He never designed an eLearning course or facilitated an in-person training. He never created a role-playing chatbot or a digital twin. But Phil Jones left an indelible mark on the learning and development (L&D) profession during his tenure at Training magazine—serving in roles including editor, conference director, and managing partner—over the last 50-plus years.
From the earliest days of Training’s transition from Ziff Davis ownership in New York in 1975 to Lakewood Publications in Minneapolis in 1976 and again in 2010, Phil helped shape the publication and its in-person events into the well-respected brand it is today. He blazed a cutting-edge path in the training profession and was renowned for his ability to curate content and connect people. Sadly, Phil passed away on May 17 following complications from back surgery.
“Phil shaped the industry. He shaped careers. He guided readers and participants with conferences and publications that provoked thought, were fact based, and unbiased,” notes long-time Training Conference presenter Gloria Gery. “He was a gentleman whose personal integrity was an inspiration. For more than 20 years, I was a speaker and participant at various conferences. His joyous presence and measured responses made such a difference. My business would have been far less a success without the opportunities he and his colleagues presented to me.”
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
Phil was a passionate advocate for L&D and stood firmly behind the brand’s mantra: Training matters! He was a lifelong learner himself, always reading up on the latest training tools and trends. He was one of the first to support the Serious eLearning Manifesto instigated by Allen Interactions’ Michael Allen in 2014.
Phil’s silver beard, gleaming white grin, and twinkling blue eyes were a common sight at L&D industry events. He had a gentle, mild, courteous manner that quickly turned animated when discussing anything related to training.
Retired Lakewood Publications President Jim Secord credits Phil as being “instrumental” in transforming Training magazine into a commanding presence within the training profession and nurturing Training’s annual conference by embracing the emerging breakout session/expo floor model event. “He led the brand’s restructuring and redesign and set it on the path to where it is today t hrough his creativity, energy, leadership, and vision,” Secord notes.
Decades later, as Lakewood Media Group Managing Partners Bryan Powell and Mike Murrell put together the team to reacquire the Training brand, Phil was the first person they recruited (out of retirement), thanks to the immense trust and respect he carried throughout the industry.
A Veteran U.S. Navy diver, skilled woodworker (he built his very own log cabin in Wisconsin!), and philanthropist (including work for the Habitat for Humanity and the Page Education Foundation), Phil embodied t he values he helped define for t he Training brand itself: integrity, authenticity, and a commitment to helping others grow.
“I so admired Phil for all he did and meant to this industry,” says APPLY Synergies Chief Learning Evangelist Bob Mosher. “He was instrumental in the early days of my career, and I can never thank him enough for that. We had a great talk at the last Training Conference. His smile and kind words made my day! His gentle spirit and amazing grace touched everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.”
Adds Bluewater SVP of Strategy and Transformation David Kelly, “I’ve always respected the work Phil did for Training magazine, the Training Conference, and the broader L&D community. It will not feel the same walking by the Training booth next year without seeing Phil’s welcoming smile.”
Tricia Nadoff, president of Management Research Group, echoes those sentiments: “What a wonderful human being. I found Phil to be warm, kind, and such a generous person. He always had a smile on his face. When we would be together at ISA’s Annual Business Retreat, he always greeted me as if I were a cherished friend. I will so miss the joy he shared in just simply being connected.”
THE BEST BOSS
In addition to being warmly regarded by the professionals he connected with at industry events, Phil earned high marks from those he managed and worked with. Indeed, Brian McDermott, who worked with him for 12 years, says Phil was the best boss he ever had. And former Training Chief Editor Jack Gordon relates, “Phil hired me. His houseboat outings on the river were always outstanding. Yet not as outstanding as he was.”
Adds former co-worker Linda Kleimstein, “He was a true gentleman, and I loved working with him.”
Amy Sitze and Phil worked together during the transition of Inside Technolog y Training magazine to Online Learning Magazine. “He taught me everything I knew at the time about the eLearning industry,” she says.
Phil had tremendous patience and was always willing to share his knowledge and experience—two traits that helped me enormously nearly 20 years ago as a newly minted Training editor who couldn’t name one Kirkpatrick Level of Evaluation, much less four.
