Twins Talk Tech Leadership

“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:[05:48] 6 Actions Allies Take[20:20] Lead with Courage[28:01] Allies Journey Training~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Remove the guesswork and know with certainty where the inefficiencies are, and to be truly protected—this was the unifying message from three insightful conversations at the Pax8 Beyond Conference. These amazing leaders shared innovative ways MSPs can address risk, optimize operations, and elevate their strategic value.In Part 1 of this special episode, Marco La Vecchia, CRO with Produce8 emphasized how MSPs can move beyond reactive service delivery by using digital work analytics to gain real-time insight into how teams use technology and manage their time. With Produce8 acting as a "Fitbit for work," leaders can identify operational blind spots, rethink productivity in hybrid environments, and ultimately re-establish their place in the boardroom with actionable data. Marco's vision is clear: empower MSPs to become strategic advisors by uncovering the truth of how digital work gets done, and use that truth to drive smarter decisions and better business outcomes. In Part 2, CEO & Founder, Kim Simmonds of Cloud Contracts 365, reframed contracts not as obstacles but as assets. Their platform automates contract creation, legal workflows and provides a visual risk dashboard, allowing organizations to clearly see where their businesses may be exposed, turning potential liabilities into growth opportunities. Know your risk score and stay informed through their visual dashboard. In Part 3, Shlomi Gian, CRO with INKY Technology echoed this theme of proactive protection and strategic clarity. At INKY, identifying “who is behind the keyboard” drives their AI-powered behavioral analysis platform to detect intent and block malicious actors before damage occurs. His team’s mission is to block threats and coach users—empowering organizations to build trust while staying ahead of evolving risks. Together, these leaders inspire MSPs to shift from reactive to strategic and to embrace technology that not only safeguards their organizations but also fosters operational excellence and strong leadership in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Connect with them on LinkedIn and visit their respective sites: produce8.com and cloudcontracts365.com/ and at inky.com/Timestamps:[01:23] Part 1[25:17] Part 2[49:07] Part 3~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

At the Pax8 Beyond conference, two dynamic leaders—Anna Griffin of Commvault and Colin Britton of Devicie—shared how their organizations are helping businesses regain control and accelerate outcomes in an ever-evolving tech and security landscape.In Part One of this special episode, Anna highlights Commvault’s evolution to becoming a leader in cyber resilience. With the introduction of the world’s first recovery range, Commvault focuses on helping organizations quickly recover from cyber incidents and human errors. Her message was clear: to regain lost data and brand trust, companies must be properly positioned, deliver consistent value, and lead with purpose. Marketing, in this context, is no longer about noise but about impact—creating a resilient narrative that drives measurable outcomes across customer workflows.In Part Two, Colin Britton emphasized how Devicie fills a critical operational gap by helping MSPs shift from reactive IT support to a proactive, endpoint strategy consultant. Learn about their U.S. expansion goals and the release of a Windows 11 Migration Kit, further showing its commitment to helping MSPs scale, stay secure, and move faster.Both conversations underscore that in today’s high-risk, high-demand environment, leaders must not only recover quickly from setbacks but also position themselves to accelerate meaningful, long-term outcomes.Follow them on LinkedIn and and be sure to visit their organization's websites, commvault.com/ and devicie.com/Timestamps:[01:10] Part 1 - Anna Griffin[24:36] Part 2 - Colin Britton~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Recorded live at the Pax8 Beyond conference, this special edition dives into the power of endless possibilities when leaders embrace a growth mindset—one that values curiosity, resilience, and a relentless drive to evolve. In Part One, we feature Jeffrey Newton, Founder of Cyft, who shares his inspiring journey from the network closet to becoming a transformational voice in the MSP space. With his book, The MSP's Sales Code, and his podcast The MSP Insider, Jeffrey champions the concept of Service Intelligence—redefining how MSPs leverage AI not just for efficiency, but for strategic, data-driven service delivery. He challenges leaders to go beyond their comfort zones, embrace "push to fail" learning, and ask better questions to unlock desired outcomes. For Jeffrey, it’s not about riding the AI wave—it’s about guiding the MSP ecosystem toward lasting, meaningful change.In Part Two, we turn to Kathleen Lord, Chief Revenue Officer at Zensai, who is leading the charge to transform compliance and employee learning through a Human Success Platform that integrates directly within Microsoft 365 and Teams. With a deep belief in coaching and the understanding that traditional compliance training is “broken,” Kathleen is advocating for a smarter, AI-powered, personalized learning experience—making development accessible, measurable, and adaptive. Announcing a major new partnership with Pax8, she highlights how Zensai will empower MSPs to go beyond just attaining licenses and deliver true employee impact. A passionate leader and Stanford guest lecturer, Kathleen reminds us that real innovation happens when we stop checking boxes and start creating environments where people can thrive. Follow Jeff and Kathleen on LinkedIn and be sure to visit their organization's websites, Cyft.ai and zensai.comCapture this spirit as the possibilities are endless. Timestamps:[01:48] Part 1 - Jeffrey Newton[26:47] Part 2 - Kathleen Lord~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

