Evolved Radio: Recent Episodes
Todd Kane
Evolved Radio Podcast: Interviews with technology experts, industry thought leaders, business leaders and other interesting minds. Exploring the evolution of business and technology.
Welcome back to the Evolved Radio Podcast! Today, I’ve got a really fun and insightful episode lined up for you. Dustin Puryear and I are diving into the “Peter Principle.” that all-too-familiar scenario where someone keeps getting promoted for being good at your job, but eventually land in a role where you’re suddenly feeling out of your depth.
We chat about the common traps people fall into on the career ladder, why owners and managers struggle to let go, and how the difference between delegation, abdication, and micromanagement shapes the success of your team.
Plus, we’ll dig into practical advice around KPIs (you know I love talking dashboards), the most common mistake managers make when promoting team members, and even some hard-won lessons from the front lines—including what happens when someone has the courage to step down from a role that isn’t the right fit.
Whether you’re thinking about your own career path, building a team, or just love some good management strategy, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can start using today.
Let’s jump in!
Today I’m excited to bring you a really insightful conversation with Brian Largent. Brian brings nearly two decades of experience running an MSP that specializes in co-managed IT services, particularly in complex and regulated industries like healthcare and manufacturing.
In this episode, Brian and I get into the nitty-gritty of co-managed IT. What it means, why it’s not just for large enterprises, and how his team lives and breathes this model for clients, unexpectedly in rural markets.
We dive into the real challenges and opportunities of working alongside internal IT teams, what makes for a successful partnership, and some lessons learned from both our journeys in the MSP space.
Whether you’re an MSP looking to branch into co-managed services or looking to improve your co-managed offering, you’ll get a ton of actionable insights from this conversation.
This episode is brought to you by Opsleader Pro. A place for MSP owners and managers to get the systems and tools they need to build a stable and growing MSP. Part group coaching, part peer group, everything you need to run a successful MSP.
Welcome back to the Evolved Radio Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m joined by Anup Ghosh with Threatmate. Anup and I deep dive into one of the MSP industry’s hottest—and sometimes most confusing—topics: cybersecurity. But instead of focusing on the aftermath of a security incident (what they call “right of the boom”), we shift the conversation to proactive measures—what it really means to operate “left of the boom.”
We unpack the concept of security as a utility, discuss how to utilize NIST and CIS frameworks, and explore fear-based selling.
This episode is packed with insights that will help you strengthen your security posture before disaster strikes. So listen in to stay ahead of the next big threat.
This episode is brought to you by Opsleader Pro. A place for MSP owners and managers to get the systems and tools they need to build a stable and growing MSP. Part group coaching, part peer group, everything you need to run a successful MSP.
Welcome back to another episdoe of the Evolved Radio Podcast! In this episode, I’m joined by Peter Melby and Ryan Barton with New Charter Technologies.
Sure, AI is everywhere these days, but we cut through the hype to talk about how things actually changed when ChatGPT hit the scene and suddenly put powerful AI tools in the hands of everyone.
Ryan shares how that breakthrough moment inspired him to roll up his sleeves and experiment with AI in real business scenarios.
Peter talks about why New Charter decided to take a hands-on approach with AI, instead of just waiting around for vendors to figure it out.
We talk honestly about what’s working, what isn’t, and why sometimes you just have to make your own path with new technology.
If you want an inside look at how AI is impacting MSPs or you’re just curious about what’s really possible right now, tune in!
We’ve got practical insights, plenty of candid takes, and even a few laughs along the way.
This episode is brought to you by Opsleader Pro. A place for MSP owners and managers to get the systems and tools they need to build a stable and growing MSP. Part group coaching, part peer group, everything you need to run a successful MSP.
Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast, I’m joined by Paul Green, the author of "MSP Marketing Start Here," for a deep dive into the world of LinkedIn social marketing. This episode is perfect for MSPs looking to streamline their marketing efforts. Paul shares insights from his book, emphasizing the importance of simplifying marketing strategies and focusing on building long-term relationships through platforms like LinkedIn. He discusses practical steps like creating engaging content, leveraging LinkedIn's unique tools and features, and the power of setting up reliable marketing systems. Todd and Paul also explore the importance of connecting with ideal clients, the impact of video content, and why consistency is key to achieving success in the competitive MSP ecosystem. Use the insights to discover actionable tips that can transform your LinkedIn presence and take your marketing to the next level.
Also there is a time limited ester egg at the end of the pod, so listen early and stick around till the end for that bonus.
This episode is brought to you by Opsleader Pro. A place for MSP owners and managers to get the systems and tools they need to build a stable and growing MSP. Part group coaching, part peer group, everything you need to run a successful MSP.
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast! Today, we dig into the timeless wisdom of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” with Andrea Caldwell, VP of Coaching and consulting at Franklin Covey. Celebrating the book's 35th anniversary, Andrea sheds light on why Stephen Covey's principles have stood the test of time, attributing their longevity to the foundational truths they encapsulate. We explore how these habits have shaped our personal and professional lives, emphasizing the significance of paradigms, proactive behavior, and continuous self-renewal.
Whether you're familiar with Covey’s work or new to these concepts, this episode promises to offer valuable insights into creating a more intentional and effective life. So let’s go!
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP Account Management course course, and an IT Documentation Done Right course.
In this episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast, I’m joined by Alex Markov from Strategy Overview. Alex and I continue the rethinking vCIO series.
Alex is a long-time friend of the podcast, appearing in a very early episode of the pod (ERP031).
I had him back to jam on vCIO again. We explore the importance of mature VCIO practices, the integration of AI and automation, and maintaining high standards in client services.
Enjoy the continued conversation in rethinking the vCIO series.
Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast, we continue our series on Rethinking the vCIO role in MSPs. I’m joined by Jim Tarala from VCIO University to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the vCIO role. We'll explore the importance of role clarity, client segmentation, and tips for distinguishing between account managers and vCIOs. Jim shares valuable insights into the need for a strategic approach when targeting different client segments and how MSPs can create value with vCIO services. Listen for more actionable strategies to refine your client interactions and elevate the services you provide.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Check out my latest course! MSP Account Management.
On this episode of Evolved Radio, we’re continuing our rethinking vCIO series with Adam Walter from Humanize IT. Adam helps give a fresh perspective. Adam has years of experience as a director of security and as a vCIO in the corporate world. He has great insight on what it’s like sitting on the other side of the table from a typical MSP.
In this episode, Adam shares a compelling story from his career, highlighting the crucial role of curiosity in client interactions.
Whether you're an MSP owner, a vCIO, or someone looking to enhance client relationships, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice to help you rethink your vCIO strategy.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Check out my latest course! MSP Account Management.
In today's episode, I’m joined by Alex Farling from Empath. In the last episode, Luis Giraldo and I were talking about vCIO. Alex was listening to the episode and took up my challenge to fight us in the comments. Alex has lots of opinions and experience in the vCIO field, having built one of the leading platforms for vCIO out there. Interestingly, even Alex says he hates the term vCIO and explains why. We also discuss "firing" clients, the critical role of communication in maintaining positive relationships, agendas, and the nuanced roles required in smaller MSPs.
This is another episode packed with insights and on the role of account management in the MSP space. So get ready to rethink the vCIO role again with us on the Evolved Radio Podcast!
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Check out my brand new course - vCIO and Account Management for MSPs
Or my other online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done Right course.
Today, I’m chatting with my old friend Luis Giraldo, Chief Experience Officer at Scalepad. Luis and I are discussing how most of our industry might be doing vCIO all wrong.
vCIO has the Critical Objective of creating real client value by delivering services that lead to genuine business outcomes, but many struggle to make this a reality.
We discuss why people hate the vCIO title and ideas about what we should call it instead.
We discuss some common pitfalls, like focusing too much on tools over processes.
Whether you’re trying to start or improve your vCIO process, this episode is a must-listen. So let’s go.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done Right course.
Welcome to another episode of Evolved Radio Podcast! Today, we’re talking Sales strategies and tactics with my guest, Megan Killion, chief consultant with MKC Agency.
