Twins Talk Tech Leadership

Episode 167: Every Voice Matters

This is a part of a special series of conversations with amazing leaders, recorded onsite during the ITNation Connect Global Conference.  Dan Wensley, CEO of the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA), and MJ Shoer, GTIA’s Chief Community Officer share the story behind the branding and launch of GTIA—a move grounded in a sharpened mission: to deliver a focused, vendor-neutral, globally connected community where every voice truly matters. 
 
Highlights:
Dan emphasizes that belonging to a united channel community is more important than ever as the industry navigates rapid AI-driven change.  
GTIA’s role as an unbiased and neutral place, “where the IT Channel connects and grows.”
MJ states explains the imperative to provide clear messaging, practical resources, and data-driven insights, including the GTIA Channel Economic Tracker. 
MJ on GTIA’s challenge and opportunity: “We have a purpose, we have a mission—now we must harness it.”
The future outlook for GTIA, including the growing global reach of the association, and insights on future-proofing your business with a focus on customer success.
Dan provides perspective, "Be inspired. you are changing businesses"
 
Time Stamps:
Part 1: Dan Wensley — 00:37
Part 2: MJ Shoer — 26:14

Episode 166: Implement a SPEAK Playbook

Let’s explore the power of having and implementing a playbook—a structured framework that guides teams to operate with alignment, consistency, and purpose.  We continue our mini-series around our new book, Identically Opposite: Find Your Voice and SPEAK. We provide some insight into our SPEAK playbook.  Highlights include:How playbooks from sports translate into scalable business success.A successful playbook involves every member of the team.Why communication and consistency are key to execution.Micro-adjustments to your playbook for leadership and performance; "whatever team comes out after halftime, making the best adjustments is usually the team that wins'The five-step SPEAK framework: See, Prepare, Enthusiasm, Allyship, Keep Preaching Intentionally.Build and sustain a speak-up culture within your organization.Order your copy of Identically Opposite: Find Your Voice and SPEAK today on Amazon and start developing your playbook for finding your voice and leading with impact.
 
Timestamps:
6:59 Playbook Involves Every Member 
10:31 Micro-Adjust to Win
12:20 Measure Success
19:52 SPEAK playbook 
 

Episode 165: The Leadership Compass

Imagine holding a compass in your hand — a simple yet powerful tool used to guide explorers through uncertainty, aligning them to true direction. In leadership, we also benefit from a compass, when used appropriately, will help to navigate complexity, culture, and courage. The Leadership Compass, featured in our book Identically Opposite: Find Your Voice and SPEAK, helps leaders, HR professionals, and business owners strengthen a “speak up” culture by guiding behavior and communication with purpose. 
 
Each direction on the compass symbolizes a leadership virtue: 
North represents Focus, your “True North Star.” 
East stands for Empathy.
West symbolizes Wonder, staying curious, growing your EQ.
South reflects Speak, the rooted courage to raise your voice.
When you lead with this compass in mind, you align not just your decisions but your entire organization toward trust, integrity, and growth. The Leadership Compass is a reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about direction. Model behavior that shapes thriving, psychologically safe workplaces. So, as you navigate the challenges of leadership, keep that compass close. Let it guide your actions and remind you that true leadership begins when you find your voice and SPEAK.
 
What is your 'true North?  Pick up your copy today: https://a.co/d/2XUsaLI

Episode 163: Why Identically Opposite

What would change in your workplace, or in your personal relationships, if people truly felt safe to speak up?
Let’s go behind the scenes of our new book, Identically Opposite: Find Your Voice & SPEAK. We explore why so many professionals struggle to raise their voices at work and how fear, identity, and culture all play a part.
Highlights include:• Why the Identically Opposite book• Unpacking what a healthy “speak up” culture truly means — one built on trust, respect, and psychological safety — where every team member feels empowered to contribute authentically• The necessity of courage and clarity
Your role may belong to the organization, but your voice belongs to you. Your voice deserves to be heard.
Be sure to visit AppMeetup.com to learn more about our new book and explore resources to support your culture and L&D goals.
 

Episode 163: Meet Them Where They Are (a Replay)

Why is it so important to meet employees where they are—emotionally, professionally, and generationally? Deon MacMillan, Chief People Officer at Pax8, shares her approach to cultivating a dynamic, people-first culture amidst hypergrowth. Her leadership philosophy revolves around balancing high-tech innovation with high-touch human engagement.
 
Highlights include:
The need to honor each employee’s current journey, using thoughtful development strategies, AI fluency, and a deep understanding of multi-generational needs.
“Meeting them where they are” drives tailored learning paths, stronger engagement, and authentic brand ambassadorship from within.
Navigating the tension between scaling a global organization and preserving its unique culture. From one-on-one rituals to employee listening programs, she focuses on creating alignment between purpose and performance.
"Organizations that can balance hi tech and high touch will win".
 
