Shows
The Tech Simple PodcastEnd-User Adoption: 3 Ways to Stop AV Systems Collecting DustTired of boardrooms and classrooms packed with AV tech no one uses? Independent AV consultants David Allara and Jonathan Cuthbertson break down the three root causes of low user uptake—and the tactics that get people pressing “Start” with confidence. Key take-aways• Simplicity beats features—prune “Starship Enterprise” panels to one touch (or none)• Tech must serve a goal—align AV design with real business outcomes, not shiny objects• Scenario-based training—day-in-the-life practice crushes manuals• Change-management check-ins—build emotional buy-in earlyQuick hits• Walk-in friction drops 40 % when steps are minimised• Workflow-anchored train...
2025-07-0710 minThe Tech Simple PodcastUnderstanding Needs to Deliver Effective AV for Businesses and the WorkplaceIn this episode of The Tech Simple Podcast, we sit down with Pujan Doshi-Dowsett, the Product Owner for meeting spaces and video conferencing (VC) technology at IAG, one of the largest insurance groups. Pujan shares invaluable insights from a client-side perspective on gathering the correct end-user needs and requirements for AV solutions in a business setting. He dives deep into the critical questions stakeholders should consider: What role does VC play in the organization? How important is hybrid work? How capable is the support team for AV systems? These questions form the bedrock of understanding and developing a clear...
2024-08-1349 min
The Tech Simple PodcastOptimising IT Networks for AV System Implementation and SupportIn this episode of the Tech Simple podcast, David and Jonathan are joined by Andrew Squillacioti of Concept AV. They discuss the importance of setting up IT networks correctly before implementing audiovisual systems in workplaces, meeting rooms, and collaboration spaces. They highlight the significance of network compatibility, bandwidth requirements, quality of service, and firewall and security settings in ensuring smooth AV system deployment. The episode emphasizes the need for proper IP addressing and DHCP configuration, port forwarding, network segmentation, and VPN configuration to optimize AV system functionality and support remote access by AV support teams. Listen to ga...
2024-05-1544 minThe Tech Simple PodcastStandards, Trends, and User Experience: Future of Meeting RoomsJoin us for Part 2 of the engaging podcast discussion with Greg Jeffreys as we delve into the fascinating world of modern meeting room technology and design. Greg sheds light on the evolution of video display sizes in meeting rooms, driven by Microsoft Front Row, and provides insights on the pitfalls of dual-screen setups. Discover why Microsoft's focus on smaller rooms is a game-changer and how innovations like Microsoft Copilot are shaping the future of meeting room experiences. Explore the trend of end users taking meeting room setups into their own hands and the challenges this poses. Greg h...
2024-04-2229 minThe Tech Simple PodcastThe Importance of Room Design to Optimise AV UpgradesGreg Jeffreys is an expert on room design standards, displays, lighting, meeting and teaching spaces, and Microsoft Teams Rooms. He joins David and Jonathan on this episode of The Tech Simple podcast, which is so rich in nuggets of gold that we had to split the recording across two parts! In Part 1 we learn about Greg's approach to design, which very much starts with the end users and the experience that needs to be created for them. He talks through his process and shares why technology is not always the answer – it is only a part of the...
2024-03-2826 minThe Tech Simple PodcastAI, Software, and Hybrid Trends: Workplace AV 2023 Recap and 2024 ForecastAs we kick off a new year it is the perfect time to review what happened in AV technology in the workplace in 2023 and discuss the trends that are most likely to occur in 2024. In this first episode of Season 2 of The Tech Simple podcast, hosts David and Jonathan are joined by expert guests from industry association AVIXA who are in the perfect position to share the data from the market. Sean Wargo and Peter Hansen work together to gather market intelligence in the AV industry through data capture, analytics expertise, insight delivery, and world-class market research. T...
2024-01-2455 minThe Tech Simple PodcastThe Benefits of a Professional Project Manager in Workspace Transformations“We recently worked on a workspace project where we were able to save the client over $15 million. You are not just buying my time; you are buying my 25+ years of experience as a professional project manager". These are the words of Kevin Tompkins of CTPG who shares the microphone with David and Jonathan on this final episode of the Tech Simple podcast in Season 1. In this chat Kevin likens the role of a professional project manager to that of a “conductor of an orchestra”. This is a key to success. A great PM is able the get the mos...
2023-11-2228 minThe Tech Simple PodcastAV Insights Unveiled: Conversation with AVIXA's CEO David LabuskesAVIXA is the Audiovisual & Integrated Experience Association and is effectively the trade association representing the professional audiovisual and information communications industries worldwide. AVIXA is a hub for professional collaboration, information, and community, and is the leading resource for AV standards, certification, training, market intelligence, and thought leadership. In today's episode David and Jonathan are joined by the CEO of AVIXA David Labuskes who has been leading the organisation for more than 10 years. David gives us his insights into what AVIXA is doing to continually make the industry better and helps us understand the direct and indirect benefits A...
2023-10-1635 minThe Tech Simple PodcastStandardising the AV across JLL APAC WorkplacesIn an earlier Tech Simple podcast (Episode 6) David and Jonathan discussed the top 3 reasons organisations should consider standardising the AV across their environment. This latest episode takes the discussion one step further with special guest James Cork of JLL. James oversees the AV and other technologies that are implemented into the various offices across the APAC region and has a particular focus on the human experience and interaction with the technologies. The conversation is very much a client-side perspective of the topic. David and Jonathan have worked with James on developing AV standards for JLL and this e...
2023-10-0625 minThe Tech Simple PodcastProfessional Lighting Design completes a Workplace“The office is no longer a grid of tables with light levels meeting a required compliance or standard. Agile work is here to stay. Spaces need to be attractive for people to want to return to. They also need to be able to make people feel more connected. Creative lighting design can help to deliver this". Founder of Lighting Studio MG Michel Goupy and his associate Linsey Walker are expert lighting consultants and designers and join David and Jonathan on this episode of the Tech Simple podcast. Michel and Linsey draw on their years of experience working in...
2023-09-2030 minThe Tech Simple PodcastHow an Acoustics Professional adds Value to a Workplace DesignThere are many elements to consider when designing or refreshing a workplace. Workflows, employee experience, customer experience, interior design, tech tools and connectivity, building services, lighting, air quality. The list is long. In this episode of the Tech Simple podcast, we are talking about acoustics, which is so important to consider when planning and creating your workplace. As always David and Jonathan are joined by an expert in the field Daniel Natoli, the Director and founder of AKA Acoustics. Daniel reminds us how he and professionals in his field can optimise comfort levels for people in all t...
2023-08-2526 minThe Tech Simple PodcastThe 3 AV Tech Trends Revolutionising the WorkplaceIt's amazing how quickly AV technology in the workplace is evolving and improving right now. In this episode of the Tech Simple podcast David and Jonathan are joined by Paul Falzon, the Regional Director of Neat in Australia and New Zealand. Paul brings a wealth of experience in video, collaboration, unified communication, cloud, desktop and more. This experience spanning decades really helped to compare today's workplace technology with that of years gone by, which made this conversation so interesting. In this show the guys look at three AV technology trends and discuss how they are being utilised i...
2023-07-3131 minThe Tech Simple PodcastWhen, Why, and How to Conduct an AV Technology Proof of ConceptThere are many reasons an organisation should consider conducting a trial or proof of concept of a technology solution before rolling it out into a wider environment. In this episode of the Tech Simple podcast David and Jonathan are joined by Mark Samuel who is the Head of Workplace IT at TPG Telecom in Australia. Mark has a wealth of experience when it comes to technology for the workplace in large organisations and is kind enough to share his insights around the when, why, and how to conduct successful proof of concepts. We start by t...
2023-07-1924 minThe Tech Simple PodcastEnhancing Experiences for Individuals with Disabilities through AV TechnologyAV technology is our friend when it comes to creating positive and equitable experiences for people with a disability. Often this is overlooked or misunderstood due to a lack of information and/or effective messaging about the options and possibilities. In this episode of the Tech Simple podcast David and Jonathan aim to close that information gap. They are joined by industry expert Christopher Ling from Jands who has a passion and wealth of experience on the topic. We get started by discussing hearing assistance, and Chris provides the details on the local compliance to be aware o...
2023-06-1523 minThe Tech Simple PodcastWhy AV as a Service (AVaaS) is such an appealing model for the FutureAVaaS is a relatively new concept for the AV industry and in this episode of the Tech Simple podcast David and Jonathan are joined by Peter Tylor of PwC Australia to discuss AVaaS in detail. Peter leads the workplace technology team at PwC Australia and effectively is the owner of employee technology experience, which is something the firm takes very seriously. In this episode we firstly learn from Peter why AVaaS is so attractive to a large enterprise organisation when compared with the normal Cap Ex model of procuring and maintaining the technology. Amongst other reasons, he e...
