Episodes

  • 068: Gray Matter Moment - Known Unknowns

    068: Gray Matter Moment - Known Unknowns
    Aug 14 2024
    In this installment of the Gray Matter Moment, Ryan discusses the concept of known unknowns and the importance of acknowledging and valuing the work that is not directly seen. He draws parallels to the concept of dark matter in the universe, where there is something causing gravity that cannot be seen but its effects can be observed. Ryan emphasizes the need for leaders and managers to recognize and appreciate the known unknowns, as it contributes to the success of the team and organization. He also highlights the negative consequences of not valuing the unseen work, such as creating a zero-sum environment and dehumanizing people.

    Keywords
    known unknowns, dark matter, unseen work, valuing effort, leadership, management

    Takeaways
    • Recognize and appreciate the work that is not directly seen or acknowledged.
    • Hold space for the known unknowns and understand that there are things happening that may not be visible.
    • Avoid creating a zero-sum environment where people have to compete for recognition.
    • Value humility and celebrate the successes that happen behind the scenes.
    • Leaders and managers play a crucial role in creating an environment that values and recognizes unseen work.

    Sound Bites
    • "We don't know what it is. Maybe it's not even matter. But we know that something is causing gravity that we can't see but we can see its effects."
    • "Leaders can end up de-incentivizing those who are doing the great work that they end up taking for granted."

    Chapters00:00 Introduction
    04:06 Drawing Parallels to Dark Matter
    06:28 The Importance of Valuing Unseen Work
    10:22 Creating a Zero-Sum Environment
    13:54 The Role of Leaders in Recognizing Unseen Work
    19:47 Recognizing All Successes
    23:17 The Limitations of Perception
    26:11 Holding Known Unknowns
    28:30 Conclusion

    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/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!
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    30 mins
  • 067: The Craziest Things Happen To Me Sometimes with Kameesha Jones

    067: The Craziest Things Happen To Me Sometimes with Kameesha Jones
    Aug 7 2024
    We're back with week 2 with Kameesha Jones, audio visual project manager and audio engineer. They discuss Kameesha's active presence on Twitter and her commitment to authenticity. Kameesha shares that she uses social media as a way to be her true self and connect with others. We also talk about Kameesha's introverted nature and how she has learned to navigate social situations. We touch on topics such as customer service, therapy, and the importance of reflection. The conversation ends with Kameesha sharing her favorite sandwich and her drop the mic sign-off phrase.

    Keywords

    Twitter, authenticity, introversion, social media, customer service, therapy, reflection, sandwich, drop the mic

    Takeaways
    • Authenticity is important on social media, and Kameesha strives to be her true self online.
    • Kameesha is an introvert but has learned to navigate social situations and recharge when needed.
    • Customer service skills are valuable in any job and can be learned through experience.
    • Therapy can be beneficial for personal growth and addressing past traumas.
    • Kameesha's favorite sandwich is a chicken tender sub from a local grocery store.
    • Kameesha's drop the mic sign-off phrase is 'Always be authentic to yourself and be true to who you are.'


    Sound Bites
    • "If you're not authentic, then I'm not fake."
    • "My life is like a movie. The craziest things happen to me sometimes."
    • "I'm a good social media friend. I'm always catching up with people on social media."

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Background
    03:08 Introversion and Navigating Social Situations
    06:07 Customer Service Skills
    08:52 Therapy and Personal Growth
    10:58 Favorite Sandwich and Birthday Plans
    14:18 Good vs. Evil
    18:37 Dealing with Obstacles
    22:42 Reflecting on Life
    26:20 The Perfect Sandwich
    30:29 Drop the Mic Sign-Off


    Connect with Kameesha:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kameesha-jones-b3490339/
    https://x.com/Kay1117
    https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/commercial-integrator-40-influencers-under-40-class-of-2023/123186/

    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/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!
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    32 mins
  • 066: On The Front Line with Kameesha Jones

    066: On The Front Line with Kameesha Jones
    Jul 31 2024
    We're back in the remote studio with an interview of Kameesha Jones, an audiovisual project manager for Florida International University and an audio engineer for the Miami Heat. They discuss Kameesha's work with the Miami Heat, her role as an AV project manager, and her new position as the DEI chair for HETMA. Kameesha shares her experiences working in the AV industry, the challenges she faces, and her goals for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field. She emphasizes the importance of representation, creating safe spaces, and providing training and resources for DEI initiatives.

