How does a life of service evolve from grassroots action to shaping state-level policy?

What does it take to lead with equity at the intersection of non-profit work and government?

CEO and Ohio State Rep Phil joins Service Titans to share how his family's values and his AmeriCorps roots fueled a career dedicated to youth investment. He reflects on the need for equitable systems and honors the mentors—like his parents and Randy Shepherd—who made him the leader he is today.

Highlights 💡

• 🏡 A Foundation of Service – How Phil’s family and their Great Migration story instilled core values of community and family.

  
  

• 🔄 The AmeriCorps Catalyst – The life-changing discovery of AmeriCorps that set his professional path in motion.

  
  

• 🚀 From Direct Service to Leadership – The transition from grassroots roles to executive leadership at City Year Cleveland.

  
  

• ⚖️ Championing Systemic Change – Why creating equitable opportunities for youth requires changing the systems, not just the people.

  
  

• 👔 Representation in Nonprofit Leadership – The challenges and necessities of diverse leadership in the social sector.

  
  

• 🌱 The Responsibility of Leadership – A leader's duty to create inclusive spaces and sponsor the next generation.

  
  

• 🙏 Honoring Service Titans – Paying tribute to the mentors and family members who paved the way.

  
  

• 🔭 Vision for the Future – Phil's current work and vision for the future of youth investment and policy.

🗨️ We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

🤔 Who are the "service titans" in your life? Who modeled the values of community and leadership for you?

➡️ Share your stories with us on social media by tagging @ServiceTitan and using the hashtag #ServiceTitansPodcast.

📧 And if you're working to create change in your community, we want to hear from you! Reach out—we’re always looking to highlight more heroes like Phil.

🎙️ Guest: Phil Robinson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-m-robinson-jr-698b274

🎙️ Host: Anton Taylor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/antontaylor
https://www.linkedin.com/company/service-titans-podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Service Titans Podcast
01:35 Guest Introduction: Phil, CEO and Ohio State Representative
01:45 Phil's Upbringing and Early Influences
04:09 Discovering AmeriCorps: A Life-Changing Journey
09:21 Impact of AmeriCorps and Youth Service
14:40 Challenges and Representation in Nonprofit Leadership
16:53 Honoring Service Titans: Personal Inspirations
20:02 Final Thoughts and Current Projects

Hashtags
#ServiceTitan #ServiceTitanPodcast #AmeriCorps #PolicyChange #YouthInvestment #NonprofitLeadership #Equity #SystemicChange #Mentorship #CommunityService #BlackLeadership #CityYear

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