Lisa Bjurwald
Strategic communication, analysis and publishing
Identifies and investigates pressing social and political issues before they reach the mainstream.
Has held key positions as Political Editor, Head of Press and Editor-in-Chief.
Areas of particular expertise: European politics, defense and security policy, disinformation and propaganda, political extremism, journalism and press ethics.
What I do
Three things I'm hired for
Advice and strategy
How an organization should formulate itself under pressure – and what happens if it stays silent. I've sat on both sides of the table: as the one who scrutinizes and as the one who offers no-nonsense advice and media training.
Investigation and analysis
Non-fiction books and reportage on Russian war crimes, health-care failures, police corruption, sexual abuse. I know what it takes for an investigation to hold up and never hesitate to hold those in power to account.
Moderating and chairing
Election debates, international conferences, panels and seminars. Keeping a conversation sharp and engaging takes experience. Repeat bookings and near-unanimous positive feedback speak for themselves.
At a glance
years in the media industry, from major newspapers to start-ups
published books, several award-winning. The ninth is in progress (out Spring 2027)
years based abroad. Freelance in London, Rome, New York, Prague, Vienna (Milena Jesenská fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences)
Initiatives
Ambition and results
Good ideas rarely fizzle out for lack of passion, but because no one manages to bring together the people who could represent them.
I use my drive and extensive network for entrepreneurship and social change, regularly speaking at events for Ukraine and having organized events such as Words for Resistance and Humanity, the Syria fundraising Gala, and the Swedish edition of the global Women's March.
Co-founder and jury member of VLT daily newspaper's Perspriset award.
highlight: Area of expertise
Ukraine, security policy and European defense
Slava Ukraini! Women's Resistance under Russia's War (2023) was described by Dagens Nyheter daily newspaper as “A brilliant report from Europe's refugee frontier”. A new non-fiction book from the war is in progress for publisher Max Ström/Bonnierförlagen (Spring 2027).
Previous books include Desktop Warriors. How Extremist Forces Exploit the Internet and Europe's Shame: Racists on the Rise. Educated at the Swedish Defense College in political science, with a focus on crisis management and international cooperation.
Have lectured and educated fellow journalists, teachers, students and others for many years on political extremism, disinformation, propaganda, source criticism and reportage writing. Panel member of Publicistpodden, a podcast on journalism and media ethics.
Bibliography
Stories that don't shy away from the truth
What others say
“Lisa is skilled, strong and fearless, and works constantly and deliberately towards a better society, a society with less prejudice and hatred and a greater ethical awareness.”
“With endless energy she keeps taking up the fight against online hate and racism. Where many others run out of strength, she keeps making a difference.”
“… I am impressed by Bjurwald's boots-on-the-ground reporting. (…) She renders her conversations in vivid dialogue, sees events and the people she talks to with a sharp and fearless eye, and approaches everyone with respect.”
Career
Selected roles
Advising a political newsroom in transition.
Head of the editorial page and host of the politics podcast Bjurwald & Co.
Non-fiction publisher whose authors include the prominent Ukrainian writer Stanislav Aseyev.
Responsible for press, marketing and launch strategies.
Communication and impact for an anti-racist foundation working to shape public opinion.
Editorial and legal responsibility for the Swedish Authors' Union's magazine, The Author.
Specialist coverage of the Swedish and international media industry. Ownership responsibility.
Specialist adviser to a government inquiry.
Commentary and analysis of politics and society.
Awards
Awarded and nominated
Contact
Get in touch
Readily available as editor, lecturer, consultant, moderator and other assignments and positions that could suit us both.