2025 Impact 50 Honoree: Lesley Olenik

LESLEY OLENIK
SVP of Global Touring
LIVE NATION

PREVIOUS JOB: Bartending
LIFE-CHANGING CONCERT: “Daft Punk at the LA Sports Arena, July 21, 2007.”

It’s a big touring year for Billie Eilish and her ongoing “Hit Me Hard And Soft” world tour – and not only when it comes to ticket sales and grosses.

“Working alongside Billie Eilish and her team to bring her sustainability initiatives to life on the ‘Hit Me Hard And Soft: The Tour’ has been hugely rewarding,” says Lesley Olenik, SVP of global touring for Live Nation. Efforts toward sustainability on Eilish’s tour and beyond included launching Changemaker Tickets in partnership with local organizations and Support + Feed, which was founded by Eilish’s mom and adviser/manager, Maggie Baird. Other initiatives included increasing plant-based food options at venues, with some like The O2 in London, Co-op Live in Manchester and SAP Center in San Jose going fully plant-based.

“What’s so inspiring is how generous she is with her platform, and how intentional her team is in making sure these partnerships are thoughtful and meaningful,” Olenik says. “She’s not just asking fans to show up – she’s showing them how to give back and be part of something bigger. It’s a model that I hope inspires more artists and teams to invest in the communities they visit.”

Apart from the Eilish tour, Olenik has plenty of other things to keep her and her team, which includes assistant Grace Szafara, busy.

“I’m working with some exciting new projects with Jessie Murph, Reneé Rapp, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, and Midnight Generation – all incredibly unique and talented artists,” Olenik says. “I’m also looking forward to what’s ahead for Lizzo. She’s a powerful force for positivity and inclusivity, and it’ll be amazing for fans to experience her new music live for the first time.”

Overseeing various tours and teams that spread across continents, Olenik says it’s important to work together closely.

“We prioritize in-person time together as much as possible,” she says. “Being together – working, problem-solving, and simply connecting – helps strengthen our relationships, build trust and boost morale.”