Podcast dedicated to building the AV/IT tech manager community in higher education through discussions on classroom technology and audiovisual support.
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June 9, 2026Episode 35844 min
359: Building on Ashes with Tim Albright
In this episode of the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way welcomes longtime friend, industry leader, AVNation President, and now author Tim Albright for a deeply honest conversation about failure, resilience, and what it takes to build again. Tim’s new book, Building on Ashes, is not a technology manual or another AV industry playbook. It is a practical and personal framework for understanding failure, walking through the emotions that come with it, and finding what remains strong enough to become the foundation for the next chapter.Joe and Tim explore the vulnerability behind writing a book, the discipline it took to finish it, and the emotional weight of finally completing something that had been decades in the making. Tim shares how the process forced him to revisit personal and professional failures, confront unfinished grief, and discover lessons that could help others move forward with honesty instead of shame.The conversation also dives into the stages of failure, including anger, blame, reflection, and acceptance, and why failure often mirrors grief. Tim explains that when something fails, whether it is a business, relationship, career goal, or personal dream, we are grieving the loss of what we thought would be. But within that loss, there is almost always something left to learn from and build upon.Together, Joe and Tim discuss mentorship, community, personal discipline, failure audits, daily habits, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who will tell you the truth. They also reflect on how personal pain can become a source of service to others, and why none of us are as alone in our struggles as we think we are.The episode closes with Tim’s reminder that failure is not the end of the story. Everyone fails, everyone carries ashes from something that did not work out, and everyone has the opportunity to take a deep breath, look honestly at what remains, and build again.Purchase Building on Ashes: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Ashes-Practical-Framework-Overcoming/dp/B0H2R9YQY9Connect with Tim Albright:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdalbright/Twitter: https://www.x.com/tdalbrightWeb: https://timalbright.comConnect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahwayYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@josiahwayTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@josiahway
June 8, 2026Episode 35840 min
358: #InfoComm26 Preview Episode
InfoComm 2026 is here, and there is more happening for the higher education technology community than ever before. In this special live episode of the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way joins the HETMA community to break down the events, conversations, networking opportunities, education sessions, and industry moments that higher ed professionals need to have on their radar throughout the week.From the HETMA Education Summit and Higher Ed AV Awards to booth activities, meetups, receptions, and can't-miss show floor highlights, this episode serves as your guide to navigating #InfoComm26 through a higher ed lens. Whether you are attending in person or following along from afar, Joe shares what matters most, where to be, and why this year's event represents a significant moment for the future of higher ed AV.Follow all the coverage and sign-up for events at: https://www.higheredav.com/infocom26
June 2, 2026Episode 35759 min
357: Live from the HETMA Roadshow in Mechelen, Belgium
In this special live episode from the HETMA Roadshow in Mechelen, Belgium, Joe Way wraps up HETMA’s first European Roadshow with conversations from the show floor at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences. The episode captures the energy, lessons, and excitement of a milestone event that brought higher education AV professionals, university leaders, and manufacturer partners together to build community, share challenges, and explore the future of learning spaces in Europe.Joe opens the episode by reflecting on the success of the two-day Roadshow and the clear desire across the European higher ed AV community for more opportunities like this. While HETMA has built a proven Roadshow model in North America, this event showed that the same need for connection, collaboration, and shared problem-solving exists across Europe, even as the format must be adapted to fit regional culture, expectations, and community dynamics.The first conversation features Darta from Catchbox, who shares how Catchbox has grown beyond its iconic