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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChallenge Layers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The industry, however, is not without its struggles. When asked about unique challenges as a woman, Malin acknowledges that \u201cThere are layers to the unique challenges I’ve faced as a woman. Many of them are subtle and hard to explain, but one of the hardest things is constantly feeling like I need to prove myself as being good enough, or even justify being there at all\u2014if that makes sense? I\u2019ve had people walk into a room, look straight past me, and ask where the technician is\u2014and I have to say, \u2018That\u2019s me.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When facing a mental challenge, such as self-doubt, Malin says, \u201cI usually just try to talk to someone in the industry I trust. It could be a colleague, friend, or even my wife. A lot of people are nicer and more helpful than one might think, especially when you start opening up. That\u2019s because then you realize that you\u2019re not alone with having struggles, and it suddenly feels less isolating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the challenge is technical, she adds, \u201cI turn to Google or YouTube, but now also ChatGPT! I\u2019m also getting better at asking friends for help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pressure of the job actually led her to take a break from the industry in 2019. She candidly admits, “I actually gave up on the industry then and studied to become a web developer. I felt like I had had enough of the industry. There was so much self-doubt and stress in my life. I think I needed that break to find balance in my life, surround myself with people I felt safe with, and also figure out what I actually wanted to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Women in Pro Audio: Representation Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Malin points to two key factors for the low representation of women in the technical side of pro audio: the lack of role models and limited opportunities for women to try it out. \u201cI teach live-sound classes, and a lot of girls and women tell me that they grew up never considering this career because they\u2019d never seen anyone like them doing it, so it didn\u2019t even occur to them that they could do it. I feel like we all have a responsibility to change that\u2014to include, encourage, and highlight more women in this industry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Malin relies on “Google and YouTube for sure\u201d when she talks about career growth. But she also highlights the power of social media. \u201cI\u2019ve met a lot of new colleagues and friends there and learned from people in the industry who so generously share their knowledge and also their failures!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be Good, But Be Kind<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The advice she would give on essential skills is twofold: “Be good at your craft, but even better at being kind.” She wisely notes, “Skill might get you the gig, but people remember how you made them feel. No one wants to work with a jerk, no matter how talented they are.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She also advises other women just starting in this industry: \u201cReach out to people who do stuff you want to do! Ask to shadow them, ask a lot of questions. One of the best pieces of advice I have received is to prepare for things that were not planned but could easily happen or change at the last minute. I don\u2019t know how many times that has saved me, ha!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regardless of how beloved a career is, most people always wish they could change a thing or two about the field. For Malin, \u201cIf I could change one thing, it would be the culture. I would want it to be a space where respect and empathy are valued just as highly as technical skill. A more inclusive and supportive space benefits everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Malin’s favorite memories are less about technical feats and more about the connections. She shares a memorable story from a tour during which she performed as a musician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe show started with me alone on the piano while tracks played. Right as I sat down at the piano, I realized that I forgot my in-ears. I RUSHED downstairs, tore apart my dressing room looking for where the heck I\u2019d placed them while listening for my cue. The artist gets on stage and is so nervous because he\u2019s like, \u201cWhere is Malin!?!?\u201d (He told me afterwards.) I still couldn\u2019t find them and only had seconds left, so I rushed upstairs, walked calmly out onto the stage, started playing, and prayed to God I didn\u2019t miss any cues (I had a click track in my IEM).”<\/p>\n\n\n\n She continues, “Halfway through the first song, I felt a hand on my back reaching out with my IEM. One of my guests at the show (he also works as a backline technician) had seen me running off the stage during the intro, and he immediately (as the tech genius he is) understood that something was wrong and somehow figured out that I was missing my IEM. The guy doing FOH didn\u2019t notice anything, so I guess the audience didn\u2019t either. But that was wild, scary then, but a fun memory now!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being out on the road with an artist may sound glamorous to the uninitiated, but it sure does have its grueling side: being away from loved ones for long stretches of time, awkward bathroom situations or sleeping arrangements, and a lack of healthy food options, just to name a few things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there are so many reasons why many people choose the tour life, and Malin points to one. \u201cMany of my shows have been so good in different ways. But one tour that stuck out and has stuck with me since was when I did backline for Thomas Stenstr\u00f6m. Even though he\u2019s one of the greatest artists in Sweden, the thing that stuck with me most wasn\u2019t that; it was how welcome and safe I felt with the whole crew. It was my first tour back after a break from the industry, and it reminded me why I love this job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She adds, \u201cTo be honest, what I love most about this job is less about making a technical impression and more about the people. Touring bonds you with people in a unique way. You become a family during your time away from home, sharing struggles, laughter, and work. But you also get to inspire other people at the same time. That\u2019s what I love most.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking ahead, Malin hopes and sees “for the future of live events a more diverse, welcoming and inspiring place for everyone.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can connect with Malin on Instagram at @malinamondi<\/a> and her company, Norr Collective, at @norr.co<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Malin-on-stage_ed-1024x683.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNever Lose Your In-Ears<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Touring Bonds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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