Channel 2.0 Podcast

Ready to future proof your channel in 57 minutes flat? In this episode, AI strategist Jason Lowe sits down with me to unpack why yesterday’s per-seat pricing model is “the horse and buggy of customer experience” and how usage-based economics is already reshaping supplier P&Ls.

Jason then walks us up his six stage AI maturity ladder, from simple productivity hacks to full-blown, data-governed platforms, so you can spot exactly where your organization stalls and what it takes to level up. Along the way, he calls out the new “Advisor 2.0” skill set: guiding governance, risk, and strategy instead of merely matchmaking products.

If you care about staying relevant as AI rewires the channel, whether you’re a supplier, trusted advisor, or ecosystem builder, hit play. You’ll walk away with fresh metrics to track, a maturity roadmap to benchmark against, and a few spicy one liners perfect for your next LinkedIn post. Let’s get smarter, together.

What happens when you mix neurodivergence, business psychology, and channel strategy? You get Eleanor Thompson, founder of Branchworks, a partnership architect, and someone who quite literally sees what others miss.

In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode of The Channel 2.0 Podcast, Kameron Olsen sits down with Eleanor to explore how being diagnosed with autism later in life reframed not only how she sees the world but how she excels in business. From misunderstood traits to misunderstood partners, Eleanor brings clarity to both.

Together, Kameron and Eleanor dig into:

• Neurodiversity as a channel superpower – Eleanor shares how seeing the world differently helps her identify hidden partner challenges and navigate complexity with precision.

• Trust, transparency, and relationship psychology – Why partnerships fail, how to fix them, and how Eleanor applies a four-part trust formula across every relationship.

• AI in partnerships – Not as a shortcut, but as a support system. Learn why Eleanor believes AI should give you time back, time you reinvest in actual human connection.

• The cost of overpromising – Eleanor breaks down why so many partner programs fail before they start: unrealistic expectations, misaligned incentives, and a lack of discovery.

• Direct questions, deeper impact – From asking “What does a great partnership look like to you?” to “Is this relationship working?”, this episode champions the bold, uncomfortable, and transformative power of asking better questions.

This conversation isn't just about partnerships. It's about the human elements, identity, difference, and empathy that make business work.

If you've ever felt like you think differently… this one’s for you.

Private equity is transforming the channel, but how well do we really understand how these firms operate and make decisions? In this episode of The Channel 2.0 Podcast, we sit down with Drew Meyers, Partner at Seaport Capital, to break down how PE firms think, what they look for in investments, and how their influence is reshaping the industry.

From why private equity is flooding into the channel to how PE-backed companies operate differently, this conversation gives insider insights into a world many in the channel still find confusing. Whether you're a supplier, trusted advisor, or channel leader, this episode will help you better understand the forces at play and how to position yourself for success.

Fatherhood changes everything: your priorities, your perspective, and how you approach work. In this special Dad Edition of The Channel 2.0 Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Zimmerman, Vincent DiCicco, and Justin Marano, three new dads in the channel, to talk about the blessings, challenges, and surprises of fatherhood while navigating a career in the channel.

From late night feedings to early morning sales calls, we dive into the realities of balancing work and family, what they've learned so far, and the advice they’d give to other dads in the industry. Whether you're a parent, planning to be, or just trying to figure out work/life harmony, this episode is filled with honest stories, laughs, and valuable insights on how to make it all work.

Looking for a Channel Career?  Visit our Channel Career Job board here. 

If you've been impacted by recent layoffs or are struggling to find top talent, this latest episode of The Channel 2.0 Podcast is packed with expert advice you won’t want to miss! We sit down with Dustin McLain, a seasoned industry professional with deep experience in channel recruiting, to discuss what job seekers and employers need to know in today’s evolving job market.

Job Seekers: Must-Know Insights

• Making Sense of Frequent Job Moves 

Is job hopping a red flag or just the reality of today’s workforce? Dustin shares how hiring managers evaluate multiple roles on a resume and how candidates can position their experience effectively.

