TED Community » Lara Stein

About Me

As TEDx's founder and TEDx's Director I am focused on next generation strategies for TEDx and the TEDx community. I spearheaded the charge to launch TEDx in 2009. I am currently focused on storytelling, collaboration and concepts that help bring TED talks to the developing world.

Before joining TED I consulted to Media, Art and Technology companies, including, Pangea Day, TED, Worldwide Biggies, Moveopolis, and JVP.

My favorite places in the world: LAMU (please don't build the port), Morocco, Noetzie Bay (http://www.knysnacastles.co.za/), Galapagos and Ubud

My bio:

Prior this, Ms Stein was President of Comedylab Productions, Inc. (formerly iCAST Comedy), overseeing programming and content development, and played a key role in all strategic planning and business development.

Ms. Stein has extensive experience in broadband entertainment programming, animation and interactive Web development, having held senior management positions at Nelvana Entertainment, Microsoft’s MSN online entertainment division, and iXL, a leading interactive and web development agency.
Ms. Stein joined TheComedylab from iXL’s eTV/Broadband unit where, as President, she oversaw production, new business development, acquisitions and management for all next generation platform projects. Prior to heading up iXL’s eTV/Broadband division, Stein founded and built iXL’s NY office, eventually managing a team of over 250 individuals. Stein also held senior level positions at Microsoft’s MSN unit, where she ran MSN’s NY office, and spearheaded all broadband programming and business development. Prior to Microsoft, Stein was Director of Interactive Publishing and licensing for Marvel Comics.
Additionally, Stein has developed programming for Lifetime Television. She also founded and served as Director of Licensing at Nelvana Communication, a leading animation company. At Nelvana she headed up the company’s interactive division and oversaw all business development and production of animation for interactive products. Stein also produced programming for a Simon and Schuster Kids educational series, which included, mini documentaries, animation and music videos. Ms. Stein produced a national series at WGBH-PBS in Boston, an anthology of children’s animated half hours from around the world. Stein has also produced and directed numerous documentary films.
Ms. Stein's achievements have earned her recognition in several leading industry trade publications, including The Silicon Alley Reporter’s “Top 100 Executives”, Alley Cat News’ “Top Women of Silicon Alley” in Alley Cat News and The Elite’s “Who’s Who Among Outstanding Female Executives.” Prior to getting her BA from Emerson College, Ms. Stein was a classical ballet dancer in South Africa and the United States.