We start off by discussing finding strength in adversity. Megan shares her story about an incredibly challenging period in her life and what she learned. This was an unexpected rabbit hole we went down, but it’s relevant since business development means getting a lot of “No”s, which can be so uncomfortable for people that they never start.
Then Megan shares practical tactics on qualifying leads, understanding client needs, and framing discussions to turn prospects into customers. This episode is packed with useful tactics that you can use immediately to grow your business. So let’s go.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done Right course.
Welcome to the Evolved Radio Podcast, In today's episode, I’m joined by industry expert Gerwai Todd CEO of Timezest and Pia. We delve into the transformative role of AI technology in ticket management, highlighting its ability to automate and streamline service desk operations. We chat about the role of dispatcher and how it can be done in different ways in MSPs. We also discuss how AI and RPA tools are not only enhancing efficiency but also creating new career opportunities within MSPs.
Join us for an insightful episode that explores how automation and AI are revolutionizing service management, boosting productivity, and reshaping the future of MSPs.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done Right course.
Welcome to another episode of Evolved Radio Podcast! Today we have an insightful discussion lined up with cybersecurity expert Wes Spencer. We explore the critical need for governance and how cyber insurance is a catalyst for improved security practices in small businesses.
We also touch on the hype cycle in the cybersecurity industry and the need to move beyond a tool-centric focus.
We also discuss strategies for protecting our kids in the digital age, from screen time limits to open conversations about social media.
Finally, we chat about the influence of private equity in the MSP market and if that is a net negative or positive. Wes is a bright mind in our industry and is also willing to speak honestly and openly. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I’m sure you will, too. Let’s dive in.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done Right course.
In today's episode, my guest Steve Copeland and I are talking about a bunch of nerdy tech stuff, but also some serious business opportunities. We’re covering 5G technology and how your MSP could potentially leverage the technology for a differentiated service offering. We chat about the AI and it’s impact on the technology space and especially data privacy. We also chat about the cloud and why some companies are opting to on-prem their servers again.
Get ready for a fascinating discussion that will leave you thinking about how these advancements will shape our world!
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
Today I’m speaking with Kory Kogan VP of content development at Franklin Covey. Kory and I dive deep into the world of project management. Kory shares invaluable insights on the practical skill of managing projects, whether they're official or unofficial. We'll explore how breaking down tasks and setting specific deadlines can reduce risks.
The discussion extends to the attributes of successful unofficial project managers, emphasizing that good organizational and people skills can often outweigh technical expertise. Kory provides actionable advice for those managing teams without formal authority, stressing the importance of high trust leadership behaviors such as respect, listening, and accountability.
Kory also highlights how everyone is a project manager in some capacity in their life, so I’m sure this episode will be valuable to everyone.
Kory is the author of the book Project Management for the unofficial project manager.
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast! In today’s episode I chat with industry veteran Rob Rae CVP @ Pax8. Together, we explore the dynamics of technology conferences, from choosing locations and handling logistics to balancing networking opportunities amidst distractions. Rob shares insights from his experience running the PAX8 Beyond event and delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on transitioning from live to virtual events and back.
The conversation also highlights the ever-changing landscape for managed service providers (MSPs), examining the shift from traditional distribution to a more marketplace-centered model and how this impacts the SMB IT sector. We delve into the evolving consumer behavior, the rise of antisocial selling, and the crucial role of MSPs in navigating cybersecurity and product choices for clients.
We also take a deep dive into the potential and pitfalls of AI adoption, urging MSPs to stay proactive and adaptable. Rob offers a cautious yet optimistic take on monetizing AI and emphasizes the importance of consultation and co-managed IT opportunities.
Join us as we uncover the future of technology events, the transformative role of AI, and the continuing evolution of the MSP and IT landscape!
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
Welcome to Evolved Radio Podcast. Join us as Matt Linn, the COO of Thread, shares insights from his journey from account management to spearheading innovative chat solutions in the MSP space with Thread. We'll explore the dynamic integration of internal ticketing systems with platforms like Microsoft Teams, address the real-time benefits of chats for triggering workflows, and consider the pressing challenges and opportunities of evolving chat support models in the MSP industry. We’ll also explore how AI will have a major role to play in chat support. Don't miss this engaging discussion on the critical role chat platforms play in IT support and how it’s set to revolutionize the IT service industry.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
Welcome back to the Evolved Radio Podcast. Today's episode features Dr. Heather Denniston, a former chiropractor turned wellness specialist who's here to share her insights into maintaining energy and focus during our workday—especially for those of us in the high-stress technology sector.
We dive into practical strategies for overcoming the infamous afternoon slump, as Heather recommends simple recharging techniques you can use. We also navigate the crucial role of setting clear boundaries to conserve energy and touch upon a client's innovative approach of using out-of-office emails to signal availability.
Heather's transition to wellness was fueled by her personal health journey, embodying the narratives that often inspire those in the health and wellness space. Together, we discuss combating decision fatigue, the pitfalls of a hyper-distracted world, and how retraining our focus through methods like the Pomodoro technique can significantly cut through the noise.
Moreover, we examine the steep rise in workplace distractions and burnout in the post-pandemic era, as indicated by reports from giants like Microsoft and Deloitte. From the importance of restorative breaks to the impact of office food culture on our well-being, we leave no stone unturned in exploring how small lifestyle tweaks can make a mammoth difference in our productivity and health.
Stay with us as we uncover the myths of multitasking, the all-too-common issue of decision fatigue, and why leaders must play a pivotal role in fostering a communication culture that respects personal time and mental wellness.
So, if you're seeking ways to build resilience, improve focus, and adopt a sustainable work-life balance, join us on this enlightening journey with Heather. Let's get Evolved.
Today, we welcome Joel Abramson, managing partner at TopDown.
In this episode, we will explore the ever-relevant topic of maximizing productivity in an increasingly remote and digital work environment. Joel shares his insights on the challenges that businesses face, such as the distractions of technology and the need for better tools to monitor productivity. Together, we delve into Produce 8, an innovative response to the plateaued productivity issues.
We'll also discuss how the pandemic has brought new concerns over employee productivity to the forefront for many CEOs. Joel illuminates the fine line between automation benefits and the additional burdens it can place on technicians.
Join us as we examine strategies to avoid burnout and boredom by focusing on meaningful work, setting intentional goals, and unlocking efficiencies with better workflow and tool optimization. We'll tackle the tricky balance of keeping an eye on the bottom line while improving the work experience to boost engagement and productivity.
We're here to equip you with the tools and thought processes needed to not just survive but thrive in the modern business landscape. So let's evolve your approach to managing time and engagement with Joel Abramson on the Evolved Radio Podcast.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
Welcome back to Evolved Radio Podcast, today we are diving into the groundbreaking revolutionary world of the AI. My guest today is, Jimmy Hatzell, a man who’s not just fascinated by the capabilities of AI but also turned that fascination into a MSP focused AI startup. Together, we’re going to explore the ins and outs of AI in the world of Managed Service Providers.
Jimmy and I reflect on how far the ecosystem has advanced in such a short period. We nerd out abit on the underlying technology behind generative AI, and how it's prompting millions of users and companies to latch onto the LLM bandwagon.
Jimmy takes us through his personal journey with AI - from a eureka moment with his father-in-law to starting his own company, focusing on how small businesses can maximize their use of AI.
We’ll look at the breathtaking pace of technological evolution versus the sluggish crawl of regulation and guess what the future holds.
Will MSPs manage LLM infrastructure? Will we see a return to on-premises solutions? Stick around for predictions and our deep dive into these predictive waters.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
Joining us today is Michael Nelson, the co-founder of Scaled and owner of TLC Tech, an MSP in California. Michael's journey began with skepticism towards remote work, but through revolutionary changes and an open mind, he's since embraced a mainly remote workforce, reaping benefits in productivity, profitability, and employee happiness.
In this episode, we'll uncover the transformative impact of remote work for MSPs, the integration of overseas talent into local company cultures, and how these remote powerhouses can reinvigorate your organization. We'll also discuss the distinctions between staff augmentation and outsourcing, the importance of intentional onboarding, and the necessity of regular communication to engage and retain top remote talent.
