Investing in yourself: Why Going Solo is worth It

Journalists aren’t used to investing in themselves. We’re used to scraping by, making do and doing the work because it matters. But if you’re serious about building something independent, the best investment you can make is in you.

I’m the perfect example: I left Vox in November 2023 with a loose idea of what I wanted to do and it was outside the bounds of traditional organizations. So after two decades in journalism and media, I took a leap of faith and joined the Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program at Columbia University, a five-month low-residency program that, for me, turned my belief in creator journalism into an incubator for Project C and an accelerator that has led me to this newsletter and a thriving business just a year later.

The simple act of taking that step, getting outside of my comfort zone and, most importantly, connecting with other entrepreneurial journalists has led to amazing opportunities to work with people and organizations all focused on building a bright future for news and information. I’ve also developed a core team of fellow travelers who have become a tight peer group. We share our successes, we commiserate when things flop and then figure out how to course correct and we serve as force multipliers. One of the biggest things I was worried about when I left Vox was not having an intellectual community. I’m here to tell you, you can build or join one that will exceed your expectations.

The Going Solo workshop is designed to give you the tools, strategy, network and confidence to build a journalism business that sustains you – financially and creatively. From growing an audience to making real revenue, this is the practical, no-BS guidance you won’t find anywhere else. It’s the fruit of all the lessons the six instructors have learned working as independent creators and experts in this field.

And right now, we still have THREE spots left at the 20% off rate. If you’ve been on the fence, this is your moment. Sign up here and use the promo code FIRST5 to get that 20% off.

Is it worth it? Ask yourself this: What’s the cost of not learning how to make your independent work sustainable? How much time, frustration, and trial-and-error could you save with the right guidance from the start?

This isn’t just a workshop—it’s an investment in your future as an independent journalist. Grab one of the last discounted spots and let’s build something that lasts.

Sign up now. See you there!

— Liz