Real InSight InSight Systems

In our latest episode of "Real Insight," we have the pleasure of welcoming Shane Somerville, a revered figure in the AV and events industry and a cornerstone of the InSight team for nearly a decade. Shane's journey through the industry is nothing short of inspiring, having held pivotal roles such as Manager of Managed Services and Director of Client Success at InSight.

His quiet diligence and commitment to excellence have profoundly impacted those around him, especially during his time as Manager of AV at RMIT, where he was instrumental in establishing one of the university's most successful managed service partnerships.

However, Shane's story takes a deeply personal turn as he discusses his decision to step away from full-time employment due to macular degeneration—a challenging condition that drastically alters life's perspective. Throughout the episode, Shane opens up about the struggles and the resilience required to navigate this new reality. His story is a powerful reminder of the abrupt changes life can throw our way and the inner strength it takes to continue moving forward.

This episode is particularly moving as Shane shares how he's adapted his life to continue living fully, despite his diagnosis. He embodies the spirit of overcoming any obstacle, demonstrating that the impact of life’s challenges is ultimately determined by our response and attitude.
Tune in to hear Shane’s compelling tale of perseverance and how he continues to lead a fulfilling life, inspiring all of us to face our challenges head-on. It’s a testament to the human spirit and a profound insight into how, no matter the circumstances, we have the power to shape our outcomes.

Shane would also like to acknowledge the help he received from Vision Australia -- https://www.visionaustralia.org

And also the work of Job Access Australia -- https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home

0:00 Introduction with Shane Somerville
4:31 Transition to Shane's early career in events industry
7:59 Transition to Shane's role at Staging Connections
12:42 Transition to Shane's career change and consultancy work
15:18 Shane's journey with vision loss and adaptive technology
18:18 Utilizing technology for assistance and support
20:16 Discussion on managing frustrations and mindset
23:41 Reflections on knowing when to transition from work
25:51 Learning to Use a White Cane
27:25 Navigating Public Spaces with Assistance
28:17 Overcoming the Fear of Using Assistance
29:50 Embracing Help and Support
30:23 Discovering Blind Golf
31:30 Exploring Opportunities in Blind Bowls
32:32 Finding Opportunities Amidst Challenges
34:03 Filling Time with New Activities
34:52 Establishing a New Daily Routine
38:09 Embracing Inclusivity and Accessibility
39:22 Sharing Experiences for Consultative Support
42:32 Supporting Colleagues with Disabilities
43:13 Immersing in Travel and Culinary Experiences
45:25 Enjoying Social Interactions and Wine Making
47:06 Embracing Retirement Plans and New Adventures
48:02 Reflecting on Legacy and Impact

In this week’s episode of Real Insight, we blend the realms of personal evolution, entrepreneurial growth, and the power of community through the incredible journey of Adam Troughear, founder of Skie Solutions and a luminary in the Salesforce partnership arena. Adam’s path from touring drummer to tech visionary is more than a career pivot—it's a narrative rich with lessons on self-awareness, the courage to embrace change, and the art of leadership.

Adam's story is a testament to understanding when life signals a shift towards new horizons. His transition from music to technology wasn't merely a change in profession but a leap into creating something with the potential to impact many. Skie Solutions, under Adam’s stewardship, has flourished into a multimillion-dollar entity, distinguished not just by its success but by a culture that champions passion, personal growth, and a tight-knit team ethos reminiscent of his days within a close-knit group of bandmates. Adam, often the lighthouse among his peers, carries this sense of foundational support into his leadership style, proving that the core of any successful venture is its people.

Moreover, this episode delves into the balance of ambition with the responsibilities of leadership—acknowledging that business milestones, while indicators of success, come with the duty to those who have joined us on our journey. Adam’s ability to foster a team built around a shared culture and vision has been pivotal in Skie Solutions standing out as a leading Salesforce partner in the APAC region.

Sitting down with Adam, a personal friend, offered a chance to explore these themes intimately, reminding us that at the intersection of personal commitment and professional growth lies the true essence of insight. Join us as we unpack these insights, shedding light on the paths we choose, the changes we embrace, and the communities we build along the way.

#RealInsight #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Community #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalEvolution

Welcome to this special episode of Real InSight, where we dive deep into the world of neurodiversity with our guests, Dr. Matt Harrison and Jess Rowlings. Both Matt and Jess are pivotal figures behind the innovative "Next Level Collaboration," a program designed to harness the strengths and interests of children in gaming and gamer culture to foster social skills and create a sense of belonging. This unique initiative offers a research-informed and neurodiversity-affirming environment, enabling children to build lasting friendships in a space that celebrates their individuality.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the significant research and personal journeys that have led Matt and Jess to develop the Next Level Collaboration project. Their work is not only groundbreaking but also co-designed with the neurodivergent community, ensuring that sessions are facilitated by professionals with genuine understanding and lived experience of neurodivergence.

We also delve into our own stories of discovering our neurodivergent conditions, sharing the challenges and triumphs of navigating school, embracing our differences, and finding joy in the things that make us unique. It's an unfiltered discussion that sheds light on the realities of living with neurodivergence, from the tough times to the moments of clarity and self-acceptance.

For more information on Next Level Collaboration and how it's creating transformative spaces for neurodivergent children, visit their website.

https://nextlevelcollaboration.com

Additionally, we touch on an invaluable resource developed by Yellow Ladybugs, supported by the Department of Education, Victoria. This neuro-affirming and autistic-led guide is crucial for supporting the mental health of autistic girls and gender-diverse young people, drawing on the lived experiences and expertise of those it aims to help. We discuss this important work during the show, highlighting its impact and how it aligns with our conversation.

https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/

Don't miss this enlightening and heartfelt episode, where three neurodivergents share their experiences, insights, and the groundbreaking work being done to support the neurodivergent community.

0:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Discussion
1:25 Introductions of Dr. Matt Harrison and Jess Rawlings
2:45 Matt’s Journey from Teaching in South Korea to Research
4:24 Jess’s Transition from IT to Speech Pathology
6:59 The Impact of Gaming on Neurodivergent Kids
8:31 Reflections on Neurodivergent Diagnoses
18:55 Matt and Jess's Personal Diagnosis Journey
23:41 Overcoming Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria
27:28 Matt’s Initial Hesitation Towards Diagnosis
34:02 Matt’s Birthday Party Experience
34:06 Challenges in One-on-One Social Interactions
36:19 Jess’s Experience with Friendship and Bullying in School
38:01 The Extrovert's Dilemma
51:54 The Power of the Written Word
55:45 Embracing Systems and Routines
58:59 Beyond the Classroom: Inclusive Spaces
1:03:31 Balancing Direct Instruction with Projects
1:08:38 Rethinking School Timings
1:12:59 Supporting Autistic Girls and Women
1:13:54 Gaming for All: Game On with MND

Over the past decade, schools and educators have eagerly integrated technology into the classroom, recognizing its critical role in providing children with extensive opportunities for exploration. However, the question arises: within what framework does this exploration occur, and how do we ensure it is guided by a structured educational journey? Truthfully, in many cases, this foundational planning is lacking.

Bec Woolnough from SMART Technologies stands at the forefront of educational innovation, committed to enhancing education through thoughtful integration of technology. This week's episode delves into her vision and strategies for crafting more effective learning environments.

Tune in tomorrow on your preferred platforms when Myke and Bec sit down for an InSight-ful discussion on shaping the future of education with technology.

#business #EduTech #EdInnovation #ClassroomTech #FutureOfEducation #TechIntegration #LearningEnvironments

In a detailed conversation with Michael Rutledge, we explored his journey from childhood to founding Rutledge AV, emphasizing his transition from working in studios to focusing on AV installations in the mid-'80s due to market shifts. Rutledge AV expanded to Sydney, facing challenges and triumphs in new markets and projects, with a pivotal moment during the Sydney Olympics opening doors for further growth. Michael stressed the importance of adaptability, customer-centricity, and maintaining a strong company culture for success.



The interview highlighted Rutledge AV's evolution, from competing with rival companies to collaborating and expanding into defense work, showcasing resilience and commitment to excellence. Iconic projects like the MCG sound system installation demonstrated the company's exceptional workmanship, coupled with a dedication to quality over cost. The discussion also touched on navigating economic downturns, emphasizing strategic decisions, investments in technology, and the significance of partnerships in driving business success.



Reflecting on transitioning from running a business for over four decades, our guest shared the emotional journey of selling the business and embracing a new passion project in the equestrian world. The evolution into a new industry showcased a seamless transition driven by a love for projects and challenges. Advice for newcomers in the technology industry focused on the value of hard work, passion, and diligence, drawing from personal experiences and industry insights. Expressions of gratitude towards staff and family members underscored the collective effort that led to business success, leaving a legacy of inspiration and accomplishment in the industry.

0:00:00 Intro
0:00:27 Young Michael Rutledge: Growing Up
0:03:19 Adventures in the UK
0:05:56 Starting a Business
0:08:19 Transition to Installations
0:11:20 AV Job Fiasco
0:12:35 Expansion to Sydney
0:14:08 Expanding to Perth
0:18:31 Entry into Defense Work
0:21:41 Balancing Tech and Business
0:23:07 Iconic MCG Project
0:26:29 Software Woes
0:27:31 Transition to Service Model
0:29:22 Reflecting on Survival
0:31:45 The Role of Sandy
0:37:27 Transitioning Out
0:43:14 Future Projects
0:47:11 Advice for Young Talent
0:50:11 Expressing Gratitude

Andreas Ganahl is the Innovation and Product Manager for WolfVision, and if you’ve been to, worked at, or studied at a University anytime in the last 20 years, odds are your lecturer was using a WolfVision visualiser to project your textbooks on to the whiteboard



Andreas dropped in to the studio on a recent trip to Australia to update us on all the happenings at WolfVision and to give us a sneak peak into what life is like in the hills of Austria and the Alpine regions of Europe!


Big thank to our friends at Amber Technologies for making this happen.