Twins Talk Tech Leadership

Episode 127: Payments Modernization

Many B2B organizations struggle with inefficiencies that prevent them from focusing on high-ROI initiatives. Baxter Lanius, Founder and CEO of Alternative Payments shares how one often-overlooked opportunity to free up time and resources is optimizing invoicing, billing, and payment processes.Highlights include: The value of an MSP partner who can help streamline payment experiences, increase cost savings, and win more business by offering seamless online payment solutions. With 30% of the U.S. B2B payments market still relying on checks, transitioning to automated payment options—such as credit cards, ACH transactions, and financing—can significantly enhance efficiency and revenue growth.Driving greater revenue growth including time savings and cost savings.Providing tools like their Insights Dashboard to track performance and improve client communication. Their Payment Processing Calculator Worksheet to help businesses understand potential savings. Follow Baxter on LinkedIn and visit alternativepayments.io to learn more about a platform that automates invoicing, streamlines payments, and provides detailed insights into financial performance. ~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Episode 126: Cloud Transformation Insights

Having a trusted partner can prove vital for MSPs looking to successfully navigate the evolving IT landscape. Will Ominsky, VP of MSP Sales at Nerdio, shares some thoughts about the role of cloud technologies in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry. Highlights include:His leadership journey and the value of mentorship.How cloud adoption presents both opportunities and challenges for MSPs, requiring a shift in mindset and approach to service delivery.Simplifying with Modern Work solutions, enabling MSPs to efficiently manage Microsoft 365 environments, improve security, and increase profitability.Success stories and Industry trends, including the rise of AI-powered tools, cloud-native security.Commitment to education and with events, webinars and training camps. Follow Will on LinkedIn and visit getnerdio.com to explore learning resources, including free technical and sales certifications. Make plans to attend NerdioCon from April 7th – 9th in Palm Springs, California. ~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Episode 125: M&A in Tech and World Records

Do you know what the value of your organization is? Value is not derived from multiples but, rather, multiples are derived from value, and value could be simply defined as what ‘someone or some organization is willing to pay for it’. We dive into a discussion on strength in leadership, both in sports and in business. Adam Kerrigan, a Vice President at the Corum Group shares his unique journey as a powerlifting champion and a M&A expert.Highlights include: Lessons learned from powerlifting and his experience setting a deadlift world record. Connecting the mindset, perseverance, and goal setting required in powerlifting to his leadership approach in business, particularly in the complex world of mergers and acquisitions.The importance of valuation, preparation, and strategic timing. Market trends, including compliance and security challenges, as well as the importance of expert guidance in navigating transitions. The emotional aspect of selling a businessThe value of peer groups.Resources for those considering M&A as a growth strategy. Follow Adam on LinkedIn and visit Corumgroup.com to discuss your growth plans or to get a true sense of your organization’s value. ~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Episode 124: Deliver Best Customer Outcomes

The journey of delivering the best customer outcome begins with having the necessary discussions—conversations with end-users as well as with strategic partners. With the future of DaaS expanding beyond device management to holistic IT services, Lenovo continues to drive and deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions.Sukh Dhillon, Worldwide Director of Lenovo TruScale for Device as a Service (DaaS) Channel & SMB shares how Lenovo TruScale is transforming the way businesses and channel partners operate in today’s dynamic landscape.Highlights include:His leadership journey and insights into Lenovo’s growth as a channel centric organization.Evolution toward a subscription-based service model, offering businesses a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective way to manage IT needs.With SMBs facing challenges such as limited IT resources, tighter budgets, and the demand for rapid scalability, Lenovo TruScale provides a comprehensive solution that includes lifecycle management and IT support, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations.Supporting partners with resources and managed service opportunities that drive recurring revenue and deeper client relationships.The growing role of AI in predictive management and security, as well as the increasing importance of sustainability in IT solutions.Follow Sukh on LinkedIn and visit Lenovo.com to learn more about the community and upcoming Road Shows. ~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Episode 123: Orchestrate Successful Channel Partnerships

There is an art to orchestrating successful channel partnership. The conductor masterfully unifies an orchestra to create a symphony; a harmonious masterpiece, with each note and nuance resonating together in perfect unison.Jane Ashworth, Director of Global Strategic Channel Alliances at Lenovo shares what can be expected when an organization is magnificently aligned with its partners and consumers. Let’s dive into delivering innovative and value-driven solutions with both the partner and customer in mind.Highlights include:Her inspiring leadership journey.Leadership emphasized by collaboration, trust, and a joint value proposition that empowers partners to thrive in an evolving tech landscape.Her unique ability to foster collaboration and develop high-performing teams.Lenovo 360 and their ongoing commitment to innovation, education, and empowering its partners.Reclaiming the ‘M Word’Diversity of voice, women representation and need for male leaders to sponsorFollow Jane on LinkedIn and visit lenovo.com ~~~Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericksPatreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Episode 122: Drive Meaningful Change

How can we drive meaningful change in technology? Leadership qualities such as vision, adaptability, empathy, and effective communication are pivotal in driving transformations that align with both personal and organizational goals. Allyship and technology can serve as powerful catalysts for cultivating more effective leaders.Stacey Goodman, Senior Director of North America Solution Provider Sales at Lenovo shares why it is important to empower solution providers and mentor current and future generations of leaders. Highlights include:Insights into her role, highlighting how Lenovo aligns its cutting-edge technologies with the evolving needs of channel partners to ensure their success in an ever-competitive market.Lenovo’s AI Initiative reflected in their commitment to expand their portfolio and investing in programs.Being recognized as one of CRN’s 2024 Power 100 women in the channel, underscoring Lenovo’s commitment to diversity of leadership and innovation.Stacey’s leadership philosophy, grounded in continuous learning and meaningful relationships.Being a keynote speaker at The Women of the Channel Leadership conference, delivering an inspirational message about advocacy and allyship.Follow Stacey on LinkedIn and visit Lenovo.com to learn more about their partner community.

Episode 121: Solving End-User Problems with Feedback

By actively listening to end-users and strategic partners, businesses can identify pain points, address gaps in their products or services, and implement solutions that enhance satisfaction and usability. Feedback also fosters a collaborative environment where both trust and loyalty increases, providing direct insights into experiences, challenges, needs and sets up all parties involved for better outcomes. Dana Ryan, General Manager of Lenovo North America’s Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) shares insights into the value of feedback, partnerships and allies. Highlights include:Experience from a decade-long journey at Lenovo, highlighting their focus on innovation, AI capabilities, and sustainable solutions.Importance of a customer-centric approach, commitment to fostering diversity, and its inclusion in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index.Emphasis on the importance of feedback, open solutions, and flexible financial options to meet client needs.Reflected on her leadership philosophy, advocacy for women in tech, and exciting partnerships with F1 and FIFA that showcase Lenovo’s emphasis on speed and precision.Follow Dana on LinkedIn and visit Lenovo.com to learn more about their continued impact in the partnership community.

Episode 120: Impact of Learning & Development Programs

Learning journeys are designed around formal and informal training programs that support growth initiatives, ingrain new knowledge, build existing skills and boost professional development. AppMeetup Executive Coach and VP Partner Growth Jennifer Brown makes a special appearance to help host the program as we welcome Sabine Leuthner, Director of Global Sales Learning & Development for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at Lenovo.Highlights include:Sabine’s leadership philosophy centered on empowerment, inclusivity, and fostering collaboration.Meeting the learner where they are means being able to create engaging, accessible, and adaptable learning programs that align with organizational goals and cultural contexts.Engagement strategies include leveraging AI to personalize and enhance learning while maintaining the critical human connection.Measuring the effectiveness of programs, including a framework for KPIs, as well studying quantitative and qualitative feedback.The evolving role of leaders in learning and development, and the need to support women in leadership.Her passion for curiosity and growth inspires listeners to invest in their development and leadership journeys.Follow Sabine on LinkedIn and visit lenovo.com for more information about programs and resources supporting the community.

Episode 119: Be a Go-Giver

Is it possible to think that you can find greater fulfillment and success when you focus more on providing value? Renowned speaker and coauthor of the international bestseller The Go-Giver, Bob Burg shares how you can find that gratifying and rewarding result when you shift your focus from getting to that of giving. The Go-Giver is an international best seller with over 1 Million copies sold and translated into 30 languages. Let’s become Go-Givers!Highlights include:Define value and discover what others need or want and solve their problems.5 Laws of Stratospheric Success - Value, Compensation, Influence, Authenticity, and Receptivity.The opposite of a 'Go-Giver is not a Go-Getter. The opposite is a Go-TakerFoster meaningful connections, and stand out in competitive environments.Reflecting on Bob’s speaking journey, his relationship with ConnectWise, and his commitment to inspiring a Go-Giver culture.Follow Bob on LinkedIn and visit Burg.com to learn more about the Go-Giver way.

Episode 118: Conference Wrap Up; Now Build

Described by an attendee as the 'Super Bowl for MSPs', IT Nation Connect did not fail to deliver. Events and communities like IT Nation are vital to ensuring you are fitted with necessary tools and resources to meet the demands for greater protection, support and growth. This is why over 7,000 attended IT Nation Evolve, Summit and Connect in-person or virtually. The week was filled with incredible workshops, activities, coaching, performances and speakers from all over the world, including Tony Hawk and Bob Burg. You've made it through an amazing conference; now what? It's time to make sure you've made the most of your conference experience. Did you hit your goals? Are your next steps clearly outlined? Gregg Lalle, SVP & GM of IT Nation shares how TSPs and leaders can build from the momentum of the week.Highlights include: Amazing growth of ConnectWise and IT Nation, including 3,500+ in-person attendees with 150+ solutions partners.Some of his key takeaways from IT Nation Evolve, Channel Summit and Connect.Benefits of joining a peer group. An unashamed recognition of others making an impact within the community. Opening Keynote as well as the handoff from Jason Magee to Manny Rivelo.3 Pillars of IT Nation: Community of Communities, Partner-Centric Ecosystem, Education First. Slogan of "Wise Together. Rise Together"The live event may be over, but you can still register for a FREE virtual pass and access 100+ on-demand sessions and 6 Keynotes through February 8th.Follow Gregg on LinkedIn and visit connectwise.com/theitnation to learn more about IT Nation.