In this episode of AV in the Wild, Iffat and Sam speak to presenter, PR consultant and Director of Boost, Hannah Shellswell, for a practical and encouraging conversation about confidence, communication and growth in the AV industry. Hannah shares insights from her work hosting live events, presenting on AVIXA TV and engaging with emerging technologies alongside her experiences training professionals to feel more confident on stage and screen. The discussion explores what it really takes to put yourself forward, particularly for those new to the industry or navigating imposter syndrome. This episode is packed with actionable advice, including tips for preparing personal stories, building stronger connections at events, and managing nerves through mindset, body language and simple pre-presentation rituals. Hannah also introduces techniques for overcoming deeper limiting beliefs and reflects on how confidence can be built over time through experience. Thank you to Hannah for joining us for such a supportive and practical episode focused on showing up, learning from mistakes and remembering that audiences are far more encouraging than we often expect.

• (00:00:00) - AV in the Wild
• (00:00:50) - Meet Hannah Shelsewell
• (00:01:21) - Say Yes to Opportunities
• (00:04:08) - How to Prepare Yourself for a Presentation
• (00:09:17) - Talking to myself
• (00:12:02) - Hannah Schell on learning from mistakes
• (00:13:57) - AV in the Wild

In this episode of AV in the Wild, Iffat and Neil are joined by award-winning writer, director, podcaster and advocate, Sam Grierson, for an open and reflective conversation about neurodiversity, creativity and belonging.

Sam shares their journey to a later-life diagnosis of autism and ADHD, reflecting on identity, self-discovery and the lack of visible role models for autistic women and non-binary people. The discussion explores the value and limitations of labels, the concept of hyperfocus, and how Sam’s experiences have shaped both their perspective and creative work.

The episode also looks at Sam’s writing career, including the plays and audio dramas created during COVID that place neurodiverse characters at the centre, many of which are made freely available to improve accessibility and representation. Broadening the conversation, the group discuss rising diagnoses, post-diagnosis support, intentional use of technology, and how the AV industry can create more inclusive, supportive spaces.

Thank you to Sam for sharing such thoughtful and personal insights highlighting the power of representation, community and safe spaces.

• (00:00:00) - AV in the Wild
• (00:01:59) - Being diagnosed autistic: the grief of the diagnosis
• (00:08:02) - Autistic parents on the autism spectrum
• (00:10:14) - Writing as a Late Life
• (00:12:54) - Adaptation of Crocodile the Musical
• (00:13:59) - Miriam Margulies in The Autism Play
• (00:16:13) - Keynote Speaker on Autism
• (00:19:06) - Have ADHD and Autism been overdiagnosed?
• (00:22:23) - How to Live With Technology

How is distribution changing in a world of cloud, AI and the connected workplace?

In our latest episode, @Neil and @Iffat sit down with Monique Rezai, CRO of @Midwich US, to discuss growth in North America, acquisitions, managed services and why distributors must evolve to stay relevant

• (00:00:00) - AV in the Wild: Midwich on Air at ISE 2022
• (00:01:29) - WSJDLive: Distributor of AI-related Tech
• (00:02:37) - Having the role as Midwich's CRO
• (00:05:23) - Midwich vs. Staren: How Can Midwich Help You
• (00:07:13) - Five Strategic Focus Areas for the Company
• (00:10:09) - Have You Reached a Point of Controversy?
• (00:11:28) - Are You Seeing a Shift towards E-commerce in Your Sales?
• (00:13:08) - Microsoft Corp. On Adding Value to the Enterprise Channel
• (00:14:42) - Midwich Microsystems on Collaboration with Netspeak
• (00:20:02) - Midwich Distributor: Bringing the Innovation to Life
• (00:22:14) - How To Win an M&A Deal
• (00:24:52) - Midwich: Our vision for the Connected Workplace