The Master Integrator Podcast

Paul Skelton
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The Master Integrator Podcast is where Australia’s smart home technology industry gets real. Hosted by Paul Skelton — a longtime industry journalist and current Regional Development Consultant for CEDIA in Australia and New Zealand — this series goes beyond product hype to explore the people, policies, and practices shaping the future of home integration. Each episode features candid conversations with integrators, educators, builders, designers, and policy leaders who are challenging the status quo and building a more professional, sustainable, and inclusive industry. Whether you’re on the tools, running a business, designing the systems, or shaping the rules — this podcast is for you. No fluff. No buzzwords. Just honest, grounded conversations about what it takes to make this industry better.

  1. Leadership, Legacy, and Giving Back: A Conversation with CEDIA Chair Amanda Wildman

    MAR 1

    Leadership, Legacy, and Giving Back: A Conversation with CEDIA Chair Amanda Wildman

    In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton is joined by Amanda Wildman, integrator, business owner, and newly appointed Chair of CEDIA’s Global Board. Amanda shares her personal journey into the integration industry, the challenges she faced building confidence and credibility, and the mentors who helped shape her path. She reflects on imposter syndrome, representation, and the realities of running a small integration business while volunteering at a global level. The conversation also explores Amanda’s priorities as Chair, including education, certification, volunteer engagement, and ensuring CEDIA remains relevant and accessible across global markets — including Asia-Pacific. This is an honest, human discussion about leadership rooted in service, not status. Topics covered include: Entering the industry later in life Confidence, imposter syndrome, and asking questions Being a woman on job sites and in leadership roles The realities of small business ownership Volunteering and professional growth What the CEDIA Chair role actually involves Global representation and emerging markets Education, certification, and workforce development Why volunteers are CEDIA’s greatest asset Guest:Amanda Wildman – Chair, CEDIA Global Board | Owner, TruMedia Sponsors: ADI Global - call 1800 990 548Kolosseum - http://kolosseum.ioConnected Magazine - www.connectedmag.com.auCEDIA - http://cedia.org/joinUni SC:To participate in the University of the Sunshine Coast's survey, visit https://tinyurl.com/ycy8cmxdContact:Email Master Integrator at info@masterintegrator.com.au, or visit www.masterintegrator.com.au

    1h 10m
  2. Cybersecurity Is No Longer Optional for AV Integrators – with Jeff Sonnleitner

    FEB 15

    Cybersecurity Is No Longer Optional for AV Integrators – with Jeff Sonnleitner

    In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton is joined by Jeff Sonnleitner, cybersecurity educator and long-time CEDIA instructor, to unpack what cybersecurity really means for professional AV and smart home integrators. Jeff explains why modern AV systems are increasingly targeted, how everyday smart devices create hidden entry points, and why integrators can no longer treat network security as someone else’s responsibility. The conversation also explores the human side of cybersecurity, the rise of AI-driven threats, the importance of ongoing system maintenance, and how integrators can turn cybersecurity from a risk into a value-adding service. Topics covered include: Why AV systems are attractive cyber targets Residential vs commercial cybersecurity risks The hidden danger of everyday smart devices Why hardwired systems still matter The human factor as the weakest link AI, automation, and emerging threats Cybersecurity as an ongoing service, not a one-off task Why education is now essential for integrators and clients Guest:Jeff Sonnleitner – Cybersecurity Educator, CEDIA Instructor Sponsors: Kordz AustraliaKolosseumConnected MagazineCEDIA Contact: info@masterintegrator.com.au

    50 min
  3. The State of the New Zealand Integration Market – A New Voice, with Adam Liddington.

    FEB 1

    The State of the New Zealand Integration Market – A New Voice, with Adam Liddington.

    In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton is joined by Adam Liddington from Smarta Automation & AV to discuss the current state of the New Zealand smart home and AV integration market. As a newer entrant to the industry, Adam brings a fresh and grounded perspective on consumer confidence, market conditions, workforce challenges, and what integrators need to do to ensure long-term viability. The conversation explores where the NZ market feels strong, where it’s under pressure, and how education, collaboration, and industry engagement can help move things forward. Topics covered include: Entering the integration industry in New ZealandConsumer confidence and client behaviourMarket drivers and soft spotsSkills shortages and career pathwaysEducation and apprenticeshipsWhat the NZ industry needs to do nextWhy newer voices matter Guest: Adam Liddington – Smarta Automation & AV (New Zealand) Sponsors: Netvio, distributed by Kordz Australia - www.kordz.com.au Integrated Systems Europe - http://iseurope.org Kolosseum - http://kolosseum.io Connected Magazine - www.connectedmad.com.au CEDIA - www.cedia.org Contact: info@masterintegrator.com.au

    50 min
  4. Why Growth Breaks Integration Businesses (and How to Fix It) – with Jason Sayen

    JAN 18

    Why Growth Breaks Integration Businesses (and How to Fix It) – with Jason Sayen

    In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton is joined by Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Jason Sayen, founder of I Am Sayen, to unpack why fast-growing integration businesses often feel stuck, chaotic, or overwhelmed. Jason explains why most integration problems aren’t technical — they’re operational. From unclear scopes of work to broken handoffs and owners becoming bottlenecks, this conversation dives into the real reasons margin, momentum and morale suffer as businesses grow. If you’re busy, stressed, and constantly reacting, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, delegation, and operations. Topics covered include: Why integrators should think like manufacturers The four most common operational breakdown points How owners accidentally become bottlenecks Why clarity enables delegation The role of culture in making process stick Why weekly production meetings matter Progress over perfection in operations Avoiding burnout through structure, not effort Guest:Jason Sayen – Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Founder, I Am Sayen - https://iamsayen.comSponsors: Kordz AustraliaKolosseumConnected MagazineIntegrated Systems Europe (use code word masterintegrator for free registration)CEDIA Contact: info@masterintegrator.com.au

