Boon or Bust

Boon or Bust

Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter Hind

Episodes

  1. 12 MAR

    Why Reading the Room is the Secret to Effective IT Vendor Engagement

    Discover how vendor self-awareness can make or break your business relationships—and learn the secret to avoiding the most common pitfalls. Matt and Peter share sharp insights from real-world mishaps, including a viral Kia speech blunder and the art of reading the room. If you’re tired of pushy pitches and want vendors who truly understand your needs, this episode is your blueprint for smarter, more authentic partnerships. You’ll explore why great relationships are rooted in authenticity, humility, and understanding your audience—whether you're in IT, sales, or leadership. We break down the importance of reading the room and knowing when to speak or listen, avoiding the classic mistake of pitching at the wrong moment. Matt reveals how a simple shift in approach—listening instead of talking—can transform vendor conversations into genuine collaborations. Key topics covered include: The pitfalls of poorly timed pitches during high-stakes moments, like the Kia CEO’s failed sponsorship speechHow humility and authenticity build trust and long-term partnershipsWhy understanding your audience’s KPIs and challenges is game-changing for both vendors and CIOsThe power of storytelling, humour, and personalisation in creating human connectionsPractical tips for CIOs on calling out misaligned vendor behaviour and fostering true collaborationIn an era where vendors often prioritise ego over empathy, missing these cues can mean lost opportunities, wasted budgets, and strained relationships. Conversely, mastering these soft skills unlocks smarter engagements, better outcomes, and relationships built on mutual respect.

    24 min

About

Welcome to Boon or Bust, a weekly podcast on the ever-changing landscape of the technological world around us, and how best to navigate it. Featuring industry insiders - Matt Boon & Peter Hind