Effective communication is vital for connecting, empowering, and leading communities. Erika Irby, Director of Partner Marketing for the Americas at Microsoft is a purpose driven champion who speaks to the importance of internal communication, public speaking, and leadership awareness.

Highlights include:

A leadership style shaped by her early career in teaching, where she learned the value of adaptability and empathy.

Keep the audience in mind when considering messaging.

Bucket fillers and Erika's book entitled, Pieces of Me: A Poetry Collection. Be sure to find fulfillment in filling your own bucket.

Microsoft and D&I, Erika co-leading a Women of GPS, a chapter of Microsoft ERG & giving 'your floor space to someone.'

Sharing your voice about AI as 'that missing voice will impact future generations.'

Be a leader who finds fulfillment by uplifting others. Tune in to hear Erika’s story and her advice for aspiring tech leaders, and pick up her book, Pieces of Me: A Poetry Collection.

Time Stamps:

[00:06:13] Critical skill of communication 

[00:19:12] Bucket fillers and writing a book

[00:22:41] D&I 

[00:24:44] Speak up about AI & Copilot

[00:32:02] Opportunities in IT

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Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/

Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks

Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

In today’s interconnected world, organizations must embrace Partner-Centric Growth and Learning to effectively strengthen cybersecurity practices. Building resilient communities through education, collaboration, and shared experiences is key to navigating modern cyber threats. Jeremy Young, Community Growth Strategist at Huntress shares his passion for empowering organizations through engagement and education.

Highlights include:

Asking how you earn the MSP business and creating a win-win approach to the community.

Huntress bringing in and retaining leaders who are trusted in the industry

Providing coaching and Not for Resale (NFR) licenses for education and testing.

Exciting growth potential with Microsoft

Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn and visit huntress.com and huntress.com/nfr to learn how you can prioritize cybersecurity awareness and community collaboration to build stronger, safer networks.

Key Chapters:

[00:12:05] The mission hasn't changed 

[00:18:08] Trusted partnerships create win-win 

[00:24:28] A key differentiator 

[00:31:14] Initiatives focused on 

[00:43:15] Date vendors who are into you

[00:46:18] Quickfire questions 

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Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/

Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks

Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

This might be the perfect time to reimagine how to best reach your ICP; how to build a better pipeline. Ryan O’Hara, CEO and Co-Founder of PitchFire, a platform redefining how organizations and B2B teams build pipeline through paid prospecting, discusses a value added approach to your prospecting. Ryan challenges conventional outreach tactics, explaining why more automation doesn’t always mean better results.

Key Takeaways:

The outbound paradox.

Highly personalized outreach campaigns that prioritize engagement over volume, leading to real meetings.

How integration with AI is impacting prospecting (30% of sales messages using AI).

743 Billion prospecting touches will be ignored.

Get listed on the Pitchfire marketplace.

Components of a successful pitch framework.

Brand archetypes & social media.

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn and check out PitchFire.com to see how your team can break through the noise.

Timestamps:

[00:06:45] Effectiveness of paid prospecting

[00:14:10] Pitchfire marketplace, Chrome plugin

[00:15:10] Key to designing a great pitch

[00:21:13] Seth Godin, Purple Cow

[00:25:18] Brand archetypes 

[00:37:14] Quickfire questions

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Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/

Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks

Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

When passion meets purpose and opportunity, success takes flight. ConnectWise Channel Evangelist Sean Lardo and Andrea Barrow, Channel Marketing Manager share how the PitchIT Accelerator Program continues to fuel the future of the MSP ecosystem by transforming startup visions into thriving businesses.

Headlines include:

How PitchIT is far more than a "Shark Tank-style" competition.

A rigorous 16-week program covering everything from developing go-to-market strategies to product market fit. 

26 startups are empowered to refine their story, build their foundation, and ultimately compete for a coveted spot on the IT Nation Connect stage in Orlando this November.

The impact speaks for itself with past finalists having a combined $3M+ in ARR growth.

If you're a startup ready to elevate your brand – or an MSP eager to shape the future – applications are open until April 30, 2025. Learn more at itnation.connectwise.com/pitchit and get ready to pitch with purpose! We look forward to seeing you at IT Nation Connect. 

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Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/

Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks

Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

We love celebrating champions who not only lead with excellence in tech but also uplift the communities around them. Brook Lee, Vice President of Community and Channel at Liongard, is not only a seasoned IT and MSP expert, but also a tireless advocate for diversity, mentorship, and connection across the Channel.

Highlights include:

Challenges and opportunities for women and leaders of color in the sector.

Driving meaningful change through education and networking.

The art of asking questions, as listening may reveal that 'next great idea.'

Initiatives like “Conversations and Cocktails,” and restarting Liongard’s Partner Advisory Council.

Producing a book with several other GTIA leaders on how to interview, hire and retain women in technology.

Her beloved travel mascot Leo from the #WhereInTheWorldIsLeo campaign.

Follow Brook on LinkedIn and visit liongard.com/ to learn more about their platform and upcoming webinars. 

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Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/

Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks

Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

How can organizations drive sustainable growth and predictable profitability by refining not just their Ideal Customer Profile, but also their Ideal Partner Profile? With economic uncertainties impacting the market, it’s no longer sufficient to only understand who your ideal buyer is — businesses must now focus on identifying and investing in the right partnerships. We dive into questions like: What does an ideal partner look like? and What defines a fair, mutually beneficial partnership?

