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

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

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!

https://www.moneymakingconversations.com

https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations

https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/

https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv

https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Money Making Conversations Master Class

Brand Building: In 2017 he founded Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers, partnered with Expedia. 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/7b04f60e-0e84-47cb-bc8f-b393016f6e13/transcript

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