Her Story
About Ana
Ana Lara is an entertainment and operations executive with nearly two decades of experience in the music, live events, and Broadway industries. She currently serves as Chief of Staff at AK Worldwide Inc. and Associate Producer for the Broadway production Hell’s Kitchen, where she plays a key role in aligning executive vision with day-to-day execution across creative, operational, and production teams. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, she has built her career at the intersection of global entertainment, cultural storytelling, and strategic artist development.
She began her career in entertainment as an administrative assistant and steadily advanced through multiple departments, gaining experience in executive support, digital content, photography, logistics, and day-to-day artist management. Through each role, she took on increasing levels of responsibility, developing a strong operational skill set and an ability to navigate complex, fast-paced creative environments. Her progression from entry-level support roles to senior leadership reflects a deliberate, hands-on approach to growth, grounded in adaptability, discipline, and a deep understanding of the entertainment business from the ground up.
Over time, she helped define and ultimately create the Chief of Staff function within her organization in the music industry, a role she has held for approximately six to seven years supporting Alicia Keys and senior leadership teams. In this capacity, she oversees cross-functional operations, manages high-stakes initiatives, and ensures alignment across global touring, production, and strategic projects. Her work has contributed to internationally recognized tours, award shows, and cultural moments while collaborating with leading artists and brands. She continues to grow with a long-term goal of stepping into a Chief Operating Officer role, and she has found working remotely particularly meaningful, allowing her to maintain a demanding global career while remaining actively present in her twin boys’ lives and activities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ana
01What do you attribute your success to?
Success, for me, has evolved at different stages of my life and career. Early on, it was driven by the responsibility of being the primary provider for my family and ensuring my children had a stable, healthy, and joyful upbringing. As my career progressed, my focus shifted toward professional growth—building credibility, expanding my leadership capacity, and establishing myself within a highly competitive industry. Today, my motivation is centered on long-term impact: strengthening structure within the entertainment space, elevating leadership standards, and contributing to a healthier, more respectful, and less toxic work culture while continuing to grow as a senior executive.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the entertainment industry is to prioritize self-regulation and the ability to manage your internal state in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. Building awareness of your nervous system and maintaining a consistent healthy routine whether through exercise, meditation, tai chi, or time in nature is essential to sustaining clarity, resilience, and sound judgment over the long term. When you are grounded and regulated, you are better equipped to navigate complexity, set boundaries, and make thoughtful decisions without becoming overwhelmed by external demands or dynamics. This internal stability helps prevent reactive decision-making and reduces the likelihood of being influenced or manipulated by pressure or circumstance. Ultimately, success in this industry comes from taking ownership of your well-being and maintaining balance from within, allowing you to remain centered, effective, and intentional in your leadership and career growth.
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