It’s kind of funny when I think about it—throughout my entire career, I’ve taught people how to use tools. Tech tools, communication tools, leadership frameworks, sales systems—you name it. And while the tools keep evolving arp speed, the way I teach them hasn’t changed a bit. I teach people, not platforms. I bring a human-first approach to everything I do. Whether it's helping someone close a sale, lead a team, or troubleshoot a network issue, I instill a deep sense of humanity into the process. Because it’s never really about the tool—it’s about the person using it.That’s been true for the last 20 years. And it will be even more important in the next 20.
The world has changed a lot since I first dialed into the internet using a modem, taught others how to use Netscape, or delivered top-secret messages while serving in the Navy. And it’ll keep changing faster than ever. But one thing hasn’t changed—and won’t: People still crave real connection, clear communication, and contagious energy that lifts them up.So what’s next?I’ve spent the last few decades teaching, selling, leading, speaking, writing, coaching, and creating. Now, I’m setting my sights on the next 20 years with a clear mission, a bold vision, and a whole bunch of momentum.
🚀 My Mission: To Amplify Human Potential Through Communication, Connection, and Contagious Positivity
Whether I’m on stage, behind a mic, in a classroom, on a Substack post, or having coffee with someone who’s just trying to figure out what’s next—I’m here to light people up and help them believe in what’s possible.I do that through:- Words that move people — written, spoken, posted, or podcasted.- Tools that teach — because we don’t need more theory, we need practices that work in real life.- Moments that matter — the 15-minute break at Multnomah Falls, the compliment to a stranger, the vulnerability shared in a training room.My mission is to show up fully, share generously, and help people become the most energized, inspired, and effective version of themselves—without burning out in the process.
🔭 My Vision: To Be a Global Voice of Human-Centered Success in a Technology-Driven World
We’re entering a world of AI-generated content, remote work, automation, and hyper-productivity.Here’s what I see:- More noise, less clarity- More hustle, less heart- More tech, less humanThat’s where I come in. In the next 20 years, I’m building a body of work that helps people stay grounded, connected, and happy in a rapidly shifting world. I’ll be:- 🎙 Speaking to organizations hungry for energy, engagement, and empathy- 🧠 Training teams to thrive with less burnout and more brilliance- 📚 Writing books and articles that feel like a deep breath of clarity- 📺 Streaming content that teaches and inspires in under 10 minutes- 🧰 Creating tools to help people build practices, not just chase goals- 💡 Mentoring leaders to lead from the front—with kindness and courageBecause if we’re going to thrive in the future, we need more than just faster tech. We need better humans. That’s my jam.
🎯 What Stays the Same
There are a few constants that will continue to shape everything I do:- Written Communication — because great writing creates great thinking.- Verbal Communication — because how we say it is as important as what we say.- Public Speaking — because transformation needs a microphone.- Teaching and Training — because we’re all still learning.- Sales Enablement and Coaching — because relationships move the needle.- Emotional Intelligence — because humanity is still the most valuable skill we’ve got.I don’t just want to do this work. I want to teach others how to do it too—so they can pass it on, ripple it out, and build teams, families, and lives filled with purpose.
🌍 Legacy, Not Just Longevity
I’m not in this to go viral.I’m in this to make a dent. To build a library of wisdom. To leave behind a body of work that helps people choose connection over chaos, humanity over hustle, and purpose over performance pressure.I want people to look back at something I wrote, something I said, or something I taught and say:“That helped me. That made me feel like I could do something meaningful—and still be me.”If you’ve ever read something I shared, listened to a podcast episode, heard me speak, or even just exchanged a high-five on LinkedIn—thank you. I’m not doing this for you—I’m doing it with you.
🙌 Want to Be Part of the Next 20?
Here’s how we roll into the future together:- Subscribe to The Happiness Practices – get the tools I use and teach to stay energized and inspired- Bring me in to speak – your audience needs more fire and more heart- Start your own happiness practice – because your joy is your responsibility- Connect with me on LinkedIn – let’s build a better network of good humans doing great things- Tell someone you appreciate them today – because that stuff multiplies
Final Thought
The next 20 years of Phil Gerbyshak won’t be built on trends or tactics.They’ll be built on timeless truths and transformative practices.I’m not trying to be everything to everyone. I’m trying to be something meaningful to those who want to lead, live, and love with purpose.Let’s make the next 20 years the best, most human, most joyful years yet.Let’s go.
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