I always enjoyed our chats over meals during conferences, whether talking about the job or trading personal stories. While never one to brag about himself, he loved to talk about his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren.
I admired his endurance, especially when we hiked to the top of a mountain in Arizona in 100-degree weather during an ISA Annual Business Retreat. I was quickly gasping for air as he was cheerfully bounding up the path, claiming we were “almost there” for at least an hour. Little did I know he was an avid runner and outdoorsman and as sure-footed as a mountain goat.
The epitome of a servant leader, Phil was always willing to help out—handing out award boxes at the Training MVP Awards Gala or drink tickets for the conference kickoff, wrangling attendees onto buses for the Learning Leaders Summit, or schmoozing at the Training booth in the Expo Hall. Phil attended each and every one of Training’s 49 annual Training Conference & Expo events. “He was excited about every show and enjoyed going to the breakout sessions and keynotes,” says Training Audience Marketing Director Vicki Blomquist. “He was more excited than anyone about our upcoming 50th event.”
Concludes Lakewood Media Group’s Powell: “Phil had exactly the right kind of energy, spirit, and attitude to be in this industry. He will be missed deeply.”
TRIBUTES
- “Phil was a friendly guy with a humble, sturdy self-esteem. I always liked that about him.” —John Nesheim, John Nesheim Consulting
- “I will deeply miss Phil’s calm spirit and passion for learning and development.” —Michelle Cummings, Personify Leadership and Training Wheels Group, LLC
- “I’ve known Phil for almost 40 years. Sometimes our companies were a bit competitive… but that never diminished my respect and admiration for him. He was one of the most kind and friendly people in our industry.” —David Holcombe, Learning Guild (retired)
- “Phil was always such a nice guy, and so supportive of my work. I have fond memories of many chats in the speaker room over the years. We need more good humans in this industry, and he’s one who will be missed.” —Jane Bozarth, InSync Training, LLC
- “Phil will be missed…his legacy will live on.” —Megan Torrance, TorranceLearning
- “Phil certainly will be celebrated by anyone who ever met or knew him.” —Bev Kaye, Beverly Kaye & Associates, Inc.
- “Phil was one of the kindest forces of nature I have ever met! While we only worked closely together once a year on the Training magazine conference, his passion for the industry and joy for life showed through in every meeting we had over the years. It was a pleasure to have known him, and my life—and those of many others—were better for it!” —Mark Mallchok, Brella Productions, Inc
- “I remember clearly the times when Phil came to China and gave me such strong support in building the business here. I knew him for 13 years, and he was always so kind, patient, and supportive. He listened carefully, respected my opinions, and always tried his best to respond and help. I will always remember his warmth, professionalism, and the encouragement he gave me. He was truly a wonderful person and made a positive impact on many people.” —Jennie Wu, Leadin Group
THE OTHER SIDE OF PHIL
While Phil Jones was known for his wisdom, quiet strength, and willingness to always lend a helping hand, he also had a rather devilish sense of humor. Brian McDermott—who refers to Phil as his “best boss ever”—shared one of his favorite memories to “memorialize what a great and multifaceted guy Phil was”:
In 1987, a few months after my daughter, Callie, was born, I was invited to be on the CBS Morning News program in New York. They were doing a story about new parents taking classes and being in support groups. When I got the initial call, I thought it was a prank, but I was finally convinced the circuitous series of connections that led them to me was real. Of course, I told Phil I was going to take a couple days of vacation because CBS was flying me out to their Manhattan studio.
A couple of days later, I got a package delivered via courier to me in my cube across from Phil on the fifth floor. It was a large, padded envelope with the return address from CBS in New York. Inside, a couple of books about public speaking and the media, and a letter, on CBS letterhead, suggesting they might be helpful in preparing for my segment. It was signed by Maria Shriver, one of the Morning News hosts.
It took an embarrassing minute—well, maybe a few—to figure out the books had come off Phil’s shelf, and the letter came off his Mac. I think I was standing a bit dumbstruck in his office, books, envelope, and letter in hand, when the smirk on his face betrayed him.
I worked with Phil for 12 years. They were indelibly formative. He was a special guy. Oh, and Maria did not interview me, but I did meet her passing through the studio. I did not tell her about the letter.