#342 - Maria-Mercedes Davidian - LEADING LADIES PODCAST
Throughout the conversation, Maria emphasizes the significance of passion in her career, noting that while the industry can be tough, it offers rewarding opportunities. She candidly discusses the impact of COVID-19 on her mental health and work-life balance, revealing how the pandemic forced her to slow down and reassess her priorities. As she looks to the future, Maria expresses her aspirations to explore directing and other areas within video production, while also valuing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In this engaging conversation, Maria shares her experiences and insights from working in the live event industry, particularly in video production. She discusses the challenges of adapting to different environments, especially when transitioning from the fast-paced world of touring to everyday life. Maria emphasizes the importance of physical fitness for women in a male-dominated industry, advocating for strength training to handle the physical demands of the job. She also highlights the significance of financial literacy, urging young professionals to prepare for their future and manage their earnings wisely, especially in a freelance environm
In this episode of the Leading Ladies podcast, host Sarah interviews Maria Passalacqua, a talented video production professional with a rich background in the entertainment industry. Maria shares her journey from childhood, to her current role in video production for major tours, including her work with the band Offspring. She discusses her unique approach to video production, likening it to 'building big Lego TVs,' and highlights her experiences with various projects, including her first major tour with Pentatonix and her recent work with Guns N' Roses. Maria also reflects on the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry and the importance of resilience and teamwork in achieving success.
This Episode is brought to you by Lightswitch
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
04:12 Maria's Journey into Video Production
07:07 Family Influence and Early Experiences
10:03 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
13:53 Career Beginnings and Challenges
16:47 The Impact of COVID-19 on Work and Mental Health
19:46 Choosing Video Over Other Production Roles
22:45 First Major Tours and Experiences
25:37 Challenges of Touring and Team Dynamics
27:05 The Importance of Helping Others in the Industry
27:46 Memorable Venues and Locations
29:17 Dream Gigs and Future Aspirations
32:53 Career Goals and Industry Challenges
43:41 Advice for Women in the Industry
50:32 Navigating Freelance Challenges
54:09 Financial Preparedness in the Freelance World
56:51 The Importance of Asking for Help
58:47 Struggles of Reintegrating into Normal Life
01:01:51 Mental Health Support in the Touring Industry
01:03:27 The Reality of Life on Tour
01:07:58 Defining a 'Proper Job' in the Industry
01:08:46 Physical Health and Safety on Tour
01:12:26 Leading Ladies Outro.mp4
Maria is a video production professional with deep roots in the live entertainment and touring industry. Maria built her career working behind the scenes on major concert tours and live productions, including projects with The Offspring, Pentatonix, and Guns N’ Roses.
Known for her hands-on, problem-solving approach, often joking that she “builds big Lego TVs” Maria specializes in large-scale video systems, touring workflows, and production logistics. Her career spans high-pressure environments where adaptability, teamwork, and precision are essential.
Maria is also a passionate advocate for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She speaks candidly about the realities of touring, from physical demands and financial planning to mental health, self-care, and maintaining work-life balance, lessons sharpened during the COVID-era slowdown.
Grounded, resilient, and deeply committed to her craft, Maria continues to evolve creatively, above all, she values integrity, collaboration, and the tight-knit community that makes the touring world feel like home.
