Diane Strand is an Executive Producer - Spirit of Innovation, CEO of JDS Studios, Nonprofit Founder & Executive Director, Serial Entrepreneur, TEDx Speaker, and Bestselling Author #JDSFamily. We spoke about the journey of entrepreneurship, the power of saying “yes” to opportunities, and how creativity can be the foundation for business success.

Diane has built multiple businesses, including a nonprofit that grew into a seven-figure enterprise. She shares how she launched over 100 creative careers, helped entrepreneurs build authority, and leveraged storytelling for impactful marketing. With a career that started in Hollywood, working on shows like Friends and General Hospital, Diane transitioned into creating opportunities for aspiring creatives and business owners alike.

One of Diane’s core messages is to “start before you’re ready”—a mindset shift that separates those who take action from those who let fear hold them back. “Don’t find the excuses because that’s fear talking,” she says. “It will always try to make you safe… Get started now. Get involved with your community.”

She explains how providing value before asking for anything in return has been a game-changer in her journey. “Everything doesn’t have to be a hard sell. Sometimes you just need to provide the value so other people want to be a part of the magic that you’re creating.”

Diane also discusses:

• The power of showing up and saying yes – How a simple networking event led her to launch a groundbreaking career program for adults with developmental disabilities.
• Building a personal and business brand – Why blending technical and soft skills is key to standing out.
• How to gain credibility in male-dominated industries – Her story of producing a Barbra Streisand concert and the lesson she learned about speaking up.
• Turning tiny wins into big momentum – “Celebrate being able to pick up the phone, make that one call, show up in a room where you don’t know anyone. Those are tiny wins that create momentum.”

This episode is for anyone looking to step into entrepreneurship with confidence, scale their business through strategic branding, and turn creative passion into a profitable, purpose-driven career.