A Day in the Life of Alesia Hendley

Title: Associate Sales Engineer at Access Networks, Multimedia Journalists and Content Creator

A little bit about you/your background, and what you currently do:

Well, as many might know, I was introduced to AV via audio, running the sound at my father’s church. I started learning and operating audio consoles at 12. My dad would even let me use the gear to host/dj parties at my school. I thought I was going to grow up and run FOH for Beyonce one day (that didn’t happen, LOL. but only because I didn’t try). I worked multiple jobs where I did load in’s and load out’s as well as programming and operating lighting and audio consoles. Eventually I became in-house AV with a pretty sweet event space here in Cypress, TX where I operated all kinds of AV. Once in-house I knew touring wasn’t for me. But there at the event space I would install LED walls, run FOH, running lighting, install, head large turn aways for concerts and church’s. I even directed football, so like I said it was a sweet gig, but I needed to move forward and continue learning. I now work for an AV/IT company, Access Networks as a Sales Engineer. Along with all that comes with a full career I still find time to freelance and create fun content for our industry.

Q: What is your morning routine?

A: Now I stick to this most of the time. But not everyday is perfect, don’t judge me.

Shower, hit the Rise and Grind Tweets, check social, make coffee, wake Hailey (my puppy) to go outside, open both laptops, make sure all devices are charged, check personal emails, then login at work.

Q: What does an average week-day look like for you?

A: Morning routine, work 9-5 (sometimes longer), complete freelance obligations, cook, watch my favorite show or basketball games when it NBA season (super hyped about the 2019-2020 season btw!)

Q: What does your busiest/most active day look like?

A: Me on the phone constantly, no stop for both work and freelance. Processing orders, get off then shoot videos or produce videos with my team, work on my brand look and get all social updated with that content. After having to be at an event or catch a plane to an event. 65% of the time I am not working from my home office here in Houston.

Q: How do you stay energized throughout the week?

A: coffee, water (mostly bubbly water), and remembering why I started this journey. Constantly checking myself to make sure I don’t lose sight of that (even when I do step out of routine). And make sure I play either my Groove Theory or Rap Caviar playlist.

Q: If you were a fly on the wall at your personal workspace (office, desk, home, etc.), what would you see/hear?

A: You’d see a ton of Catchbox’s and Ninja Turtles for one! LOL and to be honest you’d hear quite a few cuss words. I sometimes get frustrated throughout the day. Especially in my current position, I’ve never been in sales before and there is always more to learn. When you think you know something, you really don’t. Technology is constantly changing and growing and so I am. #GrowingPains it comes with the territory 🙂

Q: What did a day in the life look like when you were just starting as a young professional compared to now?

A: It started with no days off. Working 12hrs + teching events Mon-Sat. On Sundays I would work at 2 different church’s which had multiple services leading into the night, one church wasn’t in a permanent location so that still included load in’s and outs. There was lots of cable pulling, rehearsals, and all that good stuff. Now, I’m usually at my desk making the magic happen, or traveling to different events. And I have my weekends to do whatever it is I like (which is sometimes freelance, but by choice. Not because I don’t have any other time to do it. 🙂 ) So now I can say I do take some days off and I have finally become ok with this LOL

Q: How do you spend your time outside of work?

A: Outside of work I am usually traveling, cooking on the grill with my R&B jams on, or watching my favorite TV shows. And of course you know facetiming, posting on social, kicking back and just breathing. I realized it doesn’t have to be all work all the time. When outside of work I am searching to find that balance.

Q: What is your strategy for balancing work and life?

A: Ha, I don’t have one! I go with the flow. When I feel overwhelmed, I know it’s time for a change. And I am happy to announce I am taking my first real vacation in years this December!! I still haven’t decided if I am going to fully unplug or not though.

Q: What is a mantra (phrase, words, motto) you live by ?

A: Do what you love, and love what you do.