With over 25 years in the music industry, Mindi is a highly respected tour manager known for her expertise in handling every facet of touring, from pre-production and logistics to budgeting and day-to-day operations. She has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including The Chicks, Avril Lavigne, Norah Jones, Tori Amos, Fleetwood Mac, and Bette Midler, successfully managing global tours across stadiums, arenas, theaters, festivals, and promotional events. Her deep passion for the industry and ability to navigate its challenges have made her a sought-after leader in live music production.

Mindi’s journey began as a stagehand at The Gorge in Washington before she transitioned into touring, landing her first major gig as an assistant to Bonnie Raitt. Since then, she has built a career based on reliability, adaptability, and a talent for problem-solving. She believes in embracing differences, fostering team motivation, and creating a supportive environment for the artists and crews she works with.

Summary

In this episode of Leading Ladies, host Sarah Birnie speaks with Mindi Pelletier, an experienced tour manager in the music industry. They discuss Mindi's journey, her work with animal charities, the importance of team dynamics in touring, and the challenges faced by women in the industry. The conversation also touches on mental health support on tour and the impact of COVID-19 on the touring landscape.

Mindi emphasizes the need for kindness and support within the industry, highlighting the importance of uplifting others and creating a positive work environment. In this conversation, Mindi Pelletier shares her insights on the evolving landscape of the touring industry post-COVID, discussing the challenges faced by crews, the importance of well-being, and the need for adaptability in roles and responsibilities. She emphasizes the significance of kindness and support among women in the industry, advocating for a culture of empowerment and collaboration.

Mindi also highlights the changing nature of tour scheduling and the financial pressures that impact crew dynamics, urging the importance of networking and knowing one's worth in the industry.

This episode is brought to you by Lightswitch