AV/IT Amplifier

Back for week 2, Ryan Gray and Samantha Powell explore the themes of advocacy, vulnerability, self-care, and the importance of setting boundaries. Samantha shares her experiences in the industry, her love for food, and her belief in the inherent goodness of people. The discussion emphasizes the significance of being genuine and open in relationships, as well as the need for self-care in order to effectively support others.

• Advocacy is about representing the interests of others.
• Vulnerability allows for deeper connections in conversations.
• Setting boundaries is essential for self-care.
• Being an ambivert means balancing social energy and personal time.
• Exploring local cuisines enhances travel experiences.
• People are generally good and well-intentioned.
• Asking 'How can I help you?' can foster genuine connections.
• Self-care is crucial for being able to help others.
• Sharing personal experiences can encourage vulnerability in others.
• Surrounding yourself with positive people promotes personal growth.

advocacy, vulnerability, self-care, ambivert, food, personal growth, relationships, kindness, communication, boundaries


Connect with Sam:
[email protected]
https://x.com/SamanthaDPowell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-powell-86507b27/

Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

In this episode of the AVIT Amplifier, host Ryan Gray speaks with Samantha Powell, the Manager of Industry Advocacy at AVIXA. They discuss Samantha's role in advocating for the AV industry, the importance of Infocomm, and the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving AV technology landscape. Samantha shares insights on content creation, the size of the AV industry, and the need for new voices and perspectives to drive innovation. The conversation also highlights the offerings of AVIXA.tv and its role in educating and engaging the AV community.

• Advocacy is crucial for representing the AV industry and its interests.
• The AV industry is experiencing rapid changes, making long-term predictions challenging.
• Infocomm plays a significant role in AVIXA's strategy and content creation.
• Content creation involves balancing audience needs with emerging topics.
• The AV industry is larger than many realize, encompassing various sectors.
• New voices and perspectives are essential for the future of the AV industry.
• Disruption is necessary for growth and innovation in the AV space.
• AVIXA.tv offers a wealth of content for AV professionals.
• Engagement with the community is vital for continuous learning and improvement.

Keywords
AVIXA, AV industry, technology, Infocomm, content creation, advocacy, future of AV, industry insights, Samantha Powell, AV technology

Connect with Sam:
[email protected]
https://x.com/SamanthaDPowell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-powell-86507b27/

Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

Ryan welcomes back Adeline Tatum for week 2 recorded live at Educause 2024.  They explore a variety of themes including cultural experiences, mentorship, personal growth, and philosophical views on good and evil. Adeline shares her journey from Honduras to the United States, discussing the cultural shocks she faced and her reflections on privilege and community. The discussion also delves into the importance of mentorship, the nuances of human intentions, and the significance of food and traditions in shaping identity. Adeline's insights on career choices and her aspirations for the future provide a thoughtful conclusion to the conversation.  And... don't miss a special apprearance by Hannah Kindree!

• Adeline emphasizes the importance of integrating action with curriculum in education.
• Cultural experiences shape our perceptions and interactions with others.
• Mentorship involves asking the right questions to understand mentees' goals.
• People often judge intentions without understanding the context.
• Self-reflection is crucial in understanding biases and assumptions.
• Food and traditions play a significant role in cultural identity.
• Adeline's journey highlights the challenges of being a minority in America.
• Building relationships is key to personal and professional success.
• Adeline's choice to be an educator stemmed from a desire to support others.
• The conversation encourages taking risks and overcoming fears.

Connect with Adaline:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adaline-m-tatum-a12b061a3/
https://x.com/AdalineTatum6

Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

This week Ryan welcomes Adaline Tatum, the AV/IT Training Coordinator at UCLA, who is on the verge of completing her doctorate. They discuss her dissertation focused on fostering critical reflection in leadership to include marginalized voices, her experiences at the EDUCAUSE conference, and the integration of technology and pedagogy in higher education. Adeline shares insights on supporting faculty, the challenges of qualitative research, and offers advice for smaller institutions on how to enhance faculty support without dedicated funding.

• Adeline is completing her doctorate in educational leadership.
• Her dissertation focuses on including marginalized voices in decision-making.
• Qualitative research requires staying objective and avoiding personal bias.
• EDUCAUSE is a platform for sharing research and learning in higher education.
• Adeline emphasizes the importance of networking for doctoral candidates.
• She expresses disappointment in the EDUCAUSE conference's lack of engagement this year.
• Adeline advocates for collaboration between instructional designers and faculty.
• She believes in the significance of making faculty feel supported.
• Customer service skills are crucial for student workers in educational settings.
• Adeline encourages smaller institutions to seek volunteer support for faculty training.

