Read the room
Hey, Nikki here.
Sometimes the job that teaches you the most is also the one you eventually have to outgrow.
This week I sat down with Kyana White. She’s built her career across TV production, road management, tour management, and production management, and right now she’s holding down multiple roles on lean camps where there’s no room to hide.
What stood out to me was how practical she is about it all: learn fast, prepare hard, and stop waiting for someone to hand you the next step.
Why this one matters:
A lot of people get stuck in the same lane because they never make a move before burnout or money forces it. Kyana was honest about the grind, the low pay, and the moment she realized the path she was on wasn’t going to get her where she wanted to go.
One thing that stayed with me was her point that you have to create your own way out. In real life, that means paying attention when a role stops being a stepping stone and starts becoming a trap, then doing something about it before you get too comfortable.
#1 Read the room first
Kyana talked about how important it is to pay attention before you start asking questions or pushing your way into a space. Knowing how people work, what kind of day they’re having, and when to speak up makes you easier to trust and better to work with.
Takeaway: Wanting more responsibility is important, but timing and awareness matter too.
Try this: Pick one meeting or show day this week where your goal is to observe first, speak second, and notice what that changes.
#2 Say you want the role
Kyana didn’t just absorb extra responsibility and hope someone noticed forever. At a certain point, she said plainly that she wanted to be both TM and PM, and that changed what came next.
Takeaway: People can respect your work and still not know exactly what you want.
Try this: If you’re well respected for your craft but desire a change, 1) tell someone in your desired role, and 2) when a role is open, be bold and ask.
#3 Use the resources in front of you
She talked about realizing she already had access to people, contacts, and moments that could help her pivot. That shift led to cold outreach, real conversations, and eventually real touring work.
Takeaway: Your next door is often closer than it looks.
Try this: Make a short list of five people you already know who are one step closer to the work you want, and send one clear outreach message this week.
If you want the full conversation, listen to Episode #54 of The Giggs Podcast with Kyana White.
SPOTIFY | APPLE | YOUTUBE
— Nikki
P.S. One line I loved: “The more you prepare upfront, the easier your life will be.” That applies way beyond advancing. Good systems make people safer and steadier.
