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. For International Women’s History Month, Commercial Integrator sought out to honor their achievements with a special series. Throughout the month, asked some of the most remarkable women in AV, celebrating their contributions and sharing their stories to inspire and empower others in our industry.
With the popularity of the series, we have extended #HerAVStory and welcome contributions throughout the year!
This week, we spotlight Nancy Knowlton, President & CEO of Nureva. She entered the AV industry through her innovation with the SMART Board, which she co-developed with her husband at SMART Technologies. Despite challenges like being underestimated due to her age and partnership with her husband, she proved herself through hard work and resilience, breaking ground with new product categories.
Read on to learn more about Knowlton’s story!
Interview with Nancy Knowlton, President & CEO of Nureva
Commercial Integrator: How did you get into the AV industry?
Knowlton: My husband and I started a technology company, SMART Technologies Inc., and we brought the SMART Board interactive whiteboard to market. Because we used a projector in the system, the industry professionals most interested in selling the product were in the AV channel. The channel actually pulled us into the AV industry.
CI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV industry career?
Knowlton: For sure. On a personal level, I was young when we started SMART, and I often got the sense that was a detriment when I was speaking with more experienced people. I also started the business with my husband, so there were some people who were unsure if I was just a wife or truly a full-fledged partner. I had two undergraduate degrees — an MBA and a CA — so we knew I belonged. I just put my head down and worked and never commented or complained, and things just worked out.
It was also challenging to create a new product category with the SMART Board. We’re challenged yet again entering the audio market with a new technology approach that’s up against established leaders.
CI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Knowlton: There are two influential basketball coaches that solidified a work ethic and tough mindset for me, both of which have served me well in my career. They made me truly value small wins — little improvements to get me through the challenges of starting and growing a business. They made me value calmness and patience. They were tough on me and didn’t baby me or allow me to feel sorry for myself, which was definitely a temptation in the early days of SMART when things were hard and not going well.
CI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Knowlton: I am proudest of the impact that our teams have been able to have in bringing new products and new technologies into the market in a couple of different categories — first with the SMART Board and now with our audio systems. Our teams have been and are both creative and courageous.
CI: What do you love most about working in the AV industry?
Knowlton: Tough question — there’s so much. The people in our companies, our customers, our channel. I love the long-term relationships, the friendships. The learning. The travel. Working with my husband.
CI: How can the AV industry become even better?
Knowlton: Through constant innovation and embracing emerging trends, like AI.
Would you like to nominate a peer or colleague — or perhaps yourself! — to be featured in this #HerAVStory series? If so, send an email to Commercial Integrator’s editorial team!