Key takeaways include:

• Go Beyond the ICP: While knowing your ICP is crucial, the real growth may come from honing in on your IPP.
• The Power of Balanced Partnerships: A successful partnership ensures that the client wins, the partner wins, and you win — avoiding one-sided relationships.
• What Makes Partnerships Work: Strategic fit, aligned values, shared ICPs, and synchronized buying cycles.
• Why Some Partnerships Fail: A lack of shared vision, poor alignment, or no clear go-to-market strategy.
• Tools to Support Partnerships: Move beyond CRMs — consider Partner Relationship Management (PRM) tools to effectively manage partner engagement.
• Examples of Great IPPs: Highlighting the Red Bull and GoPro collaboration — a case study in complementary brands going to market together.
• The AppMeetup IPP Framework: A structured approach to evaluating partnerships that can help forecast revenue outcomes.
• Tips for Success: Develop a partner-first strategy, communicate often, define shared goals, and go to market together.

Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, this is packed with actionable insights into building strategic alliances that fuel lasting growth. For more insight into identifying and building strategic partnerships, visit AppMeetup.com

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Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/

Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks

Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

From its founding by Bill Gates and Paul Allen to its continued evolution under Satya Nadella, Microsoft has consistently reinvented itself while shaping generations around the world. Thank you for 50 years of innovation, inspiration, and empowerment.  

Highlights include: 

Microsoft is more than "its tools." Microsoft has also been a leader and champion for inclusion, sustainability and providing access to opportunities. 

Continued focus on amplifying and supporting the Partner ecosystem. 

Foundational for the growth of communities; including the IAMCP, Women in Technology and Women in Cloud. 

Integral to the formation of the Black Channel Partner Alliance and the Black Partner Growth Initiative Program. 

Our very own AppMeetup being recognized as a 2024 Microsoft Supplier Partner of the Year. 

Subscribe and continue to download episodes from your favorite twins. For more on Microsoft's 50th Anniversary, visit news.microsoft.com/microsoft-50/

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Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/

Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks

Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

Community is at the heart of success in the technology services space, and not many understand this better than Ken Patterson, Director of Community at Todyl. As a leader in the channel, Ken has spent years fostering collaboration and support among partners through peer groups, industry events, and strategic initiatives.

Highlights include:

Why building strong communities is essential for growth and innovation.

Todyl’s commitment to “educate, enable and enact” while keeping customer needs at the forefront.

Why SASE might be better than a traditional VPN

The importance of events like IT Nation Connect, where partners come together not as competitors but as allies striving for collective success; the concept of “coopetition" for mutual growth and success.

Tips for how to plan for a successful conference or event.

Biggest opportunities and challenges he sees.

Follow Ken on LinkedIn and visit Todyl.com to learn more about their platform and resources to support the Community.

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Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/

Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks

Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

March is International Women’s Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and leadership of women across industries, including technology. With over 28 years of experience in sales, consulting, and digital transformation, returning guest Danielle Estrada, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Hitachi Solutions Americas, joins the conversation once again.

Highlights include:

Her leadership approach at Hitachi Solutions and why relationships matter.

Her dedication to fostering diverse talent in the tech space, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and embracing diverse perspectives.

Exploring industry trends, particularly in compliance, data security, and AI advancements.

Insights into how Hitachi Solutions is helping businesses navigate digital transformation.

Being an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University and why you should know the “prompt.’

Her passions for mixology, finding the best online deals and the importance of self-care.

Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn and TikTok. Be sure to also follow Hitachi Solutions on LinkedIn

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Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/

Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks

Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup

The 2025 Lenovo MSP Roadshow series is an exciting event highlighting the transformative impact of AI on the MSP industry. Attendees explore the latest advancements in AI, gain actionable insights to strengthen customer relationships, and to discuss alignment of IT solutions with business goals. The roadshow will also showcase opportunities for business expansion ideas, leveraging tailored resources and how to implement marketing strategies. Additionally, MSPs will have access to Lenovo’s dedicated channel team; all designed to help MSPs integrate AI-driven solutions into their business strategies to meet the evolving needs of their customers.

This is from the Lenovo Roadshow Series stop in Orlando, FL. Guests include Joey Monseur, Business Development Manager with Lenovo; Nicole Watson, CEO of Bloom Consulting Group; Nick Allo of SemTech IT Solutions, Michaela Doucette, Channel Program Manager with Lenovo; Ali Crisci-Bartunek, Go To Market Partner Experience Manager with Lenovo

Some of the key Highlights:

Lenovo Roadshow expectations including listening to the partner, education and networking. To help the partner "see beyond the right here, right now."

Partnership goals, reward system and growth. 

Importance of having an AI Integration strategy to build your practice. 

Encouragement to think about upstream strategy as well as downstream strategy, including the implementation of services. 

Why choosing Lenovo can make all the difference. 

How Lenovo can help partners create and implement solutions

Follow each of our guests on LinkedIn and visit their websites for more information about how they are impacting the community. 

Lenovo.com/

BloomConsultingGroup.com/

SemTechIT.com/

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Website: appmeetup.com/twinstalktechleadership/

Community: facebook.com/groups/salesmavericks

Patreon: patreon.com/twinstalkitup