2023-05-1820 minThe Tech Simple PodcastHow Workplace Design and Technology Integration can Shape the Future of WorkIn this edition of the Tech Simple podcast David and Jonathan have the privilege of speaking with Domino Risch, a highly regarded and experienced workplace designer. Domino is a Principal at Hassell, and the firm’s global sector leader for commercial and workplace. In this conversation Domino shares insights into a range of observations around workplace design over the past 18 months. Of particular interest is the wide gap that exists between cultural change and physical workplace design change. She provides a view into what we can expect to see in the future as well. Domino explains the imp...
2023-04-2728 minThe Tech Simple PodcastThe Path Towards Liberated Working and How Tech Supports itJohn Preece is a highly experienced expert in commercial property and workspace who is helping to build the fast-growing co-working business Hub Australia nationally as Chief Property Officer. He is passionate about Future of work and on this episode of the Tech Simple podcast we are fortunate to cover this topic extensively with John and gain some insight into what he is seeing. John introduces us to the topic of “Liberating Working” and explains its meaning as well as how it differs from hybrid working and even flexible work. Furtherdetail around the topic can also be fo...
2023-03-3125 minThe Tech Simple PodcastHybrid work and the Importance of AVMark Mitchell is Oceania Premises & Workplace Director at Ernst & Young. An outcome focused leader guiding the firm to optimise staff and client experiences in this new age and drawing on expertise built up from senior positions with other large corporates including JLL, KPMG, and Baker McKenzie. In this Tech Simple podcast Mark provides insights into some of the changes he is seeing in the workplace off the back of the pandemic and explains the importance of the various AV technologies in supporting people, place, and Ernst & Young as a whole. Key points covered include:
2023-03-1720 minThe Tech Simple PodcastCan AV Solve Your Acoustic IssuesAs the technology in modern sound systems continues to improve, it can be tempting to believe that it is now possible to pay less attention to the base line acoustic properties of a space, and still achieve great sound system performance. In this edition of the Tech Simple podcast David and Jonathan dive into this topic in more detail. There are some situations where the sound system technology can improve overall performance without relying on acoustic treatment to a space. The guys run through a series of examples. In most situations though, the best outcomes ar...
2023-03-0109 minThe Tech Simple PodcastTop 3 Reason You Need AV StandardsAre the AV systems in your organisation easy to use and consistent across the board? Are they the right tools to help the organisation and people achieve valuable outcomes? Are their operational costs trending upwards or downwards? This show is all about why you should consider standardising your AV to achieve positive answers to the above questions. AV technology is no longer a nice to have in most organisations. It is a must have that needs to be well planned and considered from a range of different perspectives. Fortunately, advances in technology are making it ea...
2023-03-0109 minThe Tech Simple PodcastNetworked AV Devices – Part 2In Part 1 of this two-part series on networked AV devices, Jonathan and David covered the different applications and shared some best practices when implementing a networked AV system. This Part 2 episode focuses on the benefits of connecting AV devices to a central network in the context of saving operational costs for a business as well as improving user experience and utilization. Remote monitoring and management. Now more cost effective than ever and can help reduce AV support and maintenance costs through a proactive approach. Collecting and analysing data. Use the information to make tweaks and ad...
2023-02-1010 minThe Tech Simple PodcastNetworked AV Devices – Part 1Most AV devices these days can be connected to a network of some kind – whether wired or wireless. Does that mean you should connect AV devices to your network? That depends. The clear trend is to have the devices connected, but there are different applications to be considered. This Tech Simple podcast is the first of a two-part series. In this episode Jonathan and David explain the different applications, which are divided into two broad categories: Transmitting Audio, Video, and Control signals over IP. Managing and monitoring AV devices over an IP network. Jonath...
2023-02-1010 minThe Tech Simple PodcastTech Improving the VC ExperienceSome massive leaps forward in video conferencing technology have taken place in recent years. The global pandemic definitely accelerated the growth. The #1 complaint or challenge we hear time and time again from customers is "remote participants feel they are excluded from the conversations and activity happening inside a meeting room or classroom. What can be done to make those people feel more included and be able to better follow the conversations?" Hybrid working and learning means nearly all VC calls have a mix of people in physical rooms as well as those joining re...
2023-02-0911 min
Consulting Success PodcastHow to Build Predictable Systems & Process for Your Consulting Business with David Allara: Podcast #197
Building predictable systems for your consulting business is a must. When you follow the right systems, you’ll be blown away by the results. Michael Zipursky’s guest today is David Allara, the Managing Director of konnectus. David talks with Michael about how the first step should always be listening. You need to listen to your customers, peel back the layers, and understand what’s important to them. Avoid talking about anything technical, or you will lose their attention! Tune in and build predictable systems!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s...
2021-08-0242 min