Whether it's being there for her close-knit family or coaching next gen talent as a Workplace Dynamics Speaker + Strategist, Ana Welsh's wisdom, warmth and character shine through in all she does. Get inspired: meet our new Real Woman of REALM.
Getting to know Ana Welsh has been an absolute delight. Though we come from different cultures and generations, our connection feels effortless—the kind that makes you feel like you have known someone forever.
Ana is an old soul with a heart of gold, grounded in love, respect, and character that shine through in everything she does. She’s quick-witted, endlessly curious, and has a contagious energy that makes conversation with her both fun and deeply insightful.
As a teacher, speaker, and forward thinker, Ana has a gift for inspiring others with her wisdom and warmth. I’m thrilled to share a closer look into her world—her story, her inspirations, and the values that shape the remarkable person she is today.
Meet my forever friend, and new Real Woman of REALM, Ana Welsh—and get ready to be inspired.
Ann King Lagos
Founder + Designer
REALM Fine + Fashion Jewelry
Q&A WITH ANA WELSH
What do you do for work?
I'm a Wharton Lecturer and I own my own business as a professional speaker, consultant and coach. I focus on workplace dynamics and soft skills development for teams and in particular early career next gen.
for play?
I love nothing more than spending time with family and friends, ideally over a nice glass of wine near a beach or fireplace. My husband and I cherish our date nights, we love to go out to a great dinner especially in Philadelphia. I love to have fun; life is too short otherwise.
for others? (such as a charitable organization dear to your heart)
I'm an Ambassador for Girls Spark, a non-profit dedicated to igniting, inspiring and empowering middle and high school girls. I love to help the next generation become more confident within themselves.
You have a lot of experience working in the corporate world. What made you switch to being an entrepreneur and what makes your brand distinctive?
Someone asked me a powerful question: "What energizes you the most and how can you do more of it?" That's when I had a lightbulb moment. After ten years of helping build a large dermatology group practice, I wanted to build my own business focusing on what energizes me the most: helping people, developing them, coaching them and seeing them live their best work lives. Life is hard enough; work doesn't have to be so hard. There are ways you can navigate your work world with strategy and internal confidence.
As Workplace Dynamics Speaker + Strategist, what tips can you give for those looking to be in that arena?
There are so many speakers out there, so many coaches, what can you do to differentiate yourself and make a true impact? Every day I see "experts" on LinkedIn and Instagram, and I always pay attention to who is actually being helpful, authentic and unique. For those interested in becoming a speaker, I'd focus on building a message that tells a story that will change someone's perspective and drive their own success.
Your family is such an important part of your world. Tell us about that and how it has shaped who you are.
Me and my entire family all emigrated from Brazil to the United States when I was five years old. I grew up being my family's translator, as I was the one who spoke the best English. My grandmother was my “summer camp”—she’d come up from Brazil ever summer as much as possible and I grew up with the best memories of us spending time together. In fact, we always had family living with us. They'd move to the states, learn English, get a job, save money, move out. Then the next family member would do the same.
When I met my husband and saw how close he was to his parents, I knew he valued family as much as I did. My husband and I are very fortunate to have found each other and share in our value system of as a family, we always have each other's backs.
Our family is our life; we spend tons of time together. We all help each other out on a daily basis, and it's made for a great ecosystem for our busy lives.
We love your style! At REALM, we talk about our jewelry and Empresses as having “Classic, Romantic or Rock Star” vibe (sometimes all three).
How would you describe your personal style?
Casual chic. The most important thing about what you wear is how confident and comfortable you feel in your outfit. In general, I love a good monochromatic look with a city vibe and classic lines while being a little fancy where I can. Whether in a J. Crew corporate-girly dress with Chanel slingbacks or an Alo sweatset and Jordans, I like to look put together. It's important for me to "look the part" and put effort into how I'm being seen. Frankly, I've always loved fashion and even when I didn't have much growing up, I always made sure I had a confident feeling with whatever I put on. If I were to modernize Jackie O's fashion to 2026 and add my personal twist to it would be the best way I can describe my style.
Why do you love REALM?
I love Ann's story of resilience and kindness behind the brand. Even before I met Ann, I loved how she represented herself: chic, approachable, hardworking, gracious. Then I learned she uses "real women" and not models for her marketing and that solidified the overall good feeling I got every time I encountered REALM at an event or on my social media. I love that REALM represents classy, polished, authentic and modern women.
How did you and Ann meet? What kind of connection do you have?
I first learned about Ann through networking. I saw her on LinkedIn and Instagram, then heard her speak about her journey at the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry. A mutual friend introduced us. We had lunch and fell in love! She always makes time for me, even if it's a quick phone call to ask for advice. She’s truly an inspiration, and our relationship went from networking to now someone I call a dear friend. She feels like family to me, to be honest.
Your favorite pieces of REALM jewelry? Favorite REALM collection?
My first ever piece of REALM jewelry was the larger gold Spirit Python hoop earring. Turns out it is from the SCEPTRE collection, representing strength, courage and spirit, which I feel represents my life journey. Having the strength to pay my way through college working full time while completing four internships, the courage to move to a completely different state when I first met my husband and the spirit of effervescently appreciating life to its fullest.
My new favorite style is the Everyday Pearl necklace and bracelet. I cannot stop reaching for this pearl set, it is so beautiful and the [CORONET Mystery] clasp is so unique. I love wearing pearls, always have, and this set gives it the city edge that I feel is part of my style.
What does it mean to: #BeYourBestSelf #BeYourOwnEmpress #ReignThoughtfully
In my coaching, keynote speaking programs and team trainings, I teach the concept of bringing your Signature Self™ to work—aka your best self who is effective, thoughtful and takes responsibility for the energy you contribute to your work environment.
This is a term I have trademarked and want to share with the world, especially Gen Z who are being taught to bring their “whole entire selves” to work. I debunk that TikTok "advice" of bringing your whole self to work and tell them: instead, bring your best self—your Signature Self™—to work. When you do that, you're the person people LOVE to work with, and you'll find new opportunities faster.
This is how you become the Empress of your life, by reigning thoughtfully, bringing your best self to whatever environment you're in to master my leadership principle of Indispensability.
Anything else you would like to add…
The epitome of being a Real Woman of REALM is bringing substance, kindness and thoughtfulness to all of your interactions. There's a lot of smoke and mirrors out there in the world. Show up and be real. That's how you become Indispensable to those you impact.
CONNECT WITH ANA
ANA WELSH LEADERSHIP
Wharton Lecturer, Workplace Dynamics Speaker, Leadership Coach, Next Gen Talent Developer
anawelsh.com
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
Hashtags/Mantras:
• Be Indispensable
• Master Indispensability
• Signature Self™ (yes, it's trademarked)
• The Indispensable Leader
• The Indispensable Professional
• The Indispensable Intern
