57 episodes

Welcome to the Channel CEO podcast, which brings together thought leaders and innovators revolutionizing the IT industry. Host Kevin Lancaster is a serial tech entrepreneur, angel investor, and strategic advisor to several high-growth tech companies focused on the channel.

We sit down with “IT superheroes” each week to cover various topics. I will cover topics ranging from social selling and marketing to creating influence. And we will dig deep into their journey as entrepreneurs, how they view innovation, M&A, and the latest in the world of cybersecurity.

Founded by veteran Channel technology leaders Kevin Lancaster and Matt Solomon, Channel Program is a genuinely open and democratized platform built to unify the entire IT Channel industry. It enables IT Service Providers and Vendors to interact in one video/audio-enabled social and collaboration platform that hosts a rapidly growing community of thousands of Channel and technology experts and influencers—making space for a diversity of voices fuels Channel Program’s mission to revolutionize the $2.2 trillion IT Channel industry, by empowering and inspiring both IT Service Providers and Vendors to focus on community-building, collaboration, and respectful communication.

The Channel CEO Channel Program

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 2 Ratings

Welcome to the Channel CEO podcast, which brings together thought leaders and innovators revolutionizing the IT industry. Host Kevin Lancaster is a serial tech entrepreneur, angel investor, and strategic advisor to several high-growth tech companies focused on the channel.

We sit down with “IT superheroes” each week to cover various topics. I will cover topics ranging from social selling and marketing to creating influence. And we will dig deep into their journey as entrepreneurs, how they view innovation, M&A, and the latest in the world of cybersecurity.

Founded by veteran Channel technology leaders Kevin Lancaster and Matt Solomon, Channel Program is a genuinely open and democratized platform built to unify the entire IT Channel industry. It enables IT Service Providers and Vendors to interact in one video/audio-enabled social and collaboration platform that hosts a rapidly growing community of thousands of Channel and technology experts and influencers—making space for a diversity of voices fuels Channel Program’s mission to revolutionize the $2.2 trillion IT Channel industry, by empowering and inspiring both IT Service Providers and Vendors to focus on community-building, collaboration, and respectful communication.

    Mastering MSP Acquisitions: Growth Strategies with Dataprise's Bill Flannery

    Mastering MSP Acquisitions: Growth Strategies with Dataprise's Bill Flannery

    In this episode, Kevin Lancaster interviews Bill Flannery, CEO of Dataprise, to discuss his experience leading the MSP and their focus on growth. Flannery previously served as COO of Ensono, growing the company significantly before making the transition to CEO. At Dataprise, he aims to build a sustainable long-term business through team development and cohesive leadership. Flannery discussed Dataprise's strategy of acquiring healthy companies while minimizing disruption, focusing on improving the client experience. Kevin and Bill agreed on the importance of organic and inorganic growth. While macroeconomic challenges exist, private equity interest remains strong in the MSP space due to recurring revenue models and ongoing technology demand. Key highlights of the conversation include:
    • Balancing local client intimacy with a national technical talent footprint
    • Gradually integrating acquisitions to prioritize the client experience
    • Focusing M&A targets on proven, healthy companies to minimize post-acquisition dips
    • Private equity remains interested in MSP deals despite economic headwinds
     

    • 34 min
    Cybersecurity Literacy for 1B with Craig Taylor of CyberHoot

    Cybersecurity Literacy for 1B with Craig Taylor of CyberHoot

    In this episode of The Channel CEO, host Kevin Lancaster engages in an insightful discussion with Craig Taylor, CEO of CyberHoot, focusing on the critical importance of cybersecurity literacy and training for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Taylor shares CyberHoot's ambitious vision of training 1 billion individuals in basic cyber literacy through partnerships with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and an innovative password list model. A key highlight of the conversation is the emphasis on positive reinforcement in cybersecurity education, with Taylor stressing the need to empower employees rather than resorting to punitive measures. The discussion covers the perennial cybersecurity threats of phishing and password hygiene, as well as the evolving nature of attacks, such as stealing active tokens from browsers for ransomware attempts. Taylor also introduces CyberHoot's cutting-edge initiatives, including hyper-realistic phishing simulations and AI-powered chatbots for targeted attacks. This episode underscores the challenges faced by MSPs in educating both themselves and their clients on security awareness, while also highlighting CyberHoot's automated solutions to streamline training and phishing simulations. 

