Commercial Integrator April 2022 - 44

EMPOWERMENT
perspective, as opposed to the typical
perspective. I ensured that I put my unconscious
bias aside and really dug deep to
find the right person. "
As crucial as it is for women to create
opportunities, it remains a daunting task.
As Schaeffer puts it, essential encouragement
comes from having mentors who
provide guidance and support throughout
females' careers.
Female Leadership
The Importance of Mentorship
Speaking on the importance of mentorship,
Keone states that one of the biggest misconceptions
is that women should only have
female mentors. She asserts, " [Many women]
think they always need another woman
mentor, but what you really need is a blend
of mentors. You need people who are your
peers and leaders. [This] gives you a variety
of experiences and a different angle, as well. "
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Schaeffer echoes that sentiment, noting
that mentors can be incredibly supportive
and helpful, irrespective of gender. " When
I look back at my career, I didn't have any
women mentors, " she says. " I had three
[male] mentors, and one of them was
actually my husband! " She recounts her
experience pursuing a professional mentor,
which she found in Dave Bright, president
of Kramer. " To this day, we still check in
and chat with one another, " Schaeffer says,
beaming. " Another mentor who was really
kind and great to me was Ron Camden
from Biamp. "
However, all three interviewees commend
the rise of female mentorship in the
AV industry. Maher-Moran proclaims, " As
someone who always had mentors [who
were] men, I love that, as a woman in AV, I
can be that mentor for someone. "
'What you really need
is a blend of mentors.'
- Maile Keone,
Listen Technologies
Schaeffer adds that it is a big responsibility
to establish strong relationships with other
women in AV. She notes that mentorship
is not just about complimenting, but also
about learning how to impart constructive
criticism. " Not a lot of people will hold us
accountable, but we can do that for each
other, " Schaeffer states.
Keone remarks that she considers
mentoring a valuable aspect of being a
woman leader in the AV industry. She
says, " I love to mentor and teach because
I feel that, for true success, you need to
be constantly learning. "
Maher-Moran underscores the importance
of women leaders being represented
at webinars and on discussion panels.
She cites this as having an inspiring effect
on up-and-comers. " One of the things
I've taken away from being on [panels], "
Maher-Moran states, " is realizing that I
have something to say and that everyone
- but especially women - actually wants
to listen. A lot of these women also have
something they want to say. I hope that, as
we continue to provide those opportunities,
we get to hear those voices, too. " CI
44
Commercial Integrator APRIL 2022
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Commercial Integrator April 2022

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