Branded | Correspondence | Hosting | Guest Appearances
Branded | Correspondence | Hosting | Guest Appearances
![Balancing the System | brAVe [skills] Ep15](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LbXqfpx19_c/hqdefault.jpg)
How do we keep the system stable? What signals matter? Tech leaders know all too well that system maintenance cannot be overlooked.
![Why Leaders Should Ask for Help | brAVe [skills] Ep10](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gePIBLwo-Wk/hqdefault.jpg)
Hosts Britt Yenser and Leon Prather explore the underrated leadership skill of asking for help at work. They discuss why it’s so challenging, the difference between delegation and collaboration, and how leaders can build cultures where no one has to “suffer in silence.”
✨ If you’ve ever struggled to ask for help—or to make it easier for your team to ask you—this episode is for you.
In this episode of Ask the Programmer, hosts Steve Greenblat and James King welcome back Leon Prather, AV industry veteran and co-host of the Brave Skills podcast. Building on his previous discussion about simplicity in AV, Leon dives into the importance of soft skills for programmers and technicians.
Leon emphasizes that while technical expertise is vital, success often comes down to how professionals interact with people, build trust, and solve real problems. Decision-makers in AV today are less likely to be technicians, so programmers must learn to communicate solutions in human terms, not just technical ones.
Key takeaways include:
Empathy matters: Programmers must put themselves in clients’ shoes and focus on outcomes that meet human needs, not just technical specs.
Soft skills vs. hard skills: In hiring, strong interpersonal skills often outweigh perfect technical resumes. Leon shares a story of hiring a candidate with fewer technical skills but far better communication and problem-solving abilities.
Practical growth tips: Learn from mentors, watch how professionals handle challenges, seek feedback, read widely, and ask better questions.
Volunteer and take initiative: Step forward to shadow, learn, and contribute before being asked. This builds visibility, trust, and opportunities for leadership.
Leadership without titles: True leaders influence and support others regardless of their job title. Programmers should see themselves as problem solvers and catalysts for success.
Recognition and trust: Build a reputation as the reliable professional who delivers, communicates clearly, and helps clients feel confident in their technology.
The conversation highlights how soft skills, teamwork, and initiative are crucial for advancing in AV programming and technology careers.
Had a great time talking about human-centered problem-solving in tech with Steve and James
Technology solutions need to be “simple” for their users. But is actually possible? One person thinks it may not be, and seeks to unpack the word “simple” to get to the human heart of the matter
Take a walk on the digital side of sports as Alfa5 XR Sports invents games like Flatball where there is no ball and reimagines soccer in a moving kaleidoscope of a venue
I chat with Jack Drury about what makes for a great podcast sound, and the answers might surprise you.
In this episode, I chat with Ryan Haberman, CEO of Forecast Consoles, about some missteps and pro tips for technicians and artists wanting to build and design a studio at home.
Leon Prather takes you on a tour of Cines Filmax Theater in Barcelona that uses 4DX technology to engage visitors senses as they watch a movie. From a 270-degree screen, the haptics in the seats – even smells! You have to see experience it for yourself!
Leon Prather II takes you inside the America's Cup Experience in Barcelona to check out Europe's second largest movie screen, a hall with 100 TV displays, interactive features and more ahead of the big America's Cup race.
The Las Vegas Strip is one of the noisiest and busiest attractions in the United States, but one location offers visitors a break from the chaos: Arte Museum. By leveraging LED displays, projection mapping, and immersive audio, the AV in this location provides a calm and reflective mood amid the hustle and bustle of Vegas. It even provided our host, Leon, with a chance to add to add to the beauty of the experience with a surprise at the end.
AREA15 is unlike anything in Las Vegas.
Leon Prather meets with JD Bouck, Director of Production to take a tour and get a sense of what makes this facility unique.
To many, AI brings a feeling of uneasiness when it comes to it's abilities and how we do our work. However, as a content creator, it becomes another piece of the production arsenal. Leon sits down with AVIXA's own Paula Lamkins to discuss the power of AI as a tool for creation.
From the grandeur of the Paris Olympics broadcast to cutting-edge innovations in the NBA and NHL, AV is at the forefront of making events more immersive and engaging. Join us as we jump into groundbreaking projects like the Intuit Dome Halo Board and LED floors, redefining how fans interact with the game. We'll also feature the dynamic WNBA live experience. Whether you're an AV enthusiast or a sports fan, this episode is a must-listen for insights into the future of live sports entertainment.
At InfoComm 2024, I had the opportunity to chat more with Britt Yenser and Iulia Popescu .
In the sixth episode of TECH TANGLE, Team AVIXA enters the ring, and only two team members will get to represent Team AVIXA in March Madness. See this electrifying episode as there are VERY CLOSE CALLS!!! This is an episode you don't want to miss!!!!
Every year, the Super Bowl brings a sports and entertainment spectacle like no other. But where does audiovisual technology come into play? Joining Leon from the inaugural episode of AV Reacts is Rebecca Sullins, Frank Padikkala, and Narin Nara to break down all things AV from the 58th Super Bowl.
The emergence of virtual production tech has elevated the filming process of your favorite blockbusters to the next level. But how far back can we trace these techniques through history? Leon is joined by Hope Roth of QSC, Mark Mims of Home Studios, and Charles Heureaux of AVIXA to break down some movie-making magic.
In this episode of AV Reacts, the AV pros take a look at the Las Vegas phenomenon known as the Sphere. Leon Prather is joined by UCLA's Joe Way, Genevieve Cleary of Sound Connective, and AVIXA's Gibran Nassif. Tune in for more: https://avixa.tv
0:00 Intro
2:45 Personal experiences at the Sphere
10:35 "That's Some Sphere-ious Tech"
15:00 How would you utilize the venue?
28:45 Around the Interwebs
31:02 Outro
Have you ever been to a place and thought "wow, that is some great AV!" Well... this podcast episode will contain none of that. In this AV Reacts Haloween-special, host Leon Prather is joined by AVIXA's Elizabeth Burnham, as well as Jerrold Stevens, the founder of the AV Install Nightmares Facebook group and group admin Ivan Schwartz. Grab some popcorn and be prepared to get spooked by some truly scary AV stories.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:28 The beginning of the Facebook group
7:38 Spooky campfire stories
38:22 "Around the Interwebs" awards
52:48 Outro