As we approach International Women’s Day, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible women who are an integral part of the LED Studio family. Their dedication, expertise, and passion drive our ongoing success, shaping the future of AV technology and beyond.
From project management to finance, operations to client and staff success – their contributions are not just valuable, they are essential. We are proud to work alongside such talented individuals who inspire us every day.
As one of the first women to join LED Studio and our longest-standing female team member, we wanted to give Andreea Timis the spotlight to share her journey in AV and her experience at LED Studio. Her story is a testament to growth, innovation, and the evolving role of women in the industry. Stay tuned as Andreea reflects on her path and the impact she’s made along the way!
My journey in AV began in the rental Pro AV sector, focusing on live events and cutting-edge holographic technology. Transitioning into the vendor channel side of the industry was a significant shift, as I had to adapt to an entirely new ecosystem of stakeholders, product applications, and business dynamics.
Leadership, however, isn’t about industry specifics - it’s about how you engage with people at all levels, from C-suite executives to junior employees. The AV industry is traditionally male dominated, but I’ve found that confidence, competence, and adaptability are the true differentiators. Building credibility in any space requires resilience, continuous learning, and a strong network.
I was drawn to The LED Studio because of its innovation, high-quality solutions, and strong sustainability focus - qualities that I deeply value. When the opportunity arose, I saw it as the perfect fit for my experience and passion.
The biggest challenge was immersing myself in the intricate technical details and aligning solutions with specific customer needs. Coming into the industry without an existing network meant I had to build relationships from the ground up, identifying key decision-makers and proving my value.
Being based in Cyprus while frequently travelling across the UK and Europe also required a delicate balance between professional and personal life. Having a strong support system has been crucial in allowing me to dedicate myself fully to my role without compromising my responsibilities as a mother.
The AV industry remains significantly male-dominated, with women making up roughly 15% of the workforce. In technical roles like engineering, the numbers drop even further to around 5–8%. Senior leadership representation is still lacking, which highlights a glass ceiling that persists in many areas.
At The LED Studio, women currently represent about 15% of the team, but I anticipate - and actively advocate for - growth in this area. What I’ve found encouraging is that support is not limited by gender; when you seek guidance and demonstrate your capabilities, people respond positively, regardless of whether they are men or women. Personally, I don’t see gender as a defining factor in my career - I believe that expertise, attitude, and results speak louder than anything else.
The industry has certainly become more diverse over time, but progress is slow. Organizations like the AVIXA Women’s Council are doing a great job in highlighting these disparities and providing support through networking events, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives. There’s a growing awareness that diversity isn’t just a checkbox - it directly impacts innovation and business success.
That said, there’s still a long way to go. Many women hesitate to enter the field due to outdated perceptions of tech and AV as ‘male spaces.’ Visibility matters, and the more women we see thriving in leadership and technical roles, the faster we’ll break those barriers.
Go for it! Don’t let outdated stereotypes or self-doubt hold you back. A successful career in a male-dominated industry isn’t about proving you belong - it’s about owning your expertise and bringing your unique perspective to the table.
Women often place unnecessary barriers in their own way, questioning whether they have the right background, qualifications, or experience. The reality is, no one walks into any role fully formed. The key is to embrace continuous learning, seek mentorship, and have the confidence to take up space in the room.
One of my proudest moments was delivering complex, high-profile Pro AV solutions for clients such as Vodafone, PwC, Professor Stephen Hawking, and the President of Indonesia. Several of these projects were world-firsts, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with AV technology.
Beyond the technical achievements, what made these moments special was seeing how innovation could create real impact - whether it was enabling groundbreaking presentations, enhancing global communication, or creating immersive experiences. Winning prestigious industry awards for these projects was just the cherry on top.
Businesses need to start by being intentional about inclusivity. This means:
Actively recruiting and mentoring women in technical and leadership roles.
Creating workplace policies that support working parents - flexible hours, remote work options, and parental leave are critical.
Showcasing female role models within the organisation to inspire and guide the next generation of women in tech.
It’s also crucial to start early. Encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers and providing internship opportunities can help bridge the gender gap faster. If we wait until women are already in the workforce to address these issues, we’re missing a crucial part of the pipeline.
International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration - it’s a moment of reflection, recognition, and action. It’s a chance to acknowledge the contributions of women at all levels, from senior executives to entrepreneurs to stay-at-home mothers, who play an equally vital role in shaping society.
For industries like AV and tech, it’s also a reminder that change doesn’t happen on its own. Highlighting the achievements of women in these fields can help shift perceptions and inspire more women to consider careers in technology. True progress comes when we move beyond one-day recognition and commit to long-term, systemic change.