Meet the founder / The UpWrite Group
Joe Szynkowski.
A reporter’s curiosity.A storyteller’s heart.
I help people find the story in what they do, then tell it in a way that sounds like them.
Former journalist. Founder of The UpWrite Group. Husband and dad.
Joe in the media / Selected earned coverage
First, a good question
From the newsroom to UpWrite.
Journalism → Storytelling → UpWrite
I spent five years as a reporter for The Southern Illinoisan before founding The UpWrite Group in 2008.
I work with leaders to find their point of view and turn it into stories people want to read.
That work includes executive positioning, LinkedIn, earned media, articles, books and keynotes.
My clients range from founders and startups to midsize companies and Fortune 500 organizations.
Ghostwritten work has appeared in
Ghostwritten pieces appear under the client’s name.
The Work Happy Happy Hour
Good conversations.
In real life.
I created Work Happy Happy Hour with EThos, my coworking community in Marion, Illinois. The live interview series brought local professionals together to talk about careers, leadership and finding fulfillment at work.
Read KFVS12’s coverage of the launch ↗
Press / Speaking / Published work
In the media. On the stage.
As KFVS12’s Heartland Career Coach, I’ve shared practical advice on work and careers. Speaking engagements have included the State of Missouri’s Statewide Speaker Series, with a session on confidence and workplace community.
Expert commentary
When technology becomes a public trust story
PR perspective for Erin Carson’s reporting on the Nashville Zoo controversy and the growing backlash against data centers.
Career expertise
A clearer résumé. A stronger career story.
Commentary on a résumé before-and-after, showing how a sharper presentation can make experience and career direction easier to understand.
Expert commentary
Clear expectations start with a conversation
Practical advice on discussing phone use at work and avoiding misunderstandings between families and caregivers.
Expert commentary
When a customer complaint becomes a reputation story
Quoted on how the timing of a company’s response can shape public perception, and why clear communication matters.
Expert commentary
Helping PR and legal teams work together in a crisis
Quoted on building relationships and preparing teams before a difficult moment arrives.
May 2024
Addressing workplace burnout
A Work Happy conversation about recognizing burnout and taking practical steps at work.
May 2024
Finding confidence through workplace community
Featured speaker in the Statewide Speaker Series. View the event announcement.
Independent journalism
Still following the story
An independent publication I launched through UpWrite to tell the stories of SIU athletics and the people behind them.
For speaking, interviews or a conversation about executive visibility, get in touch.
Curiosity / Research / AI
Better questions.
A clearer direction.
I built UpWrite Compass to assess executive positioning, public presence and AI search visibility, then give leaders a practical roadmap.
I use AI for research and analysis. I lead the interviews, shape the story and take responsibility for the work.
Read our research on the CIO visibility gap ↗
Explore AI Search & AEO PR ↗
Close to home
There’s a lot of life beyond the laptop.
I’m a husband and father of three daughters. Outside work, I play drums and co-ed softball.
I’m an SIU graduate and serve on the university’s business and analytics board. I also support local youth theatre and offer free workshops through EThos.
Through UpWrite, I’ve awarded an annual scholarship to graduating high school seniors for about a decade.
Our clients help make that community support possible.