MELVILLE, N.Y. — Cynthia Menna, vice president and general manager, AV, at ADI Global Distribution, shares her unexpected entry into the industry more than 25 years ago and emphasizes the value of relationships built over decades.
She highlights the importance of early career experiences and mentors, including her parents, in shaping her leadership skills. Menna is proud of the women on her leadership team and advocates for improved pathways and visibility to attract new talent to the AV and security industries.
Here’s more from Menna, in her own words, as we continue our celebration of International Women’s History Month.
Security Sales & Integration: How did you get into the AV and security industry?
Cynthia Menna: It certainly wasn’t something I planned on. I never realized it was an “industry” until my first job out of college over 25 years ago! I worked for a smart home/AV manufacturer which was part of IBM, and the rest is history!
SSI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV and security industry career?
Menna: There are always challenges and obstacles, as change is constant — from making difficult choices to managing challenging personalities. However, these instances provide an opportunity for improvement, allowing time to reflect on how to manage differently, owning up to imperfections, and ultimately making your team and company better.
SSI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Menna: Wow, this is a tough one! I look back to even my earliest jobs, not related to AV, and can find inspiration. I worked for a women-owned business in high school and into college summers. The owner and staff were kind, service-oriented and polished, but also extremely business-savvy.
I felt empowered to make decisions and included, despite being so junior. I also knew that I had a team counting on me to not just do the basics (like show up on time – what a concept) but go beyond. That early experience provided me with a lot of confidence and helped me prove to myself that I could lead.
I would be remiss if I didn’t point to my parents. I’m extremely fortunate to have two incredible role models who taught me skills I use daily in the business world, the most important being accountability. They didn’t accept backing out of commitments. They showed me teamwork, the value of education, the impact of giving back, faith and honesty…I could go on and on.
SSI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Menna: I’ve been very lucky during my career at ADI Global Distribution, and now as a combined business with Snap One. I’m fortunate to work with such talented people. I look across our leadership team and see incredibly smart women, which is something I’m extremely proud of!
What also makes me proud is seeing those I work with and for, excelling and growing. Last year, we sent some team members to the NSCA Excellence in Business Operations (XBO) Experience. At the event, Maura Fitzgerald was given the opportunity to speak to the audience and the feedback I received was incredible – from both her and the audience. That makes me proud.
SSI: What do you love most about working in the AV and security industry?
Menna: Well, of course it’s the cool stuff we get to sell, but really, it’s the people! I know, very cliche, but so true. (I also love) watching the relationships that have been carved out over decades. Be it friend or foe, there is a level of respect that is valued in our industry and a great value placed on relationships which have created wonderful, lifelong friendships for me.
SSI: How can the AV and security industry become even better?
Menna: I would love to see continued commitment to early training and education. I’m seeing some trade efforts, but there is still a lot of work to be done. We all know it’s difficult to find talent, but there is a big opportunity to create improved pathways and visibility into our industry.
Click here to check out the complete Women in Security Q&A series!