In this insightful interview, Sachin Krishnan, a leading expert in the realm of workplace technology and innovation shares his CTS journey. Currently serving as a Project Lead for AV/IT/IoT at Cushman & Wakefield, Sachin is at the forefront of transformative projects that redefine global workplace environments. His journey into the Audio-Visual (AV) industry is fueled by a deep fascination with technology's ability to create immersive, human-centric spaces.

In this interview, Sachin shares motivations for pursuing the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) certification—a credential that underscores his commitment to excellence and professionalism in the AV field. He will discuss how this certification has influenced his strategic approach, enhanced his technical capabilities, and contributed to successful project outcomes.

Read on... 

1. What’s your current role and how did you start working in the AV industry?
I’m currently working as a Project Lead – AV/IT/IoT at Cushman & Wakefield, leading transformative workplace technology projects for global clients. My journey into AV stemmed from a deep fascination with how technology can transcend mere functionality to create immersive, human-centric environments. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a passion — one that propelled me to build a career focused on shaping intelligent, experience-driven spaces.

2. What inspired you to pursue the CTS certification and how did it align with your career goals?
I pursued the CTS certification to validate my expertise and align myself with the highest global standards in our industry. More than just a credential, CTS represents a shared language of professionalism and technical excellence — one that perfectly complements my ambition to become a trusted workplace technology consultant operating at a global scale.

3. In what ways has the CTS certification helped you in your current role or in your professional journey overall?
CTS has been instrumental in refining both my technical acumen and my strategic thinking. It strengthened my grasp of design principles, enhanced my ability to communicate complex concepts with clarity, and instilled the confidence to make critical decisions swiftly. As a result, I’m able to deliver projects that are not only technologically robust but also deeply aligned with user needs and client aspirations.

4. Can you provide an example of a project where your CTS knowledge directly contributed to its success?
One of the most challenging projects I’ve led involved a client migrating to a new enterprise-wide video conferencing platform across 110 meeting rooms, all while the office remained fully operational. The scale, combined with the constraint of a live working environment, meant there was zero tolerance for error — every step had to be meticulously planned, coordinated, and executed with surgical precision.

The structured methodology needs analysis framework, and risk mitigation approach I gained through CTS proved invaluable. They enabled me to plan the rollout in carefully phased stages, anticipate technical and logistical challenges well in advance, and ensure flawless integration with existing infrastructure. The result was a seamless deployment completed on schedule without a single disruption. The client later shared that, out of all their global AV deployments, ours was the smoothest execution they had ever experienced — completed without a single issue or escalation. That feedback was a powerful testament to how deeply the CTS mindset can influence project outcomes in the real world.

5. What role do you believe CTS-certified professionals play in advancing industry standards and best practices?
CTS professionals serve as custodians of quality and consistency in our industry. By adhering to globally recognized standards and fostering a culture of best practices, they bridge the gap between technology and human experience. In doing so, they elevate not just individual projects but the collective credibility and sophistication of the AV profession itself.

6. Are you considering pursuing further certifications, such as CTS-D or CTS-I?
Absolutely. My next goal is to pursue CTS-D to deepen my expertise in system design, followed by CTS-I to sharpen my implementation knowledge. Together, these will empower me to deliver holistic solutions — from conceptualization and design to deployment and optimization.

7. What advice would you give to someone contemplating the CTS certification today?
Approach CTS not as a mere examination to be conquered but as an intellectual framework that reshapes the way you think about AV. Strive to understand the underlying principles, immerse yourself in real-world scenarios, and engage with the wider professional community. With perseverance and curiosity, the certification will reward you with far more than a title — it will open doors to a truly global standard of excellence.