The Master Integrator Podcast

Podcast by Paul Skelton

The Master Integrator Podcast

The Master Integrator Podcast is where Australia’s smart home technology industry gets real. Hosted by Paul Skelton — a longtime industry journalist and current Regional Development Consultant for CEDIA in Australia and New Zealand — this series goes beyond product hype to explore the people, policies, and practices shaping the future of home integration. Each episode features candid conversations with integrators, educators, builders, designers, and policy leaders who are challenging the status quo and building a more professional, sustainable, and inclusive industry. Whether you’re on the tools, running a business, designing the systems, or shaping the rules — this podcast is for you. No fluff. No buzzwords. Just honest, grounded conversations about what it takes to make this industry better.

Latest episodes

13 July 2025

Joining the Design Conversation: Susie Rumbold on Collaboration Between Integrators and Interior Designers

Interior designer, educator, and former president of the British Institute of Interior Design, Susie Rumbold from Tessuto joins Master Integrator to explore one of the most overlooked partnerships in residential design — the relationship between interior designers and technology integrators.

In this episode, Susie shares what makes collaboration work (and what makes it fall apart), how to build mutual respect across disciplines, and why integrators must learn to listen. From the dangers of overengineering and built-in obsolescence to the quiet joy of switching on a table lamp, this wide-ranging conversation gets to the heart of what great design and great technology can achieve — when they’re allowed to work together.

If you're an integrator looking to build stronger relationships with designers, or a designer curious about smart home technology, this episode will give you the insights — and inspiration — to join the design conversation.

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Thanks to our sponsors for supporting Master Integrator!

For Integrate Unlimited, visit www.iunlimited.au

For Kolosseum, visit http://kolosseum.io

For Connected Magazine, visit www.connectedmag.com.au

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For more information about the podcast, visit www.masterintegrator.com.au or email info@masterintegrator.com.au

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06 July 2025

Apprenticeships, Skills and the Smart Home Future — with Steve Hall from Powering Skills Organisation

In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton speaks with Steve Hall, General Manager - VET and Technical at the Powering Skills Organisation, one of the Jobs and Skills Councils established to reform Australia’s vocational education system.

Together, they discuss the development of a national apprenticeship pathway for the smart home technology sector — and the critical role integrators must play in supporting it.

Steve outlines how the new training package is being constructed, why smart home skills must align with electrotechnology, and the importance of industry consultation. He also touches on the broader workforce challenges affecting electricians, integrators, and other trades, and offers insight into what needs to happen next for long-term sustainability.

If you care about the future of the smart home profession, workforce development, or the recognition of integration as a skilled trade — this is your call to action.

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Thanks to our sponsors for supporting Master Integrator!

For Integrate Unlimited, visit www.iunlimited.au

For Kolosseum, visit http://kolosseum.io

For Connected Magazine, visit www.connectedmag.com.au

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01:04:57

29 June 2025

Two Speakers and a Dream: Michael Daly on the Hi-Fi Resurgence

At 12 years old, Michael Daly built his first pair of speakers. Now, as the man behind Wired by MJD, he’s helping a new generation rediscover the magic of 2-channel audio. In a market dominated by multi-room and cinema installs, this episode explores why stereo never really went away — and why it matters now more than ever. Paul and Mick discuss integration challenges, streaming quality, nostalgia, design, and what integrators can do to reconnect clients with the art of listening. Whether you’re a hi-fi tragic or just stereo-curious, this episode hits all the right notes.

For more episodes and news, visit www.masterintegrator.com.au

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to our sponsor, Kolosseum - the design and documentation wingman you didn't know you needed. Visit kolosseum.io today!

Thanks to our sponsor, Integrate Unlimited - the exclusive Australian distributor of MAG Theatron. Visit iunlimited.au today!

To register, for the Ethical Technology Design Conference, visit https://cedia.swoogo.com/ausetc/register

To find out more about Connected magazine, visit www.connectedmag.com.au

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37:17

22 June 2025

Designing with Purpose: Steve Thomas on Assistive Technology, MND, and the Ethics of Integration

When Steve Thomas received a call to help automate lighting for a man with motor neurone disease, he assumed it would be just another small job. But that moment - and the client’s simple but powerful feedback - would spark a complete career transformation.

In this heartfelt episode, Steve opens up about his transition from high-end home automation to founding Geohaven, a business dedicated to assistive technology and specialist disability accommodation. He explains how working with vulnerable Australians has challenged his definition of good system design, and why integrators need to think differently when the user experience literally defines someone’s independence.

We also discuss his work with occupational therapists, the NDIS, the shortcomings of the SDA Design Standard, and why the industry must start preparing now for a future where technology and disability intersect more than ever before.

It’s a powerful conversation that brings meaning back to integration—and underscores why ethics matter.

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to our sponsor, Integrate Unlimited - the exclusive Australian distributor of MAG Theatron. Visit iunlimited.au today!

Thanks to our sponsor, Kolosseum - the design and documentation wingman you didn't know you needed. Visit kolosseum.io today!

To register, for the Ethical Technology Design Conference, visit https://cedia.swoogo.com/ausetc/register

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01:02:40

15 June 2025

The Business of Letting Go: Chris McCormick on Coaching, Control, and Growing Up as a Leader

Chris McCormick started as an electrician with a love of lighting control. Seventeen years later, he’s built one of Sydney’s most respected integration businesses — and rebranded it to reflect where he’s headed next. In this episode, Chris shares the honest story behind stepping away from the tools, what he learned from hiring a business coach, and the discipline it takes to grow something that lasts. From cash flow panic to confidence, it’s a real look at the work behind the work — and why most integrators don’t need better tech. They need better systems.

For more episodes and news, visit www.masterintegrator.com.au

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to our sponsor, Kolosseum - the design and documentation wingman you didn't know you needed. Visit kolosseum.io today!

Thanks to our sponsor, Integrate Unlimited - the exclusive Australian distributor of MAG Theatron. Visit iunlimited.au today!

To register, for the Ethical Technology Design Conference, visit https://cedia.swoogo.com/ausetc/register

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34:44

01 June 2025

No One Knows You Exist: Salvatore di Muccio on the Real Power of Small Business Marketing

Most integrators are great at what they do but terrible at telling anyone about it.

In this episode, communications strategist Salvatore di Muccio joins Paul to talk about why small and family run businesses need to stop waiting for recognition and start making noise. From the difference between branding and personal identity, to the real value of PR, to why doing great work quietly isn’t enough, this episode breaks down marketing into clear, honest terms. Whether you’re a one-person operation or running multiple crews, there’s something here for anyone ready to grow their profile — and their pipeline.

For more episodes and news, visit www.masterintegrator.com.au

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to our sponsor, Kolosseum - the design and documentation wingman you didn't know you needed. Visit kolosseum.io today!

Thanks to our sponsor, Integrate Unlimited - the exclusive Australian distributor of MAG Theatron. Visit iunlimited.au today!

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53:51