Partnerships Unraveled

Partnerships Unraveled
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The weekly podcast where we unravel the mysteries of partnerships and channel to help you become more successful.

  1. 1D AGO

    Dave Allen - Inside Akamai's New Partner Program

    In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Dave Allen, Vice President of Geo Sales and Partner Sales at Akamai, to explore the strategy and innovation behind Akamai’s newly revamped Partner Connect Program. With decades of channel experience, Dave shares the methodology behind designing a partner program from the ground up one that reflects today’s evolving channel landscape and Akamai’s partner-first mindset across security, compute, and edge infrastructure. Channel leaders tuning in will gain tactical insights on how Akamai is leveraging incentivized behaviors to drive new customer acquisition, expanding partner tiering to better reflect regional performance, and embracing distribution as a key scale lever. We also dive into how the company has embedded partner value into field compensation models and enablement structures—proving Akamai’s shift from a direct-first legacy to a truly partner-centric approach. Whether you’re rethinking your own partner tiers, struggling with program scalability, or seeking fresh ideas around high-growth services like microsegmentation, this episode delivers actionable frameworks and strategic clarity. Don’t miss this look inside one of the most partner-focused evolutions in B2B tech. _________________________ Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

    14 min

  2. FEB 10

    Jessica McDowell - The 2026 Channel Forecast

    In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we welcome back Jessica McDowell, VP of North America Marketing and Digital Strategy at TD SYNNEX, to unpack the findings of the newly released Direction of Technology 2026 Report. Drawing on insights from more than 1,400 partners across 40 countries, this conversation explores what will truly define partner success in the years ahead. Jessica explains why 2026 represents a pivotal moment for the channelwhere growth is driven less by what partners sell and more by how they operate. From the continued rise of service-led and managed services models to the AI adoption paradox, talent shortages, and intensifying competition, the episode breaks down the strategic shifts partners must make to stay relevant and competitive. Partner marketers, channel leaders, and ecosystem strategists will gain practical guidance on why specialization, operational excellence, and ecosystem collaboration are becoming essential. If you want a clear view of where the channel is heading and how to prepare for it this episode delivers a forward-looking, data-backed perspective. Find out more about Direction of Technology 2026 Report & TD SYNNEX: TD SYNNEX Direction of Technology report (direct link): https://ms.spr.ly/DOTE TD SYNNEX Website: https://www.tdsynnex.com/na/us/ TD SYNNEX Newsroom: https://news.tdsynnex.com/ _________________________ Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

    21 min

  3. FEB 3

    Rebecca Javens - The Framework for Partner Focus

    In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Rebecca Javens, Director of Channels for the Americas at Cisco’s ThousandEyes, to explore her journey from direct sales into the complex world of channel partnerships. With decades of experience in some of tech's most channel-centric companies, Rebecca offers a compelling perspective on partner enablement, strategic channel growth, and what it takes to build thriving partner ecosystems. Channel professionals will gain actionable insight into Rebecca’s “Scale, Skill, and Will” framework, a method for identifying high-potential partners following a major acquisition. We also discuss how to hire and develop high-caliber channel talent using the ICCE model, and why personal development and mentorship are critical to long-term success in partnerships. Whether you're building a new channel playbook or looking to refine your partner strategy, this episode is packed with practical frameworks and leadership wisdom you won’t want to miss. _________________________ Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

    28 min

  4. JAN 27

    Olivia Donnell - Channel Growth Lessons

    In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Olivia, Channel Director at 1Password and a seasoned channel leader with over 25 years of experience across distribution, vendors, and MSP ecosystems. Olivia brings a multi-dimensional perspective to how successful channel programs are built by grounding in partner needs, strategic alignment, and the evolving role of distribution. We explore the enduring value of distribution in today’s channel—how it remains a vital intelligence layer and conduit for innovation, especially amid industry disruption like AI. Olivia shares pragmatic advice from decades in the field, including how to authentically evaluate partner fit, the importance of staying grounded in partner business outcomes, and tactical support vendors can provide to MSPs lacking marketing resources. This conversation is packed with strategic insights for any channel professional looking to drive growth, build relevance, and future-proof their partner programs. Tune in to learn how empathy, technical enablement, and business alignment are defining the next era of channel leadership.  _________________________ Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

    25 min

  5. JAN 22

    Signe Holm - Driving Co-Sell Success with Microsoft

    In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Signe Holm, Partner Solution Sales Manager at Microsoft, to explore what it takes to drive successful co-sell motions between ISVs and Microsoft. Signe shares proven insights into seller-to-seller alignment, partner enablement, and leveraging Microsoft’s evolving marketplace strategy. Channel professionals will gain valuable perspective on how to build trust with field sellers, localize go-to-market efforts for maximum resonance, and turn initial wins into scalable repeat business. Whether you're a partner marketer, channel lead, or ecosystem strategist, this episode offers pragmatic advice for deepening your alignment with Microsoft and accelerating co-sell success. Tune in to learn how small shifts in strategy can create a big impact across your indirect revenue programs. _________________________ Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

    14 min

  6. JAN 20

    Bilel Kouider - The Future of MDF Lessons from Web3 Models

    In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we dive into the future of channel incentives with Bilel Kouider, Global Director of Marketing Development at HP and author of a forward-thinking white paper on Web3 in the channel. Bilel brings deep expertise at the intersection of emerging technologies and partner ecosystems, with a clear vision for how decentralization, blockchain, and AI can revolutionize MDF programs. We explore how Web3 technologies like smart contracts, zero-knowledge proofs, DAOs, and stablecoins, can eliminate inefficiencies, speed up partner payments, and build programmable, transparent incentive systems. For channel leaders, partner marketers, and ecosystem strategists, this episode offers tangible insights into the redesign of incentive infrastructure from a bureaucratic model to one built for agility and trust.   If you're looking to stay ahead of partner experience trends, understand the strategic potential of blockchain, or envision a new era of frictionless MDF, this is the episode you can’t miss. _________________________ Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

    21 min

  7. JAN 15

    Didem Kindstrand - Navigating the Cisco–Splunk Partner Shift

    In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Didem Kindstrand, EMEA North Channel Lead at Splunk, now part of Cisco. With nearly three decades of industry experience, Didem offers a candid look into how her team is navigating the operational and cultural shifts following Cisco’s acquisition of Splunk while preserving focus, maintaining team alignment, and empowering partners amidst uncertainty. Channel professionals tuning in will learn how the phased integration approach between Cisco and Splunk is creating both urgency and opportunity across the ecosystem. Didem shares how she manages internal alignment through real-time communication, emphasizes the importance of Splunk's partner competencies within Cisco's 360 Partner Program, and leans on long-term partner relationships to weather organizational change. Whether you're facing your own company transformation or enabling partners through transitional periods, this episode offers both inspiration and tactical lessons. _________________________ Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

    12 min

  8. JAN 13

    Jason Myers - MSP 3.0 Architecture

    In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Jason Myers, Cybersecurity Strategist for MSP Partnerships at OpenText, to unpack the evolution of the managed services space and what he calls the shift to “MSP 3.0.” With decades of experience in cybersecurity and product strategy, Jason breaks down how the role of MSPs is transforming, from managing IT infrastructure to delivering real business outcomes through AI, automation, and cybersecurity services. For channel professionals, this episode offers a sharp look at how vendors can better enable MSPs to scale, differentiate, and future-proof their offerings. Jason shares practical strategies OpenText uses to simplify partner experience, reduce tool sprawl, and navigate complex Microsoft incentive programs without overwhelming the MSP. From peer collaboration to product bundling, the conversation highlights the new rules of growth for modern MSPs. If you work with, sell to, or support MSPs, this is your blueprint for helping them move from selling software to solving problems. _________________________ Learn more about Channext 👇 https://channext.com/ Watch on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@channext #channelmarketing #channelpartners

    15 min
See All (220)

Trailer

About

The weekly podcast where we unravel the mysteries of partnerships and channel to help you become more successful.

Information

  • Creator
    Partnerships Unraveled
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    220
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Partnerships Unraveled
  • Show Website
    Partnerships Unraveled