1 MAY 2024 · In this episode, host Ryan Gray engages in a dynamic conversation with Chris Dietrich, delving into various aspects of technology leadership and innovation within the educational landscape. They explore Chris's role in leveraging technology to enhance collaboration and learning experiences at the University of Arizona's College of Medicine in Phoenix. Through discussing challenges and successes, Chris shares insights into the unique blend of campus culture and urban vibrancy that defines their institution. From reflecting on the evolution of campus facilities to the intricacies of managing shared spaces among multiple universities, Chris offers valuable perspectives on driving change and staying focused on the mission amid financial challenges. The conversation also touches on Chris's nomination for leadership roles within HETMA (Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance) and his enthusiasm for contributing to the organization's growth. Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-dieterich-cts-22843190/ cdieterich@arizona.edu Connect with Ryan: https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ ryan@higheredav.com Follow the Show: https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier https://higheredav.com/ 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!

24 APR 2024 · We welcome back Tim Albright, the founder and president of AV Nation, for week 2! Hear about the origins of AV Week, his strong emotional connection to music and why he grew his hair so long! Tim opens up about his trust in people and hints at a book that he's working on. Don't miss this honest and genuine conversation with the voice of the AV industry. Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdalbright/ https://twitter.com/tdalbright Find AVNation: www.AVNation.tv Connect with Ryan: https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ ryan@higheredav.com Follow the Show: https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier https://higheredav.com/ 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!

17 APR 2024 · Tim Albright, the founder and president of AV Nation, discusses the evolution of AV Nation and its role in serving the AV and IT integration industry. He emphasizes the importance of AV and IT integration and the need for a voice to represent the end users responsible for the day-to-day operation of AV systems. Tim shares his experience attending Enterprise Connect and highlights the value of end user shows in understanding the needs of the industry. He also discusses the process of conducting interviews and the importance of asking dumb questions to gather insights from industry experts. Tim offers advice for Hetma in the next five years, emphasizing the need for collaboration with manufacturers and integrators. Takeaways AV Nation serves the AV and IT integration industry by providing a voice for end users responsible for AV systems. End user shows like Enterprise Connect are valuable for understanding industry needs and fostering collaboration. Asking dumb questions and synthesizing information from industry experts can lead to valuable insights. HETMA should take its responsibility seriously and engage in meaningful conversations with manufacturers and integrators. Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdalbright/ https://twitter.com/tdalbright Find AVNation: www.AVNation.tv Connect with Ryan: https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ ryan@higheredav.com Follow the Show: https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier  https://higheredav.com/ 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!

10 APR 2024 · In this conversation, Joé Lloyd, Senior Director of Business Development at AVIXA, discusses her background, extroverted nature, and career path. She shares insights from her early jobs in retail and the service industry, including her experience piercing ears. Joey also reveals her passion for makeup artistry and her dream of owning a bed and dinner. She expresses her belief in the goodness of humans and the importance of being a decent person. You don't want to miss her sign off phrase! Connect with Joé: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelloyd77/ https://twitter.com/joelloyd JLloyd@AVIXA.org Connect with Ryan: https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ ryan@higheredav.com Follow the Show: https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier https://higheredav.com/ 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!

3 APR 2024 · In this conversation, Ryan Gray interviews Joé Lloyd about her role at AVIXA and the value of the HETMA community. They discuss the Enterprise Connect conference, the benefits of AVIXA membership, and the importance of training and education in the AV industry. They also highlight the collaboration between AVIXA and HETMA, particularly through the Prism Scholarship program. The conversation concludes with advice for HETMA's future and contact information for Joé Lloyd. Connect with Connect with Joé: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelloyd77/ https://twitter.com/joelloyd JLloyd@AVIXA.org Connect with Ryan: https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ ryan@higheredav.com Follow the Show: https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier  https://higheredav.com/ 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!

