What if the greatest stories are the ones the publishing industry keeps rejecting? Lisa Diane Kastner, founder of Running Wild Press, shares how she transformed frustration with traditional publishing into a mission-driven content creation, licensing, and storytelling company that helps exceptional creators reach audiences across books, film, television, and beyond. Rather than following trends, she searches for authentic voices, develops untapped talent, and builds lasting brands around powerful stories. In this conversation, she reveals why great leaders ask better questions, how overlooked creators become industry breakthroughs, and why your greatest advantage may be the very thing that makes you different. Discover the mindset behind building a legacy by lifting others instead of competing against them.

Key Takeaways

• Why great stories matter more than chasing market trends.
• How licensing creates opportunities beyond traditional publishing.
• The importance of discovering and developing overlooked talent.
• Why asking the right questions unlocks an artist's true potential.
• How building a supportive community creates a lasting legacy.

Notable Quotes

• "Great stories don't fit neatly in a box."
• "I'm looking for that voice, that story, that spirit."
• "People want stories wherever they are."
• "I shouldn't tell you what to do. I should ask leading questions."
• "We help that person realize who they were meant to be."