• Success Takes Time 

The channel isn’t an overnight success game. Learn why patience and persistence are key to building a long-term career in this space.

• Understanding the Ideal Partner Profile (IPP) 

What is IPP, and why is it a game-changer for job seekers? We explore how aligning yourself with the right companies can set you up for career success.

Employers: What You Need to Know

• Moving Channel Managers Between Product Sets 

Is shifting channel managers across product categories beneficial, or does it create challenges? We discuss when it makes sense and when it doesn’t.

• The Channel is Expanding 

More companies are entering the channel, increasing the competition for talent. Dustin breaks down what this means for hiring and how businesses can adapt.

• The Art of Hiring & Onboarding 

Kameron shares key strategies for bringing in new employees and ensuring they integrate seamlessly into your organization for long-term success.

• Tapping into the Hidden Job Market 

Not everyone searching for a job is doing it publicly. Many professionals are quietly exploring new opportunities—find out how to access this untapped talent pool.

LinkedIn: Dustin McLain

In this episode of the Channel 2.0 Podcast, we sit down with Roger Blom, CEO of Caliber Holdings, to discuss his decades-long journey in the channel and how he's redefining the game with innovative platforms like XCV and Vendorsphere.

Roger shares his insights on the importance of transparency, the role of AI in streamlining workflows, and why collaboration is key to thriving in the evolving channel landscape. From leveraging MDF to uncovering dormant revenue opportunities, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for suppliers, trusted advisors, and channel leaders alike.

Tune in to hear Roger’s take on the future of the channel, what it means to truly support partners, and how transparency can transform the way we do business. Oh, and don’t miss his signature dad joke at the end!

Join us on the Channel 2.0 Podcast as we sit down with Ryan and Ashley Roland, founders of Adaptive Advisors and the Technology Advisor Alliance. In this candid conversation, they share their entrepreneurial journey, the secrets to work-life harmony, and what it’s like to run a business together. Dive into their unique experiences, from living abroad to navigating the evolving channel landscape, and learn valuable insights about building relationships, trusted advisor dynamics, and the future of the channel. A must-listen for channel managers and leaders seeking fresh perspectives on growth and collaboration.

On this episode of the Channel 2.0 Podcast, we sit down with Michelle Hyde and Carl Kurrle, co-founders of Maestro Global Partners, to explore the power of partnerships and the evolving role of trusted advisors in the channel. Michelle and Carl share their unique journey—how their complementary skill sets brought them together, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the insights they’ve gained from building a successful consultancy.

They also discuss what it truly means to be a trusted advisor, the importance of tailoring solutions to meet client needs, and how suppliers can better align with advisors to drive mutual success. Whether you’re a channel leader, supplier, or technology advisor, this episode is packed with actionable advice and fresh perspectives on the future of the channel ecosystem.

Tune in to discover how collaboration and understanding can transform relationships and deliver impactful results.

Daniel Beckworth shares his fascinating journey into the channel, from unconventional beginnings to running a successful business that bridges traditional VAR models and modern telco solutions. In this episode, Daniel dives into what makes a supplier easy to work with, the importance of solving real client problems, and why the channel must evolve to meet the demands of Channel 2.0. He also shares advice for channel managers trying to stand out in a crowded ecosystem and reveals how his business thrives by embracing flexibility, professionalism, and data-driven processes. Tune in to hear Daniel’s take on the future of the channel and what it takes to succeed in this ever-changing industry.

In this episode of the Channel 2.0 Podcast, Ruben Pina shares his inspiring journey from installing dialers with his dad to becoming one of the channel's top trusted advisors. Ruben dives into his frustrations with suppliers and offers actionable recommendations for how they can better engage with trusted advisors like him. This episode is packed with invaluable insights on building meaningful relationships, creating value, and navigating the evolving channel landscape. A must-listen for suppliers, channel managers, and anyone looking to connect with top-performing advisors!