Phillip Smith
Education
Stanford University
, Media Innovation Fellowship 2017-01-01 - 2018-01-01Work Experience
Journalism Growth Lab, LLC
Current
Journalism Growth Lab, LLC
2020-01-01 - 2025-01-01
LION: Local Independent Online News Publishers
2020-02-01 - 2020-07-01
LION: Local Independent Online News Publishers
Stanford University
2017-09-01 - 2018-06-01
Stanford University
Mozilla
2017-04-01 - 2017-10-01
Mozilla
Hacks/Hackers
2017-01-01 - 2017-02-01
Hacks/Hackers
The Tyee
2010-04-01 - 2016-12-01
The Tyee
Hacks/Hackers
2015-04-01 - 2016-10-01
Hacks/Hackers
Mozilla
2010-04-01 - 2012-01-01
Mozilla
High Country News
2010-10-01 - 2011-10-01
High Country News
Skills
Summary
A journalism impact professional with over two decades of experience, I work at the intersection of media, technology, and entrepreneurship, guiding early-stage and established publishers toward solutions that amplify their reach and impact. Currently, I lead the work of the Journalism Growth Lab, a custom research consultancy (Institute for Nonprofit News, Lenfest, Membership Puzzle Project) and boutique growth agency for publishers (The 19th News, Anchorage Daily News, Barn Raiser, Grist). Between 2020 and 2025, I directed the GNI Journalistic Creators Lab and GNI Pre-launch Lab, leading professional development programs that empowered news creators through executive coaching and tailored business training. During that time, I coached more than 100 journalism entrepreneurs, delivering over 500 hours of one-on-one coaching while recruiting, training, and managing a team of expert coaches. Highlights of my career reflect my passion for empowering independent journalism through innovation and practical solutions: - Securing more than $4M in funding for client initiatives while championing sustainable models for independent journalism. - Serving as a John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University, researching viable economic models for independent journalism and building entrepreneurship training programs for journalists. - Driving innovation as a Mozilla Senior Fellow for Media & Trust, collaborating with tech giants to address misinformation challenges and securing $1M for ongoing research. Whether I’m producing unique events like MisinfoCon, building high-impact tools for publishers, or mentoring the next generation of newsroom leaders, I am committed to fostering resilient, innovative journalism that thrives in today’s dynamic environment.