throwable microphone into a broader microphone and audio system for education spaces. She discusses the value of simple, teacher-friendly technology, including the Catchbox Cube, Clip microphone, handheld microphone, receiver, and built-in DSP capabilities. The conversation highlights how reducing complexity for instructors also reduces support tickets for AV teams.Joe then sits down with Tom from Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, one of the key leaders behind hosting the Roadshow. Tom reflects on the intentional design of the university’s newest building, explaining that technology should enhance learning rather than force teachers to adapt to technology. The discussion centers on purposeful design, student comfort, long-term thinking, and the impressive retractable LED wall that became one of the standout features of the campus tour.Next, Kenny from Thomas More joins the conversation to talk about the behind-the-scenes work required to make the event successful. He shares how the university’s AV team supports multiple campuses while maintaining a shared vision and strong internal trust. Kenny emphasizes that events like the Roadshow create the rare opportunity for peers to step away from their daily work, compare challenges, and learn directly from one another.Joe also speaks with Mia, Director of Infrastructure and Facilities at Thomas More, following her keynote on the university’s approach to educational infrastructure. She explains the guiding principles behind their learning spaces, including community, ease of learning, desire to learn, sustainability, and innovation. Her perspective reinforces one of the strongest themes of the episode: the best learning spaces begin with the student and teacher experience, not the technology.The episode continues with conversations from several manufacturer partners, including Sennheiser, Crestron, Biamp, and Extron. Across these conversations, recurring themes emerge around ease of use, stability, security, inclusiveness, audio quality, hybrid learning, room consistency, USB-C integration, standardization, and the importance of long-term manufacturer support. Each partner reflects on the value of being able to meet directly with higher education professionals in a community-centered environment rather than a traditional sales-first setting.A major theme throughout the episode is that higher education institutions across regions face many of the same challenges. Whether in North America or Europe, AV teams are working to create frictionless rooms, support hybrid and active learning, stretch technology investments over longer lifecycles, reduce support complexity, and make spaces more inclusive and sustainable. The Roadshow format gives these professionals a place to compare notes, share ideas, and build relationships that continue after the event ends.The episode closes with Joe reflecting on the overall success of the first European HETMA Roadshow. The conversations, campus tour, vendor showcase, keynote sessions, and networking moments all point toward a clear conclusion: the spark has been lit. The European higher ed AV community is ready for more connection, more collaboration, and more opportunities to come together through HETMA.Guests FeaturedDarta, CatchboxDiscusses Catchbox’s expanding microphone ecosystem, including the Cube, Clip microphone, handheld microphone, receiver, and built-in DSP.Tom, Thomas More University of Applied SciencesReflects on hosting the first European HETMA Roadshow and the intentional design of Thomas More’s newest learning spaces.Kenny, Thomas More University of Applied SciencesShares the behind-the-scenes perspective on organizing the event and the value of bringing peers together.Mia, Thomas More University of Applied SciencesExplains the educational infrastructure strategy behind Thomas More’s learning spaces, with a focus on student and teacher experience.Stefan, SennheiserHighlights the importance of education as a vertical, along with ease of use, stability, inclusiveness, acoustics, and listening fatigue.William, CrestronDiscusses the importance of networking, understanding customer needs, and supporting the future of educational environments.Peter, BiampTalks about frictionless rooms, consistent user experiences, post-pandemic AV maturity, and long-term technology quality.Leon Klinger, ExtronShares insights on USB-C standardization, BYOD and BYOM applications, signal switching, and the importance of early manufacturer engagement.Key TakeawaysThe first European HETMA Roadshow demonstrated a strong need for regional higher ed AV community-building.Technology should support teaching and learning in a seamless way, not become the center of the experience.Simple, reliable, teacher-friendly systems reduce support burden and improve classroom outcomes.European institutions are facing familiar challenges around hybrid learning, room standardization, USB-C, sustainability, and long-term support.The most successful learning spaces begin with students, teachers, pedagogy, and intentional design.Manufacturer partnerships are strongest when they are built on trust, support, training, and long-term relationships.The HETMA Roadshow model has strong potential to grow across Europe when adapted through local leadership and cultural understanding.Episode ThemesHigher ed AV community-buildingEuropean learning space designHETMA Roadshow expansionStudent-centered infrastructureTeacher-friendly technologyUSB-C and classroom standardizationHybrid learning and BYOD/BYOM spacesAudio quality and listening fatigueSustainability and long-term planningManufacturer and university partnerships
May 19, 2026Episode 35637 min
356: Pre-#InfoComm26 No Context Flash Pitches
This week on the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way tries something brand new: the first-ever No Context Flash Pitch. The concept is simple, chaotic, and exactly what makes the higher ed AV community so special. Guests jump on live, get two minutes, and can pitch anything they want. A product. A booth. A project. A tip. A warning. A reason to get excited for InfoComm. No prep. No polish. No sponsor package. Just real people, real energy, and real reasons to show up. What follows is a fast-paced, community-powered preview of InfoComm 2026, featuring manufacturers, HETMA partners, higher ed professionals, and longtime AV friends sharing what they are bringing to the show floor and why it matters for the higher education vertical. Bert Feldman, INOGENI Bert Feldman, U.S. Sales Director at INOGENI, kicks off the Flash Pitch format with a powerhouse overview of the company’s growing AV and UC portfolio. He previews INOGENI’s latest work around USB, USB-C, IP, multi-camera switching, BYOM, room system flexibility, and automated classroom capture workflows. The headline is CamTrack, INOGENI’s multi-camera automated switching solution designed to support active learning spaces, lecture capture rooms, hybrid classrooms, and flexible teaching environments. Bert also highlights INOGENI’s IP-to-USB converter, Dante-enabled workflows, the upcoming U-BRIDGE USB-C extender, and the award-winning TOGGLE series. For higher ed, the message is clear: INOGENI is helping campuses simplify the complicated spaces where cameras, microphones, computers, and collaboration platforms all need to work together without friction. John Palazinski, GUDE Systems John Palazinski from GUDE Systems brings the perfect mix of product preview, HETMA partnership, and show-floor energy. He talks about GUDE’s strong involvement with HETMA, including participation in the HETMA Approved evaluation program, and previews new products coming to InfoComm, including an updated AC/DC box, a new UPS box, and GUDE’s cloud software for managing power and connected devices. For higher ed institutions, John’s pitch is about more than power. It is about reliability, remote management, uptime, and giving AV teams better tools to support the rooms their campuses depend on every day. He also teases a special gift for HETMA members who stop by the booth, proving once again that swag and smart infrastructure can absolutely coexist. Renee Benson, Sony Renee Benson from Sony joins from the road and still manages to bring the heart of the episode into focus: relationships. Sony lists Renee Benson among its HETMA recognitions as “Best Vendor Rep,” and Sony’s InfoComm 2026 page lists booth C8301. Renee previews Sony’s InfoComm presence, including new BRAVIA displays, P-Series and S-Series solutions, LED offerings, and the opportunity for attendees to connect directly with Sony’s regional teams. Her segment is a reminder that technology is only part of the equation. In higher ed AV, trust matters. Relationships matter. Having vendor partners who understand the campus environment matters. Renee’s pitch captures exactly why the best vendor relationships feel less transactional and more like an extension of the community. Michael Gunderson, Highland Community College One of our most experienced HETMA members, Michael Gunderson, uses his two minutes to deliver a fantastic InfoComm survival guide for first-time attendees. The advice is practical gold: download the app, mark the vendors you want to see, study the floor layout, learn the numbering system, find the restrooms, locate the free food and water, and give yourself time to understand the show before trying to sprint through it. He also shouts out the HETMA booth, morning coffee, happy hours, peer networking, and the importance of making real connections. This segment turns into one of the most useful parts of the