Dante Walston
CEO
IntegrateU
20+ years in the industryÂ
Tell us about your career so far.
My journey in leadership started in the retail space over 20+ years ago. I’ve had the opportunity to lead and develop diverse teams of professionals in the retail and the CE industry.
Describe your current role.
I am the co-founder and CEO of IntegrateU. Integrate provides strategic planning consulting for companies within the custom integration (smart home technology) world. Our team offers a different approach for onboarding, developing and keeping your employees engaged throughout their career journey. Our revolutionary consulting and curriculum represent the opportunity for us to share our real-world experiences and best practices with the industry.
When it comes to diversity and inclusion, how is the CE industry doing both historically, and also in the past year?
The CE industry over the past years, and even more today, has made a push to drive home diversity and inclusion. Initiatives around continuous education on this topic have become one of the top strategic anchors for most companies in the CE space. There seems to be a heavy concentration on mirroring our communities, cultural inclusion, and gender equality in the workforce.
What could the CE industry do to improve diversity and inclusion?
Progression is key to winning in this space. Keeping an open mind and having continuous conversation around diversity and inclusion will keep this topic on the top of our minds.
What would you tell non-black professionals in the CE industry who want to support the inclusion of black people in the industry?
Great leaders surround themselves with great people. Proactively look for great competent people based solely on characteristics and effort. Diversity and inclusion should not be an afterthought. Define the role and responsibilities first, then select the best person.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of fulfilling my dream to be known amongst my peers as a leader. Investing in the lives of others and helping them reach and live their dreams is my reward.
What technology are you most interested in at the moment?
Virtual reality technology interests me the most at the moment because I see it as a way to touch more lives. VR allows me to provide more experiential and practical scenario-based learnings or training to my core audience.
What’s the top trend in CE for you right now?
The connected world is one of the top trends in the custom integration industry. Smart electronic devices with voice control will continue to evolve resulting in simplifying technology for our consumers.
What’s your favorite gadget right now?
My favorite gadget right now is my Fitbit watch as it keeps me connected in many ways.
Any additional thoughts you’d like to share?
I am honored and very humbled to have been nominated for this award.