Connect with Adaline:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adaline-m-tatum-a12b061a3/
https://x.com/AdalineTatum6

Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

Brittney Grant is back for week two to explore the multifaceted world of audio-visual work, personal growth, and the unexpected paths that lead to fulfilling careers. Brittany shares her experiences as an AV specialist, her journey through introversion and extroversion, and how a life-changing event propelled her into a new career. She also delves into her newfound passion for baking, the influence of social media on culinary pursuits, and a lighthearted discussion about fears and phobias. In this engaging conversation, Ryan Gray and Brittney Grant explore a variety of themes ranging from unexpected encounters with nature to the complexities of human relationships. They discuss the nature of good and evil, the impact of reality shows on perceptions, and personal reflections on life experiences, including a nostalgic look back at hot air balloon camp. Brittany shares her insights on navigating relationships with optimism while acknowledging the unpredictability of human behavior.
Takeaways

• Brittney identifies as both an introvert and extrovert.
• Taking breaks is essential for success in collaborative environments.
• A life-changing event can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Brittney's mentor played a crucial role in her career transition.
• Baking offers a sense of routine and creativity for Brittney.
• Social media allows for sharing culinary creations with others.
• Brittany enjoys experimenting with recipes, despite being more of a cook than a baker.
• The conversation highlights the importance of having the right tools for any task.
• Fears can be irrational, as seen in Brittany's friends' fear of birds.
• Humor can be found in discussing personal fears and experiences. Unexpected encounters with nature can be both humorous and alarming.
• Changing perspectives on people often comes from new evidence or experiences.
• Life can be viewed as a movie, with each chapter having its own title.
• Reality shows often romanticize negative aspects of life and work.
• Human behavior is complex, with individuals capable of both good and evil actions.
• Navigating relationships requires giving others the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.
• Memorable experiences, like hot air balloon camp, shape our perspectives.
• The unpredictability of life can lead to surprising outcomes.
• Self-reflection is key to understanding our reactions to others.
• It's important to stay aware of the 'crazies' in life, including ourselves.

Connect with Brittney:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittneymgrant/


Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

This week Ryan welcomes Brittney Grant of Aims Community College, who shares her experiences in both her full-time role and her passion as an assistant stage manager. They discuss the differences between community colleges and universities, the challenges of supporting multiple campuses, and the adrenaline rush of live events. Brittany also talks about her involvement in construction processes for new buildings, the importance of mentorship, and the value of networking in the higher education tech community. The conversation highlights the significance of learning from past projects and being open to new possibilities in future endeavors.

• Community colleges prioritize student care over tuition fees.
• Ames Community College has multiple campuses with diverse programs.
• Supporting multiple campuses can stretch resources thin.
• The adrenaline of live events is a driving force for many in the industry.
• Brittany emphasizes the importance of being involved in construction processes.
• Learning from past building projects is crucial for future success.
• Networking is essential in the higher education tech community.
• Brittany's fun job allows her to work with a dedicated crew.
• Mentorship plays a significant role in Brittany's career development.

Sound Bites

• "People who work at community colleges care about students."
• "The adrenaline of live events drives you crazy."
• "I crave those moments where everything looks perfect."

Keywords
audio visual specialist, community college, Ames Community College, live events, construction processes, mentorship, higher education, networking, event management



Connect with Brittney:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittneymgrant/


Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

Iffat is back for week 2 and dives into a bunch of topics including career journeys, the significance of interpersonal relationships in the workplace, the dynamics of introversion and extroversion, and the impact of music on their lives. Iffat shares her experiences from her first job at an airport to her current role in pre-sales and AV, emphasizing the importance of people over content in work. They also discuss their favorite musicians and the essence of live performances, concluding with reflections on human nature and the importance of understanding others.



Takeaways

• Work is not real life; it's what funds your life.
• People are more important than the content of work.
• Introversion and extroversion can coexist in different contexts.
• Live music is a powerful experience that transcends the performance.
• Understanding human behavior is key to empathy and connection.
• Creativity in performances often goes unappreciated.
• Music has no nationality; it's a universal language.
• Friendships formed in early jobs can last a lifetime.
• As we age, we care less about being liked and more about the message.
• It's important to ask the real questions in conversations.

