In this episode, Richard talks to Stuart Ashenbrenner and Wes Hutcherson of Huntress. They share their advice on managing Macs for clients to prevent and manage hacks.

Stuard is a staff macOS researcher, focusing on macOS security and development, with a ton of experience working as a macOS detections engineer and software engineer.

He's spoken at various conferences about macOS security, and he is the coauthor and core developer of the open source macOS incident response tool called Aftermath.

Wes is the director of product marketing for Huntress, where he oversees market intelligence and go-to-marketing strategies. His multifaceted technology and cybersecurity experience spans over a decade.

He’s worked with market leaders such as Bishop Fox, eSentire, Hewlett Packard, and Dell SecureWorks covering managed detection and response, governance, risk and compliance, continuous threat exposure management, offensive security and other topics.

Richard asks them to explain how Huntress help MSPs, how to deploy the tool and their typical partners, before digging in to threats specifically targeting Macs.

Wes explains the Huntress MacOS support and why they decided to put it together. Stuart talks about the most common attack vectors on macOS and security best practice that MSPs should follow.

Wes explains a number of acronyms that MSPs might come across when dealing with Macs and what they mean to users.

Richard, Stuart and Wes look at Mac-specific attacks, third-party breaches and how to protect clients, particularly those who believe that Macs are more secure than PCs.

They explore tools and resources, touch management, staying ahead of the curve and how MSPs can take advantage of the threats to Macs to find a business opportunity.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Open source macOS incident response tool: Aftermath
• Podcast: Interview with Dray Agha
• Malware: Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS)
• Trojan: Info Stealer
• Shell programme: Bash
• Scripting language: AppleScript
• Knowledge base: MITRE ATT&CK
• macOS threat: Cuckoo
• XM Cyber study into breach and attack simulations
• Slack community: MacAdmins
• Blog series: Ask the Mac Guy: macOS Security Myths
• bunch of resources you can find on our website. It's very easy to find on, under resources
• On-demand webinar: Dealing with Mac threats
• MSP peer group: The Tech Tribe
• Monthly Huntress get-together: Tradecraft Tuesday
• Huntress: Free trial

In this episode, Richard Tubb speaks to Eric Östlund-Folkeryd, the go-to market lead for Microsoft AI at Pax8 EMEA. He’s the business lead for Microsoft CoPilot and other AI tools.

Eric worked in commercial AI and SaaS roles at multiple organisations, which makes him the ideal person to help MSPs make the most of the latest tools.

He shares his journey in the sector and how he joined Pax8. Richard asks Eric to describe the opportunity for managed service providers with AI and to explain what Microsoft CoPilot is. They also look at challenges with integrating these tools.

Eric tells Richard why MSPs should treat themselves like a client and try out AI tools internally first. They also dig into the tools Pax8 have and why they introduced CoPilot Coffee sessions.

Eric also shares how he uses AI tools in his everyday life and what’s surprised him about Microsoft CoPilot. He’s also honest about why AI isn’t a magic wand. Plus, he talks certifications, new features and success stories.

Mentioned in This Episode

• AI assistant: Microsoft CoPilot
• AI tool: ChatGPT
• Intelligence system from the Terminator films: Skynet
• Help with writing AI prompts: Prompt Buddy
• Microsoft collaboration tool: Teams
• Microsoft AI certifications: Copilot AI Resources
• Microsoft annual conference: Build
• Pax8 annual conference: Beyond

In this interview, Richard Tubb is joined by David Allen, the godfather of modern productivity. He’s the author of Getting Things Done, the best selling book that spawned the GTD movement, which is now a part of daily life for millions of people all over the world.

David has over 40 years’ experience as a management consultant and executive coach, and they have earned him the titles of personal productivity guru by Fast Company and one of the top 5 executive coaches by Forbes Magazine.

Richard asks David about his new book and why he chose to work with a co-author. They talked about GTD as a movement and how it can be used digitally or with pen and paper.

David explains what impact he thinks technology will have on the GTD methodology in future and why it’s so popular with tech geeks. He also discusses how it works in teams and the mistakes to avoid making when you’re new to GTD.

Richard asks David to share his tips on managing decision fatigue and how to avoid distraction, who inspires him and a book he always recommends.  

Mentioned in This Episode

• Post-Industrial Institute
• Frode L Odegard
• Rutger Bregman – Humankind
• Getting Things Done
• TubbTalk 150

In this episode, Richard Tubb speaks to Juan Fernandez, the Global Channel Chief at SuperOps, the next-gen platform for MSPs. A former MSP and investor, Juan’s achievements have been recognised across the industry, winning a host of awards.

Juan shares his journey in the MSP space, who SuperOps are and what Juan’s role involves, as well as how he came to be part of the company. Richard asks Juan to explain how their CEO takes a different approach to business.

Juan tells Richard what he looks for in team members, what to do when people can’t reach their potential and how to build resilience as a leader. They also explore what to do if people are in the wrong role for their skillset.

Richard asks Juan about the SuperOps’ international strategy and what’s next for the organisation, as well as the best ways to stay up to date with the latest trends and changes in the industry.

Juan also shares the mistakes he made as an MSP owner, what CompTIA means to him and how he became a published author. Plus, he explains why not having a mentor makes him a better leader and answers a listener’s question.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Cloud business suite: Zoho
• Helpdesk and ticketing software: Freshdesk
• Cybersecurity solutions: RSA
• TubbTalk 147: One Woman in Tech's Remarkable Journey from MSP to Community Manager
• MSP peer group: CompTIA
• Juan's book: The MSP Owner's Handbook: QBR Edition
• Author and MSP sales expert: Marnie Stockman
• Research firm: Lifecycle Insights
• Interactive audio and video walkthroughs: TalkTrack
• Antivirus: Microsoft Defender
• Cloud solutions Provider: Sherweb
• TubbTalk 150: 25 Years an MSP - Valuable Lessons You Learn from Longevity

In this episode, Richard Tubb talks to Angus Shaw, the sales director of Brigantia, a UK-based, value-added cybersecurity distributor.

Part of the management buyout team that acquired Brigantia in 2016, he's played a pivotal role in establishing Brigantia as a top name in the UK cybersecurity space.

Angus talks about his career in the IT industry and explains the different stages Brigantia went through to get to where it is today. He also explains all of the outsourcing solutions they provide to MSPs.

Richard asks Angus to highlight some industry changes MSPs should be aware of and what the experience is like for attendees at a Brigantia event.

They talk about the lesser-known vendors that should be on your radar and the benefits to vendors of partnering with Brigantia.

They discuss the Master MSP Model, how the company differentiates itself from those who use more old-school business methods and how to stand out from the crowd.

Angus shares his advice to MSPs who want to do it all themselves, his industry influences and mentors and how he keeps up to date with the world of cybersecurity. Plus he gives a sneak peek into what’s next for Brigantia.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Cybersecurity accreditation: Cyber Essentials
• Unified cybersecurity platform: Heimdal
• Cybersecurity awareness training: KnowBe4
• Dark web monitoring: Trillion
• Browser-based cybersecurity: Island
• AI-powered browser security: Conceal
• MSP growth hub: ITE Growth Forum
• European channel experts: IT Europa
• 365 security monitoring: Octiga
• Cloud solutions reseller: Pax8
• Technology reseller: Giacom
• MSP event organiser: The Network Group
• DMARC email security: Sendmarc
• Password manager: Keeper
• MSP peer group: The Tech Tribe

Time for another Team Tubb Travelogue!

In this instalment, Lenka Koppova catches up with Richard Tubb, Stephen McCormick and a few special guests who are currently in London at the SuperOps SuperSummit Beer & Banter afterparty after a busy week.

Grab a cup of your favourite tea or coffee or even something stronger, relax and join them for a fun conversation about the highlights from these amazing events.

Plus... the Team Tubb Travelogue Quiz is back! Can Richard and Stephen answer Lenka's tricky questions?

Did you know…

ExCeL London opened in November 2000, in an area of huge regeneration in London’s historic Royal Docks and the first ever event held there was the London International Boat Show?!

Do you think that Richard and Stephen knew this fact after spending 2 full days in this venue?

But most importantly’ you’ll learn more about the MSP show and the SuperOps SuperSummit.

MSP Show: A Thriving Hub for Managed Service Providers

The first MSP Show, co-located with the established SITS Service Desk Show, was a smashing success.

It offered a vibrant atmosphere where MSPs connected, learned, and shared best practices. Attendees benefited from insightful talks by industry leaders, gained practical knowledge from educational sessions, and built valuable connections with fellow MSPs.

We’ll definitely be back next year!

SuperOps SuperSummit: Powering Up Your MSP Business with Insights and Community

The SuperOps SuperSummit offered a unique experience for Managed Service Providers. 

Unlike traditional industry events, the SuperSummit prioritises knowledge-sharing and building a strong MSP community. Attendees were able to gain valuable insights from successful MSP leaders through panels like "Super MSPs of Europe."

The focus goes beyond theory, encouraging attendees to implement the learned strategies for real-world results. This collaborative environment fosters peer-to-peer learning and allows attendees to learn from each other's experiences.

If you're looking for an event that empowers your MSP business with actionable knowledge and a supportive network, the SuperOps SuperSummit is the perfect fit.

It was a busy, but exciting couple of days for Richard and Stephen.

The MSP show took place at the Excel Centre, London on the 17th and 18th April 2024 and the SuperOps SuperSimmut was hosted at The View, Lincoln’s Inn Fields in London - which also serves as the headquarters for The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Were you at any of these events too? Send us a voice recording with your highlights, and we will add your comments to our next Team Tubb Travelogue!

In this episode, Richard Tubb speaks to Craig Sharp, the founder of UK based MSP Abussi, one of the longest-running managed service providers in the country.

Craig founded Abussi in 1995 as a database supplier, and the business has transitioned over the past 26 years from software into break/fix hardware. Today they offer managed services, which they've been rocking for more than 15 years.

Craig is something of a go giver and incredibly knowledgeable on customer success and managed services and is always willing to help a fellow MSP.

Richard asks Craig how he started the business and where he got the name from, before delving deeper into what makes Abussi unique, including Craig’s decision to keep the business small and how they work on relationships to retain clients long-term.

Craig explains the business benefits for visiting your clients in-person and why he focuses on systems and processes rather than tech tools, and why his passion for sharing knowledge ultimately helps his clients.

Richard asks Craig about the tools Abussi use to help their clients and the vendors they partner with, as well as why they recently changed some suppliers. They also discuss how the Abussi team stays up to date with the industry and what the future holds for the business.

Craig shares his advice on where IT and managed services is going as an industry, how to handle wrong-fit clients and the biggest mistakes Craig sees MSPs making today.

Richard also asks Craig to share who his mentors and influences are and what he does to relax, as well as what the MSP community means to him and why you shouldn’t be afraid of your competitors.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Olympian and TV presenter: Kriss Akabusi
• Design consultants: Scitech
• Book: Paul Jarvis: Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business
• Satellite internet provider: Starlink
• Book: Michael E Gerber: The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
• Book: Douglas Adams: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
• Data visualisation tool: Power BI
• Book: Bob Burg: The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea
• MSP peer group: The Tech Tribe
• Book: Cal Newport: Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
• Collaboration tool: SharePoint
• Cloud storage: OneDrive
• Cloud marketplace: Giacom
• RMM software: Atera
• Business operating system: Zoho One
• Remote access tools: LogMeIn
• Remote access tools: Splashtop
• Cybersecurity services: Webroot
• Cybersecurity services: Acronis
• Cybersecurity services: Bitdefender
• Cloud network: Arista
• Threat management solution: Untangle
• Cybersecurity services: SonicWall
• Network security solutions: WatchGuard
• Network security solitutions: CiscoMeraki
• Network switches: Zyxel
• Author and SMB expert: Karl Palachuk
• Birmingham homeless charity: Networkfour

In this episode, Richard speaks to Tom Welton, a Solutions Engineer at Pax8. Previously working in their Colorado office, he has been based in the UK since the company opened their first European location.

After getting special dispensation from the British government to move over in the middle of the covid pandemic, Tom has since helped Pax8 to establish several offices in the UK and the wider EMEA.

Speaking in person at Channel Live 2024 in Birmingham, Tom explains his background and experiences at Pax8 to Richard. He shares how he overcame his imposter syndrome and what a Solutions Engineer does.

Richard and Tom also discuss why they enjoy attending in-person channel events, how MSPs are using AI and why it’s important to be aware of data protection and security requirements when using publicly-available tools like ChatGPT.

Mentioned in This Episode

• IT Industry Association: CompTIA
• AI tool: ChatGPT
• AI tool: Microsoft CoPilot
• Cybersecurity accreditation: Cyber Essentials

In this episode, Richard Tubb speaks to Allen Edwards, an accomplished entrepreneur and speaker. He's the founder of Eureka Process and the co-owner of Gozynta.

Allen has also just published a book: “Process and the Other P Word (Which is also Process): the Power and Profitability of Process Within Your IT Business.”

Mentioned in This Episode

• Gozynta
• Allen’s book: Process and the Other "P" Word (Which is Also Process): The Power and Profitability of Process in Your IT Business
• Operating system: Novell NetWare
• IT management tool: ConnectWise
• Podcast interview with Dan Adams
• Business finance tool: QuickBooks
• IT business expert: Karl Palachuk
• Book coach: Mike Capuzzi
• Book: Michael Gerber: The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
• Book: Robert Kiyosaki: Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
• Richard’s book: The IT Owner's Survival Guide
• Book: James Clear:Atomic Habits: the life-changing million-copy #1 bestseller
• Collaboration tool: Teams
• Collaboration tool: Slack
• Book: Dr Atul Gawande: The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right. Atul Gawande
• Documentation management tool: IT Glue
• Collaboration tool: Confluence
• Collaboration tool: SharePoint
• Book: Karl Palachuk: Relax Focus Succeed - Revised Edition
• Meditation app: Headspace
• Podcast interview with Karl Palachuk
• MSP community: CompTIA
• MSP community: The Tech Tribe
• MSP community: The Eureka Community
• MSP community: The IT Nation
• MSP event: DattoCon
• MSP event: ChannelCon
• MSP event: Channel Pro road shows
• Allen's cafe and nightclub: Trickster's Hideout

Time for another Team Tubb Travelogue!

Gudrun Lauret catches up with Richard Tubb, Stephen McCormick and Lenka Koppova who are in Birmingham for two events -- Channel Live, and UpLift Live 2024!

Grab a cup of your favourite tea or coffee, relax and join them for a fun conversation about the highlights from these two events.

There are shout-outs to old and new friends, a discussion on the impact of LinkedIn, and Stephen's voice almost gives out!

Plus... the Team Tubb Travelogue Quiz is back! Can Richard, Stephen and Lenka answer Gudrun's LinkedIn theme questions?

Did you know...

Channel Live positions itself as the networking hub for the ICT Channel and connects IT resellers, service providers, MSPs and Channel partners face-to-face with vendors, distributors and expert speakers from across the sector - all together, all for free.

Uplift Live is the UK’s first LinkedIn-focused conference at Millennium Point in Birmingham.

It is THE place to learn from and network with engaged users of the world’s number one business platform.

UpLift Live is the brainchild of LinkedIn expert, John Espirian (a former guest on TubbTalk!).

Were you at either Channel Live or Uplift Live too? Send us a voice recording with your highlights, and we will add your comments to our next Team Tubb Travelogue!