Phillip Tanzilo is a leader in organizational development and workplace learning. Known for his engaging teaching style, fresh ideas, and thoughtful approach, he has over 20 years of experience helping organizations grow, adapt, and thrive in a variety of industries. His training sessions are interactive and dynamic, blending real-world examples, creativity, and practical activities to spark ideas and challenge outdated thinking.
Since joining Business Training Works in 2014, Phillip has supported a variety of training initiatives, including leadership development, workplace communication, and cultural transformation projects. He has worked with organizations such as NASA, Mercedes Benz, Pfizer, The Kennedy Center, The Fontainebleau, Medtronic, United Airlines, Redfin, Sony PlayStation, and the United States Navy. His ability to connect with diverse audiences and industries ensures tailored solutions that align with each organization’s unique needs.
Phillip’s career began at McDonald’s Corporation, where he discovered his talent for training while working as a swing manager to pay for college. During his time there, he trained employees on restaurant operations and customer service functions. Under his guidance, three of his trainees won a national standards competition, outperforming over 200 peers by demonstrating mastery of the company’s procedures.
After college, Phillip transitioned into banking, working as a collections agent, branch manager, and loan officer. In each role, he naturally gravitated toward training, mentoring new managers, and helping them succeed in their roles.
Seeking new challenges, Phillip co-owned a pest control startup, where he learned the intricacies of building and managing a business. Under his leadership, the company expanded from 200 accounts to over 5,000 customers across multiple states. After selling the business, he moved into real estate, where he was named “Rookie of the Year” by Coldwell Banker for achieving record-breaking numbers.
Phillip later entered the technology industry, where he became a sales manager for a computer wholesale distributor. To better understand the technical aspects of his products, he earned his A+ certification from CompTIA and learned to build computers and networks. His efforts paid off, earning him the company’s top sales record and leading to a role as a trainer for new hires. When the company implemented SAP, Phillip was selected for the project team, where he designed and delivered change management and training strategies.
At Qualcomm, Phillip developed the training infrastructure for the launch of Cricket Wireless retail locations, creating programs for employees in call centers, retail, technical support, and operations. His work in training and development also led to leadership roles with the Association for Talent Development (ATD), where he was elected president of the 500-member San Diego chapter and served as a national advisor to struggling chapters. He also supported the development of ATD’s Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) credential.
Phillip’s expertise in cultural transformation became evident when Welk Resorts recruited him to design and implement a competency-based training program. His efforts earned the Society for Human Resource Management’s Workplace Excellence Award. Similarly, Avis/Budget Group sought his support for a culture-change initiative, which led to collaborations with organizations such as BMW and the Kennedy Center.
Phillip holds a BBA in Computer Information Systems from Campbell University, as well as an MBA and an MHRM from the Keller School of Management. He has earned certifications in several areas, including:
Phillip has also contributed to global standards in workplace learning through his involvement with the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
Deliberate, relevant, entertaining, and interactive.
I take the trust clients have in me seriously. Typically, I begin by confirming a client’s needs and objectives. Once I understand those, I collaborate with the client to create relevant examples that shape my message, activities, and delivery.
You’ve got to care, and you’ve got to enjoy learning about different businesses and what makes them unique. For me, this work is a calling. If you’re not prepared, passionate, flexible, and resilient, you shouldn’t be doing it.
Participants need to see value in what I’m facilitating; otherwise, it’s a waste of their time. Early on, I work hard to make a connection with each person and get to their WIIFM (What’s in it for me?). I show how the program will help them perform better, achieve the results they want, and support organizational objectives.
Cultural transformation and employee engagement are central to the major projects I’ve worked on. Both are interconnected and critical to a business’s long-term success. My role is to be a trusted partner who makes that process easier. It’s different for every employee, and one size doesn’t fit all. I make it personal by understanding where people stand in supporting the shift and helping them see the value of a new future.
It’s important to me to stay on the cutting edge to best serve my clients. I’m still involved with ATD and previously served as chapter president for the International Society for Performance Improvement. Recently, I was invited to join a task force with the International Association for Continuing Education and Training to outline new global standards for education and workplace learning.
I was fortunate to discover my strengths early in my career. I know what I’m good at; not everyone can say that. If I weren’t in this field, I’d still be in a role where I could influence people to achieve their goals, continue learning and growing, and make a difference in how people work together.
I enjoy socializing with friends, learning, outdoor activities, going to the theater, and spending time with my dog.