Channel Chat Podcast
info_outlineChannel Chat Podcast
info_outlineChannel Chat Podcast
info_outlineChannel Chat Podcast
AI is changing cybersecurity faster than most businesses realise. In this episode of Channel Chat, Rob Demain, CEO & Founder of e2e-assure joins Marc Sumner to discuss why cyber resilience now matters more than prevention, how attackers are using AI, and why the future of cyber defence will be AI vs AI. They cover: Why speed is everything in cyber defence The biggest mistakes businesses still make How AI is transforming both attackers and defenders What MSPs and IT leaders need to do next Why Rob believes "15 minutes is too long" when responding to...
info_outlineChannel Chat Podcast
What does it really take to grow an MSP for more than 20 years? In this episode of Channel Chat, Marc Sumner sits down with Guy Hocking, Managing Director of Utilize PLC, to discuss his journey from infrastructure engineer to leading one of the UK's most respected Managed Service Providers. Guy shares why so many SMBs are still vulnerable to cyber attacks, why Cyber Essentials should be the minimum standard for every business, and how MSPs can help customers navigate the AI revolution without getting lost in the hype. The conversation also explores leadership, company culture, B Corp...
info_outlineChannel Chat Podcast
What does it really take to build one of the Middle East's leading technology distributors? In this episode of Channel Chat, Marc Sumner sits down with Mario Veljovic, General Manager of VAD Technologies, to explore his 30-year journey through the IT channel. From selling PC components in the 1990s to helping power some of the region's biggest AI infrastructure projects, Mario shares the lessons he's learned about leadership, distribution, vendor relationships and why execution matters more than ever. They discuss: Why IT distribution continues to thrive despite decades of predictions of its...
info_outlineChannel Chat Podcast
info_outlineChannel Chat Podcast
info_outlineChannel Chat Podcast
In this episode of Channel Chat Dubai, Marc Sumner sits down with Kinda Baydoun, Senior Director at Veeam, to discuss leadership, partnerships, trust, and the future of the IT channel across EMEA. From starting her career at Sun Microsystems to leading one of the industry's most influential channel organisations, Kinda shares the lessons that shaped her journey and why building trust remains the foundation of every successful partnership. The conversation explores: • How Veeam is transforming its partner strategy across EMEA • Why "connecting the dots" is critical for channel success •...
info_outlineChannel Chat Podcast
info_outlineLucy Bourne, Director at Oaka Studio, joins Marc for a sharp, honest conversation about how the Microsoft partner ecosystem is evolving - and what partners must do to stay relevant in a market that's shifting fast. She shares her career path, her experience inside Microsoft, and the realities of building and scaling a consultancy in today's channel landscape.
Topics include:
- The decline of broard LSP models and the rise of specialisation
- Why partners must lead with industry relevance and customer outcomes
- What Microsoft really looks for in a partner - metrics, designations, AI readiness
- How partners should think about focus, vendor strategy, and ideal customer profiles
- The mindset required to build a modern services business
A practical, insightful episode for Microsoft partners, channel leaders, and anyone shaping the future of the ecosystem.