Michael will share his personal insights on how remote staffing has reshaped his company and practical tips for maintaining company culture in a remote work environment. We'll be exploring the creation of a remote employee engagement plan and the benefits of thorough documentation.
Additionally, we’ll touch on the cultural nuances of managing a diverse workforce and tackle the more subtle aspects of cross-cultural management.
So plug in, adjust your volume, and get ready for an enlightening conversation that might just change the way you view staffing in your MSP. Let’s tune in.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
Welcome to another episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast! In today's episode, I’m joined by Mike Psenka, CEO and Founder of Moovila, to delve into the world of project management, particularly in the MSP (Managed Service Provider) space. If you've ever wondered why projects just can’t seem to get delivered on time and how you could make your project delivery process better, you’re gonna love this one. We discuss the importance of understanding dependencies, the critical path, and how technology can streamline project management processes. Mike shares his insights on APMM (autonomous project monitoring and management) and its innovative features. Whether you work in a smaller MSP or a larger organization with a PMO, there's valuable advice for all. So join us as we explore the secrets, strategies, and challenges of managing projects in the ever-evolving world of IT.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
In this episode, I’m joined by my long-time friend and marketing expert, Matt Rouse, co-founder of Hook SEO and author of “Will AI take my job?” Together, we delve into the world of small and medium-sized business (SMB) marketing and explore the fascinating role that artificial intelligence plays in this domain. From their personal experiences in the industry to the essential strategies and tactics that maximize digital advertising ROI, we cover it all. We also reveal their insights on leveraging AI tools to enhance SEO, advertising, and content creation. So, get ready to dive deep into the world of SMB marketing and AI as we uncover valuable tips and strategies for businesses of all sizes. Let's jump right in!
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
Welcome back to another episode of Evolved Radio Podcast! In today's episode, Todd is joined by Jake Gregorich, VP of Growth for Lyra Technology Group, to discuss some fascinating topics related to the challenges and strategies involved in exiting a business. Together, they dive into the concept of the "Death Valley" in the 1 to 5 Million range, where businesses face difficulties due to lack of buyer interest, low selling prices, and stalled organic growth. But fear not, because our experts are here to guide you with tactical and strategic approaches to overcome this hurdle.
They explore the importance of implementing cybersecurity measures and running opt-out campaigns to ensure clients adopt best practices, ultimately leading to impressive year-over-year growth of 8 to 10%. Additionally, our speakers share their insight on being more prescriptive about the technology stack, challenging the idea of assuming client preferences and instead advocating for what they believe is best.
Furthermore, they delve into the fascinating world of successful managed service providers (MSPs) and the key factors that contributed to their achievements. By appointing a second in command and giving them equity, these MSPs experienced significant growth and even achieved valuations 10 times higher than the initial value. Our experts provide valuable insights on finding the right person to drive growth in your business and the benefits of promoting them, including potentially granting them a stake in your business.
But that's not all! Todd and Jake also shed light on the division between the external-facing aspects of a business and its internal operations. Through various examples, they illustrate the potential pitfalls of centralization and the importance of preserving culture and customer relationships during integration into larger businesses.
In terms of marketing and sales strategies, our speakers stress the value of being present in the same places as your ideal customers. Whether it's through multichannel marketing, retargeting warm leads, or even speaking at events, it's all about gaining authority and credibility in the eyes of your target audience.
So, for an episode packed with actionable advice and insights on business exit strategies, growth, marketing, and more, tune in to this exciting episode of Evolved Radio Podcast!
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Lucas Acosta, CEO of Foojee. Foojee is an MSP that focuses on supporting Mac environments. As a long-time Apple fanatic, I’m always interested in people working in the Apple ecosystem.
Lucas and I discussed how supporting Mac environments is like supporting a stable Windows environment. This provides more opportunities to provide value to the customer. We talk a bit about how Windows-focused MSPs should think about the Mac fleets they manage. We also talk about what Lucas attributes his company growth to.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
Some links that were mentioned in the episode.
training.apple.com
macadmins.org
When I started the Evolved Radio podcast years ago, I intentionally made the episode format three digits. "001" I knew this was something I wasn't going to give up on after six episodes, which is the average number of episodes that new podcasts do before being abandoned.
The podcast has evolved. I've focused more heavily on my target market of MSPs and IT service providers, but I still like to throw in some random nerdy stuff like fusion, drones, genetic engineering, and more. To celebrate a real milestone for me as I hit episode 100. I'm again evolving the podcast. This episode is a video podcast! I hope to add video to most future episodes as well. If you’d like to watch the video version, check it out on my YouTube channel here.
This one is a collaboration with Kyle Christensen from K7 Leadership. We are talking about why the service manager plays such a crucial role in every MSP, how to be successful as a service manager, and what owners need to know about making their service manager successful.
This was a really fun episode to jam on with Kyle. With occasional rants and fun observations from our time in the industry helping MSPs with exactly these kinds of issues.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.
On this episode of Evolved Radio Podcast, I’m speaking with Orrin Klopper, CEO of Netsurit, a veteran of the IT industry since 1997. Orrin shares his journey from high school to becoming a leading figure in the field.
But it's not just Orrin's personal story that we explore in this episode. We also discuss the current state of the managed service provider (MSP) industry. Orrin sheds light on the consolidation happening within the industry, driven by private equity firms and the desire for liquidity events. We learn about the challenges MSPs face in finding new customers and the impact of emerging technologies, particularly AI.
Furthermore, Orrin reveals his company's unique approach to customer support agreements, highlighting the importance of incentivizing customers to follow recommendations. We also explore their company's "managed innovation" service and how it differentiates them from competitors.
Moving beyond the industry, Orrin shares valuable insights into building a purposeful and supportive culture within an organization. We discuss the importance of supporting employees' dreams and aligning the company's purpose with that of their clients. We also dive into their programmatic approach to management, focusing on personal and professional development.
Throughout the episode, Orrin emphasizes the significance of cultural alignment and differentiation in an industry where IT services are becoming increasingly commoditized.
Join us on this episode as we explore the MSP industry and the power of supporting the dreams of the doers. Don't miss out on the valuable insights shared by Orrin, a true industry expert with a passion for growth and purpose
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.
Training built for your MSP specific needs.
Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast, I’m joined by Brian Hoppe. Brian built, grew, and ran his MSP. He then went on to be acquired.
In our conversation, Brian and I discuss the journey of his MSP life. We talk about his early growth through acquisitions, his thoughts on playing to a niche, some great lessons learned, like faking it till you make it, and how peer groups and mentors impacted him. There are lots of learnings that maybe help you on your business journey. Please enjoy my conversation with Brian.
This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Evolved Training Courses. Training built for MSPs.
Today I’m joined by Phil Edgell of Edge Consulting. Phil and I met early in our tech careers and went on a similar journey in an explosive growth phase at the company we worked at. Phil’s experience is extremely wide-ranging, from starting as a tech to leading a world-class IT company and building the sale channel for several high-growth SaaS companies like Hootsuite and Revenue.io. In this episode, Phil shares his insights on winning more business, the importance of role-playing, why cold calling gets a bad rap and actionable tips on identifying your ideal customer. Please enjoy this insightful conversation with Phil.
This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Evolved Training Courses. Training built for MSPs.
Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast I’m chatting with Alex Dow, Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder of Mirai security.
Alex is an old friend and someone I deeply respect for his experience and knowledge of cybersecurity. He’s worked in the federal security space, securing the Olympics, and now runs a fast-growing security consulting firm in Vancouver.
Alex is also returning guest on the podcast. He originally joined me way back on episode 11 when we talked about drone racing.
On today’s episode, we’re discussing the security mindset. What is a “good enough” cyber security strategy? The buying psychology of the business that is looking for security services, a ton of war stories from Alex’s travels in the security world. We even dip into the details of the recent LastPass security breach.
Please enjoy my conversation with Alex.
This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Evolved Training Courses. Training built for MSPs.
Today on the podcast I’m speaking with Colin Knox CEO and co-founder of Gradient MSP. Colin is an MSP channel veteran. He built and sold his MSP, and created Passportal, which he sold to Solarwinds. Now Colin is back at it with Gradient.
