brAVe [space]

Recorded on November 5th, 2024

In this episode of brAVe [skills], hosts Britt Yenser and Leon Prather dive into the ever-elusive concept of work-life balance. What does it really mean? And is balance even the goal—or should we aim for integration instead? Join us as we ask the big questions:

• How do we know when the balance is off?
• Are we so tied to our work identity that it’s throwing us off-balance?
• And while we’re at it: Do you ever think about dying? 

We’ll also explore how societal norms shape this conversation. Why is “What do you do for a living?” such a defining question in the U.S., and does it affect how much we talk about work? Do men tie their identities to work more deeply than women, and what can we learn from Brene Brown’s insights on shame and provision?

Join us for an honest (and occasionally darkly funny) conversation about identifying when the scales are tipped—and how to regain control, reframe your identity, and rethink what balance really means.

Be sure to listen to the end to hear our action items!

Connect with Leon Prather
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-prather-cts/

Connect with Britt Yenser
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/
X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt

Submit question to brAVe [skills]: https://forms.gle/QJtmt9q9pzuuTdVd7 

Recorded on October 8th, 2024

Is this a cross-over episode? Technically, no. But host Britt Yenser is joined by co-host of the WAVIT podcast, Lex Evans! Lex brings charm, wisdom, and niche knowledge to the brAVe [space] as she and Britt discuss:

• Using the WAVIT podcast to build community and allow people to be vulnerable
• Getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult
• Finding systems that work
• Studies and decisions that were based on men and how that impacts women
• Imposter phenomenon
• ...and more!

Be sure to listen to the end to learn more about Lex and hear our action items!

Listen to the WAVIT Podcast
https://www.womeninavit.org/podcast

Connect with Lex Evans
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howdyitslex/
Email: [email protected]

Connect with Britt Yenser
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/
X:  https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

Recorded on October 19th, 2024

Happy Halloween, listeners!
 
In June of 2024, Chase Yenser “dressed up as an AV Professional” and attended Infocomm. In this episode, host Britt Yenser asks him to unpack that experience. Throughout the episode, they cover:

•  What it was like to attend Infocomm as an “outsider”
• His experience as a [white] man compared to her experience as a [white] woman
• His experience as someone who had “Higher Education” on his badge
• His reflections on what he wished had been different, as the spouse of a female AV professional
• …and more! 

Be sure to listen to the end to learn more about Chase and to hear our action items! 

We hope this episode feels like a treat, as it was not meant to be a trick. Chase attended Infocomm with the sole purpose of being a “dedicated swag collector” for the people who were too busy creating content and manning a booth to walk the show floor. After hearing some of his experiences, we felt brAVe [space] listeners should hear them, too. While this episode highlights some of the work that still needs to be done, we hope it also highlights the kindness and warmth of our industry as well. 


Connect with Chase Yenser
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-yenser-00b58871/ 

Connect with Britt Yenser
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/
X:  https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

Recorded October 15th, 2024 

In this episode of brAVe [skills], hosts Britt Yenser and Leon Prather dive into the topic of "Effective Listening," breaking down how to truly listen rather than just waiting for your turn to talk. They explore the concept of active listening and share actionable tactics. They also tackle key questions, like how to define effective listening and why it matters, and draw connections to theater with the acronym “THeLAW,” which emphasizes the active choice to listen by preparing both mind and will.

Be sure to listen to the end to hear the specific action items! 

Connect with Leon Prather
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-prather-cts/

Connect with Britt Yenser
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/
X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt



Submit question to brAVe [skills]: https://forms.gle/QJtmt9q9pzuuTdVd7

Recorded on October 1st, 2024
 
In this episode of brAVe [space], host Britt Yenser is joined by Gen Cleary. Not only is Gen the Founder and CEO of Sound Connective, but she is also a deeply insightful person. Gen has spent time in brave spaces of her own, doing the important self-work that is necessary to form authentic connections. Throughout the episode, Britt and Gen discuss: 

• How they define feminine and masculine energy
• Why technology can be considered a masculine space
• Why and how to embrace both feminine and masculine energy
• Being your authentic self
• ...and more!

Be sure to listen to the end to learn more about Gen and to hear our action items! 

Connect with Gen Cleary 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gen-cleary-846162187/
Email: [email protected] 

Connect with Britt Yenser
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/
X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

Recorded September 17th, 2024

"From the mundane to the monumental-- everything matters." -- Coran Smith 

In this episode of brAVe [space], host Britt Yenser is joined by Coran Smith, AKA "that awesome guy in the Yankee fitted hat at Infocomm." Despite his wealth of experience being on stages and hosting webinars, this is Coran's debut as a podcast guest! Throughout the episode, Britt and Coran cover:

• Coran's journey through his AV career
• Being willing to ask questions
• Showing up as your authentic self
• "Don't solo before you solo" 
• The AV industry's image 
• ...and more! 

Be sure to listen to the end to learn more about Coran and to hear our action items!

Connect with Coran Smith
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coran-smith-88455436/
X: https://x.com/Musiqislife

Connect with Britt Yenser
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/
X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

Recorded on August 27th, 2024

In this episode, hosts Britt Yenser and Leon Prather explore the desire for recognition and praise, emphasizing its impact in professional environments. They dive into the art of giving praise that truly resonates, discussing how specific and thoughtful feedback can elevate motivation and performance.

The conversation shifts to what you can do when you feel your hard work goes unnoticed, offering strategies to self-advocate and communicate your value without sounding boastful. The hosts also tackle the delicate balance between giving and taking credit, especially in collaborative settings, and provide insights on how to navigate situations where credit might be unfairly distributed. A thought-provoking segment addresses the question of who should take responsibility when things go wrong, emphasizing the importance of shared accountability and "failing forward."

In response to a listener’s question about negotiating a salary offer, the hosts provide practical tips on preparing for the conversation, advocating for yourself, and aligning your compensation with your value.

The episode concludes with actionable takeaways, encouraging listeners to reflect on how they give and receive praise, advocate for their contributions, and approach both success and failure with a growth mindset.

Connect with Britt Yenser
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/
X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_  

Connect with Leon Prather
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-prather-cts/

Submit question to brAVe [skills]: https://forms.gle/QJtmt9q9pzuuTdVd7

Recorded on August 13th, 2024

In this episode, Britt is joined by Dr. Kellie Campbell who helps us do a deep dive on equal pay. Throughout the episode, Kellie shines a light on:

• How equal pay is an intersectional issue
• Reasons the wage gap exists
• How to know if the pay you are offered is fair
• Negotiating salary
• ...and more!

Be sure to listen to the end where we get to learn more about Kellie and to hear our action items!

Connect with Dr. Kellie Campbell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kellie-b-campbell-edd-75a83253/
Email: [email protected]

Connect with Britt Yenser
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/
X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

Recorded on July 30th, 2024

TW: Sexual Assault (approx. minute 38 to minute 39) 

In this episode of brAVe [space], Ryan Gray takes over hosting duties to interview our usual host, Britt Yenser. Ryan felt the listeners needed to know more about Britt, and Britt just really likes hanging out with Ryan. Throughout the episode, they discuss:

• Why Britt has the HETMA "H" logo tattooed on her leg
• HETMA's Prism Scholarship
• What it's like to be an "influencer"
• The brAVe [space] origin story
• Some of her negative experiences as a woman in AV 
• Being brave
• ...and more!

Be sure to listen to the end to hear our action items!

Bonus Fun Fact: Britt forgot the second part of Ryan's movie question because she went on her own tangent. To answer: Britt and Chase have about 100 VHS tapes in their personal collection. 

Recorded July 23rd, 2024

This episode may have some audio distortion. That is a recording error that will be resolved after the next few episodes. Thank you for enjoying this episode in spite of the less than clear audio!

In this episode, Britt is joined by her favorite journalist and content curator, Dan Ferrisi. They are occasionally joined by special guest star, Dan's little kiddo. Throughout the episode, Britt and Dan cover:

• The differentiation between journalism and content curation 
• Knowing the community you serve and your responsibilities to them 
• The change he'd like to see in the AV industry
• How he grew in his role as a journalist for the AV industry 
• How there is a great, big world out there
• ...and more!

Dan's little kiddo covers:

• Cute noises
• Being adorable 

This episode has everything!

Be sure to listen to the end to hear our action items!

Connect with Britt Yenser
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/
X: https://x.com/brAVe_britt_

Connect with Dan Ferrisi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-ferrisi-55675a7/
X: https://x.com/DanFerrisiEdit

Check out this year's 40 Influencers Under 40: https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/commercial-integrators-40-influencers-under-40-the-class-of-2024/136343/