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Nicole\u2019s journey in the industry has been marked by significant challenges, the first of which was a series of knee surgeries she underwent by the time she was 19. \u201cThat was one of my biggest hurdles,\u201d she shares. \u201cThe doctors told me that I\u2019d never dance again. My first paid job back was dancing at a theme park, and I knew it would either be the next stepping stone or the realization that my dance career as I knew it was over. Let\u2019s just say you can\u2019t tell me that \u2018I can\u2019t do something.’\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her touring experience was also fraught with trials and tribulations. \u201cWhen I started touring, most people didn\u2019t even have mobile phones or carry laptops. Advancing was way different back then!\u201d she laughs. \u201cFinding the next job was always a worry as one tour finished, but I think my dance background taught me that sometimes you get the job and sometimes you don\u2019t. It might not have anything to do with your skillset.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nicole\u2019s passion for her work is evident, but she isn\u2019t shy about highlighting the industry\u2019s flaws. \u201cIf I could change one thing about the industry, it would be the hours we keep,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd there\u2019s no reward for changing things a million times!\u201d Her words reflect the realities of the industry, highlighting the need for change and improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being a Woman in Live Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Being a woman in the male-dominated live event industry can present unique challenges. Women often find themselves in the minority, which can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion. They may face unconscious bias or outright discrimination, with their skills and contributions sometimes overlooked or undervalued. Additionally, they may encounter individuals who question their competence or authority simply because of their gender. Despite these obstacles, many women like Nicole persist and thrive, proving that they are just as capable and deserving of success in this industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThankfully, I have had a lot of support from men in the industry. People who took me under their wing because they \u2018saw something in me\u2019 or taught me through example without me owing anything to them,\u201d she acknowledges. \u201cHowever, I\u2019ve been threatened, spoken down to, and the worst is when they speak to other men versus not looking at me because they don\u2019t think I\u2019m worthy. It\u2019s so weird when that stuff happens that I honestly laugh at how preposterous it can be! I can only be me, and it just so happens I was born a female.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gender Gap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Nicole acknowledges the gender disparity in the live event industry. However, she is optimistic about its future. \u201cI am very excited to see more inclusion in our industry. I was one of few women on the road, on some tours, I was the only woman. But on my last tour, we had women in every tech department too: audio, video, lighting, etc!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Critical Moments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
She recalls a pivotal moment in her career. \u201cUntil that fateful runner van ride with Bill Leabody where I said, \u2018I want to be the Production Manager,\u2019 I didn\u2019t even know if he thought I could do it. Thankfully, he did!\u201d she exclaims. \u201cMy biggest thing that I say is that I am happy for young women to see me doing this role so that maybe they can dream of doing it too!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seeing women in roles traditionally dominated by men is crucial for young girls. It broadens their horizons and shatters the stereotypes about what women can or cannot do. It shows them that their gender does not limit their potential or dictate their career paths. Such visibility empowers them to dream big, strive for diverse roles, and believe in their ability to succeed in any field they choose. It\u2019s about encouraging a world where every girl knows she can be anything she wants to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When asked about how Nicole has overcome challenges, her response is unwavering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFirst of all, I don\u2019t have it in my nature to give up. My parents let me be very creative but also taught me the value of hard work and dedication.\u201d She credits her team and the shared knowledge within it as her source of strength. \u201cI think relying on your team and sharing each other\u2019s knowledge is what has drawn me to touring. I was always a part of team sports, and dancing, and I love the camaraderie. But I also strived to be different \u2013 the soloist, the pitcher, the goalie, the Production Manager!\u201d she laughs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nicole\u2019s advice for women trying to break into the industry is both practical and inspiring. \u201cTouring is hard, period,\u201d she admits. \u201cHowever, in my mind, it can be the most rewarding job if you utilize it to its fullest. And if your gut is telling you something, you better listen to it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She emphasizes the importance of certain skills. \u201cI think many women do not ask for help as they think it\u2019s a sign of weakness. But delegation is the best way to get through a hard tour. It took me years to realize this! Lean on the experts around you. And remember, communication is the key to life in general!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n When asked about resources for career growth, Nicole chuckles. \u201cI don\u2019t have any specific resources that I can think of for elevating my career,\u201d she admits. \u201cBut I pride myself in being kind, collaborating with the teams, and being open to trying new ways of doing things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nicole\u2019s eyes light up as she recalls some of her favorite shows and events. \u201cBillie Eilish\u2019s Happier Than Ever Tour was my first arena show, top to bottom, as the Production Manager,\u201d she says with a sense of accomplishment. Her portfolio also boasts of impressive events like Coldplay\u2019s 2016 Glastonbury set, their 2014 Live at Royal Albert Hall, and the 2012 Paralympics. She fondly remembers the Concert for Diana in 2007, the United We Stand 9\/11 Benefit in 2001, and the Chester Bennington Benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nicole\u2019s career has been filled with memorable moments and experiences. \u201cOh man, there have been so many times where I say, \u2018How did a little girl from Pennsyltucky end up here?!?\u2019\u201d she laughs. She\u2019s toured six of the seven continents and 66 countries, including places like India, Russia, Ukraine, Venezuela, Egypt, Monaco, Serbia, Turkey, and even Uzbekistan. \u201cWho goes to Uzbekistan??\u201d she exclaims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She recalls dancing until four in the morning with some princes at Prince Charles\u2019 60th birthday party and sharing a fun story on Graham Norton\u2019s Red Chair with Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Charlize Theron, Seth McFarlane, and Coldplay on the couch. \u201cNo pressure! Ha!\u201d she chuckles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her most recent moment of fame was introducing Billie Eilish\u2019s performance at the 2022 Grammys. According to Buzzfeed, I was \u2018the eighth most awkward moment, and I was adorably nervous, shaking with nerves, but I slayed my intro!\u2019 I didn\u2019t think I was nervous, as I was concentrating on the production of their performance, but once I was out there, my hand started shaking while holding the mic. Twitter had a field day with me!\u201d she laughs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nicole\u2019s love for her work is infectious. \u201cI love every tour, some more than others, but the fact that I still get paid to travel the world AND get to work with some of my most favorite people in the world is so great,\u201d she says, her voice filled with enthusiasm. \u201cI love to watch the audience; dancing, laughing, freaking out \u2013 it\u2019s all so good and makes me smile so much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nicole’s response is hopeful when asked about the future of live events, especially in the wake of the pandemic. \u201cComing out of the pandemic, our first show back was a set at the Bottlerock Festival with FINNEAS. I cried standing side of the stage because it was so exhilarating to hear the crowd,\u201d she recalls, her voice tinged with emotion. \u201cI think people will continue to crave live music. And now more than ever; people want to escape all of the terrible things happening in the world for a two-hour concert. To dance, cheer, and sing alongside 16,000 of your closest friends is a life-changing experience! We are here to stay. Please don\u2019t ever take it away again!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Feel free to follow Nicole on Instagram to see what she\u2019s doing next! We sure will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a>Read last month’s Women in Pro Audio interview here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nicole-Billie-Eilish-Singapore-1024x947.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAdvice for Women in Live Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Favorite Moments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What She Loves Most<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Future of Live Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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