We had the good fortune of connecting with Zane Landin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zane, how do you think about risk?
I think risk is something people tend to run away from because the idea of uncertainty can be a terrifying feeling. It is easier to avoid making a risky decision because we don’t know what the outcome could be. We don’t want to be disappointed in what we tried to accomplish, especially since we hold ourselves on a metaphysical, fragile pedestal, meaning we don’t give ourselves patience and grace after experiencing rejection or failure.

There is a chance our plans won’t come together as we thought, which should be expected because things are constantly changing. Failure is not failure but a new opportunity waiting. It is redirection. I firmly believe that wherever we end up has a different purpose. We are meant to be somewhere else where we will truly thrive.

Believe it or not, some of the most successful people have a long list of failures. The difference between them and others is they never gave up and believed in what their future could be. They didn’t allow their past to influence their path by staying true to their ‘north star.’ Since I started PositiveVibes Magazine in May 2020, my first exposure to being an entrepreneur, it was a new thing for me, and I learned there is a chance risk can become a life-changing reward.

Risk has and continues to play an integral role in what I do. Risk isn’t just about investing money in a company or starting a business. It is also about how you authentically show up in the world. Simply reaching out to an executive for a coffee chat can be risky, but you never know what doors it may open. My advice is to always put yourself out there, have integrity, be curious, and have good intentions in anything you do.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the founder and CEO of PositiveVibes Magazine, a digital magazine and podcast series about breaking the walls of traditional storytelling and shining a light on mental health, wellness, trauma, and leaders making a difference in the world. We promote “positive storytelling,” which is about giving inspirational leaders the voice to show how they have used their past experiences as invisible mentors and transformed their lives. We have featured over 70 leaders from different walks of life. While it has been said people are attracted to negative news, we are seeing a shift where people need more genuine, raw stories to encourage the feeling of not being alone. Everyone has a story that deserves to be shared and amplified.

I started the magazine during the pandemic to create a space I wanted to see for mental health storytelling, awareness, and inclusion. Throughout my time building the magazine, I learned we need to normalize the mental health experience through media to have meaningful conversations about these urgent topics. People deserve to share their feelings and emotions without feeling a sense of judgment. Once we create and facilitate a protected space for people to take ownership of their story, more people will follow.

The magazine is different because we allow people to share their true stories, including topics of trauma, sexual assault, suicide, and even past gang activity. As a society, we still have trouble discussing these issues, but we try to always allow people to voice their experiences, so we can play a small role in changing how we approach them.

It wasn’t easy. After all, I didn’t know what I was doing, which supported me the most because I had no bias. I didn’t limit myself; I embraced creativity and stayed true to the magazine’s vision of sharing community-based storytelling. I learned to always be resilient and passionate and keep moving forward no matter what happens. Some things might not be successful, and some of our stories don’t receive the traction I would like. Reflecting on that, I remind myself to remember my “why” as a passionate advocate for mental health.

The magazine is beyond a brand for me because it has changed my life, and I can’t imagine my life without it. I’ve learned so much about myself personally and professionally. Without the magazine, I wouldn’t have been selected for the first-ever Mental Health Youth Action Forum in Washington D.C., where I met President Biden, Selena Gomez, Dr. Murthy, and Dr. Biden. I wouldn’t have been able to write for Power of Positivity and Entrepreneur. My favorite part about the magazine is conducting interviews with some of the most exciting people. They bring me joy because their stories teach me so much.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to do in Los Angeles. If I could experience a week with my best friend, I would take them to the Broad Museum, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Beach, and Rodeo Drive. These places have some of the best restaurants nearby. These are the best places in Los Angeles that bring a great cultural experience of the meaning of Los Angeles.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank all of the mentors I have had throughout the years. My family deserves recognition because they have supported my path–especially my mother. She taught me what love truly is, and I owe everything to her. My partner also has given me the confidence I needed. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge Cal Poly Pomona, my alma mater.

Website: https://positivevibesmag.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zanelandin/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-landin-b2417a187/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LandinZane

Other: Magazine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivevibesmag/

Image Credits
The Selena Gomez photo was taken by White House Staff.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.