Shure has brought together five leading female recording professionals for the sixth instalment of its Celebrating Women in Technology series. Hosted by company president and CEO Chris Schyvinck, the 90-minute online discussion explored career development, mentorship, representation and the challenges of balancing parenthood with working in the studio.
The panel featured Sharon Corbitt, a Music Row veteran with 40 years’ experience in studio management and artist relations; Paris-based recording and mix engineer Alix Ewald; Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer and The Lodge founder Emily Lazar; Tina Morris, studio manager at Los Angeles’ Village Studios; and Dutch sound engineer Petra Randewijk. Their backgrounds span classical music, film, television, contemporary recording, mastering and live audio production.
Mentorship and creating opportunities for the next generation were recurring themes. Corbitt highlighted the importance of support from women who had helped her throughout her career, arguing that the industry must continue to create space for emerging professionals. Ewald encouraged aspiring engineers to take on challenges beyond their existing experience, while Randewijk urged them not to wait for ideal opportunities but to seek out ways to learn and develop their skills.
Representation and workplace culture also featured prominently. Lazar stressed the need for more women and underrepresented creators in positions where artistic decisions are made, while Morris described her ambition to lead with empathy and create an environment in which people could perform at their best. Schyvinck said the panellists demonstrated both determination and compassion, making them valuable role models for others considering careers in audio.
To view a recording of this panel or any other Celebrating Women in Technology panels, click here. The initiative provides a platform for women working across the technology industry to share their experiences and advice with the next generation.
You can subscribe to Installation magazine for free here and the daily newsletter here.