    Keywords

    audiovisual, project manager, Miami Heat, AV industry, DEI, diversity, equity, inclusion, representation, safe spaces, training, resources

    Sound Bites
    "Working with the Miami Heat is definitely fun, is rewarding. It's my fun job."
    "We have to figure that out within 30 seconds with that problem going wrong."
    "I want to elevate my skills so that when I do walk into a room and they're asking me questions about, have you ever renovated a ballroom or have you done that? Yes, I have."

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Background
    03:24 Challenges and Rewards of the AV Industry
    08:11 Role as AV Project Manager
    12:32 Taking on the DEI Chair Role
    18:17 Representation and Recognition
    26:08 Improving Diversity and Inclusion in the AV Industry
    29:07 Conclusion and Contact Information

    Connect with Kameesha:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kameesha-jones-b3490339/
    https://x.com/Kay1117
    https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/commercial-integrator-40-influencers-under-40-class-of-2023/123186/

    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/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!
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    31 mins
  • 065: Thank you for the Opportunities with Justin Dawson

    065: Thank you for the Opportunities with Justin Dawson
    Jul 24 2024
    Recorded at InfoComm 2024, Ryan Gray interviews Justin Dawson, a tech influencer and advocate for autism awareness. They discuss Justin's journey from Ireland to Las Vegas, his role as a tech influencer, and his experiences as a parent of an autistic child. Justin also shares his travel recommendations for Las Vegas and highlights the importance of mental health awareness.

    Takeaways
    • Justin Dawson is a tech influencer and advocate for autism awareness.
    • He shares his journey from Ireland to Las Vegas and the opportunities he has received as a tech influencer.
    • Justin emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and encourages people to ask others how they are doing.
    • He provides travel recommendations for Las Vegas, including using Uber and exploring the unique hotels.
    • Justin's end show sign-off phrase is 'Thank you for listening. Thank you for the opportunities and we'll see you very soon.'


    Sound Bites
    • "People don't ask enough. Are you doing OK?"
    • "Seeing the sphere, like I say to myself, I couldn't come to Vegas without going inside the sphere."
    • "The best gift I've been given is the opportunities in doing this and becoming a tech influencer."


    Connect with Justin Dawson:
    www.JustinRDawson.com
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinrdawson/
    https://x.com/justinrdawson
    https://allthingstech.ie
    https://avgroup.ie


    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!
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    27 mins
  • 064: He's Such an AV Group.ie with Justin Dawson

    064: He's Such an AV Group.ie with Justin Dawson
    Jul 17 2024
    Recorded live from the HETMA booth at InfoComm 2024, Ryan Gray interviews Justin Dawson and its a little all over the place. They discuss various topics including Dublin City University, the convergence of IT and AV, the differences between higher education in Ireland and the US, the AV Group.ie community in Ireland, the future of HETMA, the All Things Tech.ie podcast, and their experiences at nfoComm. They also touch on the trade show experience, the differences between InfoComm and ISE, and the products and technologies they are interested in seeing at the show.


    Takeaways
    • Dublin City University is known for its School of Nursing and offers a range of tech services, including IT and AV support.
    • The convergence of IT and AV is becoming more common, and professionals in the field often have to handle a variety of tasks.
    • Higher education in Ireland differs from the US in terms of team structure and student involvement.
    • AV Group.ie is a community in Ireland that aims to bring together tech professionals and students from various industries.
    • HETMA has the potential to expand globally and create a sense of community among tech professionals in higher education.
    • The All Things Tech.ie podcast covers a wide range of tech topics, not just AV, and has gained attention as an influencer in the industry.
    • InfoComm offers a different experience compared to ISE, with less walking and a more comfortable atmosphere.
    • Catchbox is a popular product in Ireland that offers a fun and affordable alternative to traditional audio solutions.
    • The trade show experience at InfoComm includes parties and events hosted by major manufacturers, providing a unique and exciting atmosphere.
    • Visiting InfoComm is a must for anyone in the industry, and it offers the opportunity to experience the scale and grandeur of Vegas.
    • Justin Dawson can be contacted through his website and social media channels for more information about his podcast and the AV Group.ie community.


