26 JUN 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!

19 JUN 2024 · Recorded live at ACCTO 2024, we welcome Tom Aldridge and have a conversation that explores the journey of in-house integration in higher education and AV/IT circles, focusing on the development of an in-house integration team at Yavapai College. It delves into the challenges, strategies, and impact of building and scaling an in-house integration department, as well as the future of technology in construction and design. Takeaways -The development of in-house integration in higher education and AV/IT circles is a significant topic, with a focus on the journey of building and scaling an in-house integration team at Yavapai College. -The conversation highlights the challenges and strategies involved in creating an in-house integration department, as well as the impact and future of technology in construction and design. -The concept of scalability and the importance of professional development and certification in the field of in-house integration are key takeaways from the conversation. 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!

5 JUN 2024 · We're back for week two with Craig Underwood, the director of AV Engineering at Moravian University. They discuss various topics, including Craig's introverted-extroverted personality, his sessions at Infocom, his teaching style, his career choices, and his perspective on people. Craig emphasizes the importance of understanding the 'why' behind learning and the value of practical examples in teaching. He believes that people are generally good and tries to approach interactions with empathy and a willingness to help. Takeaways - Understanding the 'why' behind learning is crucial for student engagement. - Practical examples and project-based learning can help students see the value in what they are learning. - Approaching interactions with empathy and a belief in the goodness of people can lead to positive outcomes. Connect with Craig:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caunderwood/    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!  

29 MAY 2024 · In this conversation, Ryan Gray interviews Craig Underwood, the director of AV Engineering at Moravian University. They discuss Craig's journey in the AV industry and his keys to success, which include staying humble, being curious, being persistent, and paying it forward. Craig emphasizes the importance of continuously learning and adapting to new technologies, as well as the satisfaction of solving problems and making a positive impact. He also highlights the value of sharing knowledge and supporting others in the industry. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights for AV professionals at all stages of their careers. Takeaways - Staying humble, being curious, being persistent, and paying it forward are key factors for success in the AV industry. - Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial in a rapidly changing industry. - Solving problems and making a positive impact are rewarding aspects of working in AV. - Sharing knowledge and supporting others in the industry is important for personal and professional growth. - Humility and curiosity go hand in hand, as being humble allows for a willingness to learn and explore new ideas. - Persistence is essential in troubleshooting and finding solutions to complex problems. - Paying it forward by helping others and sharing experiences contributes to the growth and success of the AV industry. Connect with Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caunderwood/ 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!

22 MAY 2024 · We're back for week 2 with the most popular guest of the show's first year, Molly Gray. Don't miss this chat about topics including Halloween costumes, facing fears, the importance of touch, hard conversations, pets, sandwiches, puzzles, and plants. Molly shares her love for the Thanksgiving sandwich and expresses her desire to talk about plants with someone. They end the conversation with their usual sign-off phrases. Takeaways - Facing fears can lead to personal growth and empowerment - The Thanksgiving sandwich is the absolute best - Puzzles provide a sense of accomplishment and help to still the mind - Molly enjoys talking about plants and would like to connect with other plant enthusiasts Connect with Molly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollymgray/ Molly.M.Gray@asu.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!

15 MAY 2024 · In this episode, Ryan Gray celebrates the one-year anniversary of the AVIT Amplifier podcast by bringing back his wife, Molly Gray, who is an HR professional. They discuss the topic of having difficult conversations, both in personal and professional settings. Molly shares insights on how to prepare for and approach difficult conversations, emphasizing the importance of normalizing the difficulty and acknowledging the fear and stress involved. She also provides strategies for reducing defensiveness and building empathy in these conversations. The episode highlights the need for practice and experience in handling difficult conversations and explores the impact of the environment on these interactions. Takeaways - Difficult conversations are common in both personal and professional settings and can be challenging to navigate. - Normalizing the difficulty of these conversations is important to reduce isolation and shame. - Recognizing and managing the fear and stress involved in difficult conversations is crucial. - Strategies for reducing defensiveness include giving ground, asking questions, and focusing on facts. - Building empathy and considering the other person's perspective can lead to more productive conversations. - Experience and practice are key in developing skills for handling difficult conversations. - The environment can impact the dynamics of difficult conversations and should be taken into account. Sound Bites - "Normalizing that tension and that stress around difficult conversations is a big part of what I do." - "Your brain is having an extraordinarily hard time checking in with you. All it wants you to do is react." - "Defensiveness is hands down the worst thing you can bring to a difficult conversation." Connect with Molly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollymgray/ Molly.M.Gray@asu.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!

8 MAY 2024 · In this episode, Ryan Gray interviews Chris Dietrich, the manager of the Learning Technologies team for the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix. They discuss topics such as introversion vs. extroversion, the importance of pushing oneself out of their comfort zone, the TV show 'The Office,' and the concept of the multiverse. Chris shares his background in finance and his passion for helping others with their financial goals. He also emphasizes the value of having a set schedule and accomplishing what you intend to do each day. Keywords introversion, extroversion, comfort zone, The Office, multiverse, finance, schedule, accomplishment Takeaways Pushing oneself out of their comfort zone is important for personal and career growth. Toastmasters can be a helpful resource for improving public speaking skills. Having a set schedule can increase productivity and help accomplish daily goals. Whitney Houston is considered an iconic singer with an unmatched voice. It's important to reflect on one's accomplishments and ensure that there are no regrets at the end of the day. 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!

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!