Who is Phil Gerbyshak?
The Teacher, Connector, and Truth-Teller Fueling Happiness and Fighting Burnout
I’ve been writing here a few years but I don’t know that I ever introduced myself thoroughly, so here goes, in the third person, as it’s awkward as heck to write about myself in the first person, ya know?
Phil Gerbyshak is more than a speaker. More than a trainer. More than a sales expert. He’s a teacher, a connector, and a truth-teller—on a mission to help people and organizations break free from the suffocating grip of hustle culture and rediscover the joy of a life and career built on purpose, people, and simple truths.
With his signature blend of straight talk, contagious energy, and decades of experience, Phil is the go-to guide for professionals who are tired of the noise—the growth hacks, the vanity metrics, the burnout disguised as ambition. He’s the friendly yet firm voice that says: You don’t need more tricks. You need more truth. And then he shows you how to get back to it.
A Modern-Day Teacher in a World Starving for Substance
At his core, Phil is a teacher—but not in the lecture-from-the-podium kind of way. He teaches by walking with people, not talking at them. Whether he’s leading a workshop, delivering a keynote, or mentoring a leader 1-on-1, Phil brings clarity, compassion, and a practical, hands-on approach to learning that sticks. He’s passionate about helping people understand why things work, not just how to do them.
Through his speaking, consulting, and writing, he’s taught thousands how to sell with heart, lead with purpose, and live with more energy, more meaning, and a whole lot more happiness.
The Connector Who Puts People First
Phil is also a connector—not just of people, but of ideas, values, and action. He helps individuals connect to their purpose. He helps teams connect to each other. And he helps leaders reconnect with the people they serve—not just their customers, but their employees, their partners, and themselves.
In a world obsessed with transactions, Phil is all about relationships. He knows that sales is about service. That leadership is about listening. That growth—real, lasting growth—comes from showing up consistently, with clarity and kindness.
And he doesn’t just say this. He lives it. From his thoughtful podcast interviews on The Happiness Practices to his keynote stages across the country, Phil is always building bridges—between people and their potential.
The Truth-Teller in a World of Hustle Porn
But make no mistake—Phil’s not just sunshine and soft talk. He’s a truth-teller. And he’s not afraid to challenge the broken systems that glorify overwork, reward burnout, and pretend that busyness is a badge of honor.
Phil works with people who are done with the hustle porn. People who are over the growth hacking game. People who want a happier, simpler life—and who are ready to get back to the basics that actually work: clarity, consistency, connection, and compassion.
From HR professionals struggling to engage their people, to IT teams fighting turnover, to sales organizations trying to lead with integrity in an overloaded marketplace—Phil helps them stop the spin and start building cultures of happiness, energy, and honest leadership.
Who Phil Helps
Phil’s ideal audience isn’t chasing the next viral trend—they’re chasing meaning. They’re the professionals, leaders, and teams who want:
Less burnout, more bandwidth
Fewer distractions, more direction
Less hustle, more humanity
A workplace that supports happiness without sacrificing results
Whether you're planning a professional development event, trying to re-energize a team, or looking for a keynote speaker who brings heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom to the stage—Phil delivers.
From Pinball to Porsche Dreams
Outside the spotlight, Phil’s just as vibrant and intentional. He’s a pinball wizard, an 80s nostalgia buff, and a lover of local beer, great stories, and time with his wife, kids, and dogs. He dreams big—think lava orange Porsche big—but always keeps his feet on the ground and his heart in service.
He’s also the author of Zero Dollar Consultancy, an Amazon best-seller that teaches entrepreneurs how to lead with generosity, build real relationships, and earn trust (and revenue) without chasing every trend.
And when he’s not writing, consulting, or speaking, you’ll find him lifting others up—reminding people that they’re already enough, already capable, and already equipped to build a happier, healthier, more human life.
A Final Word From Phil
“I believe in fundamentals over fads. Happiness over hustle. And helping people get clear on what matters, so they can actually enjoy the success they’re working so hard for.”
So if you're looking for a teacher who brings energy, a connector who brings people together, and a truth-teller who brings the focus back to what really matters—Phil Gerbyshak is your guy.
Phil is old-school authenticity. My favorite Phil trait are his phone calls - frequently on my birthday, but other times, as well. I get plenty of people wishing me Happy Birthday on Facebook. I get ONE Phil who takes the time to call. And it’s not a casual, surface-level well-wishing call. It’s a deep, I care about how you’re doing and want to catch up call. It’s amazing. It’s rare. And it’s 100% Phil. I am a better me because I aspire to achieve Phil-level authenticity.
Stay contagious and courageous with who you are… and who you are becoming!