Succession & sustainability with Gulf Coast Community Foundation President & CEO Phillip Lanham

April 10, 2025

Phillip Lanham is approaching his two-year anniversary of being named president and CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, one of the largest, and most visible, foundations in the region. The foundation, with some $500 million in assets, works with donors and nonprofits in everything from the environment to affordable housing to economic development. On this episode, Phillip talks about the challenges and opportunities in taking over leadership of a prominent organization, and how he set priorities. And listen for his passions outside of work, including football — and his beloved Cincinnati Bengals.

3 Takeaways

(12:25) The best leaders are humble, hungry, and smart
(14:10) Not everyone is going to like you
(17:15) Look at a situation from a curious perspective

Timestamps

(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!
(00:30) Introducing Phillip Lanham, President & CEO, Gulf Coast Community Foundation
(04:30) Growing up in Cincinnati and getting into nonprofits
(05:55) What does the Gulf Coast Community Foundation do?
(07:05) What was your mindset when you stepped into this role?
(07:55) Accomplishments
(11:45) What do you look for in leaders?
(13:15) What have you learned from your mentors?
(15:25) StrengthFinder
(16:40) How do you overcome setbacks?
(18:25) What is coming up in 2025?

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