syndrome, connecting with mentors, celebrating myself, and mentoring others—have all helped me combat and overcome imposter syndrome.

Link to YouTube video:

https://youtu.be/ZQUxL4Jm1Lo?si=Q9oFasMID2s0dM1A

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?

My name is Philip Wilkerson, and I work at George Mason University’s Career Services as an Employer Engagement Consultant. In this role, I collaborate with employers to connect them with Mason talent, specifically in industries like Media Arts, Design, Sports & Recreation, Hospitality & Tourism, and Technology & Engineering. For nearly seven years, I’ve found immense joy in helping students secure career opportunities that align with their skills and passions.

Beyond my work at Career Services, I’m also a dedicated podcaster. I’ve been hosting Positive Philter for over seven years, where I focus on well-being, career development, and sharing stories of success from my personal and professional life. The podcast has grown steadily, with over 360 episodes and nearly 90,000 downloads, which has been an exciting journey.

In addition to my professional role and podcasting, I serve as a faculty advisor for the GMU chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the GMU NAACP chapter. These advisory roles allow me to support students outside of the classroom, fostering leadership and community engagement. I am also a PhD student in Communication, and my current research focuses on the retention, recruitment, and resilience of Black male faculty and staff at George Mason University. This research has deeply connected me to the GMU community and made me feel like I’m making a tangible impact.

Recently, I was honored to be nominated as the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)’s “Mentor of the Year,” recognizing my efforts in mentoring other professionals in higher education. Additionally, I’ve been recognized with awards such as GMU’s “Employee of the Month” (September 2019), inclusion in the “Forty under 40” for both GMU Black Alumni and the Northern Virginia area, and the “Pillar Award” for supporting Black students.

On the personal side, I’m married to Maggie Wilkerson, an LCSW and JMU graduate, and together we are proud parents to two boys, Bennett and Miles. Through all my roles, whether it’s career services, podcasting, or academic research, my goal is to uplift others and contribute meaningfully to my community.

Stay tuned for more exciting episodes of Positive Philter and my ongoing efforts to make a difference at George Mason University!

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, three key qualities and skills that have had the most profound impact on my journey are: #1 active listening, #2 networking and relationship-building, and #3 continuous learning. These aspects have shaped my personal and professional growth, and I make it a point to implement them in my daily life. Here’s how they’ve impacted me and how others can improve upon these skills:

1. Active Listening

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of listening. Early on, my father-in-law, who recently passed away, gave me some crucial advice about my podcasting: he said I talked too much and needed to ask better questions and listen more attentively to my guests. I took that feedback to heart and worked to improve my listening skills, both on the podcast and in my everyday interactions. Active listening means listening not to respond, but to understand. Through my Master’s in Counseling, I also learned that most people simply want to be heard, and the ability to listen can significantly improve relationships and professional interactions. For those looking to improve this skill, practice being fully present in conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and resist the urge to jump in with solutions before fully understanding what’s being said.

2. Networking and Relationship-Building

As an extrovert, I’ve always enjoyed talking to people, but it wasn’t until later in my professional journey that I realized networking is a real skill. It’s not just about talking—it’s about building meaningful, lasting connections. As a career development professional, I’ve come to understand how crucial networking is to career success. Most job opportunities arise through relationships, even in today’s digital world. I regularly advise students to prioritize networking by connecting with employers, following up after interactions, and requesting informational interviews. Building a strong professional network takes time, but it’s one of the most effective strategies for career advancement. To improve in this area, focus on cultivating genuine relationships, be proactive in reaching out, and always follow up with contacts to keep those connections strong.

3. Continuous Learning

Lastly, I’ve embraced the importance of continuous learning. Although I host a podcast and am pursuing a PhD in Communication, I didn’t start with a background in media. I taught myself audio editing through YouTube tutorials and LinkedIn Learning. This experience reinforced my belief that anyone can learn new skills with patience and determination. Being a lifelong learner allows you to adapt and upskill, opening up opportunities in areas you may not have considered. Whether it’s learning a new software, developing a new habit, or exploring a new field, staying curious and committed to learning is essential. For those looking to grow in this area, take advantage of online resources, be open to trying new things, and always stay curious.

I wish I had embraced these skills earlier in life, but I’m grateful to have learned them when I did. It’s never too late to improve, and I continue to refine these abilities to become a better person and professional every day.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

At George Mason University, we emphasize a strength-based approach to growth, and we encourage students, faculty, and staff to take the CliftonStrengths assessment by Gallup. I firmly believe that focusing on our strengths, rather than our weaknesses, is one of the most effective ways to develop both personally and professionally. My top five strengths are Woo (Winning Others Over), Positivity, Empathy, Developer, and Communication. When I actively apply these strengths, I feel like I’m in my “zone” or state of flow, fully engaged and doing what I do best.

One of the most impactful strengths I rely on is Woo, which reflects my love for connecting with others. At large events like fairs and conferences, I thrive on building relationships, and the energy from these interactions brings me to life. I also lean heavily on my Positivity, which helps me approach challenges with a mindset of growth rather than defeat. I see obstacles as opportunities to improve and have learned to transform failures into tools for building resilience, rather than sources of discouragement.

By focusing on strengths, I’ve found that not only can I grow, but I can also surround myself with people who have complementary strengths in areas where I may not excel. This creates a more balanced and collaborative environment. At Mason, this strength-based philosophy allows all of us to flourish, fostering growth in a way that feels authentic and aligned with who we are. When we tap into our strengths, we’re better equipped to achieve our goals, and when we work together, we build a stronger, more connected community.

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