    Sound Bites
    • "AV Groupie, we noticed over in Ireland that there's a lot of integrators, there's a lot of technicians, whether you're working in live events, whether you're doing film production, whether, no, we are a tech hub in Ireland, yet nobody is talking to each other."
    • "I would never have dreamt that it would get to the size and capacity that it has from doing these trade shows, becoming, somehow or other I'm a tech influencer like you guys, you know, like all of a sudden people pay attention to us and we're representing not only just higher ed, but like the AV industry."


    Connect with Justin Dawson:
    www.JustinRDawson.com
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinrdawson/
    https://x.com/justinrdawson
    https://allthingstech.ie
    https://avgroup.ie


    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!
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    27 mins
  • 063: ¡Enhorabuena! with Carrie Garcia

    063: ¡Enhorabuena! with Carrie Garcia
    Jul 10 2024
    Carrie Garcia is back for week 2 recorded live at InfoComm 2024. She discusses her experiences as an introverted extrovert, her journey in the audiovisual industry, and her passion for empowering women. She also shares her love for children and her faith, and how they have shaped her life. Carrie emphasizes the importance of grace, humility, and obedience in building relationships and navigating difficult situations. She wishes people would ask her about her background and story, rather than making assumptions based on her appearance. Carrie can be found on Twitter and reached via email at cgarcia@ycdmultimedia.com.



    Keywords: introvert, extrovert, audiovisual industry, empowerment, children, faith, grace, humility, obedience, assumptions


    Takeaways
    • Carrie Garcia is an introverted extrovert who is passionate about empowering women in the audiovisual industry.
    • She believes that humans are generally good but have the free will to choose between good and evil.
    • Carrie's faith and her family, including her supportive husband and children, are the cornerstones of her life.
    • She values grace, humility, and obedience in building relationships and dealing with difficult situations.
    • Carrie wishes people would ask her about her background and story instead of making assumptions based on her appearance.
    Connect with Carrie:
    https://x.com/AV_chic
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-garcia-6b900963/
    CGarcia@ycdmultimedia.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/

    Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!
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    29 mins
  • 062: Get Carried Away with Carrie Garcia

    062: Get Carried Away with Carrie Garcia
    Jul 3 2024
    In this conversation recorded live at InfoComm 2024, Ryan Gray interviews Carrie Garcia, a representative from YCD Multimedia, about the role of digital signage in higher education. They discuss the importance of digital signage in creating a safe and engaging campus environment for students. Carrie also talks about her involvement in the AV industry, including her work with the AVIXA Women's Council and her passion for empowering Latinas in the industry. They also touch on the representation of women in the AV industry and the positive experiences of women at trade shows like InfoComm. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of community, support, and personal branding in the AV industry.

    Takeaways
    • Digital signage plays a crucial role in creating a safe and engaging campus environment for students in higher education.
    • The AV industry is a supportive community that encourages and empowers women.
    • Trade shows like InfoComm provide opportunities for networking, learning, and support for women in the AV industry.
    • Personal branding is important in the AV industry, and it's essential to stay true to oneself and amplify one's strengths and passions.
    • Representation and support for underrepresented groups, such as Latinas in AV, are important for fostering diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
    Connect with Carrie:
    https://x.com/AV_chic
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-garcia-6b900963/
    CGarcia@ycdmultimedia.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/

    Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • 061: The First Thing You Have To Do Is Care with Tom Aldridge

    061: The First Thing You Have To Do Is Care with Tom Aldridge
    Jun 26 2024
    We're back for week 2 with Tom Aldridge, recorded live at ACCTC 2024. We cover Tom's background, hiring philosophies, personal experiences, and even share some laughs and inside jokes. Make sure not to miss why a V neck sweater almost cost Ryan a job and why Tom strives to build escalators.

    Takeaways
    -Hiring for potential over paper qualifications
    -The importance of building strong relationships
    -Balancing comfort and change in decision-making
    -The value of honest communication and listening
    -The impact of personal experiences on career choices

    Connect with Tom:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-aldridge-ms-cts-b34663b/
    Tom.Aldridge@nv5.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/

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