

Humanize IT
Adam Walter
MSPs will bridge the gap between business and technology with Humanize IT — a fun, educational podcast that will keep your MSP relevant, maximize your value and help your clients see you as a trusted partner. In each episode, hosts Adam Walter, Skip Ziegler and other industry experts will show MSPs how to excel with a new, more conversation-based approach to technology!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 2, 2024 • 23min
Stop Ghosting, Start Communicating
In this conversation, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler discuss the pervasive issue of 'ghosting' in IT, where professionals fail to communicate effectively with clients and vendors. They emphasize the importance of maintaining regular communication to prevent misunderstandings and to foster strong relationships. The discussion covers strategies for building connections beyond mere transactions, the necessity of intentionality in client interactions, and the impact of communication cadence on productivity. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical advice to help listeners improve their professional relationships and avoid the pitfalls of ghosting.

Nov 25, 2024 • 32min
The Art of Communication for MSPs
In this conversation, Mike Giovaninni shares insights on how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can build strong relationships with clients through effective communication and understanding their needs. He emphasizes the importance of listening, being a trusted advisor, and creating value through solutions that help clients achieve their business goals. The discussion highlights the role of empathy in IT, the significance of long-term client engagement, and strategies for navigating client challenges. Ultimately, the conversation encourages MSPs to shift their mindset from selling to helping, fostering a collaborative partnership with clients.

Nov 18, 2024 • 25min
Strategic Planning for the New Year: Insights for MSPs
In this conversation, Adam Walter, Richard Bauer, and Skip Ziegler discuss the challenges and opportunities that Managed Service Providers (MSPs) face as they approach the end of the year. They emphasize the importance of strategic planning, understanding client needs, and setting clear goals for the upcoming year. The discussion highlights the need for MSPs to move beyond technical solutions and focus on the business impact of their services, ensuring they are aligned with their clients' objectives. The speakers also share insights on cultural differences in business practices and the importance of open communication with clients.

Nov 11, 2024 • 27min
Stop Finding Excuses: A Call to Action
summaryIn this conversation, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler discuss the importance of overcoming excuses and taking action in both personal and professional contexts. They explore the mindset shift required to move from analysis paralysis to proactive behavior, emphasizing the need for efficiency and the dangers of waiting for the perfect moment. The discussion also highlights the value of learning through doing and the significance of setting SMART goals to combat procrastination and enhance productivity.takeaways
Stop finding excuses to avoid success.
There's nothing left to do but to do it.
It's better to own 1% of Apple than all of nothing.
Don't let perfection be your enemy.
Get out there and start doing.
You have time. Now, what if I said...
The excuses keep rolling and they keep piling up.
You just have to step out and start doing.
You need to find at least some small things to do.
Getting something done is more valuable than preparing.

Nov 4, 2024 • 29min
Play CyberSecurity Games
In this conversation, Adam Walter and Jennii Kosmowski discuss innovative ways to enhance cybersecurity awareness through gamification. They explore the concept of typosquatting, the importance of password management, and the necessity of enforcing cybersecurity policies within organizations. The discussion emphasizes the need for engaging methods to educate users about cybersecurity risks and best practices.

Oct 28, 2024 • 25min
Compliance as a Service is the Future
In this conversation, Adam Walter and Anup from ThreatMate discuss the importance of continuous threat exposure management and the role of managed service providers in cybersecurity. They explore the complexities of attack surfaces, the significance of blue team activities, and the emerging trend of compliance as a service. The discussion emphasizes the need for effective vulnerability management and the integration of compliance frameworks to enhance cybersecurity efforts for businesses.

Oct 21, 2024 • 24min
How to offer High Margin Security Services without being an Expert
In this episode, Adam Walter discusses with Anup from ThreatMate about the importance of vulnerability management and how managed service providers can offer high-margin security services without being experts. They explore the concept of continuous threat exposure management, the role of AI in simplifying security solutions, and the significance of communicating security metrics effectively to clients. The conversation emphasizes the need for simplicity in security practices, especially for small businesses, and concludes with key takeaways on how to enhance security services.

Oct 14, 2024 • 30min
Managing your vault
In this conversation, Adam and Jenny discuss the intricacies of password management, especially in the context of cybersecurity awareness. They explore the evolution of password management tools, the debate surrounding the use of password managers, and the critical importance of multi-factor authentication. The discussion also touches on shared passwords, innovative strategies for password management, and the gamification of password security to encourage better practices. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for personalized solutions and the importance of being prepared for potential security breaches.

Oct 7, 2024 • 27min
Zombie Apocalypse Business Continuity Planning
In this engaging conversation, Adam Walter and Jenny discuss the unique approach of using a zombie apocalypse scenario to teach business continuity planning and cybersecurity awareness. They explore how thinking about extreme situations can help businesses prepare for real-world crises, emphasizing the importance of data management, communication, and team dynamics. The discussion also highlights the value of tabletop exercises in making these concepts relatable and fun, ultimately leading to better preparedness in the face of actual disasters.

Sep 30, 2024 • 28min
How to deliver excellent customer experience
In this conversation, Adam Walter interviews Wayne Kramer from Symoda, discussing the importance of customer experience in the MSP industry. They explore the layers of customer communication, the significance of understanding customer needs, and the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on service delivery. Wayne emphasizes the need for MSPs to adapt to changing expectations and to build strong relationships with their clients by effectively communicating at different levels. The discussion also touches on the future of MSPs and the necessity of consulting with customers to provide tailored solutions.


