If you’re like me, you didn’t just find yourself in #proAV and plant yourself there. Most of us permeate the AV universe, orbiting and residing in systems like broadcasting, audio engineering, IT and even marketing. No matter how you arrived here, it’s important to stay true to yourself while growing in this ever-changing technological world.  

I was humbled to take part in Britt Yesner’s brAVE space podcast earlier this summer, a show I’m a huge fan of and recently posted about. We began bonding over core memories in #proAV, as well as finding and partnering with champions in your space. Whether that be IT, event managers, or even facilities, leveraging your internal network, especially where you least expect it, can do wonders for your career.  

Navigating Imposter Syndrome 

The first major topic we dove into was imposter syndrome. The island of misfit toys that is #proAV, with many of us hailing from various backgrounds, can tempt us to disqualify ourselves when embarking on new challenges and learning about new technologies. I’ve found it best to give yourself an excuse to go full-on nerd. Go out of your way to meet and ask audio engineers, photographers and anyone you meet at events specific questions about their craft. You’ll be sure to gain specific knowledge you can take into your career in #proAV and beyond! 

Authenticity and The Path Forward

We then covered showing up as your authentic self, and how knowing who you are (and who you’re not) can be the cure to chronic people-pleasing. Knowing what you’re naturally good at, and what you’re not naturally adept toward, can help you (as the cool kids say) “stay in your lane.” Setting healthy boundaries as guardrails can get you to your destination smoothly, whether that be an implementation of a new meeting space or deploying a new collaboration platform. While we all seek to provide white glove #proAV services, managing upward and gauging expectation  can help stakeholders understand limitations and communicate their needs.  

Seeing Through the Mindfulness Lens 

The next topic we covered was building honesty and transparency when interacting with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. I integrated my experience as a diverse AAPI professional, and how leading with mindfulness can help with understanding different teams from differing roles, specifically IT and event managers. Through the lens of my culture, I brought up how emotional and spiritual healthiness is not an "either/or" but a "both/and." And living in this duality has helped me be the bridge between colleagues of diverse backgrounds and experience levels. Being spiritually and mentally mindful requires both being actively present while seeking to achieve and grow.  

The Highs and the No’s 

The last topic we discussed was the importance of incorporating boundaries and how difficult it can be to say no, especially in a service-driven industry like #proAV. Saying no can be a powerful tool when used with empathy and courage in mind, which can help us not overextend ourselves. An alternative to overbooking yourself would be to take time in between meetings, events and even maintenance seasons to recalibrate your mind and reset your energy. Taking this time is a true exercise in surrendering, letting go of the things you cannot control. Removing this need to grasp works on curbing our sense of desperation, which ironically can be freeing.  

Final Takeaways 

Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, the mental health journey as a #proAV leader will take time, patience, and maturity. Journaling, meditation and finding the value in silence are tips that are recommended during the episode. Ultimately, it's the little pivots through your career that shape you into the leader you are meant to be! 

Tune into our full conversation now!