Magnolias - along with many other shade/flowering trees - are included in a decurrent growth habit classification, meaning they do not develop a clear leader. Rather, they tend to develop a lower framework of structural branches. Often, depending on the tree, they begin this structural branching somewhat low to the ground. You can limb up, removing some of the lowest branches, but it should be done with care and before they are allowed to get too large.

Phelan Bright is described as upward growing, conical when young then spreading with age. This tree is about half its expected mature height now, so removal of one or two the lower limbs should be appropriate.

But don't bother trying trying to encourage a leader - it's not going to work very well and is actually counterproductive.

As an aside, you will find numerous sources that recommend little to no pruning of magnolias or minimal shaping, if required. And best to do so on young trees, as mature trees do not respond to pruning well at all.

Gardengal, thanks for your excellent and helpful reply. If this cultivar is considered upward growing and conical when young, I'm glad I'm not messing around with any that are considered wide spreading! I will actually say compared to some run of the mill soulangeanas I see here and there, it might be just a little more tree like.
There's a balance between fighting the plant's natural way of doing things and bringing out the best the cultivar is capable of, and that's what I have to try to manage.