How can MSPs scale, evolve, and thrive through the power of strategic enablement? David Schafran, Vice President of Partner Enablement at Pax8 provides insight into equipping MSPs with the tools necessary for achieving operational maturity and long-term value. From navigating mergers and acquisitions to shifting perceptions from “break-fixers” to “trusted advisors,” David outlines how enablement is not just about learning, but about deep, sustainable transformation.Highlights include:Behind-the-scenes look at Pax8 Beyond, the channel’s premier event, and David's session entitled. ‘M&A for the MSP: How to Build Your Winning Strategy.’Buyers are more risk-aware than ever.4 Academy delivery learning models.Quickfire lighting round of questions.His passion for photography.Follow David on LinkedIn, visit Davidschafran.com to learn more about this photography, and visit pax8.com to stay connected with the community and marketplace.  Timestamps:[09:01] Value Creation Coaching[18:08] Guided Growth to Academy[21:17] Academy learning models[25:55] Weird & Interesting Fact ~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

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:[06:51] Dispel the fear around AI[07:32] The 5 Generation Workforce[13:49] Developing talent around the globe[21:30] Leading Horizontally ~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Lane Brannan, EVP & GM Americas at Pax8, shares his dynamic approach to leadership, emphasizing that "goals should scare and excite you." He discusses how Pax8 is redefining the cloud marketplace by empowering MSPs through education and innovation. Trust and clear communication are vital for success, and he highlights the importance of internal enablement and continuous feedback. Brannan also sheds light on the transformative journey from Managed Service Providers to Managed Intelligence Providers and the significance of community in driving business growth.

Success doesn’t happen by accident—it’s a journey we must own, and that begins with the right mindset. Ryan Walsh, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Pax8 discusses the power of strategic leadership, embracing innovation, and the importance of cultivating community within the channel. From his rock-climbing analogy of navigating challenges to his passion for helping MSPs grow through “guided growth” and “amplifying uniqueness,” Ryan underscores the need for focused vision and teamwork.Highlights also include:A glimpse into the Voyager Alliance partner program.The expanding influence of AI, agents, and a shift to managed intelligence partners (MIPs).To be competitive means owning a niche, staying connected, and thinking collaboratively.Family and basketball as foundational to his leadership philosophy. His leadership philosophy, rooted in enabling others and fostering shared success, offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to lead with purpose in a rapidly changing tech landscape. Follow Ryan on LinkedIn and visit Pax8.com to stay informed about the marketplace.Timestamps:[08:09] Father modeled passion[18:01] Voyager Alliance Growth Tracks[18:56] Owning your niche[23:03] Power of Team~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

This is another special edition. We’re on location at IT Nation Secure in Orlando, where cybersecurity leaders, channel experts, and solution innovators gathered to share ideas, build partnerships, and level up the industry—together. Not all heroes wear capes — some carry laptops and create solutions to help their MSPs and partners win.Dive into conversations with inspired leaders: Dexter Caffey, CEO of Smart Eye Technology,Jean Templin, Co-Founder and CEO of Nayak.aiJared Casner & Mike Zbarsky Co-Founders of Blacksmith Infosec.Highlights include:Participating in the PitchIT Accelerator Program.Multimodal biometric authentication.Inspiration behind names and branding.Necessity of Executive buy-in to impact and shape security culture.Another podcast program to follow.Resources:An e-book from Nayak.ai: The Rise of AI in Sales Enablement https://www.nayak.ai/company/download-the-e-bookA sample of the book, Forging Trust: https://blacksmithinfosec.com/forging-trust/Timestamps:[01:06] Smart Eye Technology[20:35] Nayak.ai[41:52] Blacksmith infosec~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

In this special edition, we’re on location at IT Nation Secure in Orlando, where cybersecurity leaders, channel experts, and solution innovators gathered to share ideas, build partnerships, and level up the industry—together. The one unifying theme: Winning as a Team. In a fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape, individual tools and talent aren’t enough. True resilience—and growth—come from collaboration, trust, and shared purpose.We bring you three dynamic conversations with 4 industry leaders who embody this spirit of partnership:Mike Estep, Chief Client Officer, Blackpoint Cyber. Rayanne Buchianico, Owner, ABC Solutions, LLC.Adam Anderson, CEO and Claudia Horbrook, Customer Success Associate, ThreatCaptain. Highlights include:Collaboration in cybersecurity: internal teams, external partners, and clients.AI integration and security positioning. Value of true partnerships and knowing your numbers. PitchIT Accelerator program.Power of storytelling, investment into people and culture. Resource: Ten Questions to Ask When Selecting an MDR Provider https://rb.gy/lxxqddWe’re grateful that they were able to join and share their unique perspectives on collaboration, innovation, and leadership during IT Nation Secure.Timestamps:[01:08] Blackpoint Cyber [28:23] ABC Solutions[45:23] ThreatCaptain~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup