#85: Building Empathy and Becoming a Change Agent with Michael Phillips
When Michael Phillips was 18 years old, he found himself standing in front of a judge after a run-in with the law. The judge gave him a choice: Spend 30 years in prison or go to college. Michael immediately shouted out, “college” and his education changed his life — and now he wants to transform education.
To do so, he’s trying to encourage people to look beyond children as statistics and to acknowledge challenges and trauma through a lens of equity and a heart of empathy. When that happens, we can make some pretty impressive changes.
Michael is also the author of the upcoming book Wrong Lanes Have Right Turns. We’re chatting all about his background, his writing, and why focusing on marginalized kids is so important.
Highlights of our conversation include:
How his father dying when Michael was only 12 years led him down his journey of being both a thief and a pastor. (3:18)
Michael talks about when a judge gave him a choice between prison and college — and how quickly he made that decision. (7:15)
We reflect on our prime years playing sports, and Michael shares the moment he knew he was done playing basketball. (9:08)
Michael shares what it means to be a “change agent” and how he embodies that daily. (11:53)
How you can change your mindset to embrace change and take on something that’s good for you, even if you can’t see it in the moment. (14:32)
A look at Michael’s upcoming book, Wrong Lanes Have Right Turns, from the cover to marketing to how to write a book. (18:27)
The most surprising part about writing a book. Plus, a big shout out to editors! Y’all are awesome. (23:57)
How the statement “when trauma goes unacknowledged, tragedy follows” affects our youth and their education. (27:20)
Michael walks us through his 3 P’s: priority, people, and peace. (32:03)
Where to find Michael Phillips:
Visit Michael’s website and pre-order Wrong Lanes Have Right Turns here: michaelphillips.info.
Follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
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