Connect with Iffat:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/iffat-chaudhry/
https://x.com/Iffsi


Follow #WhatIff
https://www.youtube.com/@WhatIff22


Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

Ryan speaks with Iffat Chaudhry, a prominent figure in the AV industry known for her advocacy in diversity, equity, and inclusion. They discuss the importance of shifting perspectives from negativity to proactive solutions through the 'What If?' concept. Iffat emphasizes the power of storytelling in advocacy, the significance of authenticity in communication, and the need for safe spaces for open conversations. They also explore the emotional weight of hearing others' stories and the importance of listening and being present. Looking ahead, Iffat expresses hope for the AV industry, highlighting the essential role of people and diversity in driving success.

Takeaways

• The 'What If?' concept encourages proactive thinking and solutions.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for advocacy and connection.
• Authenticity fosters deeper connections in communication.
• Creating safe spaces is essential for open conversations.
• Hearing others' stories can be cathartic and enlightening.
• Listening is more important than trying to fix problems.
• Diversity in the workplace leads to better outcomes and profitability.
• The AV industry is built on the contributions of its people.
• Hope exists for positive change in the AV industry.

Sound Bites

• "What if we did things differently?"
• "Nothing beats authenticity."
• "We all have a lot more in common than we realize."

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Iffat Chaudhry and Her Work
02:19 The 'What If?' Concept: Shifting Perspectives
05:37 The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy
09:58 Authenticity and Connection in Communication
13:37 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations
19:14 The Weight of Others' Stories
23:50 The Importance of Listening and Being Present
26:45 Looking Ahead: Hope for the AV Industry
31:05 The Role of People in the AV Industry

Connect with Iffat:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/iffat-chaudhry/
https://x.com/Iffsi

Follow #WhatIff
https://www.youtube.com/@WhatIff22


Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
http://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

We welcome back Lisle for week 2 and explore the intersection of technology, education, and human connection. Lislle shares his experiences as a multimedia and audio-visual manager, emphasizing the importance of creating magical user experiences in educational settings. They discuss the impact of technology on learning, Lisle's passion for aviation, and his philosophical views on human nature. The conversation also touches on the significance of genuine connections and the soundtrack of life, culminating in Lisle's memorable sign-off inspired by a childhood favorite.



Takeaways

• Creating magical user experiences is at the core of Lisle's work.
• Technology should enhance learning and foster connection.
• Lisle's passion for aviation reflects his desire to serve others.
• Humans are inherently good, as evidenced by their actions in times of crisis.
• Genuine connections are vital for emotional well-being.
• The soundtrack of life is a blend of personal experiences and memories.
• Lisle's experiences as a DJ inform his approach to creating engaging environments.
• Philosophical insights can shape our understanding of human nature.
• Asking 'how are you really?' can foster deeper connections.

Connect with Lisle: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lislew/
[email protected]
868.683.2442

Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
https://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

In today's conversation, Ryan Gray interviews Lisle Waldron, the multimedia and audio visual services manager for the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Lyle shares his journey into the AV field, discussing the challenges and cultural expectations he faces in higher education. He reflects on the importance of representation in the AV industry and the unique challenges of working in a Caribbean context. The discussion highlights Lisle's passion for service, his commitment to education, and his aspirations for the future.

Keywords
AV, multimedia, higher education, technology, Caribbean, audio visual services, education technology, university

Notes

• Lisle Waldron is the multimedia and audio visual services manager for the University of Trinidad and Tobago.
• He always wanted to be a pilot, showcasing his early aspirations.
• Lisle identifies as a high-functioning autistic person, which influences his communication style.
• He emphasizes the importance of service in higher education AV support.
• He believes that AV professionals don't take defeat well and are always looking for solutions.
• Cultural expectations often lead to misconceptions about technology capabilities in the Caribbean.
• Lisle's budget for AV services is significantly lower than that of U.S. institutions, impacting his work.
• He feels a strong sense of responsibility, as he serves an entire country's educational needs.
• Lisle is proud of his contributions to the AV field and aims to continue making an impact.

Connect with Lisle: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lislew/
[email protected]
868.683.2442

Connect with Ryan: 
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
[email protected]  

Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
https://higheredav.com/ryangray  

Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/  

Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!