Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Real Talk for IT Pros & MSPs)

No Asshole Policy for MSP Clients (975)

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Live from Zero Trust World 2026, I sit down with Cobalt’s own Ian Dunstan to unpack how he transformed a small break‑fix shop into a security‑first MSP that clients happily pay more for. We talk zero trust, ThreatLocker, managed services, and why drawing a hard line on culture and client behavior might be the most powerful business decision you make this year.​

Why listen

  • Hear how Ian “ripped up” his IT business and rebuilt a modern MSP offering from the ground up.​
  • Learn how to move legacy clients onto a security‑driven stack with Kaseya, Datto, Microsoft 365, EDR, and MDR.​
  • Get practical ideas for packaging services into one top‑tier managed services plan instead of bronze/silver/gold.​
  • Understand how ThreatLocker fits into a Zero Trust strategy and how to roll it out without losing your mind.​​
  • Hear real‑world perspective on the UK Cyber Security Resilience Bill, Cyber Essentials, and what rising compliance expectations mean for MSPs.​​
  • Steal Ian’s “no asshole policy” and “pain per pound” concept to protect your team and profits from toxic clients.

    • Mentioned in the Show

    • Two Locks and a Cox (rugby podcast): https://open.spotify.com/show/2-locks-and-a-cox (best match; verify)
    • Talking Tech Beyond the Buzzwords: https://cobalt.so/news/talking-tech-beyond-the-buzzwords (landing from Cobalt)
    • EOS – Entrepreneurial Operating System: https://www.eosworldwide.com
    • Zero trust security: https://www.cisa.gov/zero-trust-maturity-model

      • Guests

      • Ian Dunstan — Cobalt Business IT and Comms | https://cobalt.so | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-dunstan-107bb36

        • Shout-outs

        • Sarah Cox, Two Locks and a Cox (rugby podcast co‑host): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-locks-and-a-cox-from-devons-radio-exe/id1693283493|
        • Ben Lee, Two Locks and a Cox (rugby podcast co‑host, retired Premiership rugby player): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-locks-and-a-cox-from-devons-radio-exe/id1693283493|
        • Chris Thomas, Cobalt Business IT and Comms / Talking Tech Beyond the Buzzwords: https://cobalt.so|

          • Companies / Vendors Mentioned

          • Kaseya | https://www.kaseya.com 
          • Datto (a Kaseya company) | https://www.datto.com
          • Cyber Essentials | https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/overview|
          • Cyber Essentials Plus | https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/overview|
          • Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) | https://www.sra.org.uk
          • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | https://www.fca.org.uk
          • Cyber Security Resilience Bill (UK) | https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/cyber-security-and-resilience-bill
          • EOS – Entrepreneurial Operating System | https://www.eosworldwide.com

            • === SPONSORS: 

            • Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker
            • Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
            • Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip
            • Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid
            • Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready

              • === SHOW MUSIC: 

              • Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo
              • Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET
              • Author Username: AlexanderRufire
              • Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML

                • === Connect with Uncle Marv

                🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
                🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
                🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
                ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

                If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

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                Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Real Talk for IT Pros & MSPs)By Marvin Bee
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