Building a People-First Culture: Insights from Machado Consulting’s Max Kaplan
Release Date: 08/09/2024
Predict to Prevent: AI, Compliance & the Next Era of MSP Leadership
Sunny's Silver Linings
In this episode of Sunny’s Silver Linings, Sunny sits down with Al Alper, founder of CyberGuard360 and serial entrepreneur, to explore how MSPs can evolve beyond tools and quick fixes to deliver real client value. Al reveals why the future of cybersecurity isn’t just detection; it’s prediction. By anticipating where attackers are headed, MSPs can shut them down before they strike. Along the way, he explains why compliance is the true backbone of reliability, and why empathy: knowing your clients’ business better than they do, is the ultimate MSP advantage. Key...
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From Break-Fix to Boardroom: Chris Day's Blueprint for MSPs
Sunny's Silver Linings
In this compelling episode, MSP legend Chris Day shares his transformative journey from an IT services entrepreneur to a software visionary who helped solve the industry's biggest documentation problem. Join us as we discuss: Why a plumber role is a dangerous posture for an MSP and how to pivot to a strategic advisor. The birth of IT Glue: How solving a core business problem led to a multi-million-dollar software company. The importance of relentless perseverance and why the moment you're ready to quit is often when a miracle happens. How...
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Building Community, Automating Impact: The ImmyBot Way with Tara Rummer
Sunny's Silver Linings
What if automation wasn’t about replacing people—but freeing them up to do what matters most? In this episode, Tara Rummer of ImmyBot shares how her team is helping MSPs scale smarter, eliminate revenue leaks, and reclaim valuable time—without losing their human touch. We uncover: The real origin of ImmyBot (from a 20-year-old MSP!) Why automation ≠ AI, and why that distinction matters Fixing revenue leakage through smart PSA integrations How freeing up engineers leads to higher-margin work ...
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Ryan Bowman Unfiltered: Cybersecurity, AI & the MSP Advantage
Sunny's Silver Linings
In this episode, Ryan Bowman of ThreatLocker joins Sunny Kaila for an insightful conversation on what it takes to defend today’s MSPs from modern cyber threats. From his time in the trenches as an MSP operator to his current work helping partners at ThreatLocker, Ryan shares powerful insights on: Why “Zero Trust” isn’t a buzzword: it’s a necessity How attackers are using AI to rewrite and bypass defenses Why familiar tools, when misused, are the most dangerous What vendors get wrong about AI—and how to stay human-first ...
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Baxter Lanius: Why Cash Confidence Is the Hidden Growth Lever for MSPs
Sunny's Silver Linings
What’s stopping your MSP from scaling? Hint: it’s not sales, it’s cash flow. In this episode of Sunny’s Silver Linings, I sit down with Baxter Lanius, CEO of Alternative Payments, to unpack why cash confidence is the true growth engine for modern MSPs. From Wall Street investing to launching a fintech built for the channel, Baxter shares how automation, clarity, and a shift in mindset can transform your operations — and your EBITDA. Key Takeaways: Why most MSPs unknowingly bleed value from slow AR processes How to reduce DSO from 35 to...
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Kendra Lee: Boost MSP Sales ROI & Build Authentic AI-Powered Growth
Sunny's Silver Linings
Struggling to get real ROI from your MSP sales efforts? In this episode of Sunny Silver Linings, Kendra Lee: sales strategist, HubSpot Gold Partner, and AI-for-sales expert: shares how MSP leaders can use AI to drive smarter prospecting, tighter follow-ups, and repeatable revenue growth. We cover everything from sales consistency and CRM discipline to the right way to use AI without losing your authenticity. This is your playbook for building a sales machine that works without sounding like a robot. Don’t miss out! #SunnySilverLinings #MSPSales #AIforSales #RevenueGrowth...
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Jamison West: The MSP Owner's Blueprint to Time Freedom & Scaling Impact
Sunny's Silver Linings
Are you an MSP owner feeling indispensable? In this episode, Jamison West, a serial entrepreneur and MSP veteran, unveils his transformative "Five Ps" framework for building a business that thrives independently. Learn how to overcome the founder's fear, delegate effectively, and unlock unparalleled freedom. Key Highlights: The profound shift: from indispensable owner to replaceable leader. Jamison's "Five Ps" for building a scalable, high-value business. How to find and empower your ideal "number two.” Aligning incentives for mutual...
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The HR Edge: How to Attract, Grow & Lead Top Talent in the MSP World
Sunny's Silver Linings
Struggling to scale your MSP with the right people? You're not alone. In this powerful episode, IT By Design CEO Sunny Kaila talks with Ainsley Lump of Entech about the real HR strategies that drive growth, loyalty, and culture in today’s MSP landscape. From recruiting smarter to building magnetic culture and performance systems your team actually wants—this is the leadership masterclass you didn’t know you needed. Here’s a synopsis of what Ainsley shares: Why scalable processes are the #1 thing MSPs overlook What top talent looks for before they...
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From IT Fixers to Strategic Advisors: Reinventing the MSP Game
Sunny's Silver Linings
What’s the secret to building an unstoppable MSP in today’s fast-moving tech world? In this episode, Peter Melby, CEO of New Charter Technologies, breaks down how top MSPs are shifting from reactive IT support to proactive business problem-solvers. Discover why the future belongs to those who ask better questions, embrace AI with purpose, and treat their MSP like an innovation lab—not just a service desk. Key Highlights: Why solving business problems is the new MSP superpower The hidden cost of not asking the right client questions How AI can drive client...
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Decoding Thrive’s Success: The Power of People, Vision & Execution
Sunny's Silver Linings
What does it take to lead the next evolution of the MSP industry? In this episode, Bill McLaughlin of Thrive reveals how visionary leadership, a security-first approach, and a relentless focus on people and execution have fueled Thrive’s extraordinary growth. Key Highlights: The bold "Thrive 2.0" transformation strategy Why leadership and culture drive real MSP success How ServiceNow and innovation differentiate Thrive Private equity’s role in scaling without losing soul The critical role of internal talent...
info_outlineIn this episode of Sunny's Silver Linings, IT By Design CEO Sunny Kaila sat down with Max Kaplan, Director of Engineering at Machado Consulting, Inc., to discuss the importance of a people-first culture in business. Max shared how adopting IT By Design's talent operating system, Team GPS, transformed their team's dynamics by improving goal setting, enhancing peer recognition, and streamlining one-to-one meetings.
Tune in to learn how these strategies can help you foster a more engaged and productive workforce.
Key Topics Covered:
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Embracing a Partnership Mindset
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Overcoming Challenges with Team GPS
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Transforming Goal Setting
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Enhancing Peer Recognition
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Streamlining One-to-One Meetings
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The Power of Clarity and Accountability
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