Channel Chat Podcast

Marc is joined in the channel chat studio by Holly Anschutz the Director of Channels from Extreme Networks.  

Marc is joined in the studio by Jenny Hicks the Head of Technology from MIDWICH GROUP PLC.   

Today in the Channel Chat studio, Marc was joined by the CEO of Kocho Des Lekerman. They discuss his early career, starting in a finance role, before the recession in the early 1990s forced his hand into starting his first tech. business Eurodata. Bringing his story right up to date they discuss his purchase of TIG, growing the business from 30 people to over 300 today, the rebrand to Kocho and subsequent growth plans for 2023 and beyond.  

Marc Sumner meets the Founder and CMO of Akari Solutions in the Channel Chat virtual studio. Margaret discusses her background in the technology sector, how she got into the industry, and her experience as a Microsoft partner. She also talks about the importance of creating an inclusive environment and how Akari has implemented initiatives to promote diversity and accessibility. Margaret talks about the challenges in trying to break through the 'glass-ceiling' and expanding the company and the exciting plans for 2023 and beyond.    

Craig Hume joins Marc in the Channel Chat 'virtual studio' He discusses the company's history, which began as a computer repair store, and how it has grown into a successful PC builder. He explains how social media has helped Utopia compete with bigger competitors and how the company differentiates itself by offering the best computer systems in the world. Hume also talks about the challenges of setting up and growing a business, including the importance of cash flow and building a skilled and trustworthy team. He talks about what makes his business stand out from the competition, and his plans to bring in Super Microsystems and focusing on AI and Big Data as a growth opportunity. Craig offers advice for young talent entering the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and focusing on what one can do for others. Craig also discusses how he stays motivated and inspired in his business and his predictions for the IT channel in the next 12 months.  

Marc Sumner is joined in the studio by the CEO of Assured Data Protection, Simon Chappell. Channel Chat is sponsored by Dell Technologies. AV powered by Convergent Technologies.

In todays episode Marc is joined in the studio by the CEO of Redstor James Griffin.

Marc was joined in the Channel Chat studio by one of the Founders of Arco Cyber, Matt Helling.  Matt enjoyed a long and successful career with Softcat before leaving to start his own business in 2022. Marc and Matt discuss the challenges of starting a new business, the risk involved, the beauty of operating outside your comfort zone whilst also dealing with dyslexia and ADHD.    

For the first episode of our tenth season Marc Sumner was joined in the studio by the current CFO at Softcat. They discuss Graham's early football career and how a Cambridge Science Graduate has become the CEO elect at the largest VAR in the UK.    

In this week's episode, Marc is joined in the studio by Matt Reeve, CEO at Modern Networks.