CEO Today was honored to hear from the CEO of QSC, and how he brought his love of music and leadership skills together for this role. We gain an insight into how QSC stays ahead in the competitive technology industry and the way Joe takes challenges on as a way to grow professionally. As the Chairman and CEO of QSC, Joe takes us on a deep dive into his role and the advances happening to stay ahead.
Joe, could you share with us your journey to becoming the Chairman and CEO of QSC? What were some key milestones that shaped your leadership style?
I attended UCLA, earning a PhD in electrical engineering and staying at the university for 11 years, eventually teaching as a professor before leaving to join McKinsey & Company where I worked with chief executives of Fortune 500 companies to develop growth strategies and improve operations.
However, my love for music pushed me towards the AV industry, so I left McKinsey with that goal in mind.
In 2004, I sweet-talked my way onto the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show floor., carrying a very short list of my favorite audio companies to pitch. I met Barry Andrews, one of the founders of QSC. The rest is history.
From there, I joined QSC in 2004 as their Chief Strategy and Technology Officer and was later promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2007 and then President and CEO in 2010. I also served as chairman of the board at AVIXA and president of PAMA (Professional Audio Manufacturers Association). In 2021, I assumed my current role as Chairman and CEO at QSC.
Since joining QSC in 2004 as Chief Strategy and Technology Officer, QSC has seen significant growth. How do you foster a culture of innovation within the company to stay ahead in the competitive tech industry?
The overall technology philosophy for QSC over the last 15+ years has been rooted in driving innovation through our software-based, cloud-enabled audio, video & control platform – Q-SYS. Rather than sticking with a development path of bespoke, standalone hardware products, QSC broke free from this paradigm long ago and set a course towards a platform strategy for Q-SYS that would have the ability to evolve with the ever-changing needs of the customer.
That philosophy will continue to manifest itself as we are embracing transformative technologies like AI, ML, data analytics, and more. This is coupled with our continued commitment to enabling remote monitoring and managing for AV installations.
Also, we are dedicated to enhancing the Q-SYS Ecosystem by forging new alliances and partnerships with UC Platform leaders, technology manufacturers and software developers to ensure Q-SYS remains the connective tissues that binds all parts of your AV technology solution.
As a global leader, what strategies have you employed to expand QSC’s presence and influence in international markets?
QSC is proactively positioning itself to grow our business and expand capabilities and operations internationally. These efforts have been instrumental to better serve our customers and partners internationally, and we are continuously expanding Q-SYS in key markets as we become a truly multinational business.
With some of the most capable and ground-breaking technology in the industry, combined with a talented and innovative group of individuals, we have been able to bring new products, solutions, and services to market.
Can you discuss some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as the CEO of QSC and how you’ve overcome them? What achievements are you most
proud of?
There have been many challenges, but I look at those as learning experiences which are critical to personal and professional growth. I balance the demands of my role by living one of QSC’s core values - Work Hard & Enjoy Life. We believe that while hard work is essential for success, maintaining a balanced life is equally crucial. By prioritizing self-care and incorporating fun into our routines, we ensure that work remains fulfilling and sustainable.
QSC itself is the achievement that I’m most proud of. I am humbled and grateful to have played a part in shaping QSC into what it is today. We work hard to assemble teams that are passionate about what they do, inspire individuals to thrive not only in their careers but also to find fulfilment in their personal endeavors. Since I started in 2004, we’ve evolved quite a bit, but the constant has been the people and the culture. To me, nothing tops that kind of success.
How would you describe your leadership philosophy? How has it evolved over the years, especially in the context of leading a dynamic company like QSC?
Much of my leadership inspiration stems from ancient philosophers. I’ve been studying different philosophies for years and through those teachings, I’ve been able to build a more meaningful life, both personally and professionally.
Also, I prioritize empathy and transparency to foster a supportive and trusting culture. Recognizing the unique challenges individuals face, I ensure open communication, addressing conflicts and reaffirming our commitment to overcoming obstacles together. This approach not only cultivates a positive workplace culture but also keeps our team engaged and aligned with our vision and decisions.
In what ways does QSC integrate sustainability and corporate social responsibility into its business practices and ethos under your leadership?
We recognize our responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment, uphold human rights, and maintain high ethical and governance standards in all aspects of our operations. For QSC, ESG is not just a checkbox. It’s a holistic approach to conducting business that integrates sustainability and ethical considerations into all aspects of our operations. We are committed to working collaboratively with our stakeholders, employees, customers, partners, and communities, to continue to make a positive difference.
What emerging technology trends do you believe will significantly impact the industry, and how is QSC preparing to leverage these trends?
The current demand for personalized and immersive interactions is insatiable and I believe AI will help us reach our goal of enhanced human connections. This is where the AV industry has an immense opportunity. Also, it’s about taking data and turning it into valuable insights, shaping the AV industry across various domains.
• Adaptation and Evolution: Shift to software-driven architecture to create digital twins for AV systems, improving design and deployment at scale.
• Ecosystem-Based Smart Spaces: Build software platforms integrating hardware, applications, and systems for comprehensive AV solutions across industries.
• Transformation with AI and Data: Use computer vision, audio AI, predictive analytics, machine learning, and generative AI to deliver exceptional experiences and enhance human connection.
