Twins Talk Tech Leadership

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/salesmavericks Patreon: 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/salesmavericks Patreon: 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 call Timestamps: [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/salesmavericks Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

By collaborating with service providers, vendors and even peers, organizations can leverage brands, expertise, integrate complementary technologies and services, and gain a competitive edge in a fast-changing landscape shaped by innovation, cybersecurity threats, cloud adoption, and digital transformation. Julian Agapitos, Strategic MSP Account Manager at SonicWall speaks to the importance of strengthening and supporting relationships with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and channel partners. Highlights include: Commitment to partner success as reflected in their tools for threat intelligence, training, and co-marketing support; helping partners grow revenue while delivering trusted protection to end customers. His journey through the tech ecosystem and why he is so passionate about helping channel leaders adopt, deploy, and maximize SonicWall’s full suite of solutions. How leadership in today’s crowded market requires problem-solving, trust-building, and empowering partners with scalable options that align with their growth. Some best practices seen among high-performing partners, as well as common challenges MSPs face when scaling. For more insight about the value of strong partnerships, visit Sonicwall.com and connect with Julian on LinkedIn. See what going the “extra mile” can do for your organization. Timestamps: [04:58] Why SonicWall [06:45] A Blueprint, Rapport & Trust [16:47] Highlight a Partner [22:57] Quickfire Questions ~~~ Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/ Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Hiring the right talent can either accelerate or stall the growth of any organization—especially in the MSP and IT services space. Chris Keith, Founder of HIREXE, addresses the challenges MSPs face in finding the right talent to join their growth journey. As Chris puts it, candidates “must have 'It factor', be technically sophisticated, and be reasonably priced”. Highlights include: Leveraging AI with their new People GPT candidate search tool. Why South Africa has become a key market for overseas talent, and what it means to solve hiring headaches in such a competitive industry. Embracing problem-solving as a mindset and staying intellectually curious. His experience as part of the 2025 PitchIT Accelerator Program, a launchpad for innovation in the channel. Visit hirexe.com/ to learn how they are transforming IT recruiting and to test their AI Powered Candidate Search tool. Also feel free to email Chris directly. Timestamps: [04:14] Talent Challenges in the Sector [07:05] People GPT Tool [16:30] Be Intellectually Curious [22:42] PitchIT Accelerator Program ~~~ Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/ Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

What are the signs of a true disruptor? You’ll know it when a leader or organization challenges the status quo and redefines success. In this episode, Skylar Newton, Director of Sales at SentinelOne, joins us to share how his team is revolutionizing the endpoint security space through AI and machine learning. Highlights include: How to build high-performing teams by leading with empathy and truly knowing your people Key takeaways from SentinelOne’s recent PartnerOne Summit, including the revamped PartnerOne Program, the Singularity platform, and a renewed commitment to partner success The critical role of trust and strategic relationships in driving meaningful partnerships A personal look at how fatherhood, fitness, and balance shape Skylar’s leadership philosophy Whether you're a tech executive, cybersecurity professional, or an emerging leader, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on innovation, business culture, and work-life integration. Connect with Skylar on LinkedIn and visit sentinelone.com to learn more about a platform pushing the boundaries of endpoint, cloud, and data protection. Timestamps: [04:50] Lead by Example [09:49] Partner One Summit Takeaways [14:20] From Reactive to Proactive ~~~ Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/ Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Having a twin can be like having a built-in peer—someone who understands your journey, challenges you to grow, and helps you optimize your potential. Twins Peter Holcomb and Andrew Holcomb reflect on how their unique connection has shaped not only their careers, but also their approach to leadership and communication. Peter is the Founder and CEO of Optimo IT, and Andrew is an IT Manager of Systems & Security with Krayden. Highlights include: How the name “Optimo” was inspired by the drive to help organizations and leaders operate at their highest level. Peer groups, Peter notes, can be “almost like having a twin”—offering critical insight and accountability that drive professional growth. Andrew adds that, just like the intuitive understanding twins share, strong leadership relies on clear, intentional communication, not assumptions. Their story is a testament to the power of connection, clarity, and continuous learning in the evolving landscape of tech leadership. Connect with Peter and Andrew on LinkedIn and visit optimoit.io/ to learn more about the Denver based AI-driven Managed Intelligence Provider. Timestamps: [10:08] Value of Peer Groups [22:25] Importance of Communication [26:17] Quickfire Questions ~~~ Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/ Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup