In this special, we reflect on insights from 2025 and what leaders should prepare for in 2026. From the realities behind last year’s AI hype, to the need for emphasizing execution, data quality, culture, and leadership.  We also touch on experiences gained from producing over 400 podcast episodes.  We also look ahead to 2026 as the focus shifts to responsible and agentic AI moving from theory into practice, and to AI integration across business functions.  We even lay out some of our commitments for the year ahead—tying AI to measurable business outcomes, investing in learning frameworks, and taking more calculated risks—while reinforcing a core belief: technology adoption without mindset and culture change will not stick.    Key HighlightsAI in 2025 was all the rage and yet execution and data quality were true differentiators.Action beats indecision, and sustainability beats speed.Growth comes from focus, not endless expansion.Culture and mindset must lead technology adoption.2026 will emphasize Responsible AI, agentic workflows, and outcome-driven benchmarks.Continued commitment to provide resources, including our AI simulation, courses and books. Be intentional, stay informed, and be bold as you build for the future.Become a sponsor, Patreon member and pick up our latest book entitled, Identically Opposite: Find Your Voice and SPEAK. Timestamps: Leverage AI 6:02 Identically Opposite SPEAK framework 9:12 Responsible AI 23:22

As 2025 comes to a close, let’s press pause before pushing ahead into the New Year. We want to make the case that a deliberate year-end leadership review is not optional—it is essential. Too many leaders roll straight into the year with ‘bigger’ goals but carry over the same habits, skipping the hard reflection that drives real progress. A proper review goes beyond listing accomplishments; it asks whether your leadership actually mattered, where it created value, and how it impacted people and results. When treated as a growth conversation rather than an administrative exercise, a year-end review becomes the foundation for clarity, trust, and momentum.Highlights:Why effective leadership reviews must be reflective, celebratory, and strategic.Three core dimensions of a 2025 leadership review: value delivered, performance under pressure, and accountabilityHow avoidance and slipping standards quietly undermine results.Turning reflection into action by setting one clear leadership theme and one defining outcome for 2026. Be 'intentional' and leverage technology and resources including ours.   Why focus, discipline, and accountability are the keys to truly “crushing” your goals next year. Thank you for your continued support. Visit AppMeetup.com for more learning and development resources, including our books, journals and training programs.    Timestamps: Review 3 Aspects 6:40 3 Review Dimensions 10:03 A Performance Multiplier 19:10

How is AI reshaping channel go-to-market strategies—especially for SMBs?  Demand Generation Manager for Channext and producer/host of the Partnerships Unraveled Podcast, Efe Senel shares how successful channel communities are built on trust, reputation, and deep partner understanding.Key Highlights:Efe’s unconventional journey from music into technology.Common mistakes in scaling partner ecosystems include distance, lack of connection, and trust erosion.Channext’s approach to “channel pull and end-user push” with their channel marketing automation platform.Lessons learned from podcasting (surpassed 200 episodes), mentorship, and building reputation-first channel strategies.Follow Efe on LinkedIn, follow the Partnerships Unraveled Podcast program and visit Channext.com to learn more about their partner marketing platform, and how embedding AI into channel programs, balancing automation with human connection, and scaling partnerships is a perfect mix for success.   Timestamps: Importance of Trust & Connection 7:20 AI & Strategy 10:15 Marketing for Partners 25:01

A timely conversation on the power of community as a growth engine with Tracie Orisko, Worldwide Senior Director of Sales Development and Community at Huntress.  Tracie credits relationships who have supported her success journey, as well as her deep rooted leadership principle of “under-promise and over-deliver.”Highlights include:Why trust must be earned—not assumed—and how intentionality, consistency, and cultural awareness are essential to creating communities that last.Emerging trends shaping 2026, and why everything at Huntress is community-driven—from supporting leaders to navigating AI responsibly.Recent announcement of their first distributor-partnership with Sherweb and upcoming product launches around posture management.Common mistakes leaders make when trying to “buy” community instead of earning it.From global partner engagement to aligning sales development with authentic relationships, this discussion reinforces why community remains the true differentiator in the IT channel.Connect with Tracie on LinkedIn and visit huntress.com/ to stay involved with the community and to learn more about their 2 upcoming product launches around posture management.   TimeStamps: Under-Promise, Over-Deliver 11:31 Building 'Both Sides of the House' 19:49 2026 Shifts / Trends  22:31