Colin and I get real on the composition of the MSP market not being what a lot of people would seem to understand. How that influences the vendors and marketers of the industry and what effects that has on a huge majority of the MSP market.
We get on our soapboxes a bit in this one and talk about some really important topics. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Colin.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved MSP Training.
Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast, I’m chatting with Shane Mishler from SD Tech. Shane and I discuss the power of partnership. The lessons he’s learned in running an IT business with his business partner. We chat about the pros and cons of having a business partner.
I explore how Shane and his partner share the responsibilities of the business and ensure effective communication between them. We also dig into how partnerships should be considered with clients and vendors.
This is a great conversation for anyone who owns a business with someone or is considering taking on a partner.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Training. Training courses built for MSPs.
Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast I’m joined by Matt Call, Assistant Professor of Management at Mays school of business @ Texas A&M. Matt’s research seeks to understand how organizations can create and capture value from their workforce, with a particular interest in star employees. His work has been featured in Wall Street Journal and numerous academic journals.
We chat about identifying high performers, the downside risks of high performers, and how they should influence our thinking about stars as managers as well as members of teams. It’s a fascinating and practical discussion about how to increase the collaboration and cohesiveness of your teams.
Please enjoy my discussion with Matt.
This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management training.
Today on the podcast I’m joined by Alastair Woolcock, CSO with Revenue.io. Alastair has had an incredible career in technology sales, strategy, and industry analysis. Today Alastair is rolling those skills together to help build a sales enablement platform with Revenue.io. It’s a very cool technology that we touch on at the end of the interview. Alastair shares his thoughts and experience on the art and science of being successful at sales, the people, the tool, and the technology. Please enjoy my conversation with Alastair.
Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast I’m joined by Emily Glass, CEO of Syncro.
Emily and I chat about the future of the PSA and RMM in the MSP industry. How emerging MSPs needs differ from large MSPs and how Synchro is developed to support that community.
We also talk about running an all-remote company, the importance of mental health in the remote age, and a great discussion about how values help you manage decisions in a company.
It’s a great conversation about the MSP industry and company leadership. I hope you enjoy it.
Hey, welcome to a special episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast. The episode today is a little something different.
You may have seen me and some podcast friends promoting the MSP podcast crossover event. You have the chance to win $1000 cash. You just need to post on social media with the hashtag #MSPPodCastCrossover. That will enter you in the draw if you post within 24 hours of us posting this episode.
So the episode today is a fun gameshow-style event where myself and other MSP industry experts are answering some surprisingly difficult retro tech questions. It’s a fun event and you can play along with us. Then at the end, you’ll hear each of us tease our podcasts, so you can go check those out on your podcast platform of choice. I hope you enjoy this fun episode.
Today on the Evolved Radio podcast I’m chatting with Kevin Crowe. Kevin is the Executive VP of Customer Experience with Long View Systems.
If you’ve ever heard me tell my origin story about working in an early hyper-growth company, I’m talking about my days at Long View. Even back then Kevin was a fantastic storyteller and an adventurer.
In the episode today Kevin talks about how his adventures, like doing 240-mile endurance races prepared him to tackle all kinds of challenges in his life. Including a life alternating condition.
The lessons here are about challenge and adversity are useful in business and life, so please enjoy this entertaining and enlightening conversation with Kevin Crowe.
Today on the Evolved Radio podcast I’m joined by Dave Sobel host of The Business of Tech.
Dave and I talk about the current state of the MSP industry and the economy. Dave has a watchful eye on the trends of the tech industry as a whole and is an outspoken voice of the industry. If you enjoy our discussion today I would also encourage you to check out his daily podcast and YouTube content.
Work from home (WFH) and hybrid work models are here to stay. Today on the podcast I'm doing a solo show to detail some of the ideas I have about how MSPs need to shift their management models. The opportunities and the pitfalls of this change being forced on the work world.
Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast I’m joined by Mike Slater w/ Sherweb. Mike and I dig into the Microsoft NCE program, what’s changed, and what you need to know. We also chat about how this partner program is an indication of where the industry is trending in general. Mike’s passion for the channel and his depth of experience is perfect for this complex topic. I found it really valuable. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Mike Slater of Sherweb.
Today on the Evolved Radio Podcast, I’m chatting with Catherine Mattaskie, founder of The Performance Company. Catherine and I talk about a topic that is important to everyone, learning.
Everyone spends huge part of their life learning, but we’re making a mistake in our approach to learning. You may have heard the terms “Visual Learner,” but in fact, there are many more modalities that we can leverage. If we understand how we learn and process information, learning becomes easier and our ability to acquire and use the information we’re learning grows dramatically.
Understanding these learning modalities is crucial in business as well. Knowing how your staff, your peers, and your clients learn can be a massive competitive advantage for your ability to communicate.
So let’s dive in with Catherine as we discuss how to unlock your Inner Genius.
Today is a special episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast. I’m chatting with Jay Brister, Chief Business Development Officer with General Fusion.
General Fusion is a Canadian company and one of the leaders in the race to develop commercial fusion energy. Fusion technology has been around for 70 years but has historically remained elusive. Recently things have changed. Funding of private companies has been rushing into the space as technological advancements are being announced regularly.
Today I chat with Jay about the state of the industry and why General Fusions approach holds so much promise to bring the world a clean and safe source of power to bring us into the future of energy production.
Today on the Evolved Radio podcast, I'm chatting with Ben Worthen, CEO of Message Lab, an award-winning agency that combines journalism, data, and design to create content that resonates with any audience. Having studied how more than 1 million people engage with online content, Ben is the go-to expert when it comes to customer engagement and brand storytelling.
This episode is packed with practical takeaways that will help you improve your marketing by engaging with people in the correct way and at the correct point in their journey. I especially liked Ben's concept of the idea store.
Today on the podcast I'm joined by Bad Ass IT guy, Ben Brennan, Founder of QSTAC. Now I call him badass cause he did write a book called "Badass IT support." That idea of delivering top-shelf badass support forms the basis of what we talk about in our discussion on the podcast today.
We talk about Ben's experience rising up in the ranks of IT and what it taught him about IT that led him to develop his customer satisfaction software QSTAC. Ben is also a trained therapist, so his perspective on the psychology of work is an area we really connected on. We also talk a bit about Ben's journey as an entrepreneur starting a software company. There's lots to get in to here, so I hope you enjoy my conversation with Ben.
Joining me today on the Evolved Radio Podcast is Stephen Pasiciel with Kerkhoff Technologies. Head of coaching, culture, and talent development.
Stephen and I discuss emotional intelligence or EQ. Emotional intelligence is often a stronger indicator of people's future success. However, it's an amorphic subject that isn't well understood by most. We talk about coaching, and how you can check in with people beyond the "hey how ya' doin'?"
We talk mental health and what leaders should be looking for in their staff as red flags. We also help define EQ and emotional intelligence to better understand these terms in a business context.
Please enjoy this important conversation with Stephen.
Today I'm joined by Peter Melby CEO of Greystone Technologies.
Peter tells a fantastic story about how he grew his company from 800 bucks to cover rent and beer to a 10 Million dollar MSP powerhouse. Peter also shares his view on company culture and how that influenced his decisions in recent acquisition activity.
Please enjoy the fantastic shared in my conversation with Peter.
Joining me on the podcast today is Keith Daser, Director of Data & Security with WBM Technologies.
Keith came to the technology field from sales and we chat about building a funnel, why selling IT service contracts is harder than selling products, and how to manage a skeptical prospect.
It's a great episode with a few tips that could help you grow your business. Please enjoy my conversation with Keith.
Joining me today is the MSP Channel champion, Ernest Murry of Genuine Technology.
Ernest is a well-recognized member of the MSP community. His focus on SOPs and strong technical standards is often used as a reference point for others.
We also talk quite a bit about his view of security in our industry and Ernest provides a host of insights from his experience growing his Managed service business.
Please enjoy our conversation.
Joining me today on the MSP insights series is Ron Harris, VP of Sales and Partner at Omega Computers.
Ron and I talk about how they developed their pricing strategy. Omega also has a very low client churn rate and we explore that as well. Ron tells us why they decided to roll their own MSP tools, the strength of their brand presence, and why the up-market clients are where you should be.
