Twins Talk Tech Leadership

Matt Maples, Leadership Coach, Veteran Advocate, and Texas Director for USA Cares, joins us for a special conversation to explore what it truly means to move beyond simply saying, “Thank you for your service,” and the impact of turning gratitude into meaningful action. USA Cares is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families through emergency financial assistance and post-service skills training. 
 
Highlights include: 
 
Matt's powerful journey from ministry to a different kind of calling—serving those who served our country.
 
The urgent challenges many veterans face, including difficult transitions to civilian life, financial crises, PTSD, and the heartbreaking reality of veteran suicide. 
 
Timely assistance can provide something invaluable: time, peace of mind, and a roadmap for what comes next. 
 
What companies can do to support our veterans.  
 
This important conversation also highlights the extraordinary leadership, resilience, discipline, and purpose veterans bring to their communities and the civilian workforce—and challenges individuals and business leaders alike to ask a critical question: What can we do today? Because "freedom is not free," and meaningful gratitude requires more than words. They leapt into action for us. Now, it is our turn to do the same.
 
How You Can HelpIf this conversation inspires you to move beyond saying “thank you” and take meaningful action, learn more about USA Cares and discover ways to support veterans, service members, and their families.Learn more about USA Cares:usacares.org/USA Cares Linktree: linktr.ee/usacares
Support Texas Veterans directly: austintxchapter.funraise.org/Whether through donating, volunteering, mentoring, hiring veterans, or connecting someone with needed resources, every action can make a difference. 
 
Timestamps:
Why USA Cares 10:25
Assistance, Time & Peace of Mind 16:18
What Companies Can Do 20:02

The MSP industry is evolving—and the days of simply being the “caretaker” of technology are giving way to a new era of strategic partnership, AI enablement, and business transformation.We’re fortunate to have Arsalan Eizadirad, Senior Manager of Global MSP Strategy at Lenovo, join us to explore his more than two-decade journey across technology, sales leadership, enterprise architecture, and global MSP strategy—and the insights he’s gained along the way.  Arsalan shares his perspective on the changing MSP landscape and the growing importance of hardware alongside software in the technology stack.  He reminds us that one of the greatest rewards of leadership is the people and relationships we encounter along the journey—and, in true Arsalan fashion, we even discover that he makes his own hot sauce!  Highlights include:The evolution of the MSP from technology caretaker to strategic business and AI partner.Building stronger vendor/channel relationships through collaboration and co-selling and why partner empathy and asking “So what?” are essential to growing a healthy and successful community.The changing economics of managed services beyond price-per-seat and price-per-device.The Lenovo MSP Advisory Board and the development of the MSP Playbook.Arsalan’s leadership philosophy of “architect the system”, then “empower the people.”Why curiosity, asking questions, and being willing to say “I don’t know” are leadership strengths.Lenovo 360 for MSP is built around you — flexible pocket-to-cloud solutions, sales enablement, training and rewards designed to move your goals forward. Ready to get started? Learn more and explore Lenovo 360 for MSP: https://tinyurl.com/360forMSP
Be sure to connect with Arsalan at an upcoming industry event.
 
Timestamps: 
Relevance of Hardware 9:26
New Lenovo Playbook 11:02
Partner Empathy 22:30

What if the future of IT isn’t about responding faster—but about knowing what’s going to happen before it happens? David Raissipour, Chief Product & Technology Officer at ConnectWise joins us for a forward-looking conversation about how AI, agentic automation, and predictive intelligence are reshaping the managed services industry. David shares his perspective on the MSP inflection point, why traditional models of simply adding people, tools, and processes are reaching their limits, and how AI agents can help smaller MSPs compete on a more level playing field with larger organizations. 
 
The conversation explores the evolution from reactive IT to predictive IT, where intelligent systems can identify issues, reason through problems, and execute tasks before they become customer-impacting events. David also emphasizes that this transformation is not an “anti-people” approach—it’s a pro-success approach, giving technology professionals the opportunity to move beyond repetitive tasks and contribute at a higher, more strategic level. From the accelerating adoption of AI and dramatically changing response times to the importance of deciding when to buy versus build, David offers practical leadership insights for navigating this next chapter of technology. Plus, we look ahead to ConnectWise’s exciting second half of the year and invite MSP and IT leaders to join the ConnectWise AI Agentic Roadshow and Executive Forum Series for conversations around AI, operational scale, and organizational performance.Follow David on LinkedIn and visit connectwise.com/executive-forum-series to participate in a city near you. 
Timestamps:
Inflection Point 9:20 
 
AI Strategy 18:43
Launched Platform 27:19
Roadshow Series 37:44

Before a company earns customer loyalty, it must first earn customer trust—and few understand that better than Yev Pusin. The former Head of Communications and Community at Backblaze joins us to explore why community isn't simply a marketing initiative—it's one of the most powerful business strategies an organization can build. Drawing from his experience helping scale Backblaze through its remarkable growth and IPO journey, he shares why authentic communities become a company's greatest competitive moat, creating relationships and advocacy that competitors can't easily replicate. 
 
Highlights include: 
 
Defining community and practical leadership insights for organizations looking to build thriving, engaged communities.
 
Benefits of a successful community include the ability to stay informed, leverage feedback loops, continuous learning and building on trust and authenticity.
 
Mistakes made when building a thriving community.
 
Yev also introduces his philosophy of "comms-unity." 
 
Whether you're leading a technology company, growing a brand, or investing in customer experience, this conversation delivers valuable lessons on why the strongest businesses don't just build products—they build communities that inspire people to learn, connect, and grow together. 
 
Connect with Yev on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and discover why community may be your organization's greatest untapped competitive advantage.
 
Timestamps:
What is Community 4:55 
Mistakes with Building 15:30 
"Comms-unity" 25:48
 

Like a world-class orchestra conductor who brings together extraordinary musicians with different instruments, backgrounds, and talents to perform in perfect harmony, great leaders unite diverse teams around a shared vision to create exceptional business outcomes. We welcome Ilenia Lupi, Executive Director and Europe Channel Leader with Lenovo, for a compelling conversation on leading across cultures, accelerating AI adoption, and empowering organizations through collaboration. 
 
Highlights include:
 
Ilenia shares why trust, adaptability, curiosity, empathy, and active listening are the foundation of effective leadership, emphasizing that "you cannot achieve results alone" and that the future belongs to leaders who orchestrate ideas, partnerships, and diverse perspectives rather than simply having all the answers. 
 
How Lenovo's AI-first strategy helps organizations move beyond experimentation to measurable business outcomes through smarter infrastructure, hybrid AI, edge computing, and a thriving partner ecosystem. 
 
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership: how maintaining a clear vision while allowing local flexibility drives success across Europe's diverse markets, and why strong alliances with partners are essential to navigating today's AI transformation.
 
What to expect from the next generation of technology leaders. 
 
Whether you're leading global teams, building strategic partnerships, or preparing your organization for the next wave of AI innovation, this conversation with Ilenia offers practical leadership insights that will help you become the conductor who brings out the very best in every team member to deliver extraordinary results. To learn more about how Lenovo is helping partners accelerate AI and business transformation, visit Lenovo 360 for MSP: https://tinyurl.com/360forMSP.
 
 
Timestamps:
No "one-size-fits-all" Approach 5:15
Consistencies in Leadership 20:30
Advice for Next Gen 25:29

Great leaders don't just adapt to change—they create the environment where innovation, collaboration, and business growth thrive. Craig Taylor, Senior Director and Canada Channel Chief at Lenovo, joins the program to explore how leadership, culture, and a relentless focus on customer outcomes are transforming the technology channel. Drawing on more than three decades of experience, Craig touches on leadership principles that have shaped his career, and how Lenovo's One Lenovo strategy is breaking down organizational silos to deliver greater value for customers and partners alike.  He also shares his perspective on the evolving role of AI, channel partnerships, and why today's technology leaders must focus more on solving real business challenges. Craig discusses how Lenovo is enabling partners through education, upskilling, and a channel-first approach that empowers them to lead customer transformation. 
Highlights:
Lasting success comes from aligning people, technology, and strategy around measurable business outcomes. 
Lenovo's One Lenovo strategy is transforming the customer and partner experience.
Building a partner-first culture through collaboration, accountability, and trust.
 
“Sharing best practices and learning from each other. This is coopetition.”"
 
Why education, upskilling, and ecosystem partnerships are critical for future success.  “Engage, Empower, Educate”
 
Learn more about the community by visiting Lenovo 360 for MSP: https://tinyurl.com/360forMSP
 
Timestamps:
Leadership Role 7:22
One Lenovo Strategy 9:35
Lenovo 360 Pathways 12:42
Recognition & The Team 17:55

What separates organizations that simply adopt AI from those that truly transform their business? Rob Cato, Vice President of Worldwide Business Transformation for Lenovo's Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) joins us for an insightful conversation on why successful AI initiatives begin with business strategy—not technology. Rob shares how business transformation is "a disciplined shift in the way that we create value," emphasizing that every AI investment should start with one critical question: What measurable business outcome are we trying to achieve? From defining ROI to moving AI from pilot projects into production, Rob explains why infrastructure, data, security, networking, cooling, and services all play essential roles in delivering lasting business impact.Highlights Include: Why every AI strategy should begin with the desired business outcome.Why customer intimacy is the greatest competitive advantage for MSPs.
Moving AI from pilot projects to production with the right infrastructure.
How curiosity, empowerment, and disciplined leadership fuel business transformation.
Lenovo's channel-first approach and vision for continued global growth.
Bringing innovative technology into the world of sports and sports franchises.Ready to turn managed services into your biggest growth engine? Learn how Lenovo is helping MSPs accelerate growth, deliver greater customer value, and expand their services with Lenovo 360 for MSP: https://tinyurl.com/360forMSP
 
Timestamps:
6:41 Successful AI Strategy
11:20 Providing True Value
17:30 Leadership Traits
22:24 Exciting Expectations

"Don't leave money on the table" is an idiom that reflects a failure to maximize profit, revenue, or overall value from a transaction, deal or upsell opportunity.  You never want to undercharge for your products and services. You want to secure the best possible outcome.Elliott Hyman, CEO of Lyra Technology Group, joins and shares his leadership journey, thoughts on AI innovation, MSP growth, and the power of scaling without sacrificing culture.  Highlights include:Why protecting customer relationships, preserving brand equity, and empowering local leadership are essential ingredients for long-term success.The most common profitability mistakes MSPs make, including underpricing services and failing to bill for the full value they deliver.How operational maturity separates thriving organizations from struggling ones.Drawing from the unique experience of acquiring more than 120 MSPs, Elliott discusses how identifying best practices across organizations creates a powerful competitive advantage, and why testing AI initiatives through Lyra's Trailblazers Program accelerates meaningful innovation.Pax8 has become the "new town square" for the IT channel.If you're passionate about building organizations that scale with purpose, empower local leadership, and maximize profitability, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.  If you are an MSP and have been considering what your next steps should be, visit lyratechgroup.com
Don't leave money on the table.
 
Time Stamps:
Impact of Education on Leadership 4:18
Profitability Mistakes 14:09
Implementing AI 24:51
Beyond Conference Takeawayss 30:54

What happens when cybersecurity moves beyond protection and becomes true business resilience? Recorded live at the Beyond 26 Conference hosted by Pax8 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Gene Kim, Vice President of Managed Service Providers at Absolute Security, stopped by for an engaging conversation about the future of managed services, cybersecurity, and leadership. We learn how his journey from MSP practitioner to channel executive shaped his passion for helping partners deliver meaningful business outcomes through trust, resilience, and operational excellence. 
 
Highlights include:
The growing complexity of AI-driven threats and why resilience—not just prevention—is becoming the next frontier of cybersecurity.
 
How MSPs can elevate customer conversations around risk, business continuity, and long-term value. 
 
Absolute Security's exciting debut as a new vendor in the Pax8 Marketplace, highlighting how the partnership will empower MSPs with firmware-embedded endpoint resilience, simplified operations, and stronger customer outcomes. 
 
Gene's pearls of wisdom:
"On one hand, it's application, resilience and supporting cybersecurity in the stack. On the other hand, it's ensuring that there's business continuity for their end customer."
 
"Customers are paying for outcomes."  Have the conversation about business impact and understand what downtime means to them.
 
The importance of listening and maintaining intellectual curiosity.
 
Follow Gene on LinkedIn, visit absolute.com/ and learn more about the Pax8 and Absolute Security partnership here: https://www.absolute.com/partners/better-together/absolute-pax8

Secure, optimize, and elevate the customer experience in an AI-driven world. At the Beyond 26 Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, we had the opportunity to sit down with two technology leaders who are helping redefine how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) create value for their clients. Gene Reich, CEO and Cofounder of Traceless, and Ryan Sigouin, CRO of ScalePad share their perspectives on the future of cybersecurity, operational intelligence, AI governance, and SaaS visibility. 
 
Gene Rich, CEO and Cofounder of Traceless. Traceless is a communication security platform that helps organizations and MSPs securely verify identities and protect sensitive information, reducing the risk of social engineering, data exposure, and AI-driven cyber threats.
 
Ryan Sigouin, CRO of ScalePad. ScalePad is ScalePad is a customer success and operations platform that helps MSPs gain visibility into client environments, improve operational efficiency, strengthen AI governance and compliance, and demonstrate measurable business value to customers.
 
We explore how MSPs can move beyond reactive IT support to become trusted strategic advisors—leveraging intelligent technologies to protect businesses, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen client relationships. Whether you're looking to secure conversations, gain greater visibility into customer environments, or capitalize on emerging AI opportunities, Gene and Ryan deliver practical insights for technology leaders who want to stay ahead of what's next.
 
Highlights include: 
Gene shares how Traceless is transforming secure communication by helping organizations protect their people, clients, and sensitive conversations.
 
Discover why proactive cybersecurity and communication security are becoming essential differentiators for modern MSPs.
 
Ryan explains how SaaS visibility, AI governance, and operational intelligence are reshaping the managed services landscape.
 
Learn how greater visibility into client environments enables MSPs to have more strategic conversations while creating new revenue opportunities.
 
How AI and operational data can help providers become trusted advisors instead of simply technology vendors.
 
Hear why both leaders believe the future belongs to organizations that embrace innovation today rather than waiting for tomorrow.
 
Traceless is offering 'The Ultimate Cybersecurity Compliance Checklist' for MSPs & IT Teams: https://traceless.com/learn/ultimate-cybersecurity-compliance-checklist/ 
 
Access Scalepad's 2026 MSP Trends Report: https://www.scalepad.com/2026-msp-trends-report/