#330: From Hi-Fi to Sony- Kathleen Thomas on a Lifetime in the Audio Industry
This is Automation Unplugged, and I’m Ron Callis. Our guest today is Kathleen Thomas, Head of the CI Channel at Sony Electronics. Kathleen’s journey through the audio industry is nothing short of remarkable. Her first job came at just two weeks old, starring in a commercial for the grand opening of Hi-Fi Buys in Atlanta, Georgia—a store her parents helped launch. From those early beginnings, Kathleen went on to work for some of the most respected brands in the industry, including Magnolia Audio Video, Sumiko, AudioQuest, and Bowers & Wilkins. In 2021, she joined Sony, and earlier this year, she officially took the helm as Head of the CI Channel following the retirement of her longtime mentor, Jeff Goldstein.
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Show Notes
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Kathleen and I discussed:
- Her lifelong connection to the AV industry and how it shaped her leadership style
- What it means to advocate for integrators inside a global company like Sony
- The innovations driving Sony’s CI business, from projectors and receivers to cutting-edge RGB backlight technology
- And how she balances corporate leadership with her passion for creativity, community, and good food in Portland, Oregon
Kathleen’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is about listening, learning, and lifting others as you grow. Her energy, experience, and love for this channel shine through every part of our conversation.
So settle in and enjoy my conversation with Kathleen Thomas. Let’s get started!
To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au330