It all began here:

I attended the WIN Breakfast at InfoComm 2015 and afterward the Council meeting, in part because of media responsibilities with rAVe, as well as the fact that we had done a show prior to InfoComm (our Episode 6 “We’re Talking a WIN for the AV Industry” with Erin Bolton, Jane Johnson and Brad Grimes) where we discussed InfoComm and WIN efforts, as well as the upcoming Breakfast and Council meeting at the show in Orlando. In that podcast, Erin, who is WIN’s Council Chair, invited Hope to speak at the Council Meeting. Along with Hope, Christa pledged her involvement as well to help bring identity to WIN as well as a drive toward certification for women in the industry. Their efforts to date have been very successful.

In the show I told Erin and Jane (who had worked closely with Erin on WIN efforts along with Kelly Perkins) that I would be present at both the Breakfast and Council Meeting and that I would do write ups on both in rAVe. There were certain things that I had already expected to see (as well as people that I would meet) there, however one that was an absolute moment for myself, as well as all others in the room, was the Keynote delivered by Sam Horn. Erin told us about Sam during that podcast, and she hit all the nails on the head – Sam was truly incredible.

Sam Horn is the Founder and CEO of The Intrigue Agency, a world-renowned Author, Keynote Speaker, communications strategist, and executive coach who has trained the world’s top entrepreneurs (e.g. EO, YPO, TLC) and executives (e.g. Intel, Cisco, Boeing) how to communicate more clearly, compellingly and convincingly.*

As I had written in my blog “Covering InfoComm 2015 – The Women of InfoComm Network: Part 1, The WIN Breakfast:”

In an inspirational presentation, Ms. Horn delivered the primary message of “Don’t Just Lean In – Step Up to Create the Career You Want, Need and Deserve” in front of the full-room audience. In fact, the first part of that statement Don’t Just Lean In, Step Up happens to be the title of her Huff Post Women article from January 2014.

I also alluded to her story of a woman entrepreneur who had just organized a hugely successful event about how to use golf to leverage business relationships and community service. Her event, held on the rooftop of a Washington DC office building, had attracted the PGA Commissioner, members of Congress, non-profit execs and community leaders. You can read more about it as well as the WIN Breakfast in the blog which is referenced below.

After the event was over, Sam sat at a table where attendees could meet her and get a signed copy of her book Got Your Attention?: How to Create Intrigue and Connect with Anyone.  I stood in line along with many others who attended to meet Sam and have a chance to talk to her about her presentation. When I got to the table, Sam shook my hand and engaged in conversation with me. It was at that moment that I decided to tell her about AV Power Up and ask her to be on the show – and very happily, she agreed. 

We had originally scheduled the show for August, and while I knew I wanted Erin to be on the show, Sam also suggested Carol Campbell. I didn’t know Carol at the time, however when Sam suggested her being on the show I said absolutely, as I found out that Carol is the Founder of Women in CE.

Christa Bender normally reaches out to the show guests to talk about the show and she set things up with Sam, Carol and Erin. Due to a few circumstances (and some more follow up), we rescheduled the show for September, and we recorded it Wednesday night the 23rd. And a good thing, since it’s in time for talk on the upcoming CEDIA Expo as well.

And here, I am very proud to say is the show with Christa, Chuck Espinoza, Hope Roth, Johnny Mota, Rich Prevete and myself (Stacy Kringlen unfortunately couldn’t make this one) along with our guests Sam Horn, Carol Campbell and Erin Bolton.

AV Power Up! – Episode 24: Women of Technology and Intrigue

Enjoy the show.

 

* Description is from the Intrigue Agency website.

rAVe Blogs written on the Women of InfoComm Network Breakfast and Council Meeting (and pictures from the events)

Covering InfoComm 2015 – The Women of InfoComm Network: Part 1, The WIN Breakfast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Covering InfoComm 2015 – The Women of InfoComm Network: Part 2, Inspiration and Aspirations

Erin Bolton speaking at the WIN Council Meeting

Hope Roth presenting at the WIN Council Meeting

A special shout out to Erin Bolton for all of the great work she has done with #ICWomen, Carol Campbell for the great work she continues to do with @WomeninCE, and to all of the great hard working women in the industry, as well as the men that support their efforts. And of course Sam Horn for all of her intrigue and inspiration.

Carol Campbell far left, Sam Horn far right