Kaitlin Herman

When I think about what has made me successful, it really comes down to knowing that I did good for myself, but I'm also making the owner successful with their dreams. It's about that dual sense of accomplishment - personal growth combined with contributing to something bigger than myself. I go into each day with a new mindset, always setting goals for myself and for the company. I've learned to put the past behind me because you can't change it since it's already done. That forward-looking attitude, combined with the trust my boss Dana Erickson placed in me when I knew absolutely nothing, has allowed me to grow in ways I never expected.

The best career advice I've ever received is to just go in each day with a new mindset, always setting goals for yourself and for the company. Put the past behind you because you can't change it since it's already done. This advice has helped me stay focused on what's ahead rather than dwelling on what's behind me. It's about moving forward with intention and purpose, making each day count toward both my personal growth and the success of the team I'm working with.

My advice to young women entering the live production industry is to just go in bold, be brave, and don't be scared to ask questions. Learn everything and anything that you can. This industry can seem intimidating at first, especially if you don't have a clear career path like I didn't when I started, but the willingness to learn and the courage to speak up will take you far. I was fortunate to have a boss who trusted me when I knew absolutely nothing, and that trust combined with my eagerness to learn has shaped my entire career.

The biggest challenges in the live production field right now are related to the cost of living going up and the overall economy. Everything price-wise is going up, which makes it hard for us to keep our prices competitive for our clients. It's also hard for our clients to be able to afford AV for their year-end meetings or to pull on a big concert, whether for the public or just for internal employee benefits. The economic pressures are affecting both sides of the business - we're trying to maintain quality service while clients are struggling with tighter budgets. It's a balancing act that requires creativity and flexibility from everyone involved.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are communication and trust. These two things form the foundation of everything I do. In the live production environment where I work, clear communication is essential for making sure events run smoothly, and trust is what allows teams to work together effectively under pressure. My boss Dana Erickson trusted me when I knew absolutely nothing, and that trust gave me the confidence to learn and grow. Now I try to bring that same level of communication and trust to every interaction, whether I'm working with clients, colleagues, or in my personal relationships.