episode because it reminds everyone that InfoComm can be overwhelming, but it does not have to be. With the right plan and the right community, the biggest AV show in North America can feel a whole lot smaller. Brandy Johnson, PTZOptics Brandy Johnson from PTZOptics brings big energy and a bold preview of what the company is bringing to InfoComm. She talks about PTZOptics stepping into a new era as an employee-owned company, complete with new branding, new booth energy, and a stronger focus on complete video workflows. Her pitch centers on interoperability, partner ecosystems, and helping attendees experience how PTZOptics products work inside real AV environments. Brandy highlights the Link 4K, Dante AV-H workflows, hands-on test-drive stations, partner integrations with companies like NETGEAR and INOGENI, new 4K products, updated web GUI capabilities, and voice-tracking integrations. For higher ed, this is where PTZOptics shines. Brandy positions their solutions not just as cameras, but as part of a larger teaching, learning, streaming, and content creation ecosystem. It is about giving campuses flexible, scalable video tools that actually fit the way classrooms, lecture halls, studios, and hybrid spaces operate. Bill O’Donnell, Babson College Bill O’Donnell from Babson College joins from the end-user side and offers one of the most important reminders of the episode: do not skip the small booths. A Crestron case study identifies Bill O’Donnell as an Instructional Technology Integration Specialist in Media Services at Babson College. Bill talks about the value of walking the show floor with curiosity, especially in the smaller booths where emerging companies and early-stage ideas often appear before the larger manufacturers adopt them. He points to the evolution of tracking camera technology as an example, noting how innovations that once looked niche can eventually become major parts of the AV ecosystem. His segment is a perfect higher ed perspective: innovation does not always announce itself with the biggest booth, the loudest demo, or the most expensive buildout. Sometimes the next big thing is tucked away in a corner, waiting for the right campus technologist to notice it. Jason Jenkins, Studiomatic Jason Jenkins from Studiomatic jumps in after seeing Joe’s LinkedIn post and delivers a compelling pitch for the continuing evolution of one-button studios. Studiomatic’s own site identifies Jason Jenkins as the developer behind its One Button Studio solutions. Jason explains how he has spent years building simple, powerful presentation recording systems that allow faculty, staff, students, and creators to walk in with a PowerPoint, press one button, and leave with a finished video. He previews the One Button Studio Pro, the mobile or desk-based One Button Studio Go, and the upcoming One Button Studio Solo. The magic is in the simplicity: no production crew, no complicated login process, no editing headache, and no steep learning curve. Just an intuitive kiosk-style system designed to make high-quality content creation accessible. For higher ed, Jason’s segment is especially relevant. Campuses are still looking for better ways to support lecture capture, faculty media creation, student presentations, online learning content, and self-service production spaces. Studiomatic’s approach makes those workflows approachable, repeatable, and scalable. HETMA at InfoComm 2026 Joe closes the episode by previewing the full HETMA experience at InfoComm 2026. HETMA’s week includes the Higher Education Summit, the Higher Ed AV Awards, the HETMA booth, morning coffee, happy hours, show floor tours, live podcasting, booth activations, and the kind of hallway conversations that often become the most valuable part of the entire show. The HETMA InfoComm 2026 page lists the booth as C6023 and outlines a full week of higher ed-focused programming from June 15–19, 2026. Joe also previews the new VIP Qualified-Buyers After-Hours Reception, designed to connect higher ed decision-makers with manufacturers, integrators, and partners around real projects, real budgets, and real needs. The goal is not just networking for networking’s sake. It is matchmaking with purpose. Episode Takeaway This episode proves that InfoComm is not just about products. It is about people, timing, trust, curiosity, and community. From INOGENI’s automated camera workflows to GUDE’s power management, Sony’s display ecosystem, PTZOptics’ video innovation, Babson’s end-user perspective, Studiomatic’s one-button content creation, and HETMA’s community-first show strategy, this Flash Pitch episode captures the best of what makes higher ed AV different. It is a little unpredictable. It is a little chaotic. And it is exactly the kind of energy that makes people want to be part of the room.
