Lisa Panagos - I Believe That To Have A Successful Career In The Entertainment Business You Must Love What You Do (CEO And Founder From California)

 

Lisa Panagos

I started out singing, acting, and dancing in Broadway shows, tours, and Sag-Aftra films. 

Then, when it came to my original works that I wrote, I began Producing and Executive Producing them myself with the help of incredibly talented musicians that wanted to play on my albums. 

Once I realized that I had a handle on all of that, I formed my company as CEO/Founder/Owner. So, it was a gradual build to what my brand and company have become today.

It’s been a financial struggle getting back and finishing certain projects, but I feel I’ve come back stronger than ever because I missed it so much and was so hungry for success. 

I pulled all-nighters to archive my past work for my website, and to write more songs. I kept working harder and smarter.

1. Tell us more about your company and your journey.

I started my company, Panagos Global Entertainment, to take my career to the next level while protecting my assets and Intellectual Property.

I also decided to Have a division of the company be a record label (PGE), to release my original material worldwide. It has been exciting to take control of all of my masters, publishing, productions, and intellectual property. Also exciting to Produce and Executive Produce my original works.

2. How did you manage to be singer, actress, model, producer and CEO at the same time ?

Well, I started out singing, acting, and dancing in Broadway shows, tours, and Sag-Aftra films. 

Then, when it came to my original works that I wrote, I began Producing and Executive Producing them myself with the help of incredibly talented musicians that wanted to play on my albums. 

Once I realized that I had a handle on all of that, I formed my company as CEO/Founder/Owner. So, it was a gradual build to what my brand and company have become today.

3. What has been your biggest challenge that you faced and how did you overcome that?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced was stepping away from the business for a few years to care for my ill mother. I lost a ton of money and jobs doing that, and it was a gamble to think everyone would remember me when I came back. 

I was still writing during my downtime and building my social media when I could, but caregiving is exhausting and depleting physically, mentally, and emotionally. I wasn’t sure I could come back with the same chops that I had before.

When I got back I was so grateful that the doors were wide open for me and I surprisingly began winning a multitude of awards and recognitions.I will never take my artistic gifts for granted.

It’s been a financial struggle getting back and finishing certain projects, but I feel I’ve come back stronger than ever because I missed it so much and was so hungry for success. I pulled all-nighters to archive my past work for my website, and to write more songs. I kept working harder and smarter.

 

4. What do you think are the most important for a successful career in entertainment industry?  

I believe that to have a successful career in the entertainment business you must love what you do. It helps to eat, breathe, and sleep entertainment. 

I also believe that you must have integrity in the arts(I have won awards for that), reach for the stars, get along well with people and have a good business sense. 

I also believe that one must be fearless, not letting anyone get in the way of one’s vision for their brand or their projects. Staying true to oneself is essential.

 
5. What are some of the most important factors for running a successful business?

Some of the most important factors for running a successful business are to be passionate, and surround yourself with other passionate professionals that have plenty to bring to the table. 

I believe it is important to never waste people’s time and to have integrity. It’s also important to leave the bad attitude at the door, be on time, and have a positive outlook on every situation about your business. 

Also, social media skills, administration skills, organization, and leadership skills are essential.

6. What are your tips for youngsters?

I would advise any younger individual who aspires to be in the Entertainment business to finish school, work hard, stay focused, find their passion, and what brings them joy. 

Without that, they may not have longevity and go down the wrong path. I would urge them to be confident and remain strong because there are a lot of ups and downs in this business and one must have a lot of strength and resilience to keep pushing through the obstacles that they may face.

If you get beaten down, just pick yourself and shine brighter on a new day. We all have failures in this life. It often teaches us a lot about ourselves and others. We can move forward to bigger and brighter things if we stay strong, determined, and focused.

Do not waiver from your ultimate goal and dreams. In the end, one must love what they do and not be able to live without it! Your passion and dreams can take you to the moon and back! Go for it!

Interviewed by - Deepshikha