Making Waves, Episode 18 - Melanie Leach, Founder + CEO, Flame Proof Limited
Making Waves (AV Magazine)Show Notes
We often assume everyone’s a natural on video calls, but let’s be honest, that’s rarely the case. Don't just assume staff will take to tech like a duck to water because they won't. So, how do you show up as your best self in hybrid settings, or video interviews? Clive Couldwell chats with Mel Leach – communication expert, university advisor, and mentor to young people – about how to project your best self on platforms like Teams, Zoom, and beyond.Whether you're leading meetings or interviewing for your next role, Mel shares practical, actionable tips to boost your presence and confidence on screen.
More from Making Waves (AV Magazine)
Matrox Video co-founder and president, Lorne Trottier reflects on 50 years in the industry, looks ahead to InfoComm and reveals more about the company's open source codec development.
Danielle Myburgh, Sales Director at Pixel Global AV, discusses her journey into the AV industry, the evolution of workplace technology and the importance of community within the sector. She explains how her background in sales and customer experience has shaped her people-first approach to AV, with a focus on creating intuitive, seamless technology experiences that support collaboration and productivity. She also touched upon how initiatives such as Girls with Drive and the Rise AV Elevate programme are helping build stronger connections and greater visibility for women across the AV industry. Martine Dodwell-Bennett, founder of Girls with Drive, discusses how the initiative began, why it is important and the opportunities it has created. We also hear from participants Beky Cann and Danielle Myburgh about why they joined, their previous experiences with golf and what they have learned from taking part. Together, they reflect on the confidence the programme has given them to participate in what is often perceived as a male-dominated networking environment.
Anna Shahin of Audiologic discusses her career journey and what led her into the AV industry, along with the defining moments, challenges, growth and achievements that have shaped her path. She also highlights the importance of supportive workplaces and initiatives such as Rise AV in helping women develop their careers. Rachael Hamilton, Managing Director of Rise AV, shares insights into the success of last year’s mentoring programme, the launch of this year’s initiative and the introduction of the new Elevate programme. She also reinforces the importance of representation and increasing the visibility of women in the AV industry.
AV Magazine Commercial Director David Allen sits down with Gordon Dutch, CEO of Re-Sauce, a specialist sales and business consultancy, at the Peerless-AV Showcase to discuss the importance of the event and Gordon’s new appointment as ambassador to Givingback.tech.
Much progress has been made in opening new pathways into AV through apprenticeships – for eg, studying for the AV Technician Level 5 Apprenticeship (launched in Autumn 2022) at Middlesbrough College. To find out how everything’s going, we thought we’d talk to Max Tait who is currently our AV Apprentice of The Year. He’s been with AVI-SPL, UK + Ireland for nearly four years. Also with Clive Couldwell and Max in the studio – which this week comes from The Rose Shure Experience Centre in London – is Neil Spackman, Regional Service Director – International for AVI-SPL. Neil set up the work experience programme at AVI-SPL, and then expanded it out to become an apprenticeship programme. He’s also a mentor for work placements and apprentices. Max was in the first batch of work placements and the company’s first apprentice.