Meet Amanda Verdadero

We were lucky to catch up with Amanda Verdadero recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I am a young biracial female working in Live Events. In my career, I am often the only person in the room that looks like me. Initially, it was very intimidating, especially giving direction to older men that had decades of experience. However, as I continued in my role, I found that being the only one that looks like you can be an asset. You can offer a unique perspective and voice. It’s so important to be in that room and to do what you can to open the door for others like you to join. It is key to remind yourself that you are qualified and put into the room for a reason. You must be confident in your abilities and project that confidence, even if you don’t always feel it inside.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an arena production manager and an artist manager for Kirsten Izer.

I’m originally from New Jersey, but moved to Los Angeles in 2013 to attend USC’s Thornton School of Music. I started my journey in live events as a lighting designer and technician at USC Trojan Event Services. I also started working in live events throughout Los Angeles at venues like the Troubadour, The Echo/Echoplex and the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall. After graduating from USC in 2017, I was hired as a Production Assistant at the Forum, working my way up to Production Coordinator, and eventually Production Manager in 2022. I was recognized for my work by the International Association of Venue Managers as a 30 Under 30 recipient in 2024.

In 2023, I took on a new project as the artist manager for Kirsten Izer. Kirsten is a singer/songwriter and producer. We grew up together in New Jersey and reconnected after she moved to Los Angeles in 2022. Her music resonates with me both melodically and lyrically. She tells heart-wrenching, confessional stories with gorgeous vocals, harmonies and production. As her manager, I work with Kirsten on upcoming releases, doing things like registering her work, building marketing plans, creating photo and video content, pitching songs, and more. I got to use my live event experience to plan and execute a single release party for her song “No One’s Invited” in 2023. We took over a friend’s art studio and transformed it into a concert venue for the night. Currently, we’re working on an EP to be released in Spring of 2025.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities that were most impactful on my journey are adaptability, patience and ambition. In my role as a production manager and artist manager, I constantly need to adapt to the situation at hand. The music industry is a fast paced environment, so I am always willing to pivot from an idea if it’s not working or if there’s a better way of doing something. Patience ties in with this as well. My adaptability and patience allow me to keep calm under pressure to solve problems that arise. My patience allows me to listen to others and be thoughtful when it comes to their needs. My ambition propels me to take on challenges and grow.

My advice for folks who are early in their journey is to get out there and start working on projects so they can practice being adaptable and patient. Skills need practice. The more experience you have, the more you can reference back to when put in new situations. Understand that you won’t know everything when you’re starting out, but don’t let that frustrate you. Let it fuel you to put yourself out there to grow.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I try to ground myself. I try to practice meditation and often use box breathing to calm down. I love going for walks, dancing and singing to release some energy. Sometimes I’ll just move my arms around wildly because it really does help. I recently learned about the polyvagal theory, which has helped tremendously in calming my body down. I think being kind to yourself is so important, and something I need to work on. You should give yourself the same patience and grace you’d give to a friend.

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