It's a great conversation with Ron as he shares his experience in growing a successful MSP. Please enjoy.
Joining me today on the MSP insights series is Paul Vedder with VXIT.
Paul talks about the division of responsibilities running his MSP with a partner. How to handle the conflict created by winning a new client away from a competitor. We also chat about one of VXIT's superpowers, which is brand sophistication. Paul is also one of the co-founders of the MSP community IT Pool Party, so we chat a bit about community building.
It was great to connect with Paul for a very friendly and open conversation, like catching up over a beer. So please enjoy the discussion and lessons learned.
Today on the podcast we're continuing our series of interviews with MSP owners and operators. Joining me today is Aaron Zimmerman founder of TotalCareIT.
Aaron shares his experience growing his IT business from side hustle to a full-time gig. Aaron shares what he's learned operating in a more rural market. Aaron also recounts a difficult period where he lost a significant portion of his revenue, but ultimately was better off.
Lots of great stories and experiences were shared in the episode, please enjoy my discussion with Aaron.
My first guest to kick off this series is Brad Ruben, President of Archway Computers.
Brad's business isn't a typical MSP. Brad's early experiences in the IT industry shaped some of his decisions about how he runs things. His approach is intentional and has served him really well in growing the company. Brad's primary role in the business is sales, so we also chat about how he thinks about sales and growth. Please enjoy this insightful conversation with Brad.
Today on the podcast, I'm joined by Paul Green, MSP marketing expert. Paul and I talk about why IT companies really struggle with marketing, despite knowing it's important.
Paul details where to start from scratch on your marketing strategy and how to focus down on qualified leads.
We also chat about the tremendous opportunity to market to your existing client base.
Finally, we talk about how many MSP websites are downright embarrassing and why you should ensure your website represents you in the market.
Paul is knowledgeable and super passionate about MSP marketing, so grab a notepad and get ready to soak up some learnings here.
Today on the podcast I'm joined again by Eric Rieger of Webit.
Eric and I are chatting about the important topic of Mental health. It's a heavy topic, but one that doesn't get enough of the spotlight. The IT industry can be an extremely challenging field. Lots of demands, risks, and an extreme pace of change. Now after almost 2 years of a pandemic, the cracks are starting to show in even the most stoic of us all.
In the conversation today, Eric shares his challenges with mental health. We also chat about some management practices that can help.
So if you're struggling with a mental health challenge or even if you're not there's great info for everyone in this episode of the podcast. Please relax for an hour zone out and enjoy the episode.
Today on the podcast I'm joined by Eric Rieger with WebIT. Eric has been running his MSP for 25 years and has learned many lessons through his growth.
One that has had a profound impact on his business is using a system called open-book management. This is the practice of being highly transparent with your finances. Sharing as much financial information as possible with your staff and using it to instill a sense of ownership and awareness of the company finances.
We also talk about his experience in developing an employee stock ownership program or ESOP.
Eric's insights here are super valuable and align very closely with what I've observed in leveraging open-book management practices. So please enjoy this enlightening conversation with Eric Rieger.
Today on Evolved Radio I'm chatting with Jay McBain, Principal Analyst at Forrester Research.
Jay is a well-recognized and trusted voice in the IT Channel. He lives and breathes this stuff. He's super passionate about the industry trends and our industry future.
I get Jay's insights on the evolution of the distributors, the role of community in the channel, and his perspective on potential regulation of the IT industry.
Today on the podcast I'm joined by Matt Lee, CISSP, Director of technology and security with Iconic IT.
Matt and I chat about his experience and lessons learned in growing an MSP from a handful of staff to a multi-million dollar business. We talk about staffing, team structure, client management, and tech stack. There are a ton of insights that you may find familiar in your growth story. There are also come great takeaways that could help you in your business.
Matt is a great guy, very open and honest and this was a fun discussion that I'm sure you'll enjoy.
Today on Evolved Radio I joined again by Piers Steel. Piers is a Professor at the University of Calgary. He has an interesting field of study, procrastination.
I had Piers on the podcast a couple of years back in episode 41. We explored the psychological roots of procrastination.
Today Piers and I hit on something that I'm sure you have felt in the past year, Quarantine Procrastination. We also chat about some systems to help you and of course, end up talking about productivity since we're both a bit obsessed with the topic.
Enjoy the discussion and I hope you find it interesting and helpful.
Today on Evolved Radio I'm chatting with Vadim Vladimirksiy, CEO of Nerdio.
Vadim and I discuss our shared experience in the early days of remote-delivered desktop computing. Vadim was an early visionary of what the technology could eventually become. He built an MSP and set to work in building a solid cloud desktop solution for his clients. His success with the platform led him to spin out Nerdio from his MSP and have built one of the channel's leading solutions for serving and managing Windows Virtual Desktops (WVD).
We talk about some of the early issues with the technology and how things have matured. As the company name implies this episode gets pretty nerdy, so get ready to go deep to better understand the power of Windows Virtual Desktops past and present.
Today on the podcast I'm chatting with John Hammond, a Security researcher with Huntress Labs. John and I discuss the recent Microsoft Exchange attack sweeping the globe, the evolution of the AV platform, and some really cool security training platforms that John reviews on his Youtube channel. It's a scary world out there on the internet and we're here to arm you with some resources to stay safe.
Today on the podcast I'm joined by Megan Gilhooly, VP of Customer Experience at Zoomin. Megan has made it her mission to change how organizations think about product content
Megan has a really interesting perspective on how information creates a user experience. This spans from technical documentation to user prompts in software. It's an area of the technology industry that isn't as flashy as others, but the conversation with Megan really opened my eyes to the importance of being intentional about how you present information to anyone. Users of a product, technical staff reading documentation. These are all areas that would benefit from an intentional approach.
Today on the podcast I'm chatting with Rick McCutcheon. Rick is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 MVP.
Rick has a strong history in the CRM and Dynamics world. Now Rick helps businesses and vendors develop their Dynamics businesses.
In the podcast Rick and build on the previous episode, growing your cloud business. We chat about the opportunity that's available in building a dynamics practice, how to do it, and the huge impact it could have on your business.
Today on the podcast I'm speaking with Douglas Fiore with Tech Data.
Doug is a former Microsoft Dynamics business owner who now works as a partner enablement manager for Tech Data. Doug and I discuss some of the opportunities available to Microsoft cloud partners. Dynamics is a growing practice area for many MS partners and if you haven't considered how it could help your business, this podcast will help to highlight the opportunity available.
Today on the podcast I'm joined by Steve Petryschuk, Technology Advocate with Auvik Networks.
Steve is here to chat about the findings of Auvik's network field report. Auvik surveyed hundreds of IT Pros to get their perspective on their knowledge and practices around network management. The report is an interesting mix of insights. I've included a link to the full report in the show notes, so be sure to check that out. For now, enjoy my conversation with Steve as we discuss some of the insights from the report as well as some general discussion about network management.
Today on the podcast I'm speaking with Stephen King (@sKingGForce)with Growth Force.
Stephen is the CEO of GrowthForce one of the largest providers of outsourced bookkeeping and controller services in the US.
With three decades of experience in supporting businesses with their finances, Stephen has seen it all. The topic of today's conversation is an important one, Fraud! Stephen and I discuss how businesses are impacted by fraud and how to build better systems and processes in your business to ensure you're not one of the thousands of businesses every year that have money stolen from their business.
This discussion spans cybersecurity, process management, human psychology, and trust.
Please enjoy this useful discussion on how to protect your business from financial fraud.
Today on the podcast I'm chatting with Gabriel Gumbs (@gabrielgumbs), CIO of Spirion. Gabe had an early passion for technology and focused on the security field. Gabe has deep experience as a security practitioner. In the interview, we discuss where people tend to go wrong when implementing a security framework. We discuss some of the industry frameworks and how they can be leveraged for your own needs. We also touch on finding the balance between security policies and user friction. I hope you enjoy this thought-provoking discussion with an innovative leader in the security and privacy space.
Today on the podcast I'm joined by Stephen King, President, and CEO of GrowthForce.
