Unsugarcoated Media announced that Phillip Andrew Barbb will be the host of EmpowerCon 2019, and he has his mind set on bringing an energy that all those in attendance, regardless of career or mental status, will be able to gravitate towards.

“Everyone is at different stages of their personal journey and growth. Some have been given every tool in life to succeed, and some have been emotional scarred to a point they don’t want to get out of bed,” explains Barbb. “I don’t know the path, but I can control how I choose to treat people. I may not agree with someone’s thoughts, beliefs, actions, etc, but I will do everything to empower them.”

A troubled past matched with a diverse work expertise, Barbb has developed the unique ability to connect with all backgrounds. 

At a young age, he faced the same insecurities that much of today’s youth, with the comparative nature of social media, face, as he dealt with feelings of unworthiness in school and his social life. These insecurities left Barbb in a dark space—one that pushed him towards unhealthy coping mechanisms.

“I experienced the insecurity of not feeling like I was deserving, and instead of learning the proper coping techniques, I turned to substances and external things to cope,” details Barbb. “It lead me down a dark and destructive path. However, learning from the mistakes and being able to learn and develop the proper skills has been one of the greatest gifts of life.”

Present-day, the two-time Emmy-nominated TV Producer has used the gift of learning from past mistakes to partner his successful career in production with his passion for helping others, as he spends his free time providing motivational speeches to high schoolers and college students while also serving as a personal development coach to other creatives. Barbb uses a contagious form of high-energy entertainment and striking storytelling to grip audiences into an engaging experience filled with laughs, self reflection, and, most importantly, growth.

“I believe that all people feel drawn towards being ‘more’. That ‘more’ can be confusing, but I think it is simply progress. For us to be fulfilled, we need to be progressing and growing,” says Barbb.

However, in the same breath, the TV Academy member points out how necessary a loving group of peers is for a person to truly grow. 

“When we spend time around people that love us because they love themselves, it is magical, empowering and encouraging,” preaches Barbb.

For Barbb that group was Alcoholics Anonymous, but he wants to help create a similar environment in the Los Angeles Convention Center on August 31st. Barbb is looking to recreate that magical atmosphere at EmpowerCon 2019, as he will serve as the event’s host and be a prominent figure throughout. 

Written by: Taj Mayfield