thefoundersstory

The Future of AV is Phygital - Leisung Technologies on Innovation and Client Experience: Sumesh Sathyan

The world of audio-visual (AV) technology is all about bringing sound and visuals together to create impactful experiences. In this interview, we meet Mr. Sumesh Sathyan, the founder of Leisung Technologies, a company shaking things up in the AV industry. Leisung ditches the transactional approach, prioritising client relationships and crafting bespoke solutions that elevate operations. Their people-centric approach sets them apart in a market saturated with just another box. 

Q: Thanks for taking the time to chat, Mr. Sumesh. Leisung Technologies has been making waves in the AV industry. Let us start at the beginning. What sparked the idea for the company? 

Sumesh: The inspiration stemmed from a personal experience. Back in the day, I dealt with frustrations in the AV industry – a lack of support, and a focus on just getting the job done rather than building relationships. It made me realise the importance of a people-centric approach in this very technical field. So, in 2014, my wife Suchi and I decided to take the leap and create a company that did things differently. 

Q: “People-centric” – that is a refreshing perspective in a field often dominated by technical jargon. How does that translate into Leisung’s day-to-day operations? 

Sumesh: It is ingrained in everything we do. We believe in fostering a transparent and collaborative environment, for our employees, our clients, and our partners. Imagine working with AV companies where communication is a black box, and you never know what is going on. We tear those walls down. It is not just about selling equipment – it is about building trust and partnerships that last. Take our internal processes, for example. We have streamlined communication channels and created a flat hierarchy where everyone feels empowered to contribute, whether they are a seasoned AV technician or a fresh graduate with a bright idea. 

Q: That sounds like a recipe for a happy and engaged workforce. But how does Leisung differentiate itself in a competitive market saturated with AV companies all offering the same thing? 

Sumesh: We take a two-pronged approach. First, we prioritise ease of business – clear communication, transparent pricing, and a commitment to on-time delivery. No more hidden fees or project delays. Second, we focus on building human connections. We take the time to understand our clients’ unique needs and challenges, and we design customised solutions that go beyond just the latest gadgets. It is about creating a seamless AV experience that enhances their operations. Imagine a high-end conference room – a top-of-the-line projector is great, but if the control system is clunky and the acoustics are poor, the experience suffers. We consider all these factors. 

Q: That is great. Now, Leisung Technologies has been around for a while now. Can you tell us about a significant milestone or achievement that stands out? 

Sumesh: We are proud of our expansion across the Middle East. Building strong partnerships and maintaining a reputation for reliability has been key. We represent over 40 top AV vendor brands, which allows us to offer our clients a vast selection of high-quality products. But it is more than just the brands. Our team’s expertise allows us to design and integrate complex AV systems for diverse projects, highlighting our commitment to quality and client satisfaction. Some of our largest clients include Chanel, Hilton Hotels, Givenchy, H&M, Estee Lauder, and Starbucks. 

Q: Innovation is key in the AV field. How does Leisung stay ahead of the curve in terms of technology and trends? 

Sumesh: You are right. Innovation is the key. We actively stay ahead by integrating the latest technological advancements into our solutions. The future of AV is all about creating immersive experiences that seamlessly blend the digital and physical worlds. This concept, often referred to as “phygital,” is at the core of our vision. In fact, we recently launched an initiative called XP Zentrum, which embodies our commitment to becoming an innovative experiential phygital company.  Our team is continuously educated on emerging trends. This allows us to design and implement forward-thinking systems that push the boundaries of traditional AV capabilities. We do not just follow trends. 

Q: Every company faces its share of challenges. Can you tell us about a time when Leisung Technologies had to overcome a significant obstacle, and how you navigated that situation? 

Sumesh: Absolutely. The global pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge for all businesses, and Leisung was no exception. Supply chain disruptions, project delays, and a shift to remote work all presented significant operational hurdles. However, the true strength of Leisung lies in our people. The solidarity and support we received from our employees and clients were truly inspiring. Everyone rallied together, demonstrating incredible commitment and flexibility. We adapted our workflows, embraced modern technologies for remote collaboration, and prioritised open communication with our clients. The result? We not only maintained our operations and service quality, but we also emerged from the pandemic with even stronger relationships with our team and our clients. It truly highlighted the power of our community spirit in the face of adversity. 

Q: Leisung Technologies has come a long way, Mr. Sumesh. Looking ahead, what is the vision for the company’s growth? Where do you see yourselves in the next few years? 

Sumesh: That is a great question. We are ambitious at Leisung, but our goals are rooted in our core values. In the next five years, we want to be able to support at least 1000 families. That is not just about financial success; it is about creating a company that positively impacts the lives of the people we work with.