Lisa Braun Dubbels

Founder, Catalyst & Stopgap | Fractional CMO | Visibility Strategist (Narrative, Earned Media & Platforms)

San Francisco, California, United States

About

I help serious ideas find the audience they deserve. For more than two decades, I’ve helped authors, creators, and mission-driven organizations build visibility that lasts—without gimmicks, hustle culture, or performative marketing. I specialize in turning complexity into clarity: shaping narrative, building platforms, and creating momentum that aligns with both values and results. Current roles – Fractional CMO / CCO for teams that need senior guidance without full-time overhead – Founder of Stopgap, a focused strategy + execution service for creators at inflection points – President of Catalyst Publicity, where I’ve helped amplify voices ranging from debut authors to Nobel Laureates What sets my work apart is judgment—knowing what not to do as much as what to do—and the ability to stay steady in moments of opportunity, scrutiny, or change. I bring: • deep earned-media expertise • cross-sector experience (publishing, wellness, social impact, spirituality, tech) • hands-on execution with strategic oversight • technical fluency so ideas connect to performance, not just messaging

Experience

  • President/CEO at Catalyst Publicity & Promotion Group, LLC
    Oct 2003 - Present · 22 yrs 10 mos

    I build bestsellers from the ground up and amplify world-shifting voices. At Catalyst, I partner with publishers, authors, filmmakers, and cause-related organizations to design campaigns that spark movement and momentum. ✔️ Led campaigns for multiple bestsellers ✔️ Supported Nobel Laureates, TED speakers, and changemakers ✔️ Specialized in brand storytelling, media coaching, and earned media ✔️ Secured national placements across NPR, NYT, TIME, CBS, and more

  • Founder at stopgap
    Jun 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 2 mos

    A nimble service offering plug-in publicity, marketing, and platform support for authors, creators, and podcast hosts. Stopgap exists to bridge the gap between strategy and execution — without the bloat of traditional agencies. ✔️ Strategy sessions and accountability dashboards for launches ✔️ Media pitching & outreach, digital ad support ✔️ Audience growth via newsletters, funnels, SEO, and social ✔️ Clients include nonfiction authors, spiritual teachers, and cultural critics

  • Llewellyn Worldwide (4 yrs 5 mos)
    • Director of Marketing & Publicity
      Jan 2003 - Oct 2003 · 10 mos

    • Publicity Manager
      Jun 1999 - Jan 2003 · 3 yrs 8 mos

  • Variety of Marketing positions at Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
    Sep 1995 - May 1999 · 3 yrs 9 mos