Women in the AV industry have long been trailblazers, breaking barriers, driving innovation and shaping the future of technology and integration. Their vision, leadership and expertise have left an enduring mark, inspiring progress across the field. This International Women’s History Month, Commercial Integrator is proud to honor their achievements with a special series. Throughout the month, we’ll be shining a light on some of the most remarkable women in AV, celebrating their contributions and sharing their stories to inspire and empower others in our industry.
Here, we spotlight Misty Chalk, vice president of sales, Americas, at BrightSign. Chalk reflects on her accidental entry into the AV industry and a career spanning 28 years. Facing early challenges as a young woman in the field, she pushed herself to master AV technology, earning respect through dedication and expertise. Influenced by mentors at key stages of her career, she emphasizes the value of listening and learning from those around you. Her proudest achievement is helping scale BrightSign, building a strong partner ecosystem and driving innovation. Misty sees the AV industry’s future in attracting fresh talent and delivering immersive, dynamic experiences that redefine its impact across all sectors. Read #HerAVStory below.
Interview with Misty Chalk, Vice President of Sales, Americas, at BrightSign
Commercial Integrator: How did you get into the AV industry?
Misty Chalk: Funnily enough, I fell into it. I was looking for jobs out of college – and got an offer from someone I ran into who worked in human resources at an AV company. I started in unified communications bridging conference lines, before moving over to quality assurance. While neither were my calling, I learned a lot about what makes a great product and service – and the AV customer experience. With this knowledge, I moved into sales to try it out. Over the last 28 years, I’ve been fortunate and dedicated enough to build a successful career.
CI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV industry career?
Chalk: When I first started in AV, “stumbling into the industry” came with its challenges. And, in addition, it was a challenge to get taken seriously as a young female. Subconsciously (or consciously), I knew I had to work harder and felt the need to push myself to know as much as I could to show people I was qualified. There were even times people didn’t think I worked in the industry until they started asking me questions and we got down to business. Sure, it was irritating, but it made me who I am today. Understanding the industry and its technology from the inside-out is a must. And, I wouldn’t change that for anything.
CI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Chalk: Rather than one long-term mentor, there were a lot of very influential people in my life that were who and what I needed during different times in my career. They were all so important to me for many reasons, whether from a sales, management, or leadership perspective. I would encourage others making headway in their career to keep eyes and ears open – and listen to what is going on around them. Lots of people can deliver meaningful impact in many different ways.
CI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Chalk: My proudest moments to date involve reflecting on what I (and we) have built at BrightSign. We have been able to scale an organization, build out an industry-leading partner ecosystem and meet our customers where they are. My current role allows me to make this happen – and seeing the impact of this work makes me proud. There is more to be done, but we are on the precipice of big things.
CI: What do you love most about working in the AV industry?
Chalk: The people. My first job was here, I grew up here professionally, and – while I have taken on many different roles and functions, the AV industry is all I’ve ever known. In this space, we navigate a dynamic mix of collaboration and competition – “co-opetition” – that drives the industry toward its full potential. In fact, I would argue in the past couple of years we’ve done just that by pushing the AV industry as a whole to rebrand itself into what it truly is – interactive, immersive dynamic experiences. Of course, the bones may always be AV, but there is not one industry or business that cannot benefit from our technology to deliver a better experience. The AV industry itself is growing up – and its people pushing the boundaries and championing the industry is a big reason for that.
CI: How can the AV industry become even better?
Chalk: While the industry is passionate and committed to helping AV reach its potential here and now, it can do a better job attracting and bringing in new talent. People are looking for new and innovative solutions to experiences – and the industry’s customers and buyers need fresh thinking. The AV industry – too – must follow suit and make sure it has an eye on tomorrow, bringing in new energy and representing the people and businesses that it serves.
Would you like to nominate a peer or colleague — or perhaps yourself! — to be featured in this #HerAVStory series? If so, just email Dan Ferrisi, group editor, commercial and security, Emerald, at [email protected].
