Behind the Print: Print Isn’t Dead with Lea Woodford
Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. In this episode, I sit down with Lea Woodford CEO and Founder of Luxury Media Brands, to discuss her journey from working in television and media to founding Luxury Media Brands and creating high-end publications like Speaker Life Magazine and Legacy Quarterly.
Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached at the end of this post.
8-minute read
“Print is not dead. Its demise has been completely fabricated” – Lea Woodford, CEO of Luxury Media Brands
Transcript from Behind the Print with Lea Woodford
Zoe Fisher: Welcome back to the Behind the Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds and their businesses within the world of professional printing. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print. Today’s episode is titled “Print isn’t Dead,” and I’m here with Lea Woodford, CEO and founder of Luxury Media Brands.
Lea Woodford: Hello! How are you?
Zoe Fisher: I’m doing well, how about you?
Lea Woodford: I’m good, just getting ready to print another magazine.
Zoe Fisher: Oh, how exciting! Let’s dive into our questions, Lea. You’ve had such a diverse career in media and entrepreneurship. What inspired you to create Luxury Media Brands?
Lea Woodford: Well, I also own a jet charter company with my husband, and we publish the in-flight magazine for it. I’ve always loved print. Even though my background is in TV—having worked in the news for years—magazines just have this unique cachet. And while traditional media has changed, print still offers something special. People often say, “Print is dead,” but if you look at the most expensive shelf space in the grocery store—the checkout line—you’ll see magazines. That’s proof that print is still very much alive. Even though I had an Amazon Prime show, it was so much easier to get interviews with celebrities for a magazine than for a TV show, and the cost was a lot less. I just love print—it’s tangible, and it helps build relationships.
“We hear all the time, print is dead. Just check out the grocery store. The most expensive shelf in the grocery store is the checkout line. And what is there? Magazines.” – Lea Woodford, CEO of Luxury Media Brands
Zoe Fisher: Definitely. I completely agree with the impact of print on audiences. Who would you say is the most specific audience you help with your magazines?
Lea Woodford: I have several magazines. One is Speaker Life Magazine for speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs, and then there’s Legacy Quarterly, an in-flight magazine for our jet charter clients, which include celebrities, athletes, and CEOs. It’s amazing because clients often take the magazine with them and call us afterward. For example, Robert Kiyosaki became a client after I interviewed him for the magazine. We helped him buy a plane and manage it. So we use print as lead generation, and it works very well for connecting with high-level influencers too.
Zoe Fisher: That’s a great way to network! It ties everything together into one cohesive brand. How has technology changed things for you in terms of print?
Lea Woodford: Technology has changed so much. I’ve always loved print—I was a dating and relationship columnist for years and wrote for four magazines. The technology didn’t really allow for seamless layout until around 2019, so it’s become much easier and less expensive now. It’s amazing how the digital age has impacted everything, but print still holds strong value.
Zoe Fisher: In your experience as a CEO, what have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced running a media company?
Lea Woodford: COVID was definitely a big one. The best advice I can give is to persevere. In the beginning, people told me I’d never get celebrities to interview, but I was fortunate to have Alice Cooper as a client, and he introduced me to many people. In order to get advertisers, you need a recognizable name on the cover. I also created a subscription box that I send to potential clients, including issues of the magazine, media kits, and other goodies. It’s had a 90-92% success rate, which is pretty amazing.
Zoe Fisher: That’s incredible! What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, looking to start their own businesses in today’s digital age?
Lea Woodford: Do what your competitors aren’t doing. It’s the person swimming upstream who stands out. Persistence is key—most people quit just before they’re about to succeed. And always have a plan. Too many people wing it, and that’s a mistake. You also need a strong lead magnet and social proof. Before launching your business, do test cases to ensure your product or service works and then promote it.
“Persevere. I find that most people quit when they’re just about ready to get their breakthrough…You’re always selling yourself… get some confidence, get some chutzpah, and it’s a numbers game.” – Lea Woodford, CEO of Luxury Media Brands
Zoe Fisher: Solid advice! You’ve had a lot of success. What do you think has been the key to becoming an industry leader?
Lea Woodford: Early on, I learned sales. A lot of people don’t like the idea of selling, but you’re always selling yourself. Smile and dial until you get the right person, and don’t be afraid to try different strategies until something works.
Zoe Fisher: That’s a great approach. Success isn’t a straight path, is it?
Lea Woodford: Not at all! It’s more like a zigzag. You have to be adaptable and willing to try new things.
Zoe Fisher: Speaking of adaptability, as someone who’s interviewed so many successful people, what traits do you see in leaders who have the most impact?
Lea Woodford: Integrity and character. I look for people with strong values. Even though I interview a lot of celebrities, I’m always looking for their backstory—the human element. I leverage interviews to build relationships, and it’s all about being genuine. I was fortunate to interview Suzanne Somers before she passed, and we built a beautiful connection. Her company still advertises with us, and we’ll continue to honor her legacy.
Zoe Fisher: That’s such a wonderful story. You mentioned wanting to highlight more women in your magazine—are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about?
Lea Woodford: Yes, I’m working on a new magazine and subscription box combo inspired by a recent trip to Italy. It focuses on clean beauty and anti-aging products, especially considering that the U.S. still allows toxins in our skincare products that have been banned in Europe for 30 years. This is a passion project for me, as a two-time cancer survivor, and I’m excited to create something that helps women and girls take better care of themselves.
Zoe Fisher: That sounds like such a meaningful project! I can’t wait to see it come to life. In terms of connecting with audiences, how has print helped your business grow?
Lea Woodford: Print has been crucial. People always say print is dead, but it’s far from it. Print invokes all the senses—you can touch it, feel it, see it, and it creates a lasting emotional impact that digital alone can’t. For example, in our jets, we have a captive audience, and people genuinely love the high-quality print magazines we offer.
Zoe Fisher: I completely agree—there’s something magical about print that digital can’t replicate. Have there been any particularly exciting milestones or projects that have defined your growth?
Lea Woodford: I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing some incredible people—everyone from Alice Cooper to Erin Brockovich to Suzanne Somers. I’m also working on getting Dolly Parton for an interview, which would be a dream come true. I’d love to incorporate more interviews with women and highlight their successes because I believe we need more of that in the media right now.
Zoe Fisher: That would be amazing! It sounds like you have a lot of exciting things in the works. As we wrap up, how can our audience connect with you and learn more about Luxury Media Brands?
Lea Woodford: They can visit luxurymediabrands.com and set up a free consultation. I’d love to connect with anyone who’s interested!
Zoe Fisher: Thank you so much, Lea, for sharing your journey and insights with us today. It’s been an absolute pleasure speaking with you.
Lea Woodford: Thank you, Zoe! It’s been great.
Zoe Fisher: And that’s a wrap on another episode of Behind the Print. Thanks to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, having a strong vision like Lea and building the right strategy while using print to amplify your message will help your brand stand out. If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to check out printingcenterusa.com to get your sample pack today. Until next time, keep those creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the print.
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From impactful magazines to subscription boxes, Lea Woodford brings meaningful connections to life through print and media. For Lea and Luxury Media Brands, PrintingCenterUSA has been a trusted partner, helping turn her vision into beautifully printed works that inspire and engage audiences. Whether it’s a magazine, media kit, or promotional product, you can bring your brand to life with custom printed products. Order your custom printed items today!
