# Sam Kennedy — B4Obvious show notes

Sam Kennedy looks back on three decades in video collaboration, from early systems to Polycom and Crestron. He and Simon discuss the voice of the customer, the ambitious Centro product and the lessons that follow when an innovation struggles. Their conversation explores integrated solutions, company culture, startups and the human connection behind communication technology.

## Conversation topics

- Introduction to Sam Kennedy and His Journey
- From Humble Beginnings to the AV Industry
- The Role of Sociology in Technology
- The Human Connection in Video Conferencing
- The Evolution of Video Conferencing Technology
- The Transition from ViewTech to Polycom
- The Voice of the Customer at Polycom
- Innovations and Challenges at Polycom
- Centro: A Case Study in Innovation and Failure
- The Evolution of Communication Technology
- Innovations in Video Conferencing
- The Shift to Integrated Solutions
- Cultural Differences in Organizations
- Transitioning from Polycom to Crestron
- Building a Startup in the AV Industry
- Advice for Future Generations