'Doing the right thing' in business is crucial for long-term success, fostering trust with customers, employees, and strategic partners.  Leading with this focus helps enhance brand reputation, increase profitability through efficiency, and build a healthy organizational culture, as ethical practices drive loyalty and better performance.  What does doing the right thing actually look like in business? Chris Allen, VP of Sales at Augmentt, provides insight into his leadership and shares how his leadership mantra—“Do the right thing”—continues to shape his approach to building high-performing sales cultures rooted in hope, accountability, and authenticity.    Highlights include: Augmentt’s platform and innovative approach to supporting their strategic partnerships.  Intune Management, deeper AI integration through their new AI Policy Analyzer, and how partner feedback is actively shaping their 2026 roadmap. “Chaos tends to breed opportunities” and elevate leadership.   Chris's core values are to be hopeful, be accountable and be real. How MSPs are leveraging Augmentt to increase MRR and enrich security offerings.   Be sure to follow Chis on LinkedIn and visit augmentt.com/ to learn more about their Microsoft-centric SaaS Security Management platform.   Timestamps: 'Do the right thing' 10:35 Working with Augmentt 15:29 Strategic relationship with Microsoft 23:07 Quickfire questions 26:22  

Planning for a successful TSP and conference journey begins with one essential principle: make every client and every attendee feel as though the message was crafted specifically for them. In this special IT Nation Connect Global edition, we sit down with Syed Fraz, CEO of ITMSC, and Amanda Young, Sr. Director of Global Events at ConnectWise, to explore how personalization, preparation, and community-driven experiences shape stronger outcomes for both MSPs and major industry conferences.    We get a glimpse of Syed's entrepreneurial mindset and appetite for growth. Syed shares how MSPs can embrace AI, foster open conversations, empower their technicians, and cultivate relationships where “everyone is a friend.” Amanda takes us behind the curtain of a world-class event—revealing the six-month planning window, the five pillars guiding IT Nation’s design, and how her team balances tradition with innovation in an era where technology and attendee expectations evolve rapidly.  Her goal, 'it's about a connected experience' and one that is community-centric.   Learn more by visiting syncgoose.com, itmsc.net/ and itnation.connectwise.com/ See you at the next ITNation Conference & Tech event   Timestamps: 01:14 – Marker Part 1: Syed Fraz  27:36 – Marker Part 2: Amanda Y_PGM 

At IT Nation Connect Global, a clear theme emerged from our conversations with two industry leaders: understand and embrace the mission. Whether guiding teams or building global programs, Adam Slutskin, Co-Founder, Chief Revenue Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer at CyberFox; and Ben Bitterman, VP Global MSP at Arctic Wolf, emphasized that leadership begins with clarity of purpose. Adam shares how a great culture, clear perspective, and authentic MSP DNA can fuel real organizational growth. He highlights CyberFox’s commitment to consistent pricing, meaningful problem-solving, and the power of simple, repeated communication. From military leadership to driving growth in the MSP and IT channel ecosystem, he reveals nuggets of wisdom including the adage of “say few things, say it often”.  He is offering a free resource for our listeners, visit https://tinyurl.com/cyberfoxE-book Ben breaks down Arctic Wolf’s global MSP strategy, their concierge delivery model, and why MSPs must focus on the business outcomes their security solutions truly solve. He urged MSPs to assess what problems they truly solve, where they create value, and how to evolve through global pressures, regional compliance, and emerging technologies. His humorous promise — “I will Pinky and the Brain with you” — captured the spirit of partnership that both leaders believe is essential.   Together, these conversations offer compelling insights into leadership, culture, and the future of security operations, delivering the perfect blend of strategy, storytelling, and mission-driven guidance for today’s tech leaders. For more about their mission, visit cyberfox.com and arcticwolf.com/   Timestamps: 00:01:14 — Part 1: Adam Slutskin 00:22:13 — Part 2: Ben Bitterman

