So how did Phillip Milano, a middle-aged, white guy from the Midwest, become an internationally recognized authority on diversity issues? Well, he first got interested in actively promoting diversity causes when he helped create The National Diversity Newspaper Job Bank. Shortly thereafter, national studies revealed that more than 70 percent of Americans still feel “racial groups aren’t getting along well with each other; worry that things are only going to get worse; and think racial and religious tensions are serious problems.” Phillip was also the National Chairman of the Recruitment and Youth Development Committee of the Newspaper Association of America's Diversity Board.

This inspired Phillip to create a forum in cyberspace (www.yforum.com) that allows people to anonymously ask and answer questions about differences.  As the creator and editor-in-chief of Y? (www.yforum.com), Phillip’s project attracted the attention of hundreds of media outlets such as the New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, the BBC, and Atlantic Monthly.  Building on his experience facilitating thousands of cross-cultural conversations, Phillip has written two books including I Can’t Believe You Asked That! (Penguin- Putman Publishing) and Why Do White People Smell Like Wet Dogs When They Come Out of the Rain?.

Now Phillip has emerged as unique and powerful among a sea of diversity trainers. His unstructured and sometimes unpredictable “OutLoud” strategy teaches people how to engage in honest and enlightening dialogues about cultural differences. The inspiring result is a more positive, authentic and productive environment for people to work, live, and learn. Phillip’s seminars start off where many other diversity speakers leave off: discussing real-life examples of questions and then engaging in on-the-spot discussions about cultural differences. Phillip’s training sessions create more than just a temporary buzz;: they give participants effective tools to create cross-cultural dialogues from this day forward.

Today’s politically correct culture often stifles our natural curiosity about people different from ourselves and keeps us from asking the questions that are really on our mind. As a trainer and speaker, Phillip gives people effective tools, real-life examples, and even a web site that will help them better relate, respond to, and respect the differences that make up the many cultures of America. He shows participants how to get real about asking, answering, and learning about themselves and each other. The result is a greater understanding and appreciation of differences as well as the tools to tackle sensitive subjects in the future.

Phillip is an 18-year newspaper veteran and works as an editor for The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. He received his Masters of Business Administration from Northern Illinois University and his Bachelors of Science in Journalism from Southern Illinois University. He has been a featured speaker at diversity-related seminars and college programs.