E-ChannelNews Podcasts

Send us a textSpecial Guest: Michael George, CEO, SyncroIn this interview, Michael discussed the industry’s evolution/back and forth of platform vs. point solutions – how and why that has evolved over time and where it’s heading. He talked about the profitability challenges faced by Managed Service Providers (MSPs), which typically range from 10-20%. He highlighted the increasing pressures on technicians due to compliance and cybersecurity issues, emphasizing their critical role in maintaining security, especially with the rise of remote work. He discussed the complexities faced by IT professionals and the potential consequences of lapses in IT support, using a recent incident involving a vendor's update failure as an example of the stakes involved.The conversation also covered the growing reliance on technology among MSPs and the need for streamlined platforms to enhance operational efficiency. Michael pointed out the overwhelming number of products MSPs manage, advocating for automation to alleviate repetitive tasks and improve technician engagement. He stressed the importance of integrating AI into cybersecurity measures, noting the significant risks small to medium businesses face from cyber threats.

Send us a textGuests: Likky Lavji and Beata JiravaThe conversation focused on the overwhelming challenges individuals face today, including economic pressures, with Likky emphasizing the importance of managing perceptions in a changing environment.Beata shared her personal journey from a communist upbringing to becoming a strategic consultant and founding the Integrity Wellness Clinic, which addresses mental health needs exacerbated by the pandemic. Likky recounted his experiences as a refugee and the impact of early bullying on his leadership style, advocating for a shift from fear-based to collaborative leadership. Both speakers highlighted the necessity of adopting an abundance mindset to navigate current economic challenges.The conversation also addressed the high-stress environment of the IT industry, with Likky discussing the hidden stresses intensified by the pandemic. He shared his personal health struggles, including strokes linked to stress, and urged a focus on controllable factors amidst uncertainty. Beata emphasized the critical role of mental health in leadership, identifying fundamental needs such as well-being, authenticity, and belonging. She noted that true happiness must originate from within, rather than from external validation, and highlighted the importance of fostering supportive environments for growth.

Send us a textGuest: Dave Gerry, CEO of BugcrowdDave is no stranger to navigating major transitions. After joining Bugcrowd as COO in 2022 and quickly stepping into the CEO role, he led the company through a management shakeup, restructured teams, and spearheaded a strategy that resulted in $102 million in funding—all within 18 months.In this discussion, Dave shared insights from his experience at the company. He highlighted the importance of relationships and culture in leadership, emphasizing that success is not solely measured by financial outcomes but by the connections made within the team and with clients. Gerry outlined Bugcrowd’s services, including bug bounty programs and penetration testing, which help organizations identify vulnerabilities in their security measures. He stressed the need for collaboration with channel partners to enhance service delivery and community engagement, which is vital for uncovering vulnerabilities that internal teams might miss.The conversation also touched on team dynamics, where Gerry emphasized the importance of aligning team members with the company’s culture and goals, advocating for motivation driven by purpose rather than financial incentives.Check out our past interview with Bugcrowd: https://www.e-channelnews.com/get-ready-for-crowdsource-hacking/

Send us a textGuest: Michael Contento, Managing Partner at F12, a trusted provider of cyber security and managed IT services for Canada’s essential businesses. The discussion centered on the importance of establishing a robust business framework for entrepreneurs to improve their outcomes and overall satisfaction. As many business owners focus solely on sales without a strategic approach, Michael emphasized the necessity of working on the business itself. He introduced his framework, which includes the rule of four, profit gap, and value gap, noting that these concepts are often neglected in traditional CEO training.Michael shared insights from his extensive entrepreneurial background, detailing his journey from running a bar to engaging in mergers and acquisitions at F12. He discussed the Elan Framework, designed to prepare businesses for acquisition by focusing on strategic planning and momentum rather than just the sale process. Michael addressed the common issue of entrepreneurs becoming overly involved in their businesses, which can impede growth and strategic development.The dialogue further explored the concept of exit strategies as a foundational element of business growth, rather than merely a plan for selling. Michael introduced the infinite growth loop and the four intangible Cs—human, structural, social, and customer capital—as critical frameworks for assessing a company’s value.

Send us a textWith Likky Lavji and Beata Jirava of Dante GroupThe discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities within the managed service provider (MSP) sector, particularly in light of external pressures such as tariffs and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Likky shared his experience of adapting his business during the pandemic, while Beata emphasized the importance of self-sustainability and recalibrating priorities in response to discomfort.The role of soft skills in enhancing leadership and organizational effectiveness was a key theme, with Beata discussing her journey from athletics to advocating for leadership and self-awareness. She stressed the significance of understanding one’s identity and emotions in effective leadership. Likky reflected on his own leadership journey, noting the development of an assessment tool to help individuals identify blind spots that hinder team dynamics. (You can take this free assessment test at https://likkylavji.com/). Both emphasized the need for self-care, wellness, and communication to foster a positive work environment, arguing that a balanced approach benefits both employees and customers.The conversation also addressed the mental health challenges faced by IT professionals, with Likky advocating for a mindset shift to improve well-being in the industry. He noted generational differences in workplace priorities, highlighting younger employees’ focus on work-life balance. The importance of open communication and understanding diverse styles within teams was underscored by Beata, who called for organizations to assess core values and identify gaps.