We explore the adage “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” with two leaders who are redefining how organizations safeguard their clients and scale strategic services. Jesse Miller—Founder of PowerPSA Consulting and creator of the PowerGRYD vCISO System—shares how “cracking the code” starts with asking the right questions, learning from your best customers, and building value pillars that simplify focus and accelerate growth. His message is clear: you don’t need to sell, you need to provide value, and the next best thing to “yes” is a fast “no.”We then shift to cyber crisis readiness with Noam Morginstin, CEO & Co-Founder of Exigence, who emphasizes that incident response cannot live in a static document. Leaders must plan, practice, and continuously evolve their ability to prevail when breaches occur. From automated runbooks to GenAI-powered response agents, Noam outlines the importance of helping teams and organizations prepare for the inevitable and confidently navigate high-pressure situations.Highlights include:Build two buckets of value pillars to scale your vCISO services effectively.“Focus is your friend”—eliminate complexity and create clarity.Incident response must move beyond Word docs to a dynamic, actionable SaaS system.“Plan, Practice, Prevail”—a three-step mindset for crisis and cyber-incident readiness.Leveraging GenAI agents to enhance prevention, detection, and coordinated response   Timestamps: 01:12- Part 1: Jesse Miller 30:25- Part 2: Noam Morginstin

In this special IT Nation Connect Global edition, we sit down with two respected leaders shaping the future of the channel: Rob Rae, Corporate Vice President of Community & Partner Experience at Pax8, and Eric Torres, Vice President of Channel & Community Engagement at Pax8. Together, they unpack what it truly means to elevate the partner experience—beginning with the simple but powerful act of listening. From understanding the partner’s universe to shaping a marketplace that reflects their needs, Rob and Eric illuminate how empathy, intentionality, and constant feedback fuel a thriving community.Highlights include: Uncover and keep the voice of the partner central to design a better marketplace and event experience. What a more “agentic" future means for service providers.  Success stories within the Pax8 ecosystem and the importance of nurturing relationships that enable partners to grow.  Rob emphasis on humility and service, "You're not the center of the MSP’s universe."  Eric’s leadership principle: “Make time for conversations.” Listening and following up unlock community success.   Whether you’re a vendor, MSP, or channel leader, this episode delivers meaningful insights on strengthening connections and building a phenomenal partner journey. Visit Pax8.com for insight into the community and to learn about Pax8 Beyond 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah    Timestamps 00:42— Part 1: Conversation with Rob Rae 33:12— Part 2: Conversation with Eric Torres

Recorded during ITNation Connect Global, the theme of this episode is centered around the importance of leaders leading the conversation—especially when it comes to AI and emerging technologies shaping the MSP ecosystem. Nathanaëlle Denechere, CRO of Mizo and John Harden, Director of Strategy & Technology Evangelism at Auvik, lend their thoughts around embracing those moments as opportunities.   Highlights from Part One with Nathanaëlle: How their agentic service desk solution is redefining support by balancing automation with the irreplaceable human touch.  Mizo’s powerful productivity gains—boosting output by 26% through intelligent resolution steps. Reflected on the company’s excitement as a PitchIT Finalist.   Highlights from Part Two with John Harden: Diving into his Conference presentation, “If You’re Not Leading AI Conversations, You’re Being Led Out.”  Urging MSPs to embrace the monetization of AI.  How the "Shadow AI is the new Shadow IT.”     Time Stamps: 00:50 – Part 1: Nathanaëlle Denechere24:20 – Part 2: John Harden

This is a part of a special series of conversations with amazing leaders, recorded onsite during the ITNation Connect Global Conference.  Dan Wensley, CEO of the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA), and MJ Shoer, GTIA’s Chief Community Officer share the story behind the branding and launch of GTIA—a move grounded in a sharpened mission: to deliver a focused, vendor-neutral, globally connected community where every voice truly matters.    Highlights: Dan emphasizes that belonging to a united channel community is more important than ever as the industry navigates rapid AI-driven change.   GTIA’s role as an unbiased and neutral place, “where the IT Channel connects and grows.” MJ states explains the imperative to provide clear messaging, practical resources, and data-driven insights, including the GTIA Channel Economic Tracker.  MJ on GTIA’s challenge and opportunity: “We have a purpose, we have a mission—now we must harness it.” The future outlook for GTIA, including the growing global reach of the association, and insights on future-proofing your business with a focus on customer success. Dan provides perspective, "Be inspired. you are changing businesses"   Time Stamps: Part 1: Dan Wensley — 00:37 Part 2: MJ Shoer — 26:14

