Partnerships Unraveled

In this engaging episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Akilah Murrell, Senior Manager of Channel Marketing at 360 Insights and podcast host of Channel Talks. Akilah shares her expertise on building meaningful vendor-partner relationships, implementing impactful marketing strategies, and empowering partners at every stage of their journey.Discover how Akilah’s unique perspective—shaped by working with both vendors and partners—helps bridge gaps, foster trust, and ensure mutual success in the channel ecosystem. From understanding the importance of partner feedback loops to leveraging organic marketing strategies, Akilah provides actionable insights for channel professionals looking to elevate their game.Highlights include:The magic of collaboration between vendors and partners.Practical tips for collecting and acting on partner feedback.Using simple, organic marketing techniques to drive growth.The transformative impact of authenticity and video storytelling in modern marketing.Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of channel marketing, where authenticity and innovation are reshaping the landscape.Connect with Akilah Murrell:https://www.linkedin.com/in/akilahmurrell/_________________________Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we explore the transformative world of channel strategy and partner enablement with Eric Torres, VP of Channel and Community at Pax8. Eric shares his journey from being an MSP to becoming a leading figure in the channel, offering a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing MSPs today.We discuss how Pax8 is revolutionizing partner enablement with its innovative Voyager Alliance Program, which combines funding opportunities with tailored benefits to drive growth and empower partners. Eric highlights Pax8’s commitment to community building and their ability to foster collaboration among partners—even competitors—through dynamic events and initiatives.Join us as we uncover what makes Pax8’s approach to the channel so impactful and how they continue to shape the partner ecosystem landscape._________________________Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Torben Sebens, a veteran of the IT industry with over three decades of experience spanning engineering, sales, and partner ecosystems. Torben shares his expert insights on how the channel landscape has transformed and the critical role that partners play in today's fast-evolving technology space.Key topics we dive into:- The evolving value of partners in bridging technological innovation with client needs.- The rise of hyperscalers and their impact on traditional partner roles.- How global systems integrators (GSIs) are reshaping enterprise IT strategies.- The game-changing potential of AI and how it opens new opportunities for channel innovation.- Best practices for fostering collaboration and reducing channel conflict.Torben’s unique perspectives, drawn from his deep engineering roots and sales leadership, make this a must-watch for channel professionals, partner marketers, and anyone looking to navigate the complexities of today’s partner ecosystem.Tune in for actionable advice, thought-provoking stories, and strategies to enhance partner engagement and drive success in the channel.Connect with Torben: https://fr.linkedin.com/in/torben-sebens-8a8158_________________________Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

This week on Partnerships Unraveled, we welcome Luca Marinelli, a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience across tech giants like Microsoft, Cisco, Citrix, and Check Point. Currently the COO of blinkoo, Luca joins us to share invaluable lessons from his career spanning vendors, distribution, and the SMB and enterprise channels.Luca reveals the unique insights he gained from working on both sides of the channel, highlighting the critical role of distribution in understanding the entire value chain and crafting effective go-to-market strategies. We also explore the nuances of building scalable SMB programs versus driving high-value, complex enterprise solutions.From enabling partners with simplified automation tools to tailoring strategies for specific verticals, Luca’s approach emphasizes aligning with partner needs to deliver impactful outcomes. He also sheds light on the future of the channel, touching on opportunities in cybersecurity, IT optimization, and the evolving hybrid cloud landscape.Whether you're navigating SMB complexities or scaling enterprise partnerships, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to elevate your channel strategy. Tune in for a masterclass in partnership excellence!Connect with Luca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-marinelli-3911b22/_________________________Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

This week on Partnerships Unraveled, we welcome Jessica Reece, Head of Strategic and Managed Service Provider Sales at Check Point, for an in-depth discussion on shaping successful MSP partnerships. With over 15 years in cybersecurity, Jessica shares her expertise on fostering collaboration, flexibility, and differentiation in a competitive channel ecosystem.In this episode, we cover:• How listening to MSPs can uncover new opportunities and enhance go-to-market strategies.• The importance of horizontal and vertical partnerships in delivering unified solutions.• Strategies for empowering MSPs to differentiate through tailored marketing and program design.• Leadership insights on team building, retention, and creating a culture of continuous learning.Jessica also shares actionable advice for aspiring channel professionals and the tools every MSP needs to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving market. Don’t miss this masterclass on channel innovation and partnership growth!Tune in now to unlock key strategies for MSP success!Connect with Jessica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-reece-check-point/_________________________Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Rob Rae, Corporate Vice President of Communities and Ecosystems at Pax8, a leading cloud marketplace redefining how MSPs and SMBs purchase technology. Rob brings his deep industry expertise, spanning over 20 years in the managed services space, to deliver actionable insights for channel professionals.Rob shares the critical criteria Pax8 prioritizes when evaluating vendors, emphasizing innovation, managed services focus, and technologies that genuinely add value to MSPs' offerings. He highlights the importance of maintaining a pulse on the market through constant engagement with MSPs worldwide and how listening to their needs fuels Pax8’s decision-making and growth strategy.We dive into the unique culture of collaboration within the MSP community, contrasting it with the often siloed nature of vendors, and explore why fostering open knowledge-sharing is key to industry evolution. Rob also outlines the top opportunities and challenges MSPs will face in the coming years, from leaning into AI and expanding globally to transitioning from solution providers to strategic advisors.Whether you're an MSP, vendor, or channel strategist, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives on building partnerships that drive innovation and growth. Don't miss this conversation with one of the channel's most dynamic leaders!Connect with Rob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtrae/_________________________Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we're joined by Elise Carbone, Partner Sales Leader for EMEA and APAC at Deltek, as she reveals the keys to building lasting partnerships in the channel. Elise shares how her consulting background influences her strategic approach to empowering partners and driving collaboration across regions. From fostering transparency and trust with partners to aligning KPIs for mutual success, Elise delivers practical insights for channel leaders. She also explores how partner-to-partner collaboration and emerging technologies like AI are transforming the way organizations scale and enable their ecosystems. If you're managing complex regions, navigating the shift from direct sales to channel models, or simply looking to strengthen your partner relationships, this episode is packed with lessons you can apply right away. Tune in to discover how to lead with clarity, adapt to regional challenges, and build a future-ready partner program. Connect with Elise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisecarbone/ _________________________Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we dive deep into the transformative power of trusted advisors in the channel with Drew Lydecker, Co-founder and President of AVANT Communications. With a career spanning influential roles at WorldCom, AT&T, and CDW, Drew has firsthand insights into how technology adoption and partner ecosystems have evolved into indispensable drivers of enterprise success.Together, we explore:The shift from brand loyalty to best-of-breed solutions and its impact on decision-making.Why trusted advisors are becoming the cornerstone of IT strategy, navigating choice overload for CIOs and CTOs.The growing role of OpEx models in reshaping the market landscape.Predictions for the channel’s evolution over the next five years, and how vendors can align with this seismic shift.Tune in for actionable strategies and Drew’s unique perspective on building partnerships that truly last.Connect with Drew  :  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-lydecker/_________________________Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Lisa Campbell, VP of SMB at CrowdStrike, to explore how CrowdStrike is redefining cybersecurity for small and medium businesses.Lisa shares how CrowdStrike is adapting its enterprise-grade solutions to meet the unique needs of SMBs, including the launch of Falcon Go, a simplified and powerful cybersecurity offering. She discusses the rising challenges in the SMB space, the role of AI in breaches, and why strategic partnerships—like their collaboration with 1Password—are critical to success.We also delve into:- How executive leadership can drive innovation and align go-to-market strategies.- The art of identifying “philosophical partners” for long-term channel success.- Why focusing on customer needs and fostering collaborative partnerships leads to better outcomes.If you’re interested in cybersecurity, channel strategies, or the SMB market, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss.Listen now to gain valuable takeaways for your own channel journey.Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethlisacampbell/_________________________Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

How do you build a channel strategy that drives growth without sacrificing trust? In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, Sunil Dutt, EMEA Partnerships Leader at DevRev, joins the show to share his journey from startup veteran to channel visionary.With insights shaped by his experience at companies like Symantec, Nutanix, and Salt Security, Sunil reveals how DevRev is transforming the way startups navigate fragmented ecosystems, balance innovation with disruption, and foster partnerships built on trust.Whether you’re scaling a new business or rethinking your channel strategy, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for channel leaders.Tune in to discover how DevRev is shaping the future of channel partnerships and what it takes to build a winning strategy in a competitive landscape.Connect with Sunil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunildutt/_________________________Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners