[1][2] He is a five-time national champion (2010-2014) in the men's kayak doubles (200 m), and a member of the Bayswater Paddle Sports Club, under his personal coach Ramon Andersson.

[3] Phillips qualified for the men's K-2 200 metres at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, by placing in the 2012 ICF Oceania Qualification Tournament in Penrith, New South Wales.

[6][7] In early 2013 after his first Olympic Games, Jesse alongside doubles partner Stephen Bird commenced as sponsored ambassadors with Perth-based contractor Brierty.

In 2002 Jesse started an acting career with the WA Youth Theatre Company whilst in production of Reg Cribb's 'This Endless Shore' at the Fremantle based Victoria Hall.

Phillips went on to be a prolific presence on Perth stages and screens with many works in musicals (including Grease, Footloose, Chicago) and student short films.