Connect
To Top

An Inspired Chat with Phil Shobo of West Midtown

Phil Shobo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Phil, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now starts with family. My wife Liz and I both work from home, so mornings are about feeding our daughter, prayer, and devotion before the day gets moving. From there, my calendar stays pretty intentional: TikTok content recording, corporate job search blocks, client meetings when scheduled, and time dedicated to backend systems and AI product building. I also prep for my podcast and carve out space for admin and operations so nothing slips through the cracks.

In the afternoons, I make sure to switch gears into “girl dad mode” with baby duty. That balance grounds me—being present as a husband and father while still pushing forward in consulting, app development, and content creation. The days are full, but it’s a rhythm that keeps me aligned with what matters most: family, faith, and building work that lasts.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Phil Shobo, but most people know me as PhiSho. A few years back I was running PhiSho Delivers, but over time I realized what I really wanted was to help people move ideas, not groceries. That pivot pulled me into AI consulting, app development, and content creation.

These days my work splits across a few lanes: I’m building the AAVE Bible App (translating scripture into African American Vernacular English), hosting the Quick AI with PhiSho podcast (short takes on AI and culture), and running clarity sessions where I help founders and professionals actually make AI useful instead of overwhelming.

What makes my brand different is I’m not chasing hype but I’m focused on soul, strategy, and clarity. I want people to feel like technology can serve their purpose without stripping away their humanity. That’s been my lane, and it’s where I’m putting my energy now.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that’s shaped me most is my faith,knowing I’m made for more through Christ keeps me grounded in purpose. But in a practical, day-to-day sense, it’s my wife, Liz She is truly my partner in every way. She helps me see clearly when I can’t, challenges me to think sharper, and is the first person I test new ideas with. Having someone who not only believes in me but also helps refine my vision has been crucial. I’m deeply grateful for her support and love she’s the anchor that keeps everything else in perspective.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: stay the course. You’re on to something, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet. The late nights, the doubts, the ideas that feel too big to execute, all of that is part of the process. People may not get it right now, but your vision matters. You don’t have to see the whole picture yet, just trust the vision God gave you, keep building, and the clarity will catch up.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the AI industry tells itself is that artificial general intelligence—AGI, superintelligence, whatever label you put on it—is the ultimate frontier. There’s a kind of God complex at play, a Tower of Babel energy where people believe we can recreate God by trying to implant a soul into machines. But AI can’t carry that weight. It can be powerful, it can transform workflows, but it can’t become a thinking soul or a true companion. Pretending otherwise is the industry’s biggest self-deception.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply that most people don’t is how easily pleased we are as humans. Even the smartest among us chase low-hanging fruit, validation, or acceptance without realizing it. Underneath all that, what we’re really wired for is love, no matter your religion or worldview. That’s the root. And I think most people know that in theory but rarely live it in practice. We’re made for love, not low-hanging fruit. The real win is when your soul aligns with your purpose, even if nobody’s cutting you a check for it.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories