2025 Men of the Year: Philip Rothschild

In 1990, Philip Rothschild had a new job, a new marriage and a new baby. As he searched for inspiration as to how to lead successfully in all of his roles, he discovered servant leadership.

“Its principles captured my heart and laid the foundation for how I would lead – prioritizing service to others over personal ambition,” says Rothschild, professor emeritus in Missouri State University’s department of management. “Ever since, I have focused on empowering, uplifting and developing others to help them reach their full potential while achieving mission-driven goals.”

Rothschild joined MSU in 1999 as its director of the Entertainment Management program. The new initiative needed direction.

“One key step to grow the program was to get students involved in the industry,” says Rothschild. “The first graduating class had just two students. The program needed a leader, not a manager. I developed a framework focused on four key areas: sports, music, events and venue management. I coined the philosophy that our industry needed young professionals trained as ‘stagers of experiences’ – those who create moments on the field, on the stage and on the convention floor.”

Rothschild soon founded the student-led Entertainment Management Association through which students get real-world experience.

“EMA has become a nationally recognized incubator for future industry leaders, with students volunteering at 23 Super Bowls, 18 NCAA Final Fours, and countless other major events,” Rothschild says.

By the time the program celebrated 25 years in 2024, it boasted 1,000 alumni.

“Hundreds are now staging experiences for fans in some of the most notable venues, sports franchises, music tours and major events across the globe,” Rothschild says. “At the end of the day, my greatest joy is seeing those I’ve led go on to lead others.”

In 2008, Rothschild co-founded Fresh Grounded Faith with his wife, Jennifer, an author and speaker. FGF presents faith-based events for women all over the country for an average attendance of 1,200 per venue. Rothschild is FGF’s “chief volunteer” – the CEO who oversees executive and operational functions, from partnerships to bookings and sales.

“FGF is more than just an event. It’s a movement,” Rothschild says.” Each event brings an economic impact to its host community and incorporates a local charity initiative.”

Attendees are invited to sponsor a child through Compassion International, which works to alleviate poverty. Because of FGF’s events, 7,400 children have been sponsored by FGF participants, Rothschild says. He and Jennifer sponsor five kids.

“It’s probably been the highlight of our career and life to do something big for children across the world,” he says.

Family: I’m celebrating 39 years of marriage with the love of my life, Jennifer Rothschild. I have two adult sons, Clayton and Connor, and four grands from Clayton and daughter-in-law Caroline.

Advice to other men: “Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever and take care of your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow” —St Augustine