Connect with Deon on LinkedIn and visit Pax8.com to stay informed about the community.
 
Timestamps:
[08:02] Dispel the fear around AI
[08:43] The 5 Generation Workforce
[15:00] Developing talent around the globe
[22:41] Leading Horizontally
 
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Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/
Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks
Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Episode 162: Moments that Matter (a Replay)

“Leadership lives in the moments that matter,” shares Gavriella Schuster, a globally recognized DEI advocate, TEDx speaker, and former Microsoft VP.
 
Highlights include:
Why allyship isn’t just a social cause—it’s a critical leadership competency for today’s world.
BeCOME an Ally framework and the six actions great allies take including Advocate, Listen, Lift, Include, Elevate, and Sponsor.
Leaders at any level can bridge divides, amplify diverse voices, and drive transformation.
Gavriella’s Big IDEA Podcast and her support of Women in Cloud’s #empowHer50.
‘Allies journey' training, consisting of 4 elements: Think, Do, Practice and Inspire for organizations and the IAMCP community - International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners.
 
Visit gavriellaschuster.com/ to learn more about how you can become an advocate and take action. See the greatness in others.
 
Timestamps:
[06:57] 6 Actions Allies Take
[21:29] Lead with Courage
[29:10] Allies Journey Training
 
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Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/
Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks
Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Episode 161: Avoid Overthinking

One of the most common traps leaders face is that of overthinking. While reflection is valuable, too much analysis can paralyze decision-making, erode confidence, and keep your true strengths hidden. We discuss the impact it can have on teams and outcomes, and how shifting your mindset can create clarity and forward momentum.You’ll hear practical tools like the “3-2-1 Simplify” framework, journaling techniques, and coaching to help you cut through noise and act decisively. We also highlight the importance of leaning into your core strengths so they become guiding beacons rather than buried assets. Tune in to learn how to quiet the overthinking voice, trust your experience, and lead with confidence that inspires others to follow.
 
To learn more about our coaching, training and learning resources, visit appmeetup.com and dsbleadershipgroup.com
 
Timestamps:
[07:35] Good Enough & Learn, Go, Grow
[14:58] Get a Journal
[19:57] Time Frame
[25:27] Let your Strengths Shine
 
 
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Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/
Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks
Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Episode 160: Level Up Your Strategic Planning

Level up your strategic planning with a platform designed to eliminate outdated spreadsheets and streamline the vCIO/QBR process. Joined by special co-hosts Peter and Andrew Holcomb, we speak with Alex Markov, CEO of Strategy Overview about his leadership journey, the future of IT Strategy and with being a Finalist in the IT Nation Pitch IT Accelerator program and competition. Highlights include:How their vCIO/QBR platform is transforming MSPs by moving beyond manual processes and into a smarter, more scalable way of managing client roadmaps, budgets, and IT strategies. The introduction of Arya, a vCIO AI agent Winning and scaling with family and entrusted leaders.Building with the community. Connect with Alex on LinkedIn and visit strategyoverview.com/ to learn more about their approach to changing how MSPs engage clients, build trust, and drive growth. Timestamps:[11:11] Divide & Conquer with Family[19:01] Chatbot ARYA[27:30] PitchIT Accelerator[32:41] What's Next?~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Episode 159: Fear of Being Judged & Executive Presence

Let's explore one of the biggest challenges leaders face: the fear of speaking and how it impacts their executive presence. From stage fright in boardrooms to the paralyzing fear of judgment, we takle why even the most prepared leaders hesitate to share their voice. Highlights:Executive presence isn’t about being the loudest voice, but about clarity, authenticity, and courage. Practical tips include reframing nerves, practicing consistently, and remembering that presence is more powerful than perfection. Focus of our episodes around our soon to be released book entitled, Identically Opposite and our new AI integrated training tool. Timestamps:[09:49] Starts with Mindset [11:23] Reframe Anxiety[16:28] New Book & New AI Resource ~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Episode 158: Intelligent Adoption of AI Conversations

Facilitating intelligent conversations about AI is crucial for driving responsible adoption. They empower both organizations and people to move from fear or hype to greater clarity and opportunity. With over three decades helping CEOs and executive teams bridge strategy with measurable outcomes, Marc Hoppers, Managing Partner of HighEdge Group shares why these conversations need to take place.Highlights include:Driving growth, increasing efficiencies, and cultural transformation with technology as Marc reminds us that automating a bad process won’t deliver results.Unpacking some of today’s biggest growth barriers, and how leaders can sharpen their Go-to-Market strategy to avoid costly blind spots.Offering perspective on work-life balance, values-driven leadership.Texas BBQ must try spots.IAMCP Follow Marc on LinkedIn and visit highedgegroup.co/ for your 30-minute strategy callTimestamps:[08:59] Cultural Transformation with AI[11:10] Blind Spots[23:50] Create Space for Work-Life[43:50] Give Before you Expect to Get ~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup