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.