May 5, 2026Episode 35554 min
355: AVIXA CEO, David Labuskes, Kicks Off the Road to #InfoComm26
OverviewIn this annual InfoComm preview episode, Joe Way welcomes back David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA, for what may be Dave’s final Higher Ed AV Podcast appearance before his retirement at the end of the year. Together, they discuss why InfoComm is more than a trade show, how end users and higher education continue to shape the future of AV, and why community-centered organizations like HETMA have become essential to the industry’s growth. The conversation also reflects on Dave’s leadership, the importance of intentional networking, and the legacy of leaving the industry better than he found it.Show NotesInfoComm season is here, and that means it is time for one of the Higher Ed AV Podcast’s favorite annual traditions: a conversation with Dave Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA. As the countdown begins to the industry’s biggest event, Joe and Dave preview what attendees can expect in Las Vegas, from new show floor activations to keynotes, education, networking, and the growing presence of the higher ed AV community.Dave shares how the role of the end user has evolved from attendee to central community member, noting that end users now represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the InfoComm audience. For higher education, that shift has created new opportunities for connection, advocacy, professional growth, and industry influence, especially through the continued growth of HETMA.The conversation also explores why InfoComm works because it is owned and produced by AVIXA, an association whose mission is rooted in advancing the AV profession rather than simply producing a profitable event. Dave explains that when the show’s purpose is tied to the health of the industry, it becomes a platform for standards, education, community, and the future direction of AV itself.Joe and Dave also talk through practical advice for first-time and returning attendees. Dave encourages listeners to be intentional, define what success looks like before arriving, schedule key meetings, attend community events, and leave room for serendipity. Whether someone is looking for peers, mentors, manufacturer training, education sessions, or new technology discoveries, the key is having a plan while staying open to the unexpected.The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection on Dave’s career, his favorite memories from leading AVIXA, the emotional significance of InfoComm after the pandemic, and what he hopes his legacy will be. His answer is simple and powerful: leave it better than you found it.Key TakeawaysInfoComm is not just a trade show. It is an industry event where community, education, commerce, and leadership come together to shape the future of AV.End users, including those in higher education, are no longer just attendees. They are a vital part of the AV community and one of the most important voices in the direction of the industry.HETMA’s growth represents the power of building a “community within the community,” giving higher ed AV professionals a place to connect, grow, advocate, and lead.Attendees should make a plan before arriving at InfoComm. Define your goals, schedule key conversations, identify sessions and exhibitors, and know what success looks like before the week begins.At the same time, leave room for discovery. Some of the most valuable moments happen in unscheduled conversations, smaller booths, community gatherings, and unexpected encounters.Dave’s leadership philosophy centers on mission, community, courage, trust, heart, and leaving the organization better than he found it.Mentioned in This EpisodeAVIXAInfoCommHETMAHigher Ed AV AwardsEducation SummitAVIXA Women’s BreakfastThe PitchAI-powered collaborationModern workplace technologyHETMA booth and community programmingPrism ScholarshipSCN Hall of FameGuestDave LabuskesCEO, AVIXAdlabuskes@avixa.orghttps://www.infocommshow.orghttps://www.avixa.orgHostJoe WayHigher Ed AV Podcastjoe@josiahway.comCalls to ActionRegister for InfoComm and use code HETMA for a free show pass.Use code HETMA for member pricing on the Education Summit.Attend the Higher Ed AV Awards at higheredavawards.com.Learn more about AVIXA at avixa.org.
April 15, 2026Episode 35451 min
354: Special Episode: Shure Webinar: "Trusted by Professionals; Engineered for Everyone"
In this special Higher Ed AV Podcast live stream, Joe Way is joined by Shure’s Yuri and Ryan for an in-depth look at the new SLXD+ wireless platform and what it means for higher education AV teams. Broadcasting with HETMA and packed with live audience questions, this episode explores how Shure has expanded SLXD+ into a more powerful, enterprise-ready option for classrooms, lecture halls, event spaces, and campus-wide deployments.Yuri breaks down the biggest upgrades to SLXD+, including wideband tuning, ShowLink Ease transmitter control, Dante-enabled quad receivers, digital feedback reduction, encryption, audio summing, and expanded cascading capabilities. The conversation also tackles real-world higher ed concerns such as compatibility with legacy SLXD gear, Q-SYS integration, rechargeable transmitter options, wireless range expectations, firmware updates, and how SLXD+ compares with ULXD in larger campus environments.This episode stands out because it is not just a product overview. It is a practical discussion about workflow, scalability, flexibility, and support for institutions that need reliable wireless systems without unnecessary complexity. The live Q&A format also gives listeners a direct look at the kinds of questions higher ed technology leaders are asking right now as they evaluate next-generation classroom and event audio solutions.What you will hear in this episode:An introduction to Shure SLXD+ and why it is a major leap forward from the original SLXDHow wideband tuning simplifies deployment and inventory managementWhat ShowLink Ease does and how it enables remote transmitter controlHow automatic frequency mitigation works during interference eventsNew DSP capabilities including feedback reduction and audio summingDante support and cascading improvements for larger multi-channel environmentsCompatibility with existing SLXD systems and third-party control platformsPractical insight into where SLXD+ fits in higher ed compared to ULXDAudience questions about range, battery reporting, demo opportunities, and moreA reminder that higher ed AV is increasingly thinking at an enterprise scale, and manufacturers are responding accordinglyGuests:Yuri Lysoivanov, Senior Solutions Engineer at ShureRyan Budvitis, Senior Solutions Engineer at Shure and liaison to HETMAWhy listen:If you are responsible for classroom technology, live events, campus wireless strategy, or AV standardization, this episode offers a timely look at a product line designed to make professional wireless easier to deploy, manage, and scale across higher education environments.Connect with Shure:Ryan Budvitis: budvitr@shure.comShure Online: https://www.shure.comGeer Tech Online: https://www.geertech.netSLXD+ Info:: https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/wireless-systems/slxd-plus?variant=SLX-D%252B
April 14, 2026Episode 35354 min
353: From Grassroots to Gravity with BC Hatchett
353: From Grassroots to Gravity with BC HatchettHigher Ed AV Podcast with Joe WayIn episode two of this six-part series, Joe Way welcomes back HETMA cofounder BC Hatchett for an honest conversation about what happens when a grassroots movement grows into something much bigger. What started as a bold idea to advocate for higher education in the AV industry has become a real business with real responsibility, real expectations, and real consequences. Together, Joe and BC reflect on the successes, the missteps, the personal and professional weight of leadership, and the reality that building something meaningful often comes with pressure, scars, and lessons learned the hard way.This episode dives into the evolution of HETMA from a passionate startup community into a recognized force within the AV industry. Joe and BC talk candidly about reputation, sponsorship accountability, the burden of representing an entire vertical, and the personal growth required when your role shifts from organizer to leader. It is a conversation about advocacy, intentionality, business maturity, and the uncomfortable truth that sometimes success requires hard pivots, difficult self-awareness, and the willingness to outgrow your own early identity.The conversation also explores what it means to advocate for yourself, your community, and your profession. Joe and BC unpack the tension between being visible and being divisive, between being liked and being respected, and between having fun while building something serious. They close by encouraging listeners to step out, take risks, and understand that growth is rarely smooth, but it is often worth it.Along the way, the episode includes a fun “Hot or Not” segment covering topics like BYOD in learning environments, AI in cameras and microphones, classroom standardization, USB-C over HDMI, hiring for attitude over skill, whether leaders need to be experts, and why respect matters more than popularity.Guest:BC Hatchett is the Director of Classroom Technology at Vanderbilt University and the co-founding partner alongside Joe Way in building HETMA. In this episode, he brings a grounded perspective on leadership, responsibility, and the challenges of turning vision into sustainable impact.Connect with BC Hatchett:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bc-hatchett-88746312/X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/bchatchettConnect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahwayYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@josiahwayTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@josiahway
April 7, 2026Episode 35246 min
352: From Setback to Social Strategy with Raul Cabrera
In this episode of the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way launches the first installment of a six-part series focused on failure, reinvention, leadership, and personal brand building. Joined by longtime friend Raul Cabrera, president of Miguel Studios in Fort Worth, Texas, Joe goes back to his early Texas days to reflect on a business venture that did not go as planned and the lessons that came from it. What unfolds is an honest conversation about risk, entrepreneurship, accountability, resilience, and how some of life’s hardest setbacks become the very things that shape future success.Joe and Raul revisit how they first met through dance lessons, how that relationship evolved into a business opportunity, and what it was like to be part of an ambitious concept that was simply ahead of its time. From there, the conversation moves into the realities of leadership, including the weight of making decisions that affect other people’s lives, the importance of transparency during difficult times, and the growth that comes from owning your mistakes instead of hiding them. Raul also shares how his own path through ministry, marketing, and entrepreneurship led him to content creation and digital strategy, offering practical insight for anyone looking to build a brand and tell their story more effectively.This episode is both deeply personal and highly practical. It is a