The latest candidate in our series of Q&As with influential women in the technology business is Priscilla Morgan, President and COO, Kaleidescape, a movie platform and digital provider of movies with lossless audio and full reference video quality. She was recently promoted to this position after holding the position of COO since 2022.
Name: Priscilla Morgan
Job Title: President and COO
Years in the Industry: Over 25 Years.
The Quote That Most Inspires You: “Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” (-Ruth Bader Ginsburg)
What drew you to a career in the consumer and/or business technology industry?
I have always been passionate about the intersection of technology and entertainment. Early in my career at Dolby, I was drawn to industries that leverage innovation to enhance the entertainment experience. Kaleidescape fascinated me through combining technology with the emotional power of storytelling. We’re not just content delivery platform, we’re creating unparalleled cinematic experiences for our customers, whether it be for residential, marine, or commercial cinema markets.
Have you encountered any roadblocks along the way that were related to your gender?
Throughout my career, I have certainly encountered challenges like many of my colleagues, some of which were related to being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. Early on, there were moments I faced unconscious bias, having to work harder to be heard or to prove my expertise in ways my male counterparts didn’t always have to do.
However, I’ve always viewed these challenges as opportunities to push boundaries, demonstrate my capabilities, and help pave the way for greater diversity in leadership. My hope is that I’ve been able to serve as a role model to others.
What unique characteristics or perspective do you feel you bring to your organization as a woman?
At Kaleidescape, I’m proud to be part of a culture that values talent, innovation, and leadership, regardless of gender. What I bring to the table is a strong drive to execute flawlessly. I focus on communicating in a manner that can be heard across different teams within and outside Kaleidescape. I value others’ perspectives and strive for inclusiveness with a kind, assertive approach. I don’t let gender get in the way of progress, and often find that it’s an asset, as it brings a different perspective. I’m committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of female leaders so that we continue to break barriers and create new opportunities.
Technology is historically a male-dominated industry, yet the use of tech is fully embraced by women, and many studies even suggest that females are the primary buyers of tech in the home. What do you feel the technology industry needs to attract more women, particularly into high-level positions?
It’s true that while technology has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, women play a big part in decision making when it comes to home technology purchases in the household. This mirrors my experience as well. When my husband, who is also an executive in this space and some would say an “expert” in cinema, was building our home theatre, I complained EVERY step of the way on costs. That said, the moment I “experienced” what that would mean for my family, I was immediately bought in and expanded the experience into other rooms. Now, the joke at home is that the kids and I are the ones who uses the cinema the most.
To attract more women into leadership roles, the tech industry needs to focus on visibility, mentorship, and opportunity. Representation matters. When women see others in leadership, it reinforces that they belong. Mentorship is crucial – we must support one another. Strong advocates can open doors and encourage career growth. Finally, companies must foster inclusive cultures by addressing bias and creating clear leadership pathways. Diversity in leadership drives innovation, teamwork, and stronger business outcomes.
If you had to sum up what it is like being a woman in this male-dominated technology industry in just a few words, what would you say?
Challenging, rewarding, and transformative.
Are there women in the tech industry who inspire you?
Absolutely, there are many women in tech who inspire me. Leaders who have broken barriers, driven innovation, and paved the way for future generations. I had the privilege of working with the most senior woman executive during my career at Oracle. I remember vividly, watching her lead and command the room with brilliance. Her strength and assertive approach inspired me on my own path to leadership.
In addition, I love to see what the next generation of women leaders are accomplishing. My daughter, Kelsey Morgan, inspires me every day – she is also in a male-dominated industry and is paving the way in a very important field, sustainability. We often talk about how to handle challenging situations. It’s great to see the dynamic shift, from Kelsey celebrating my successes and accomplishments to me by her side celebrating hers – cheering her on!
I also find inspiration in the women I work with every day, those who challenge the status quo and push the industry forward. One is Carol Campbell, founder of Women in Consumer Tech. She has been a driving force in advocating for women in our industry, creating a platform that connects, mentors, and empowers female professionals. My gratitude to you Carol, for all you do!
What are some of the misconceptions/myths about women working in the technology space that you’d like to dispel?
One major misconception is that women in tech are primarily in non-technical roles. Women are leading innovation across finance, engineering, product development, and executive leadership. As more women enter the technology space, you see more of a focus on experiential messaging – how technology impacts our daily lives – rather than just an emphasis on technical details and specifications.
What’s one thing you wish was done differently in the industry, and why?
One thing I wish was done differently in the industry is a stronger focus on creating more unified, seamless experiences for consumers. As the desire for smart homes becomes more mainstream, I believe the industry could benefit from more collaboration between companies, fostering the relationship between architects, technology designers, and home theatre integrators, rather than operating in silos. This would create a more cohesive and enjoyable experience for consumers and elevate the entire industry.
Are you optimistic for the future in general and for the industry?
Yes, I’m genuinely optimistic about the future, both for Kaleidescape and the broader entertainment industry. The way people consume, and experience content is rapidly evolving, and there’s an exciting opportunity to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As the demand for high-quality, personalized entertainment experiences grows, I believe there is tremendous potential for innovation.
At Kaleidescape, we’re committed to delivering unparalleled experiences that meet the needs of today’s consumers while anticipating the trends of tomorrow. That is demonstrated by our new product releases, bringing the Kaleidescape experience to a much broader audience, and our expansion into commercial cinema as an alternative method to securely deliver library releases to the big screen, on demand.