27 MAR 2024 · In this conversation, Britt Yenser discusses various topics including life hacks, poetry, social media, the importance of sight, cosplaying at work, favorite movies and TV shows, pets and their names, trusting the sense of sight, being fired, B-level horror movies, and more. Takeaways -Trust the expert and let them do their job -Be authentic on social media and make genuine connections -Lean into the wonders of the world and find joy in simple things -Value alignment is important in the workplace -Use GIFs and references to convey messages effectively -Ask people how they are and genuinely care about their answer Connect with Britt: https://twitter.com/brAVe_britt_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/ Find brAVe [space]: https://twitter.com/brAVe_space_ https://higheredav.com/ Connect with Ryan: https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ ryan@higheredav.com Follow the Show: https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier https://higheredav.com  Voiceovers by Chris Dechter: https://twitter.com/cdechter https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/

20 MAR 2024 · In this episode, Britt Yenser discusses the importance of speaking up and advocating for oneself. She emphasizes the need to overcome imposter phenomenon and heal the inner child to build confidence. Britt also encourages individuals to raise their hands for opportunities, even if they are not 100% prepared, and to embrace the possibility of rejection. She highlights the welcoming nature of organizations and the importance of identifying and utilizing one's strengths. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the power of self-advocacy and the value of diverse voices in leadership positions. Takeaways -Speak up and advocate for yourself to ensure your goals and desires are known. -Overcome imposter phenomenon by recognizing your strengths and focusing on external validation. -Heal your inner child and embrace your adult self to build confidence and overcome past experiences. -Raise your hand for opportunities, even if you feel unprepared or unsure. -Embrace the possibility of rejection and learn from the experience. - Identify your strengths and find ways to contribute to organizations and communities.  Connect with Britt: https://twitter.com/brAVe_britt_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/ Find brAVe [space]: https://twitter.com/brAVe_space_ https://higheredav.com/category/media/brave-space/ Connect with Ryan: https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ ryan@higheredav.com Follow the Show: https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier https://higheredav.com Voiceovers by Chris Dechter: https://twitter.com/cdechter https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/

13 MAR 2024 · In this episode, Ryan Gray discusses the importance of taking time away from work and the value of rest and rejuvenation. He emphasizes the need to step away from daily routines and consider new perspectives. Gray highlights the concept of sharpening the saw and the benefits of changing environments to stimulate creativity and new ways of thinking. He encourages individuals and managers to prioritize time off and advocates for organizations to support employees in taking their vacation time. Gray concludes by emphasizing the holistic nature of time away and its impact on relationships and overall well-being. Takeaways - Taking time away from work is important for rest and rejuvenation. - Stepping away from daily routines allows for new perspectives and creative thinking. - Sharpening the saw through changing environments and experiences stimulates personal growth. - Organizations should prioritize and support employees in taking their vacation time. Connect with Ryan: https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ mailto:ryan@higheredav.com 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/

6 MAR 2024 · In this episode, Ryan Gray and Chris Hewitt discuss various topics related to the AV industry and personal experiences. They talk about the power of networking and the importance of trade shows in connecting with others. Chris shares his extroverted nature and how it has influenced his career in customer service. They also discuss the significance of company culture and the impact of mergers and acquisitions. Chris emphasizes the value of trust and intuition in decision-making. The episode concludes with Chris's drop the mic sign off, encouraging listeners to leave the world a little better than they found it. Takeaways - Networking at trade shows is essential for connecting with others in the AV industry. - Being an extrovert can be an advantage in customer service roles. - Maintaining company culture is crucial during mergers and acquisitions. - Trusting your gut and intuition can lead to better decision-making. - Leaving the world a little better than you found it is a meaningful goal. Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chewitt1/ Connect with Ryan: https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ https://higheredav.com Follow the Show: https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier https://higheredav.com/category/media/AVIT-Amplfier/ 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!

28 FEB 2024 · In this conversation, Ryan Gray and Chris Hewitt discuss the importance of breaking down silos between AV and IT departments in higher education. They emphasize the need for collaboration and the shared goal of providing exceptional experiences for end users, such as students and faculty. Chris shares his own experiences and challenges in unifying AV and IT at his university. They also discuss the role of network professionals and the importance of understanding their motivations. The conversation concludes with a call to action for AV and IT professionals to work together and embrace cross-functional collaboration. Takeaways - Breaking down silos between AV and IT is crucial for providing exceptional experiences in higher education. - Collaboration and communication between AV and IT departments is essential for proactive problem-solving and system optimization. - Understanding the motivations and perspectives of network professionals can help foster collaboration and bridge the gap between AV and IT. - The transition to AV over IP requires careful planning, high availability, and business continuity planning. Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chewitt1/ Connect with Ryan: https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ https://higheredav.com 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!