2023 Women Of Live: Caroline Yim

Partner & Co-Head of Hip-Hop/R&B | WME

Caroline Yim is gratified by all the success her artists have had this year. “The growth of Giveon as a whole is something my team is particularly proud of,” she says. “Also helping with the
evolution of Anderson .Paak into DJ Pee .Wee and working with his new jazz artists Domi & JD Beck, and guiding Kehlani through her meteoric rise.”

Much of her own success and rise to Partner and Co-Head of Hip-Hop/R&B at WME, is predicated on her foundational knowledge.

“Some of my best memories include The Roots at the Universal Amphitheater in 1999, OutKast at the House of Blues Sunset Strip in 2000, the Sprite Liquid Mix Tour at Irvine Meadows in 2002 with Jay-Z and N.E.R.D.,” she told Pollstar for the Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Issue.

Yim’s experience, hard work and industry knowledge has similarly helped her excel.

“Janette Baxa and Terry Wang were my first bosses in the music industry,” she says. “Watching them taught me hustle, drive and patience, and that no task is too small. Dennis Ashley and Mark Siegel helped me understand the business of touring and servicing
clients. They both gave me something very valuable – their time. My current mentors are my peer group who have guided me through challenges and celebrations.”

In terms of inclusivity, the senior exec believes the live industry is slowly moving in a “positive direction, as we see with our own Lucy Dickins becoming the first woman to lead a global music department at an agency. But we all need to work together to continue and make sure women have leadership positions in live.”

Her show highlights this year include seeing Jhene Aiko perform while the singer was eight months pregnant at the L.A. Greek and Kehlani play her first sold-out arena show in her hometown of Oakland.

As for the future, she’s most excited to “watch Doechii and Victoria Monet take over in 2023.” When asked about opportunities and challenges ahead, she says “everything is open! There are so many places to tour, but one of the major challenges is the higher cost associated with touring.”