For the 68th Episode of Ultimate Guide to Partnering, I'm excited to welcome back Brent Combest, Microsoft General Manager for National and Local Partners on the US One Commercial Organization. Brent was an early guest two years ago, Episode 58, "Focus on Launching Successful Partner Business Models." Both his role and the world have changed since this 2018 interview.

I was excited to have Brent as a guest because his work impacts many of Microsoft's largest partners in the United States. In this episode, we discuss the impactful work of his team during these uncertain times, how he coaches the team on best practices for what makes a great Partner Development Manager (PDM), what makes successful partnerships, his career journey, and the lessons he learned from mentors and role models, including his father.

It a far-reaching and broad discussion that I believe is impactful not only to Microsoft Partners, Customers or Employees but also anyone looking to grow their career.

I so enjoyed this discussion and the broad range of topics, including:

* The role of his National and Local Partner Organization* The transformation is seeing now during these times. * Microsoft's increased emphasis on industries and partner-to-partner selling. * The Three Roles of a Successful Partner Development Manager.* Words he lives his life by and advice he would give to his 25-year-old self.

As with each of my episodes, I appreciate your support. Please tell your friends about Ultimate Guide to Partnering and where they can find us. I'd love your feedback. Please like the podcast and provide comments or reach out to me at @vincemenzione on Linked In, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also like and follow Ultimate Guide to Partnering Facebook page or drop me a line at [email protected].

LINKS & RESOURCES

* Find Brent Combest on LinkedIn and Twitter.* Email - [email protected]* Link to Dr. Michael Grevais.* The transcript of our interview is available below.

Ultimate Guide to Partnering  is a rich compendium of what makes successful partnerships and is available on iTunes, Spotify, Google SoundCloud,