Konrad Philip—North America’s Youngest Etiquette Expert—is the 2016 Winner of our National Business Etiquette Week Contest

Known as “North America’s youngest etiquette expert” through popular blogs, a website, self-published books, workshops and media appearances, Konrad Philip from Vancouver, British Columbia is the winner of the PSOW 2016 National Business Etiquette Week Contest. Konrad’s creative entry addressed this year’s theme— Running on Respect: Putting Civility Back Into Politics—with an entertaining infographic that served as a bill of rights in support of respectful political discourse. Konrad talks about his own foray in the etiquette world, his view on American politics and his future plans.

Konrad, congratulations on winning the National Business Etiquette Week Contest! How did you first learn about The Protocol School of Washington?

When I started thinking about working in etiquette, I started following experts in the field through their social media channels or when they would appear on TV. So I would research their backgrounds and found that a majority of them all had one thing in common—they attended classes at The Protocol School of Washington. It really is the Harvard of etiquette schools and everyone knows about it.

This year’s contest focused on the current election year and asked how does one put civility back into the political process. Why did this subject matter resonate with you?

Before I got interested in the etiquette field, I had always dreamed of being a political commentator. My interest began when I started volunteering for political campaigns back in high school to fulfill service duty hours. Since that time, I have worked for a Member of Parliament, was a campaign staffer and have been involved in many political races. This contest topic really combined both of my hobbies—politics and etiquette—into one. 

Looking into American politics from afar, what are your general impressions of the current presidential candidates in terms of etiquette and cross-cultural respect?

The current presidential race gives me so much material to write about! America is a model for progress and innovation and part of that involves having some uncomfortable conversations on contentious issues. Now, I don’t expect politicians to be diplomats because they do have to have some uncomfortable conversations—which is fine. I think what’s going on this time, however, is that all the candidates have failed to be accountable for the actions of some of their supporters. It’s up to the politicians to condemn what their supporters are doing and single out the bad apples in their crowd. But instead they are denying that it’s their people and it’s always the “other” person who is causing trouble. You have to get the politicians to speak out against the incivility.

What general advice would you give to Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton on how they should conduct themselves in a public arena?

One of the things wrong with Hillary Clinton is that she comes off as too robotic. She’s too establishment, too scripted. Trump is the opposite. He’s a loose cannon. He’s always off script. So I think both of them have to be human, be relatable. Even if you have the best etiquette, people aren’t going to relate to you if you’re not human. For instance, if you want to make people laugh, why don’t you poke a little fun at yourself? I think both candidates have lots of material to work with in this area, instead of attacking each other.

Before winning our contest, you were already something of an etiquette expert. How did you get interested in the etiquette field?

I have to thank my family for teaching me little etiquette tips like how to use a fork and knife and how to place a knife on the table when you’re done eating. Later on when I was in business school, I started to notice the importance of business etiquette, especially for what I call “emerging professionals.” Workplaces today feature more shared spaces, and a workspace as diverse as ever, both culturally and generationally.

You’ve become a media expert on etiquette, conduct workshops and written several books and articles on the subject matter. Tell us a little more about “From Schleppy to Preppy” and your website www.notawkwardanymore.com. 

“Schleppy to Preppy: A Man’s Guide to Looking His Best is a self-published book that is now in distribution with most major book retailers. It’s written as a guidebook that can literally fit in your jacket pocket. The idea for the book came about when I realized how many people have great clothing but they are not wearing it properly or taking care of it properly. So I tell them how to look their best in the clothes they already have. It’s not about going to go buy this and that. I’m not telling people to go spend a lot of money on new clothes or what style they should wear. Even the best outfit doesn’t look good if you don’t know how to wear it. In business school, I noticed that people don’t know how to properly button their jacket or how to tie their tie. Those little details fill my guidebook.  

The website—notawkwardanymore.com—came about when I saw people post social media updates that started with “that awkward moment when…” and I thought, “You know that’s not really that awkward if you know a little bit about etiquette.” My overall mission is to make people understand my slogan: confident, comfortable and not conceited. It’s not about being fancy but it’s about how to make you feel more comfortable and how to avoid uncomfortable social situations through etiquette.

Your website bills you as “North America’s Youngest Etiquette Expert.” How did that title come about?

In business school, I learned that it’s important to be number one in anything you do, so I billed myself as the youngest. It set me apart and is a great conversation starter.

As winner of the National Business Etiquette Week Contest, you will receive complimentary training from PSOW. What do you hope to obtain from that training?

As you said, I have a reputation as “North America’s Youngest Etiquette Expert” but eventually I won’t be the youngest. After I attend training at The Protocol School of Washington, I’ll be able to rebrand myself with the brand new credentials I have. I trust the training will confirm the knowledge that I have been sharing with my followers, and prepare me to deliver top-of-the-line etiquette seminars and commentary.

What general advice do you give people who want to polish up their etiquette skills?

Think of the everyday social or business situations that make you feel most uncomfortable, and start from there.