    • 39 min
    The future of MSP Distribution redefined with Rob Rae of Pax8

    The future of MSP Distribution redefined with Rob Rae of Pax8

    In this episode of The Channel CEO, host Kevin Lancaster is joined by Rob Rae, VP of Business Development at Pax8, as they look at the dynamic landscape of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), how Pax8 is blazing a path and bringing sexy back to distribution. Drawing from his extensive experience spanning over two decades in the MSP space, Rob sheds light on Pax8's pivotal role in driving innovation and growth within the industry. From discussing the scalability of MSPs across diverse sizes to unpacking the significance of the upcoming Beyond conference, Pax8's user conference, Rob offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing MSPs today. Throughout the conversation, Rob emphasizes Pax8's commitment to leveraging data and AI to empower MSPs with actionable insights and enhance their service offerings, showcasing the company's dedication to driving positive change in the MSP ecosystem. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the evolving world of MSPs and discover Pax8's visionary approach to shaping the future of managed services. 
     
    Register today for Pax8 Beyond: https://www.pax8beyond.com/

    • 27 min
    AI, Threat Security, and a New Paradigm with Syn Cubes

    AI, Threat Security, and a New Paradigm with Syn Cubes

    In this episode, CEOs Dragos Stanescu of Syn Cubes and Kevin Lancaster discuss the evolving landscape of offensive security testing and its pivotal role in safeguarding systems against modern cyber threats. From the early days of security testing to its transformation into offensive security testing, Dragos shares insightful anecdotes and pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of cybersecurity. The conversation moves quickly into the profound impact of the pandemic on the adoption of offensive security practices, particularly among enterprises, and the growing importance of Managed Security Providers (MSPs) in this arena. They explore the intricate interplay between AI advancements and cybersecurity, raising critical questions about the future clash between good and fake AI. Amidst these challenges, Dragos emphasizes the imperative of elevating knowledge globally to combat emerging threats effectively. Tune in as they unravel the complexities of cybersecurity in the AI era and unveil strategies for MSPs to navigate and thrive amidst evolving security landscapes.

    • 43 min
    Simplifying MSP Operations: A MSP360 Vision for an Efficient Security 1st Platform

    Simplifying MSP Operations: A MSP360 Vision for an Efficient Security 1st Platform

    In this episode of The Channel CEO with Kevin Lancaster, we explore the world of MSP operations with our guest, Brian Helwig, CEO of MSP360.
    Join us as we explore Brian's vision for simplifying MSP operations through the MSP360 platform, which prioritizes efficiency and security. With a focus on backup solutions and endpoint protection, MSP360 empowers MSPs to run their operations seamlessly while safeguarding their clients' data.
    Throughout our conversation, Brian shares insights on building a product that meets the evolving needs of MSPs. He emphasizes the importance of security-first approaches and the role of efficient platforms in driving operational excellence.
    Tune in as we discuss how MSP360 is reshaping the MSP landscape, providing innovative solutions that enable MSPs to thrive in a dynamic environment. 



     


     

     









     
     

    • 41 min
    How Eyal Benishti, CEO of Ironscales, is scaling up to battle next-gen AI security threats.

    How Eyal Benishti, CEO of Ironscales, is scaling up to battle next-gen AI security threats.

    On this episode of "The Channel CEO" with Kevin Lancaster, CEO of Channel Program, and guest Eyal Benishti, CEO of Ironscales, the conversation jumps into the critical landscape of cybersecurity. Eyal discusses the evolution of cyber threats, highlighting the shift towards intentional bad intent and the growing sophistication of social engineering tactics targeting organizations. Emphasizing the crucial role of next-gen AI in combating these threats, particularly in the area of email phishing, Eyal stresses the importance of adaptive AI technology that can dynamically adapt to evolving threats. The discussion also addresses the challenges organizations face in defending against cyber threats and the need for proactive cybersecurity measures. As technology continues to advance, it's essential for organizations to stay vigilant and leverage innovative solutions like adaptive AI to safeguard their digital assets. 

    • 25 min

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