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

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.
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.
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.
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.”
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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