Meet Your Growth Team
We're an expert, finely-tuned team of authority-builders.
GROWTH MODE is more than our name—it's our purpose.
We’re a boutique PR agency for founders, executives, creators, and industry experts who understand that reputation is their most valuable asset. Through strategic PR, media outreach, podcast placements, and thought leadership, we help you articulate your point of view, amplify your expertise, and show up in the conversations that matter.
What Sets Us Apart
The Emergent Authority Framework
A PR Approach to Personal Branding and Thought Leadership: Our strategic, done-with-you process positions executive leaders and founders as recognized personal brands and thought leaders by clarifying expertise, planning high-impact content and visibility strategies, and producing consistent, timely thought leadership that builds credibility, influence, and long-term business growth.
The GROWTH MODE Ethos
We grow influence by turning real expertise into strategic personal branding and thought leadership, rooted in relevance and originality, built on trust, and powered by timely news, cultural moments, and the conversations that matter most to leaders and their audiences. We believe real influence is earned, not manufactured, because authority built on authenticity is the only kind that lasts.
The GROWTH Experience
A white-glove, collaborative personal brand and thought leadership service rooted in integrity, designed to elevate your unique perspective through intentional personal brand strategy, specialized expertise, and deep respect for your knowledge and voice. No cookie-cutter playbooks. Just a tailored, hands-on partnership built around who you are and where you want to go.
Meet Your GROWTH Architects
When PR expert Lexie Smith and strategist Hilary Hartling joined forces, they brought together deep expertise in media, positioning, and visibility. With Lexie’s background in PR and media and Hilary’s strength in clarity, messaging, and positioning, they saw an opportunity to help founders, executives, and creators do more than show up. They help them become recognized, trusted, and known. Today, alongside a team of writers, strategists, and media professionals, GROWTH MODE delivers a strategic approach to PR and thought leadership. We help leaders shape their narrative, show up in the right conversations, and build a reputation that compounds over time. Because in today’s landscape, visibility is not optional. At GROWTH MODE, you do not just join the conversation. You lead it.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Lexie Smith
Lexie Smith is a personal brand strategist, PR and thought leadership expert, and 3x entrepreneur with a career spanning agency leadership, in-house PR, and executive roles. As the Founder and CEO of GROWTH MODE, she leads the agency's evolution from a top-tier PR & Communications firm to a premier Thought Leadership Agency, helping leaders establish and amplify their voices to drive business growth.
Chief Brand Officer
Hilary Hartling
Hilary Hartling is a personal brand strategist, messaging expert, and 2x business owner with a career spanning Disney, entrepreneurship, and thought leadership. As the Chief Brand Officer of GROWTH MODE, she helps define, establish, and amplify corporate leaders' voices to drive company growth. She is also the Founder and CEO of her own brand strategy consultancy, where she has spent the past 10 years helping entrepreneurs craft clear, cohesive brands that attract their dream clients.
Our culture is designed for us and you.
Be Original
We champion original voices and authentic wisdom—never generic, never copy-paste. We believe our best work happens when we show up as our true, unfiltered selves.
Hakuna Matata
We don't dwell on problems—we focus on possibilities. With a positive, solution-oriented mindset, we embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, creativity, and innovation.
Radical Caring
We show up for each other—with trust, honesty, and a commitment to clear communication and high-performance teamwork.
Go-Getters
We bring energy, persistence, and a proactive spirit to everything we do. As a collective force, we push for excellence, take bold action, and drive rapid growth.
Thrive Inside & Out
We do our best work when we live well. By prioritizing work-life balance, we bring fresh energy, creativity, and focus to our team and clients.
Joy in the Journey
We take our work seriously—but never ourselves. We celebrate wins, laugh often, and create an environment where fun fuels creativity and collaboration.
Join Our Team
We're always looking for talented, motivated people to join GROWTH MODE. Here's what's currently open.
Hours
10–20 hrs/wk
Compensation
This is an unpaid internship for academic or professional credit only. No financial compensation is provided.
Description
GROWTH MODE PR Agency is looking for a highly motivated, fun-spirited, capable intern who is interested in learning more about the public relations industry. This position is remote and includes working directly under GROWTH MODE Founder and PR educated, Lexie Smith, and our talented Account Management team. Duties will include, but are not limited to:
- Scanning for Daily Press Opportunities
- Pitching clients for relevant media opportunities
- Content production; both unique and repurposing
- Research
- ...and more!
While there is not a full-time position available upon internship completion to date, the company may present opportunities for paid hire down the road. Furthermore, Lexie is well connected to the PR industry (other firms) in general.
Requirements
- This is an unpaid, credit-only internship — please confirm you're able to receive academic or professional credit for this role before applying (documentation from your school/program may be required)
- Must be available Monday–Friday, 8:30am–12:30pm EST. This doesn't require sitting at a desk for four straight hours, but the intern must be reachable during that window to check press sourcing opportunities and submit pitches (with approval) in a timely manner.
- Strong writer and fast learner
- Positive, can-do "I want to learn" attitude
- Strong communicator who is receptive to feedback
- Your resume is your first impression; make it count!
- Cover letter is not required, but a bonus — tell me why you want to work with GROWTH MODE
About GROWTH MODE Agency
We're a boutique PR agency for founders, executives, creators, and industry experts who understand that reputation is their most valuable asset. Through strategic PR, media outreach, podcast placements, and thought leadership, we help you articulate your point of view, amplify your expertise, and show up in the conversations that matter. Our flagship offer is GROWTH MODE Premier, a white glove, bespoke PR retainer for leaders who want to hand off their visibility entirely.
Apply NowWhy Personal Branding Matters for Leaders
A strong personal brand is no longer optional for founders, executives, and creators. It's essential for credibility, visibility, and opportunity in today's business landscape. Strategic personal branding clarifies your expertise, strengthens trust with audiences, and accelerates influence across platforms and industry conversations.
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