GrowthForce is one of the largest outsourced accounting services in the US. His experience as a top executive in a Fortune 500 company is now put to work helping his team provide accounting system design and data-based management.
In our discussion today we talk about the tough times that likely lay ahead for the economy in 2021. Why and HOW businesses should be preparing for a rough economic future. We also chat about the human element and how to balance the needs of your company with the desire to be a compassionate leader.
Regardless of where you're at in your company journey, you should always know your numbers. This episode is a great resource to reflect on what you need to know and how you should be preparing for the future in order to protect your company's future.
Today on the podcast I'm joined by Luis Giraldo. Luis is well known in the MSP channel for his role at IT glue, but Luis has recently moved to Solarwinds. Also, a lesser-known fact is that Luis is also an MSP owner. I'm not sure where he finds so many hours in the day, but I'm glad to have him as a return guest on the podcast. Luis was one of the very early guests of the podcast way back on episode five, which I'll link to in the show notes.
The topic for today is MSP tools again, Luis and I are chatting about the evolution of the RMM tool for MSPs and how the pandemic is influencing network management.
Today on the podcast I'm joined by Chris Timm with Sondela Consulting.
Chris is a former MSP owner who now runs a consulting group that focuses on helping Managed Service providers get the most from the PSA.
The PSA or professional services automation tool is a central tool to most MSPs. The trouble is the tool often doesn't get as much love or attention as it should. Yes, can do ticketing, but there is also SO much more that the PSA can provide for your business.
Enjoy my conversation with Chris on why these tools are underutilized and what you can do about it.
Today on the podcast I'm speaking with Josh Weiss with LA Creative Technologies.
Josh experienced very difficult personal events in the past year. The standard pressure of running an MSP was compounded by his girlfriend being diagnosed with cancer and his father entering palliative care. Then to top if off the coronavirus pandemic forced everyone into lockdown.
It would have been understandable that Josh would have been overwhelmed by the pressure.
Instead, adversity has created an opportunity to reflect on his values and his habits.
Josh and I talk about what these challenges have taught him about how he lives his life and how he manages his business.
To be honest, I have avoided talking about the pandemic in the podcast, but I also see now how this event will have long-lasting impacts on our businesses and our society.
I hope you enjoy this discussion with Josh Weiss on adversity and values.
Resources:
Psychological Safety blog post I mention.
Profit First - The Book that Josh mentions.
Today on Evolved Radio I'm chatting with Nigel Moore, leader of the Tech Tribe.
Nigel is a favorite guest on the podcast and if you haven't heard Episode 35 when Nigel and I discussed the transition from Time and Materials provider to the MSP model, I encourage you to check out that previous episode.
Today Nigel and I are chatting about one of the most common questions that gets asked in the MSP community, "How should I package and price my offering?"
What should you include? What should my seat price be? Should you have Termed contracts? All this and some fun war stories about life in the MSP channel, so stick around and enjoy.
If you'd like to check out the Tech Tribe Community. You can use my affiliate link to get 40% off your first month.
You can also check out Nigel's book here.
Today on the podcast I'm chatting with Linda Rose. Linda is an author, speaker, and advisor. Linda's background building, running and selling not one, but several technology companies. In the episode today we explore some of the lessons she's condensed from her experience into a book entitled, "Get acquired for millions."
Linda and I discuss topics like valuing your company and what goes into that. Should you still be considering selling in a depressed market, how should you be preparing your company for a sale, and you may be surprised by how long that process takes.
Linda also has some valuable resources to share on the show notes. So check those out as well.
https://www.evolvedmgmt.com/podcast
On the podcast today, I'm joined by Robert Merki to talk about ADHD. ADHD is well recognized in modern culture. However, there are also a lot of misconceptions and stigmas associated with the condition. Rob explains his journey in finding he had ADHD, how it affected him, and how he manages.
Rob is a software product director and is currently writing a book entitled ADHD Pro.
Book link: https://adhdpro.xyz/
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/robmerki
Today on the podcast I'm speaking with Michael Argast founder of Kobalt. Kobalt is a security consulting partner that specializes in helping small to medium businesses secure their technical operations with an enterprise approach.
Michael and I explore what team should consider when they are building cloud infrastructure. What are some of the common mistakes? Is On-prem more secure than the cloud? Also, since everyone is dealing with the COVID19 work from home issue, we explore some tips on ensuring people are staying secure when working from home.
Today I'm joined by Jon Scott from Scope Stack. We talk about some of the best practices you should use when scoping projects. Things like fixed fee vs. TnM, the difference between a proposal and a SOW, and how you can make your project scoping easier. This is a great episode with useful insights to help you to up your project delivery game. You can increase profit and client satisfaction while reducing the burden on the tech team.
Today on the podcast I'm joined by Nate Freedman from Tech Pro Marketing.
We talk about some of the common mistakes IT companies make when building their marketing engine. We also discuss some of the effective tactics in marketing to your clients. We focus heavily on using LinkedIn as a vehicle for generating leads. We also touch on using your website and paid click campaigns. There are tons of useful ideas and strategies in this episode, so listen up and maybe make a few notes.
Today on the podcast I'm speaking with Jennifer Bleam with MSP Sales Revolution. Selling Cybersecurity is critical for any IT service provider. After all, the impact of a cyber attack on your clients has an impact on you with recovery work and potential damage to reputation. So How do you sell cybersecurity to your clients? Is it appropriate to use fear as a sales tool? How do you counter the pushback that you get from some clients? Jennifer and I talk about these questions and much more, so please enjoy this topical and actionable conversation with Jennifer Bleam.
On the podcast today, I'm speaking with Rachel Gertz about project management. Rachel is a return guest to the podcast. We've previously talked about the role of the project manager in episode 9. She also joined me in episode 19 to talk about some futuristic topics like AI and medicine.
Today, we dive deeper into project management, especially people that find themselves as accidental project managers. We share some tips about dealing with people, how to run project meetings, and the huge career opportunities in project management.
ERP009 - Project Management
ERP019 - Futurism and AI
Training from LT10
Today on the podcast, we're diving into the evolution of biosciences and genetic engineering. I'm speaking to Michael Seiler with Taconic. Michael is an expert in genetic engineering. At Taconic, they help researchers to test drug therapies and even gene therapies with highly controlled animal models. The field of biosciences is evolving fast and Taconic is at the cutting edge of what a more modern test tube looks like.
On the podcast, Michael and I discuss gene therapy and the science of genetic engineering. We also discuss the quickly advancing field of the microbiome.
Today on the podcast I'm speaking with Likky Lavji about blind spots. Everyone has blind spots. We have them in our personal life and our work lives. Being aware of our blindspots can open up a universe of options for us to advance our goals. Likky is a former MSP owner and EOS consultant. He speaks honestly about his own experiences as a business owner as well as his observations inside other people's businesses. This is a great conversation that hopefully gets you thinking about your own blind spots that may be quietly controlling your world.
Likky on Linkedin
likkylavji.com
Most MSPs are great at solving technical problems, but being a great MSP is more about how you make your clients feel, more than what you do.
On the podcast today is Alona Bolotnikova of Perfecting Service. She helps MSPs with the soft skills and service coaching to ensure your support team is providing the best possible service experience for your clients.
We talk about common client complaints, best practices for updating clients on tickets, and top tips for helping your techs improve their service skills. Enjoy my conversation with Alona about creating a great service culture.
Today we're talking about my favorite topic. Management.
Earlier this year I found a software tool that filled a gap that I've struggled with for years. Both as a manager in previous roles, but also the managers that I've coached.
Keeping notes for meetings, one on ones, sharing deliverables and provide feedback. There are some tools that help with some of these, but it was always imperfect. Then I found Fellow. They call it a manager's co-pilot, but I would argue it's more than that. It uses the management practices that I advocate for and puts all of that information in a lightweight, easy to use platform.
I invited Aidan Mirzaee,(@aydin) CEO and co-founder of Fellow of the software to discuss management practices and how Fellow can help. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Aydin.
To Try Fellow.app for free, click here.
Most IT Service providers are sitting on top of a multi-million dollar sales opportunity in their existing customer base. This episode of Evolved Radio will show you how to take advantage of this massive opportunity.
Today on the podcast I'm joined by Dan Wensley, CEO of Warranty Master.
Dan is a veteran of the MSP channel, having worked at Level Platforms which was a darling of the Canadian tech scene.
Dan was also the president of Passportal before joining Warranty Master.
In our conversation, we talk about how MSPs can leverage warranty data to ensure their client environments are more stable which benefits the customer as well as the MSP.
There has been a string of coordinated attacks on MSPs recently. Large players like WiPro, Fujitsu, and IBM. As well as a number of smaller regional MSPs. Kyle Hanslovan (@kylehanslovan) of Huntress Labs joins me on the podcast to give us his expert viewpoint on the risks these attacks pose and how IT service companies should be securing their environments to avoid being the next victim.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST: Huntress Labs Attack Debrief Webinar
Art Markman (@abmarkman) is a leading cognitive scientist. Art is a professor of psychology and marketing at the University of Texas at Austin. He is also the author of several books and hundreds of scholarly articles.
Today we discuss his new book "Bring Your Brain to Work. Using Cognitive Science to Get a Job, Do It Well, and Advance Your Career."
Art also has a podcast called "Two Guys on Your Head."
Today on the podcast I'm talking to Piers Steel, Professor at the University of Calgary and author of The Procrastination Equation. Piers has spent years researching the reasons for and impacts of procrastination. Today we chat about the reasons why you fail to follow through despite your best intentions. It's a surprisingly complex topic. A fascinating mixed conversation on self-help, psychology, biology, and productivity. I'm sure you'll find the conversation as fascinating as I did. Enjoy.
On the podcast, today is Chris Day CEO of Top Down Ventures.
Chris is a well-recognized member of the MSP channel, as the founder of IT Glue. IT Glue's remarkable growth curve and industry attention are unlike anything we've seen in the market. He recently exited IT Glue after selling to Kaseya. Now he's working with SaaS application entrepreneurs to provide capital and scaling strategies for their businesses.
In our discussion we catch up with Chris on the recent M&A activity of Glue and Fully Managed, the projects currently on deck at Top Down, and we discuss the current M&A madness in the MSP channel.
The products being managed by Top Down we mentioned
Quoter
Backup Radar
Warranty Master
Mark is a Professor of Service Excellence at the University of Victoria, Gustavson School of Business. Author of "The science of service, the proven formula to drive customer loyalty and stand out from the crowd." Available on Amazon. Mark has done work with the govt. Of British Columbia, Telus, Whistler Blackcomb and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Our conversation is a stimulating discussion on the evolution of the IT industry as we know it today and some exploration of what it may look like in the future. How you can remove bottlenecks in your organization and how you can grow the skills of your team to ensure everyone's commitment and success.
Kevin is a co-author on several popular books including The Visible OPs Handbook, The Phoenix Project, and more. His industry expertise and insights are wide-ranging and the discussion is fascinating and enlightening.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Cloudberry. Your #1 cross-platform cloud backup platform. I chatting with Doug Hazelman (@VMDoug), VP of technical marketing with Cloudberry.
Backups are an important offering for any IT service provider. Cloudberry is focused on supporting MSPs build a flexible backup offering that protects servers and workstations, as well as cloud app data like Office 365 and G suite.
Cloudberry allows a free trial of their software, so why not sign up and give it a spin?
Doug hosts an MSP focused podcast called MSP Voice that you should subscribe to.
On the podcast today I'm speaking with Canon Bryan, CFO with Terrestrial Energy. Terrestrial Energy is an industry leader in next-generation nuclear energy. Nuclear is a fantastically efficient and clean source of energy, but over the years it's earned a bit of negative reputation. As Canon and I discuss this reputation is really unfair when you examine the facts. Terrestrial Energy is building the next generation of nuclear power. It's much more compact, it's dramatically safer, and could be the key to our energy future.
Resources mentioned
4th Generation Energy Blog
Terrestrial Energy on Twitter & Facebook
Taylor Wilson - MSR Ted Talk - This is the TED Talk that got me excited about the MSR technology
Turning CO2 into gasoline
Nuclear facilities have killed far fewer people than you may think.
Today on the podcast, my guest is Nigel Moore, Founder of The Tech Tribe.
Nigel built and sold a successful MSP in Sydney. He now is leading a tribe of MSP owners looking to grow their MSP practice.
Nigel and I talk about the evolution of the IT service company to an MSP.
The mistakes people make and what makes it difficult. We also explore the idea of if you should do TnM & MSP or just go pure MSP.
Nigel is a fantastic guy and is truly passionate about the industry.
Resources mentioned Managed Services in a Month - by Karl Palachuk
The Tech Tribe discount link here. Use this link and get 40% off your first month and the tech tribe will donate mosquito nets to communities in Africa!
Today's podcast is brought to you by Simplesat. Your tool for stupidly simple satisfaction surveys. I'm joined by Derek and Cory Brown, the father-son team behind Pronto Marketing and Simplesat.
If you're in a service-based industry it's important to know how your customers feel about your service. Traditional satisfaction surveys are terrible and the response rate shows that's the case. Simplesat can increase your client feedback 10 fold. Simplesat also makes the data more actionable. Jump over to simplesat.io for a free 30-day trial and try it out yourself.
Today on Evolved Radio we're talking everyone's favorite IT topic lately. Security!
I'm joined by Ian Paterson CEO of Plurilock. His company has a really innovative approach to security. It's an advanced form of user identification that can tell who you are by how you type and move the mouse.
We talk about why users hate passwords, security requirements for regulated industries, and much more.
Richard Tubb is one of the best-known experts in the global IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) community. His track record speaks for itself, as he launched and sold his own MSP business before creating a leading MSP media and consultancy practice. Richard is also the author of the IT Business Owner's Survival Guide and the author of the Tubblog.
We discuss why you may need a business coach, what business owners tend to struggle with most, and how technology is evolving MSP businesses as well as their client's businesses.
Several books are mentioned in the podcast in addition to Richard's book.
The E-Myth revisited
Getting Things Done
On the podcast today, I'm chatting with Alex Markov, President of Red Key Solutions and CEO of Strategy Overview.
Red Key is a mature and successful MSP in the New York area. Alex and his team work hard to deliver business value to their clients. One of the best way for MSPs to do that is implementing a QBR/TBR. Alex recognized the value in the system they had built and has created a SaaS product called Strategy Overview to help others deliver effective technology planning to their clients.
Dan Sutton is vocal leader in the BC cannabis industry. Dan started Tantalus Labs, a cannabis production company in 2012. Dan has been a strong supporter of greenhouse based production of cannabis. We talk about the social and financial impact of that approach. We also discuss the fast dissolving social and professional stigmas associated with cannabis. Canada is expected to federally legalize cannabis in 2018. The Canadian market alone is expected to be worth about seven Billion. Dan and his team hope to position sungrown BC bud as a market leader in the industry.
If you've never heard of Graphene, you can bet you'll be hearing a lot more about it in the coming years.
Graphene is a material that quietly holds the keys to many of our next generation of technological advances. Filtering water at an atomic level, creating impossibly lightweight bulletproof material, building a quantum supercomputer, and powering nanobots. This little-known material called Graphene is central to a series of fascinating technical discoveries.
Today I'm speaking with Dr. Joseph Meany. Dr. Meany is and his colleague, Les Johnson, have written a book about this amazing material.
Wim Kerkhoff and I talk lean for devops and IT managed services. Wim built a Kanban system for Connectwise Manage
James built an offshore support team to augment his MSP business. He found the offshore strategy enabled a scaling of his business that he otherwise never could have achieved. As more and more peers asked him how to do the same he recognized a business opportunity and Benchmark 365 was born. James and I discuss his journey, some of the common resistance points around offshoring and how his team integrates with existing MSP businesses.
Ted is the Chief Revenue Officer at Itopia. Itopia's mission is to make it easy to migrate Windows workspace environments to the cloud.We talk about the evolution of Cloud computing, including Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and using the public cloud for rapidly deploying computing infrastructure. This is a rapidly growing solution in the IT industry enabling providers to spin up remote desktop environments in no time at all. Ted and I also talk about the competition between AWS, Azure, and Google in the public cloud arena.
Tim Kane is co-founder and CEO of myHSA. myHSA is a technology company that facilitates Insurance brokers with the ability to offer in-house health spending accounts. In my interview with Tim, we explore his evolution from brick and mortar business owner to digital entrepreneur. His journey has been filled with hard lessons about building a software business as a non-technical founder. His passion, determination, and strong focus on customer service have served him well. Tim and his co-founder Steve have grown the company from two people and a database to 8+ staff and a fast growing client base.
You have probably heard the term Big Data. What does that mean anyway? Today I'm joined by Alastair Woolcock, to talk about Data Science. We uncover the science of data analytics and how data is unlocking market changing insights at all levels of business. Whether you're a small business trying to understand social media and it's influence on your marketing efforts, or an enterprise organization trying to understand client behavior, data can be a powerful tool. There is a growing industry of data science that is trying to use the power of hypothesis to mine for insights in the mountains of data that our modern businesses produce.
Today's podcast I'm joined by Raj Goel, CISSP. Raj is the founder of Brainlink and the creator of SOP Culture. Raj and I explore the benefits and the challenges of creating a SOP driven culture in your business. SOP Culture was formed out of years of Raj standardizing his teams work at Brainlink to ensure a consistency of service that gives him an unusual competitive edge in the market.
Dr. Ray Hsu and I discuss how higher education needs to evolve to best serve students and innovation.
Dr. Ray Hsu Professor at UBC. He is both the founder of the VR/AR working group and faculty in residence at the emerging media lab, conducting research on the immersive technology. When most people think of VR they think of video games. Like many of us, Dr.Ray sees the value of VR in the gaming field, but his vision for its impact go far beyond that. In particular, I wanted to talk to Dr.Ray about his view on how VR/AR will influence education.
My guest today is Miguel Sanchez with Mass Ideation. I think that augmented reality and mixed reality are going to have a massive influence on how brands market their ideas and products. Why simply have a glossy photo with some cool print, when you can have a mini-movie built into your advertisement. Miguel's company is leading the way in the industry helping companies use leading-edge technologies to create a more memorable and engaging experience in their marketing work. This market is evolving fast with all the big names getting behind AR after the success of Pokemon GO. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Miguel.
My guest today is Bill Stucklen, CEO of Stack Advisors. Bill and I discuss a specific portion of the Managed IT space. Stack Advisors is a company that provides expertise to MSPs using Labtech and Connectwise. The reason I was interested in having Bill on to chat was that it seems counter-intuitive that an IT company would outsource its internal systems management to a third party, but it makes a ton of sense for many MSPs.
New threats are emerging on the internet. Just in recent months we have seen shockingly more mature attacks on the internet. State sponsored cyberwar tactics are being brought in to the public eye. Last month we saw one of the largest DDoS attacks ever recorded. So I wanted to chat with a friend of mine that has deep roots in the Internet Security industry and get his thoughts on the rapid evolution of the security industry.
Rob Malec is an author, consultant, active keynote speaker to the business community and business columnist. He is the President of Businessworks Consulting Inc. Based in Vancouver British Columbia he has been helping his clients increase the revenue their company’s generate while operating more effectively as an organization since 2001.
Continuum has a strong and diverse marketing approach that is geared toward the digital age. Some of the topics we cover are social media, content marketing, and how to noticed amid the noise of the internet. This episode will give you some actionable advice on how to mature your digital marketing strategy to drive your success.
Vancouver is often talked about as future tech hub. Already big companies like Microsoft & Amazon are expanding their presence in Vancouver. I reached out to our guest today to chat about the expanding tech sector in Vancouver. We discuss some of the opportunities and challenges with this growing sector of our local economy and how it fits into the global tech market.
Tyler Orton is a reporter at Business In Vancouver newspaper who specializes in B.C.'s tech sector.
He also hosts BIV's daily show on Roundhouse Radio 98.3, tackling headline news and interviewing the city's most notable names in business.
Kevin Crowe is the founder of Give A Mile. Give A Mile is a ‘not for profit’ online platform that enables people to visit a palliative ill loved one or people with a life threatening illness through crowdfunding of flights via donations of travel loyalty miles. Kevin was inspired to start Give A Mile after losing a very close friend to brain cancer. Kevin is also a member of the leadership team of Long View Systems a technology company. As a member of the Long View leadership team he has helped take the company from 11 people to over 1,100 people working across North America. Kevin also loves to pursue endurance sports having completed several ultra-marathons including the Canadian Death race and the Ironman. He currently lives in Calgary with his amazing wife and awesome son.
Alex is a cyber security expert professionally but also has a deep passion for drone technology. His passion led him through a hobby interest in flying drones, to building and racing drones. He now helps organize a regional drone racing league in Vancouver. In the conversation, we chat about the growing sport of drone racing, some of the safety concerns around drones, the development of flying AI, and a few of the numerous commercial applications for drone tech. Lots of people are familiar with drone tech, but few appreciate how dramatically this tech will weave its way into our daily lives.
Robert Merki is Director of Product at CognitiveVR. He started exploring web development at the age of 10 and continued building technology products all throughout his youth. After working at a variety of technology startups, Robert joined cognitiveVR to head up product development. CognitiveVR is a virtual reality analytics company based out of Vancouver BC. The company’s analytics platform helps their customers overcome the complexity of VR to bring them deep insights into how their users are interacting with their products. With the advent of VR, analytics becomes a vital way VR experience creators hone and optimize their narratives, games, and tools.
Rachel is a consultant and trainer to project managers, freelancers, and creative teams. She is also an active leader in the Digital Project Manager community in Vancouver, BC. This episode is a lot of fun, Rachel and I talk about the evolving history of project management and it's increasing role in the digital economy. Then we go down a few fun rabbit holes about finding a higher purpose, machine learning, AI, and other futurist topics.
David reviews with us his eco-system for a healthy culture and we chat about the evolution of corporate culture through the years. We also touch on some of the key struggles that business owners deal with when trying to develop a healthy culture.
Kevin is a Microsoft MVP specializing in App-V and application delivery technologies. We chat about the MVP program, App-V itself and its evolution from Softgrid. We also touch on application delivery options for IT shops and MSPs. Then we look forward to the future of application delivery, how Azure will play a role and industry adoption of cloud infrastructure.
Vanbex is a group that specializes in strategy, marketing, and operations consulting for blockchain companies. Lisa has a relatively long history with blockchain tech having worked with companies like Mastercoin, Ethereum, Factom, and Tendermint. Lisa is a strong believer in the future of the blockchain and its power to evolve countless aspects of not just finance, but all businesses. We chat about the politics of bitcoin, the fast evolution of the blockchain markets, and hurdles still in place before the mainstream adoption of blockchain currencies.
Luis Giraldo is the Founder and CEO of Ook Enterprises, a Managed IT service provider focusing on the small business space in Vancouver. Luis and I explore the what and the why of managed services for businesses. As well as, some of the trends we see in the partnering and sales process for managed service business owners as well as companies looking to outsource their IT to a partner.
Marc Stoiber is on a mission to make speeches and presentations interesting and engaging. Marc has a rich history in advertising and has won numerous awards for his work with all sorts of brands including local brands as well as huge multi-national ones. We talk about the evolution of marketing and advertising in the digital age and why TED-style speeches have become such a pop-culture phenomenon.
Alex Sterk is passionate about all things blockchain. For the past year, Alex has been interviewing members of the blockchain and fintech space on his podcast Blocktalk. Alex and I talk about the power of the blockchain, some of the cool projects he's come across in his interviews and what the future may hold for this technology.
Jessie Adcock brought her deep experience in enterprise organizations to government. The City of Vancouver has a vision for a digital strategy. Jessie is responsible for the development and implementation of that strategy. We explore the evolution of government and technology, how the city of Vancouver is supporting their digital economy and the city's open data initiative.
Interview with Lachlan Turner of Arkinfosec (@ArkInfosec). We discuss the current state of cybersecurity. What hack attacks look like and how the hacker conducts the attacks. How can people and businesses protect themselves? What does the future hold for cyber security?
Some portions of the audio have a slight echo. I'm quickly learning how to properly engineer the audio for future episodes.