106: Basket of Ducks and Bunnies with Jon Hamilton | The AV/IT Amplifier Podcast
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What happens when a former dinosaur-hunting integrator turns higher ed AV hero? In this episode, Ryan reconnects with Jon Hamilton — a man whose AV origin story begins in the ’80s and who now serves as a trusted fixture in the higher ed AV landscape.
From aggressive integrator days to nurturing secret-service-style classroom support, Jon shares hard-won insights, hilarious metaphors, and a grounded philosophy on service, leadership, and staying calm when tech — or people — break down.
- Jon’s AV career evolution from thermal fax machines to Emory Med
- The “giver” mindset and being proud of being the solid guy
- Why working in AV is fundamentally a service industry
- The Secret Service metaphor: take the bullet, get no credit
- Keeping the ducks and bunnies alive (you’ll just have to listen)
- On callings, middle school teachers, and the discomfort of real compassion
- Advice for newcomers: don’t panic — and know enough to call BS
- Why calm wins: from Kennedy to control rooms
- Subject matter expertise vs. impostor syndrome
Quotable Moments:
“If you’re going to work in AV, you’ve got to be okay taking the bullet and getting no credit.”
“Don’t panic. Just work the problem.”
“You can’t take a boat ride with one foot on the dock. Make a choice.”
“If you’re the subject matter expert, why are you getting talked out of it?”
Connect with Jon:
📧 jon.hamilton@emory.edu
Connect with Ryan:
📧 ryan@higheredav.com
Follow the Show:
🎧 http://higheredav.com/ryangray
Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
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