Zibby Owens, Zibby Media: Turning a Love of Books Into a Thriving Media Empire

Zibby Owens, founder and CEO of Zibby Media, details her transition from aspiring author to building a multifaceted media empire that includes a daily podcast, publishing imprint, independent bookstore, and retreat business. Her journey underscores the necessity of remaining flexible, trusting one's intuition when pivoting, and the critical role of human connection in brand building. Key insights include the importance of hiring for cultural fit rather than just resumes, the strategic use of AI tools to manage back-end operations, and the necessity of being the "front person" for one's own brand. Her latest book, *Between Chapters*, serves as a collection of essays reflecting on personal reinvention and navigating life's unexpected turns. Success stems from consistent effort, a willingness to shut down non-performing ideas, and the ability to maintain a supportive, like-minded team.