Let’s explore the power of having and implementing a playbook—a structured framework that guides teams to operate with alignment, consistency, and purpose.  We continue our mini-series around our new book, Identically Opposite: Find Your Voice and SPEAK. We provide some insight into our SPEAK playbook.  Highlights include:How playbooks from sports translate into scalable business success.A successful playbook involves every member of the team.Why communication and consistency are key to execution.Micro-adjustments to your playbook for leadership and performance; "whatever team comes out after halftime, making the best adjustments is usually the team that wins'The five-step SPEAK framework: See, Prepare, Enthusiasm, Allyship, Keep Preaching Intentionally.Build and sustain a speak-up culture within your organization.Order your copy of Identically Opposite: Find Your Voice and SPEAK today on Amazon and start developing your playbook for finding your voice and leading with impact.   Timestamps: 6:59 Playbook Involves Every Member  10:31 Micro-Adjust to Win 12:20 Measure Success 19:52 SPEAK playbook   

Imagine holding a compass in your hand — a simple yet powerful tool used to guide explorers through uncertainty, aligning them to true direction. In leadership, we also benefit from a compass, when used appropriately, will help to navigate complexity, culture, and courage. The Leadership Compass, featured in our book Identically Opposite: Find Your Voice and SPEAK, helps leaders, HR professionals, and business owners strengthen a “speak up” culture by guiding behavior and communication with purpose.    Each direction on the compass symbolizes a leadership virtue:  North represents Focus, your “True North Star.”  East stands for Empathy. West symbolizes Wonder, staying curious, growing your EQ. South reflects Speak, the rooted courage to raise your voice. When you lead with this compass in mind, you align not just your decisions but your entire organization toward trust, integrity, and growth. The Leadership Compass is a reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about direction. Model behavior that shapes thriving, psychologically safe workplaces. So, as you navigate the challenges of leadership, keep that compass close. Let it guide your actions and remind you that true leadership begins when you find your voice and SPEAK.   What is your 'true North?  Pick up your copy today: https://a.co/d/2XUsaLI

What would change in your workplace, or in your personal relationships, if people truly felt safe to speak up? Let’s go behind the scenes of our new book, Identically Opposite: Find Your Voice & SPEAK. We explore why so many professionals struggle to raise their voices at work and how fear, identity, and culture all play a part. Highlights include:• Why the Identically Opposite book• Unpacking what a healthy “speak up” culture truly means — one built on trust, respect, and psychological safety — where every team member feels empowered to contribute authentically• The necessity of courage and clarity Your role may belong to the organization, but your voice belongs to you. Your voice deserves to be heard. Be sure to visit AppMeetup.com to learn more about our new book and explore resources to support your culture and L&D goals.  

Why is it so important to meet employees where they are—emotionally, professionally, and generationally? Deon MacMillan, Chief People Officer at Pax8, shares her approach to cultivating a dynamic, people-first culture amidst hypergrowth. Her leadership philosophy revolves around balancing high-tech innovation with high-touch human engagement.   Highlights include: The need to honor each employee’s current journey, using thoughtful development strategies, AI fluency, and a deep understanding of multi-generational needs. “Meeting them where they are” drives tailored learning paths, stronger engagement, and authentic brand ambassadorship from within. Navigating the tension between scaling a global organization and preserving its unique culture. From one-on-one rituals to employee listening programs, she focuses on creating alignment between purpose and performance. "Organizations that can balance hi tech and high touch will win".   Connect with Deon on LinkedIn and visit Pax8.com to stay informed about the community.   Timestamps: [08:02] Dispel the fear around AI [08:43] The 5 Generation Workforce [15:00] Developing talent around the globe [22:41] Leading Horizontally   ~~~   Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/ Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

