Speaker

Philip Gaskin is a global leader with over 25 years of experience guiding philanthropic foundations, civic institutions, prominent brands, and mission-driven companies through transformative growth and expansion. Known for his expertise in strategic partnerships, fundraising, brand ambassadorship, and cross-sector collaboration, he has mobilized billions in resources and built initiatives that advance economic mobility, social impact, and cultural relevance across 40+ countries. Philip is the Founder and CEO of The Gaskin Group, a global social impact advisory studio that helps brands, philanthropic foundations, and mission-driven technology startups expand into new markets, amplify visibility, and achieve lasting impact. At its core is the A6 Strategic Growth Method™, a proprietary framework that aligns six levers of purpose, innovation, and strategy to ensure growth is not only successful, but sustainable and progressive. Guided by the belief that “growth is not just a metric—it’s a movement,” The Gaskin Group equips clients with the clarity, flexibility, and resonance to connect meaningfully and grow responsibly. Philip also serves as Entrepreneurship Ambassador & Small Business Development Strategist for International Strategic Management, a global entrepreneurship support and consulting firm that specializes in sustainable strategic planning and economic development worldwide. Previously, Philip served as: Chief Operating Officer, Impact Hub (U.S.) — led operations and revenue growth across 5 sites, secured $3M for a global social impact conference, and as a part of the parent organization’s global development team opened new markets in emerging regions through 30+ strategic partnerships. Senior Vice President, BCD Group ($22B conglomerate) — managed two global business units spanning 40 countries and 400 staff, achieving $10M profits annually per unit, saving Fortune 50 clients $150M annually, and expanding entertainment partnerships with Viacom, Paramount, Warner Brothers, and Universal Music. Vice President of Entrepreneurship, Kauffman Foundation ($3B philanthropy) — as de facto CEO and face of the foundation, oversaw a $50M annual grantmaking budget to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship for underrepresented populations, launched a new national economic development model influencing $2B in U.S. federal funding programs, secured key funding partnerships from large corporate and philanthropic organizations, and secured $30M in new loan capital for small business entrepreneurs through 30 cross-sector partnerships. Regional Director, U.S. Presidential & Senatorial Campaigns — rebuilt and elevated regional presence across five metropolitan counties, scaling record-breaking field operations, inspiring 8,000+ volunteers and staff, and driving historic fundraising and voter turnout results. He has also advised major initiatives as Strategic Fellow to the CEO of Living Cities and serves as a Global Ambassador for the Global Entrepreneurship Network and is Ambassador for Enterprise and Community Impact at the Buildings Action Coalition supporting the UN’s sustainable development agenda. Philip’s work has mobilized over $200M in private equity capital, helped more than 250 cities adopt innovation practices, and supported hundreds of organizations in creating thousands of jobs. His affiliations include serving as Chair of the U.S. SBA Invention, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee and as a Board Member of the International Economic Development Council, Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll), and the Entrepreneur Funders Network. The son of a small business entrepreneur who overcame systemic barriers and a self-described “cross-culture kid,” Philip’s global upbringing and deep cultural intelligence have fueled his ability to bridge sectors, markets, and communities. Whether guiding Fortune 50 firms, philanthropy, or startups, Philip is unapologetic about growth and impact and relentless in his belief that great brands and organizations don’t just compete—they connect.