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 Cynthia Menna, VP & GM, AV at ADI Global Distribution. She shares her unexpected entry into the AV industry over 25 years ago and emphasizes the value of relationships built over decades. She highlights the importance of early career experiences and influential mentors, including her parents, in shaping her leadership skills. Menna is proud of the talented women on her leadership team and advocates for improved pathways and visibility to attract new talent to the AV industry. Read #HerAVStory below.
Interview with Cynthia Menna, VP & GM, AV at ADI Global Distribution
Commercial Integrator: How did you get into the AV industry?
Cynthia Menna: It certainly wasn’t something I planned on – never realized it was an “industry” until my first job out of college over 25 years ago! I worked for a smart home/AV manufacturer which was part of IBM, and the rest is history!
CI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV industry career?
Menna: There are always challenges and obstacles, as change is constant — from making difficult choices to managing challenging personalities. However, these instances provide an opportunity for improvement, allowing time to reflect on how to manage differently, owning up to imperfections, and ultimately making your team and company better.
CI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Menna: Wow – this is a tough one! I look back to even my earliest jobs – not related to AV and can find inspiration. I worked for a women-owned business in high school and into college summers. The owner and staff were kind, service oriented and polished, but also extremely business savvy. I felt empowered to make decisions and included, despite being so junior. I also knew that I had a team counting on me to not just do the basics (like show up on time – what a concept) but go beyond. That early experience provided me with a lot of confidence and helped me prove to myself that I could lead. I would be remiss if I didn’t point to my parents. I’m extremely fortunate to have two incredible role models who taught me skills I use daily in the business world. The most important being accountability — they didn’t accept backing out of commitments. They showed me teamwork, the value of education, the impact of giving back, faith and honesty…I could go on and on.
CI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Menna: I’ve been very lucky during my career at ADI Global Distribution, and now as a combined business with Snap One. I’m fortunate to work with such talented people. I look across our leadership team and see incredibly smart women, which is something I’m extremely proud of! What also makes me proud is seeing those I work with and for, excelling and growing. Last year, we sent some team members to XBO. At the event, Maura Fitzgerald was given the opportunity to speak to the audience and the feedback I received was incredible – from both her and the audience. That makes me proud.
CI: What do you love most about working in the AV industry?
Menna: Well of course it’s the cool stuff we get to sell, but really, it’s the people! I know, very cliche, but so true. Watching the relationships that have been carved out over decades. Be it friend or foe, there is a level of respect that is valued in our industry and a great value placed on relationships which have created wonderful, lifelong friendships for me.
CI: How can the AV industry become even better?
Menna: I would love to see continued commitment to early training and education. I’m seeing some trade efforts, but there is still a lot of work to be done. We all know it’s difficult to find talent, but there is a big opportunity to create improved pathways and visibility into our industry.
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].