“Leadership lives in the moments that matter,” shares Gavriella Schuster, a globally recognized DEI advocate, TEDx speaker, and former Microsoft VP.   Highlights include: Why allyship isn’t just a social cause—it’s a critical leadership competency for today’s world. BeCOME an Ally framework and the six actions great allies take including Advocate, Listen, Lift, Include, Elevate, and Sponsor. Leaders at any level can bridge divides, amplify diverse voices, and drive transformation. Gavriella’s Big IDEA Podcast and her support of Women in Cloud’s #empowHer50. ‘Allies journey' training, consisting of 4 elements: Think, Do, Practice and Inspire for organizations and the IAMCP community - International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners.   Visit gavriellaschuster.com/ to learn more about how you can become an advocate and take action. See the greatness in others.   Timestamps: [06:57] 6 Actions Allies Take [21:29] Lead with Courage [29:10] Allies Journey Training   ~~~   Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/ Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

One of the most common traps leaders face is that of overthinking. While reflection is valuable, too much analysis can paralyze decision-making, erode confidence, and keep your true strengths hidden. We discuss the impact it can have on teams and outcomes, and how shifting your mindset can create clarity and forward momentum.You’ll hear practical tools like the “3-2-1 Simplify” framework, journaling techniques, and coaching to help you cut through noise and act decisively. We also highlight the importance of leaning into your core strengths so they become guiding beacons rather than buried assets. Tune in to learn how to quiet the overthinking voice, trust your experience, and lead with confidence that inspires others to follow.   To learn more about our coaching, training and learning resources, visit appmeetup.com and dsbleadershipgroup.com   Timestamps: [07:35] Good Enough & Learn, Go, Grow [14:58] Get a Journal [19:57] Time Frame [25:27] Let your Strengths Shine     ~~~   Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/ Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Level up your strategic planning with a platform designed to eliminate outdated spreadsheets and streamline the vCIO/QBR process. Joined by special co-hosts Peter and Andrew Holcomb, we speak with Alex Markov, CEO of Strategy Overview about his leadership journey, the future of IT Strategy and with being a Finalist in the IT Nation Pitch IT Accelerator program and competition. Highlights include:How their vCIO/QBR platform is transforming MSPs by moving beyond manual processes and into a smarter, more scalable way of managing client roadmaps, budgets, and IT strategies. The introduction of Arya, a vCIO AI agent Winning and scaling with family and entrusted leaders.Building with the community. Connect with Alex on LinkedIn and visit strategyoverview.com/ to learn more about their approach to changing how MSPs engage clients, build trust, and drive growth. Timestamps:[11:11] Divide & Conquer with Family[19:01] Chatbot ARYA[27:30] PitchIT Accelerator[32:41] What's Next?~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Let's explore one of the biggest challenges leaders face: the fear of speaking and how it impacts their executive presence. From stage fright in boardrooms to the paralyzing fear of judgment, we takle why even the most prepared leaders hesitate to share their voice. Highlights:Executive presence isn’t about being the loudest voice, but about clarity, authenticity, and courage. Practical tips include reframing nerves, practicing consistently, and remembering that presence is more powerful than perfection. Focus of our episodes around our soon to be released book entitled, Identically Opposite and our new AI integrated training tool. Timestamps:[09:49] Starts with Mindset [11:23] Reframe Anxiety[16:28] New Book & New AI Resource ~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Facilitating intelligent conversations about AI is crucial for driving responsible adoption. They empower both organizations and people to move from fear or hype to greater clarity and opportunity. With over three decades helping CEOs and executive teams bridge strategy with measurable outcomes, Marc Hoppers, Managing Partner of HighEdge Group shares why these conversations need to take place.Highlights include:Driving growth, increasing efficiencies, and cultural transformation with technology as Marc reminds us that automating a bad process won’t deliver results.Unpacking some of today’s biggest growth barriers, and how leaders can sharpen their Go-to-Market strategy to avoid costly blind spots.Offering perspective on work-life balance, values-driven leadership.Texas BBQ must try spots.IAMCP Follow Marc on LinkedIn and visit highedgegroup.co/ for your 30-minute strategy callTimestamps:[08:59] Cultural Transformation with AI[11:10] Blind Spots[23:50] Create Space for Work-Life[43:50] Give Before you Expect to Get ~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup