IT Mastermind Talks

IT Mastermind Talks
  • ٠٫٠ (٠)
  • ريادة الأعمال

Welcome to IT Mastermind Talks, your access to insights and experiences from thought leaders in the IT services industry and those that support the industry. Hosted by Ian Markram of Loading Growth. Our podcast features not only the seasoned professionals, charting their start-to-exit journey, but also the key contributors who help ensure their success. We delve into diverse challenges encountered within the IT Services realm, encompassing both professional hurdles and personal obstacles. Join us, be part of our growing community, and engage in the conversation. Hosted by Ian Markram!

  1. Is the MSP Industry Dying? Scaling a Cyber-Focused IT Firm

    ١٩ يناير

    Is the MSP Industry Dying? Scaling a Cyber-Focused IT Firm

    Traditional MSP models are shrinking—are you ready to pivot?  In this episode of IT Mastermind Talks, host Ian Markram—a seasoned IT services coach with experience at Deloitte and NTT Data—sits down with Billy, the founder of Kavira IT, to discuss the urgent shift toward cybersecurity business growth and compliance frameworks.   Billy shares a raw and incredible journey from running massive nightclubs in Canada to surviving a life-altering brain injury and eventually disrupting the Australian IT landscape. We dive deep into why help desk "ticket counting" is a race to the bottom and how Kavira IT leverages SOC 2, ISO 27001, and governance to deliver high-margin value.   Key Lessons: The "Vibe Coding" Trap: Why AI-generated apps lack critical security controls and change management, putting your data at risk.Team Culture 2.0: How hiring "blue-collar ethics" and supporting "expert dads" creates a more resilient, high-talent workforce than traditional consultancy models.Education as Sales: Exploring Billy’s "Almost IT Heroes" community designed to help executives avoid expensive, biased IT decisions.  🚀 Apply to join IT Mastermind Talks:👉 https://itmastermindtalks.com/podcast  🔗 Connect with Ian Website | https://ianmarkram.com/Website | https://www.itmastermindtalks.comTwitter | https://twitter.com/IanMarkramFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/ianmarkram2LinkedIn | https://linkedin.com/in/coach-it-servicesITVA | https://theitva.comIMA | https://itmarketingautomation.com 🔗 Connect with LoadingGrowth Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/loadinggrowth/Twitter | https://x.com/growthloadingFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/loadgrowthLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/loadinggrowthWebsite | https://loadinggrowth.comTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@loading.growth?_t=ZS-8yzlPKITdvc&_r=1 🔗 Connect with IT Mastermind Talks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ITMastermindTalksWebsite | https://itmastermindtalks.comLinkedIn | https://linkedin.com/company/it-mastermind-talksYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ITMastermindTalks   🔗 Connect with Billy Hosking LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-hosking/LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/kavira/Website | https://kavira.com.au/   ⏰ TIMESTAMPS: (00:00)  Introduction to Kavira IT and "The Boring Things" (01:20)  Ian's overview of Vibe Coding and SOC 2 themes (02:01)  Billy’s background: High school and being a "walking contradiction" (02:42)  Doing the 20s in reverse: Travel, oil rigs, and running nightclubs (03:07)  The turning point: Brain injury and starting the IT journey (04:49)  Career shift: From hospitality management to IT recruitment (06:15)  The accidental MSP: Getting into the industry with zero tech experience (06:45)  Why hospitality professionals make the best sales leaders (08:18)  Lessons from managing a $20M nightclub in Canada (10:34)  Learning the ropes: High-pressure IT recruitment and B2B sales (11:57)  Why relationships beat technical skills in the MSP market (13:37)  Moving beyond the "ticket count": The challenge of traditional MSP models (14:33)  Leveraging Cyber Governance: ISO 27001, SOC 2, and high-margin services (15:45)  "No tolerance for b******t": The motivation behind starting Kavira IT (18:11)  The future of MSPs: Why they are going the way of the printing industry (19:25)  Team Culture: Hiring blue-collar ethics and "expert dads" (22:15)  Deep dive into Vibe Coding: The risks of AI-generated software (24:29)  Security warnings: Why AI platforms lack change management (26:32)  Solidifying your product: Moving from MVP to a saleable business (28:32)  Almost IT Heroes: Building a community to help executives buy IT services   #ITMastermindTalks #LoadingGrowth #IanMarkram #KaviraIT #CyberSecurity #MSP #VibeCoding #BusinessGrowth #ITFounders #TeamCulture

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  2. No Exit Plan? What Most IT Founders Miss

    ٦ يناير

    No Exit Plan? What Most IT Founders Miss

    What does it really take to build, scale, and exit an IT services business across multiple continents? In this episode of IT Mastermind Talks, host Ian Markram, founder of LoadingGrowth and former Deloitte UK and Axon UK consultant, sits down with W Daniel Cox III, a seasoned IT and data entrepreneur with a journey that spans farming, professional sports, enterprise data, and multiple successful exits. Daniel shares how early lessons in grit, accountability, and problem solving shaped his leadership style, and how those principles helped him scale data and IT consulting firms to hundreds of consultants across ANZ, Europe, and Asia. They dive into real world lessons on IT business growth, leadership, team culture, and navigating pivots as technology markets evolve. You will also hear behind the scenes insights into mergers and acquisitions, building trusted leadership teams, and what founders must know before exiting an IT services business. If you are an IT consultant, founder, or services leader looking to scale with clarity and resilience, this episode delivers practical, experience driven guidance.   👉 Subscribe for more real stories from IT leaders and entrepreneurs.  🔗 Connect with Ian Website | https://ianmarkram.com/Website | https://www.itmastermindtalks.comTwitter | https://twitter.com/IanMarkramFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/ianmarkram2LinkedIn | https://linkedin.com/in/coach-it-servicesITVA | https://theitva.comIMA | https://itmarketingautomation.com 🔗 Connect with LoadingGrowth Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/loadinggrowth/Twitter | https://x.com/growthloadingFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/loadgrowthLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/loadinggrowthWebsite | https://loadinggrowth.comTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@loading.growth?_t=ZS-8yzlPKITdvc&_r=1 🔗 Connect with IT Mastermind Talks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ITMastermindTalksWebsite | https://itmastermindtalks.comLinkedIn | https://linkedin.com/company/it-mastermind-talksYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ITMastermindTalks 🔗 Connect with W Daniel Cox III LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-parrot-pty-ltd/LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/wdanielcoxiii/?originalSubdomain=auWebsite | https://wdanielcoxiii.com/Website | https://www.greenparrot.io/YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@WDanielCoxIII   ⏰Timestamps: (01:59) Daniel’s early life growing up on a farm(03:29) Entrepreneurial lessons from childhood(04:56) Mindset shift focusing on pathways not obstacles(06:58) University, baseball career, and career pivot(08:30) First fraud investigation and auditing career(09:30) Managing hydroelectric dams and early data systems(12:31) KPIs, data accountability, and environmental impact(14:33) Moving from finance into data and analytics(15:58) Joining Cognos and scaling consulting delivery(19:34) Move to Australia and major mining project delivery(23:42) Starting first consulting business in Australia(26:49) Pivoting services as BI became commoditized(28:19) Scaling Ascension and enterprise government work(29:57) Recognition by Gartner and global growth(32:37) Exiting the business and lessons learned(33:50) Leadership philosophy and building trusted teams(36:49) Expanding teams across ANZ and Southeast Asia(37:52) Post exit recovery and personal reset(39:52) Origins of Green Parrot(44:53) Sustainability, data transparency, and consumer trust(49:00) SaaS model and platform architecture(56:28) Funding strategy and Malta expansion(59:51) Growth plans and market rollout(01:02:38) Fintech venture and property lending platform(01:06:32) AI agency and roll up strategy(01:10:28) Final leadership advice and closing thoughts   #ITMastermindTalks#LoadingGrowth#IanMarkram#ITConsulting#BusinessGrowth#EntrepreneurJourney#ITLeadership #ITServiceCompany

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  3. The Features Your Enterprise Data Analytics Software Must Have

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    The Features Your Enterprise Data Analytics Software Must Have

    Choosing the right enterprise data analytics software can transform how a business uses data, drives decisions, and adopts AI. In this IT Mastermind Talks podcast, Arvind Handuu breaks down the essential features every enterprise should look for when evaluating analytics tools. Drawing from twenty years of experience helping organizations integrate systems, unify data, and build AI-ready environments, he explains why most analytics initiatives fail and what separates successful platforms from the rest. According to Arvind, the most important features in enterprise analytics software include strong data integration, reliable data governance, scalability, self service analytics, and secure AI driven workflows. These insights come directly from his hands-on work solving complex data challenges across supply chain, finance, operations, and manufacturing. If you’re selecting a new analytics platform or refining your data strategy, this breakdown will help you prioritize the features that truly matter for long term success.   Hosted by Ian Markram, this episode highlights real world lessons for IT leaders, data professionals, and consulting founders who want to turn data into business outcomes.   🌐 Subscribe for more leadership conversations and IT consulting insights.   (00:00) Introduction to Arvind Handuu and Visvero(01:40) Growing up in India and becoming a reluctant engineer(03:18) Moving from engineering into business applications(05:02) Early shift into data and database technologies(06:05) Starting a business in India and identifying real problems(08:20) Why problem size matters when selling IT services(10:59) The decision to move to the United States(13:00) Skill building through pre sales and technical sales roles(14:31) The meaning behind the name Visvero(16:00) What Visvero does today: integration, analytics, AI(18:55) Why AI fails without strong data foundations(19:37) What clients expect from AI versus reality(21:42) Technologies and partnerships powering their AI work(23:48) Business size, team structure, and delivery model(25:24) Team culture and the challenges of consulting(28:30) Innovation, Delta Dollars, and productizing solutions(31:38) Handling conflict and leveraging EOS(35:17) Where consulting firms can win in the next three years(39:50) Why offshore companies must stay close to the problem(43:58) How visa shifts affect US consulting talent(51:25) The rise of vibe coding and the future of developers(55:30) AI and workload changes in the enterprise(58:56) Advice for founders starting IT services companies(1:03:27) Managed services versus project work   Website | https://ianmarkram.com/Website | https://www.itmastermindtalks.comTwitter | https://twitter.com/IanMarkramFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/ianmarkram2LinkedIn | https://linkedin.com/in/coach-it-servicesITVA | https://theitva.comIMA | https://itmarketingautomation.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/loadinggrowth/Twitter | https://x.com/growthloadingFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/loadgrowthLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/loadinggrowthWebsite | https://loadinggrowth.comTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@loading.growth Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ITMastermindTalksWebsite | https://itmastermindtalks.comLinkedIn | https://linkedin.com/company/it-mastermind-talksYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ITMastermindTalks   🔗 Connect with Arvind Handuu LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/visvero-arvind/ LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/visvero/ Website | https://visvero.com/   #ITMastermindTalks #LoadingGrowth #IanMarkram #ArvindHanduu #ITConsulting #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurJourney #TeamCulture #ITservices #ITfounders #itservicebusiness #startitservicescompany #itservicebusinessideas #itservicecompany, #DataAnalytics

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  4. How Two Mates Built MB Test Partners with Grit and Heart

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    How Two Mates Built MB Test Partners with Grit and Heart

    How do two lifelong mates build one of Australia’s most trusted SAP testing and quality delivery firms from pure grit, resilience, and hard work?In this powerful episode of IT Mastermind Talks, host Ian Markram — Founder of LoadingGrowth, former Deloitte UK and Axon UK consultant who built and sold his own consultancy to NTT Data — sits down with Brett Rogers and Mark Powditch, Co-Founders of MB Test Partners.They share the real story behind their partnership: growing up with very little, relying on strong family values, and turning humility and determination into a thriving consulting business. From their first major SAP project at Transport NSW to building “The MB Test Way,” Brett and Mark reveal how trust, quality, culture, and staying niche helped MB Test Partners become a respected leader in SAP testing across Australia.💡 Key Takeaways:- Why staying niche beats trying to do everything- The story behind “The MB Test Way” quality model- How grit, loyalty, and relationships shaped their success- How AI-powered IntelliTest enhances SAP testing deliveryThis episode is a must-watch for consultants, leaders, and founders growing people-first IT service businesses.🔗 Connect with IanWebsite | https://ianmarkram.com/Website | https://www.itmastermindtalks.comTwitter | https://twitter.com/IanMarkramFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/ianmarkram2LinkedIn | https://linkedin.com/in/coach-it-servicesITVA | https://theitva.comIMA | https://itmarketingautomation.com🔗 Connect with LoadingGrowthInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/loadinggrowth/Twitter | https://x.com/growthloadingFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/loadgrowthLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/loadinggrowthWebsite | https://loadinggrowth.comTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@loading.growth?_t=ZS-8yzlPKITdvc&_r=1🔗 Connect with IT Mastermind TalksFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/ITMastermindTalksWebsite | https://itmastermindtalks.comLinkedIn | https://linkedin.com/company/it-mastermind-talksYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ITMastermindTalks🔗 Connect with MB Test Partners & FoundersMark PowditchLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpowditch/Brett RogersLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-rogers-0177101/MB Test PartnersWebsite | https://www.mbtestpartners.com/⏰ TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Welcome & introduction(02:00) Brett’s story from Bankstown to global banking(05:00) Growing up with resilience & work ethic(08:00) Mark’s upbringing, family values & finance journey(14:00) How Brett & Mark met at Transport NSW(17:00) The birth of MB Test Partners(23:00) Why niche SAP testing transformed their careers(30:00) Challenges of staying specialized while scaling(36:00) The MB Test Way: culture, quality, and delivery(45:00) AI innovation: IntelliTest and testing efficiency(52:00) Competing with offshore firms through expertise(1:03:00) Trends shaping testing & automation(1:09:00) Advice for future IT founders(1:11:00) Closing reflections#ITMastermindTalks #LoadingGrowth #IanMarkram #MBTestPartners #BrettRogers #MarkPowditch #SAPTesting #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurJourney #teamculture #leadership

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  5. How Adrian Everett Built HR Crowd with Heart and Purpose

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    How Adrian Everett Built HR Crowd with Heart and Purpose

    Can purpose and people truly redefine success in IT consulting?In this heartfelt episode of IT Mastermind Talks, host Ian Markram — Founder of LoadingGrowth and former Deloitte UK and Axon UK consultant who built and sold his firm to NTT Data — sits down with Adrian Everett, Co-CEO of HR Crowd, to share how building a consultancy on trust, relationships, and heart led to remarkable growth in the SAP ecosystem.Adrian opens up about his unconventional journey — from rugby to SAP, publishing, and founding Inside SAP Magazine — and how he turned giving back into a business growth strategy. He explains how HR Crowd’s people-first model and values-driven culture helped the company thrive in an industry dominated by global giants.💡 Key Takeaways:✅Why putting people before profit drives long-term success✅How HR Crowd’s co-CEO model fosters collaboration✅The future of SAP, AI, and HR transformation🎧 Watch if you believe leadership is more than metrics — it’s about impact, purpose, and legacy.⏰ TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Welcome and introduction(01:00) Adrian’s journey from rugby to SAP consulting(03:00) The story behind Inside SAP Magazine(05:00) Why giving back built stronger industry ties(08:00) From publishing to co-founding HR Crowd(12:00) Building a business on culture and connection(16:00) Winning first clients through trust and authenticity(21:00) HR Crowd’s co-CEO structure and leadership lessons(27:00) The power of people-first culture in tech(33:00) Navigating challenges and scaling with purpose(40:00) AI and the evolving HR consulting landscape(46:00) Advice for future IT foundersConnect with Adrian Everett:💼 LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianeverett/💼 LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/hr-crowd/🌐 Website | https://www.hrcrowd.com/Connect with IT Mastermind Talks🌐 Website | https://www.itmastermindtalks.com💼 LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/loadinggrowth📺 YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ITMastermindTalks📸 Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/loadinggrowth🐦 Twitter | https://twitter.com/IanMarkram#ITMastermindTalks #LoadingGrowth #IanMarkram #AdrianEverett #HRCrowd #ITConsulting #Leadership #EntrepreneurJourney #BusinessGrowth #PeopleFirst #TeamCulture

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    Episode 17 of IT Mastermind Talks: Secrets Behind Building a Successful Software Company!

    Join us as we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Ash Brown, co-founder of Empiraa, a groundbreaking SaaS strategy solution for businesses. 📈 Discover how Ash pivoted from a high-growth company to launching Empiraa 2.0, overcoming challenges and redefining success with innovative tech solutions. 💡Tune in to hear insights on strategy, growth, and the power of collaboration from two industry leaders. Perfect for SaaS founders and business enthusiasts! #ITMastermindTalks, #IanMarkram, #LoadingGrowth, #ITServicesBusinessCoach #SaasStrategySolution

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    Episode 16 on IT Mastermind Talks: From Engineering Dreams to Leading Safety Suite Global

    Join us as Bryce Gammon shares his incredible journey from systems engineering to CEO of Safety Suite Global. Discover his strategic vision to ensure 30 million people go home safely by 2030. 🚀Bryce talks about innovation, resilience, and the lessons learned in his 22-year career. Whether you're a tech leader, entrepreneur, or IT professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.Don't miss out—hit play and learn how to elevate your mindset and business! 🎧#Leadership #Innovation #SafetyFirst #TechJourney #Entrepreneurship

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  8. ٠٧‏/١٠‏/٢٠٢٥

    From Risk to Resilience: Nick Gee’s Cloud Strategy for Modern MSPs

    Explore the innovative world of cloud technology with Nick Gee, founder of Cloud Ready Solutions. In this episode, Nick shares how his team is delivering niche tech solutions to the Australian market with a sharp focus on backup, disaster recovery, and SaaS platforms. 💡 What You’ll Discover:✅ The future of cloud services for MSPs in Australia✅ Scalable backup and DR solutions tailored for modern IT environments✅ How Cloud Ready Solutions is helping IT providers stay competitive and resilient Whether you're an MSP, tech founder, or IT leader — this episode delivers valuable insights into the future of cloud innovation.

    ٣٥ من الدقائق
مشاهدة الكل (٢٣)

حول

Welcome to IT Mastermind Talks, your access to insights and experiences from thought leaders in the IT services industry and those that support the industry. Hosted by Ian Markram of Loading Growth. Our podcast features not only the seasoned professionals, charting their start-to-exit journey, but also the key contributors who help ensure their success. We delve into diverse challenges encountered within the IT Services realm, encompassing both professional hurdles and personal obstacles. Join us, be part of our growing community, and engage in the conversation. Hosted by Ian Markram!

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    IT Mastermind Talks
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    ٢٠٢٤ - ٢٠٢٦
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    IT Mastermind Talks