    45 min
  5. Documenting for Growth: Paul McLean on Scalable Systems and Smarter Integration

    JAN 6

    Documenting for Growth: Paul McLean on Scalable Systems and Smarter Integration

    Paul McLean joins the podcast to share how his journey from integrator to software founder led to the creation of Kolosseum—a platform revolutionising design documentation for the smart home and AV industries. We discuss the challenges integrators face with quoting and documentation, the business risks of poor systems, and how Kolosseum’s SPARK program is bridging the gap between integrators and suppliers. What You’ll Learn: Why documentation is critical to growth How Kolosseum standardises and simplifies quoting and design The role of SPARK in helping integrators and vendors connect Paul’s advice for scaling a service business What the future of smart home system design looks like Mentioned: Kolosseum.io SPARK Program: kolosseum.io/spark Sponsors:Kordz | Kolosseum | Connected Magazine | Integrated Systems Europe | CEDIA Contact: info@masterintegrator.com.au

    1h 2m
  6. Breaking Down Barriers: Future Lady Tradies and the New Face of the Trades

    12/21/2025

    Breaking Down Barriers: Future Lady Tradies and the New Face of the Trades

    Taleah Pearson, Aleah Hill, and Kayla Hill join Paul to share the story behind Future Lady Tradies—a national movement supporting young women entering blue collar careers. From school programs to workplace accreditation, these three cousins are changing how the trades are seen, felt, and experienced. Topics Covered: Why FLT was created (and how it started in a recruitment agency) What’s inside a Kickass Care Kit The power of their Build It Like a Tradie program Changing workplace culture through the Female Friendly Workplace Accreditation Overcoming stigma, isolation, and outdated perceptions How integrators and tradespeople can be part of the change Guests:Taleah Pearson, Aleah Hill, and Kayla Hill – Co-founders, Future Lady Tradies Sponsors: ⁠Kordz Australia⁠ – connectivity you can count on ⁠Connected Magazine⁠ – your go-to resource for the smart home, AV and commercial integration industry ⁠Kolosseum ⁠- the design and documentation wingman you didn't know you needed ⁠Integrated Systems Europe (ISE)⁠ - the leading event for systems integrators, globally. Use the code masterintegrator for free registration. ⁠CEDIA⁠ - the association for smart home professionals Get in Touch:📧 ⁠info@masterintegrator.com.au

    34 min
  7. Skin, Sensors & Saliva: Professor Madhu Bhaskaran on Nearables and Aged Care

    12/07/2025

    Skin, Sensors & Saliva: Professor Madhu Bhaskaran on Nearables and Aged Care

    In this episode, Paul sits down with Professor Madhu Bhaskaran from RMIT to explore the emerging world of skin-like sensors, saliva-based diagnostics, and invisible health technology that could reshape the future of home-based care. Topics Covered: Wearables vs nearables: what’s the difference? Technology in aged care: safety without surveillance Saliva biosensors and non-invasive health monitoring The cultural nuances of privacy and adoption How smart home designers can prepare for body-aware systems The importance of designing for diverse users Guest:Professor Madhu Bhaskaran – RMIT University Co-leader, Functional Materials & Microsystems Research GroupCo-chair, Women in STEM AustraliaSponsors: Netvio – distributed in Australia by Kordz Australia Connected Magazine – your go-to resource for the smart home, AV and commercial integration industry Kolosseum - the design and documentation wingman you didn't know you needed Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) - the leading event for systems integrators, globally. Use the code masterintegrator for free registration. CEDIA - the association for smart home professionals Get in Touch:📧 info@masterintegrator.com.au

    58 min

  8. 11/23/2025

    People Before Platforms: Andrew Sispoidis on AI, Privacy and Building Ethical Systems

    What happens when your home gets smarter than you? And how do we make sure it doesn’t get smarter at your expense?In this episode, Paul speaks with Andrew Sispoidis, founder of Kynismos, about the urgent need to build AI systems that respect human rights, prioritise consent, and actively reject surveillance-based business models.This conversation pulls no punches—Andrew draws from his background in policy, activism and machine learning to challenge the way smart home systems are designed, marketed and installed today.Topics covered:*The dangers of normalised surveillance in smart homes*Why AI “for convenience” is often just data extraction*The ethical design principles behind Kynismos*What integrators can do to prioritise privacy*How to build systems that are transparent, respectful, and safeGuest:Andrew Sispoidis – Founder, KynismosHost:Paul Skelton – Master IntegratorSponsors:Supported by Kordz – Predictable reliability for professional smart home systemsIn partnership with Connected Magazine – Covering the smart home and AV industryContact:📧 ⁠info@masterintegrator.com.au⁠🔗 masterintegrator.com.au

    40 min
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About

The Master Integrator Podcast is where Australia’s smart home technology industry gets real. Hosted by Paul Skelton — a longtime industry journalist and current Regional Development Consultant for CEDIA in Australia and New Zealand — this series goes beyond product hype to explore the people, policies, and practices shaping the future of home integration. Each episode features candid conversations with integrators, educators, builders, designers, and policy leaders who are challenging the status quo and building a more professional, sustainable, and inclusive industry. Whether you’re on the tools, running a business, designing the systems, or shaping the rules — this podcast is for you. No fluff. No buzzwords. Just honest, grounded conversations about what it takes to make this industry better.

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