conversation about what happens when your biggest failures become your greatest teachers, and why leaders who are willing to own their shortcomings often earn the deepest trust. It also sets the tone for the rest of the series, which will continue exploring Joe’s journey, the people who shaped it, and the lessons that can help others step into advocacy, confidence, and platform-building for themselves. In this episode: Joe kicks off a new six-part series centered on failure, growth, and self-advocacyRaul Cabrera joins the show to reflect on Joe’s early Texas chapter A look back at an ambitious business concept that failed, and why Lessons on leadership, risk tolerance, and the cost of hiding hard truths Why accountability in the moment can strengthen trust and team cultureReflections on ministry, calling, burnout, and life transitionsRaul’s journey into digital marketing, social media strategy, and content creationWhy YouTube and TikTok matter for personal brand buildingA fun rapid round featuring college traditions, food, In-N-Out, and social media advice About the guest:Raul Cabrera is the president of Miguel Studios in Fort Worth, Texas, a content studio and digital marketing company that helps organizations with content creation, social media management, and digital strategy. His career path has spanned hospitality, ministry, marketing, and entrepreneurship, giving him a unique perspective on leadership, communication, and building something from the ground up.Connect with Raul Cabrera and Miguel Studios:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raulmiguelcabrera/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_raul_cab/Miguel Studios Web: https://miguelstudios.comMiguel Studios Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miguelstudiosfw/Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahway
March 24, 202642 min
351: Prepared Buyers Make Better Partnerships
Joe explains that being a qualified buyer is not about exclusivity or being part of a large, well-funded institution. It is about being educated, having a clear understanding of the problem you are trying to solve, knowing your deliverables, and entering conversations with enough clarity to help solution partners actually respond in a useful way. He also shares why this mindset creates better relationships, better decisions, and better long-term success for everyone involved.
March 17, 2026Episode 35049 min
350: Awards Nominations Pro-Tips
Since Higher Ed AV Awards nominations are now open (https://HigherEdAVAwards.com), Joe uses this episode to pull back the curtain on what actually makes an award nomination stand out. Drawing from his unique experience as a nominee, winner, judge, and awards organizer, he explains why strong nominations matter more than reputation, marketing language, or assumptions that an entry alone should guarantee a trophy. He breaks down the different types of industry awards, from public voting and panel-judged honors to editorial recognitions, and explains how the strongest entries consistently focus on impact, specificity, audience awareness, and meaningful proof.Joe walks listeners through what judges are really looking for, especially in the Higher Ed AV Awards. He explains why nominees need to fully answer every section, maximize every character allowed, provide measurable results, include strong references, and avoid vague marketing language. He also emphasizes that judges can only score what is actually included in the submission, not what they may already know about a person, company, or product. The episode is both a practical guide and a candid reality check for anyone hoping to improve their chances of winning.Along the way, Joe also shares details about this year’s Higher Ed AV Awards, including entry timing, category structure, Hall of Fame distinctions, the new People’s Choice Awards, and what attendees can expect during Higher Ed Week at InfoComm. It is part awards masterclass, part industry pep talk, and part preview of the bigger conversations still to come on the podcast. In this episode:Why awards matter and how different award programs are judgedThe three main types of AV industry awards: public vote, judging panels, and editorial picksWhy the quality of the nomination matters more than name recognitionWhat judges actually score and why incomplete entries lose pointsHow to write stronger executive summaries, detailed overviews, and impact statementsWhy references, testimonials, quotes, and supporting documentation matterCommon mistakes manufacturers, marketers, and nominees make when entering awardsHow Higher Ed AV Awards scoring works for products, projects, and peopleWhy Hall of Fame is not the same as a lifetime achievement awardA preview of the new People’s Choice Award categoriesKey dates and details for this year’s Higher Ed AV Awards and Higher Ed Week at InfoCommKey takeaway:Great work does not automatically win awards. Great nominations do. The strongest submissions tell a clear story, prove impact, speak to the right audience, and make it easy for judges to understand exactly why that person, product, or project deserves recognition.Mentioned in this episode:Higher Ed AV AwardsHETMA Higher Ed Summit at InfoCommHigher Ed Week at InfoCommHall of Fame nominationsPeople’s Choice AwardsAV AwardsAV NationrAVeSCN Hall of FameCommercial Integrator 40 Under 40Call to action:Nominations for the Higher Ed AV Awards are open now. Get your entries in early, take the time to do them well, and join the community in celebrating the people, products, and projects making a difference across higher education AV. Visit https://HigherEdAVAwards.com.
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