I had the great fortune to meet Dr. Milo Dodson in February of 2015 at a friend’s awards celebration. I tell this story often, but it helps give an understanding of how much I’ve grown to appreciate Milo’s sincerity. Moments before we met, I received a stressful phone call. Shortly thereafter, Milo walked through the door of the event. His timing couldn’t have been more perfect. With 35 other people in the room, he chose me to be first to introduce himself to. After having a chance to talk to him, I remember thinking how grateful I was that he was able to shift my attention at that moment from that call. And I enjoyed getting to know him throughout that day. I later asked Milo why he decided to talk to me first. And he told me he could sense that I needed someone to talk to. And man was he right.

That awareness is what makes Milo so special. He has the ability to engage with almost anyone. He has a gift for being able to identify and relate to people, situations, and circumstances, even if he’s never experienced it himself. Milo has developed such a way with communication that it’s always easy to confide in him. I trust Milo. I’ve developed a friendship with Milo that although somewhat short lived to date, seems like I’ve known him forever. And that’s what he does. He makes you feel involved and important in every conversation. Whether it’s from the moment you meet him, or a brief chat in passing. He’s a major support to me, both personally and professionally. Sometimes having to sit through 2 and 3 hour long phone conversations from LA….while I’m in DC (or some other far off place). I am a better person now that I know him. His spirit and personality are pure and so kind. He is definitely a force to be reckoned with. And I am blessed he chose me to serve as his Executive Producer!!

One of the many beauties of PhDodson is his vision for the human soul. He has inspired me to further my wants in success, desires in love for the humanity, and needs to be a better parent. His perception on racial injustice, higher education, political and government impact, just to name a few, are words that need to be heard by many and it gives me chills every time I read his reflections. He has the ability to share a story that brings compassion to the soul and urgency to find a solution. His words are strong and powerful to the heart and knowing PhDodson personally, I can say it is a true honor to have his friendship. I can brag all day about my friend Milo and still do. One day, I heard him voice his passion for the 1st time on radio, via Power 106 with Wendy Carrillo. They spoke on a range of topics from mental health, Black masculinity, Ferguson‬ and #BlackLivesMatter. He left me speechless as his knowledge and wisdom are beyond his years, his youthful appearance contributes to our next generation of leaders and his empathy for those will have YOU bragging about him.

Milo Dodson is an extraordinary man. For nearly a decade, I’ve witnessed Milo’s brilliance and magic first-hand and am one of the lucky ones that can call him a dear friend.

Milo has a combination of talents you won’t find anywhere else: frighteningly accurate emotional intuition, incredibly inspiring, and consistently delivers amazingly valuable content.

Milo’s heart beats with the culture. His soul is tapped into our culture in a way I’ve never witnessed. When tragedy happens, or there’s breaking news, Milo is there with the eloquent, profound, thought-provoking PhDodson words I wished I had spoken.

No one can do what Milo does. He’s smart. Insightful. And serves from the heart. Because of his impeccable standards, deep generosity and a mind that transcends boundaries, Milo naturally elevates everyone around him.

He’s one to watch.

I first met Milo as an undergraduate at the University of Notre Dame.

Always greeting both friends and strangers with a spreading smile and joy in conversation, Milo is someone you don’t forget that you’ve met. Staying connected with him over social media after graduation, I saw all the effort that he put into graduate work and pursuing that PhD. Milo shared his thoughts, so I benefited from the perspective he gained. Each time he shares something, it can wrench your heart and also give you hope. That PhDodson angle is not one to mince words or soften the blow. It’s a raw and loving and hopeful look at what can be and what we can all do to help us get there. He gives of himself so freely and willingly, all for the benefit of improvement of self and others.

Anyone who interacts with PhDodson, as a consultant, a colleague, a friend, will find him to be a blessing and an inspiration. I encourage you to read his posts, engage with him in person or via social media, and keep your eye on him. You will gain so much from the adventures and the perspective you’ll see through his eyes.