Philip Alfonso Berry, a seasoned consultant and president of Philip Berry Associates LLC, is recognized for his dedication to organizational development, leadership training, and executive coaching. With experience spanning more than 60 countries and three decades in Fortune 500 companies, he is passionate about team transformation, including talent development and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). By furthering these causes, Berry creates valuable and lasting change for his clients.
A Foundational Education and Early Career
Berry’s storied career began with a comprehensive education, starting with an associate degree in art from the Borough of Manhattan Community College in 1971. He quickly advanced his learning from there, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Queens College in 1973 and a master’s degree in behavioral science, social work, and organizational development from Columbia University in 1975. He also earned a master’s degree in marketing and management from Xavier University’s Williams College of Business in 1983.
From 1968 to 1990, Berry held various roles at several prominent corporations, including IBM, Procter & Gamble, and the Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority. This extensive experience helped him recognize the intricacies of corporate businesses and the leadership skills required to improve them.
Well-Traveled Leadership
As he advanced in his career, Berry served in leadership capacities for organizations such as the Clinton Foundation and Colgate-Palmolive. His service as the Clinton Foundation’s chief human resources officer proved invaluable, providing him insight into the nonprofit sector and effective methodology for improving communities.
Berry’s tenure at Colgate-Palmolive began in 1990 and lasted until 2008. He started as an associate director for organizational planning, vice president of human resources for various international divisions, and subsequently advanced to vice president of global workplace initiatives and corporate officer. In this role, Berry was based in New York and Paris, which served as his base while he traveled to more than 60 countries leading HR functions, including destinations in Russia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
His frequent travels and encounters with a wide variety of cultures and customs enabled Berry to better understand the diversity that fuels cooperation and innovation, inspiring him to help establish Colgate-Palmolive’s DEI program.
A Civil Servant and Generous Professional
In 2010, shortly after leaving Colgate-Palmolive, Berry released “Being Better Than You Believe: 8 Steps to Ultimate Success,” a book detailing how organizations and individuals can achieve greater satisfaction, productivity, and success. He has also contributed professional articles discussing effective leadership, unconscious bias, and managing cultural differences.
Alongside his professional career, Berry maintains a strong sense of civic responsibility. He maintains close ties with the Asia Society Diversity and Leadership Development Council and the Association of ERGs and Diversity Councils. He presently serves as the vice chair of the Louis Armstrong House Museum. He has also served as the vice chair of the City University of New York board of trustees and as acting chair of the City University of New York’s Construction Fund board of trustees since 2010, contributing to several other civic organizations.
Supporting Tomorrow’s Leaders
Today, Berry continues to coach current and upcoming business leaders. His efforts focus on helping U.S.-based leaders expand globally, utilizing his extensive networking capabilities to connect these leaders with like-minded organizations ready to cultivate international relationships.
