Twins Talk it Up Podcast

What if your financial statements could do more than tell you where your business has been—and actually help you chart where it needs to go? Thomas Howard, Business Development Director at Brightway Advisors, stops by for a conversation about turning financial clarity into a strategic roadmap for sustainable growth. Tom explains why profitability doesn't always equal healthy cash flow, why leaders need to understand the story behind the numbers, and how the right financial and HR partners can help businesses scale without losing control. 
 
Highlights:Financials as a Roadmap: Moving from reporting the past to using financial insight to make smarter decisions about the future.
 
Strategic Partnership: Why businesses need trusted advisors who work alongside them—not outsiders simply delivering reports.
AI + Expertise: Leveraging AI to streamline processes and uncover insights while recognizing that AI is only as good as the data and expertise behind it.
How successful leaders balance data, experience, and intuition while avoiding “shiny object syndrome.” 
 
Growth & Leadership: Scaling successfully requires more than revenue growth—it requires the right people, financial discipline, strategic focus, and leadership mindset.
 
Ultimately, the message is clear: data shows you where you've been, but understanding helps map where you're going.  As Tom puts it, "We translate the story the numbers are telling, so that business owners can write their next chapter." Grab the roadmap, and remember that the leader's mindset determines how effectively you get there.  Follow Tom on LinkedIn and visit tbrightwayadvisors.com to learn more about adding a fianancial operations partner to your team. 
 
Timestamps:
Financial Statements Lie 7:26
AI Impact 15:37
Success Story 30:39
 

The MSP industry is evolving—and the days of simply being the “caretaker” of technology are giving way to a new era of strategic partnership, AI enablement, and business transformation.We’re fortunate to have Arsalan Eizadirad, Senior Manager of Global MSP Strategy at Lenovo, join us to explore his more than two-decade journey across technology, sales leadership, enterprise architecture, and global MSP strategy—and the insights he’s gained along the way.  Arsalan shares his perspective on the changing MSP landscape and the growing importance of hardware alongside software in the technology stack.  He reminds us that one of the greatest rewards of leadership is the people and relationships we encounter along the journey—and, in true Arsalan fashion, we even discover that he makes his own hot sauce!  Highlights include:The evolution of the MSP from technology caretaker to strategic business and AI partner.Building stronger vendor/channel relationships through collaboration and co-selling and why partner empathy and asking “So what?” are essential to growing a healthy and successful community.The changing economics of managed services beyond price-per-seat and price-per-device.The Lenovo MSP Advisory Board and the development of the MSP Playbook.Arsalan’s leadership philosophy of “architect the system”, then “empower the people.”Why curiosity, asking questions, and being willing to say “I don’t know” are leadership strengths.Lenovo 360 for MSP is built around you — flexible pocket-to-cloud solutions, sales enablement, training and rewards designed to move your goals forward. Ready to get started? Learn more and explore Lenovo 360 for MSP: https://tinyurl.com/360forMSP
Be sure to connect with Arsalan at an upcoming industry event.
 
Timestamps: 
Relevance of Hardware 9:26
New Lenovo Playbook 11:02
Partner Empathy 22:30 

In a virtual world where it’s easy to click “Start Meeting” and start talking, how you show up can be just as important as what you say. We welcome the Owner and CEO of Insignia Training Partners, Bernie DeSantis III.  Bernie is a virtual event consultant, leadership trainer, facilitator, and producer.  We dive into a conversation about transforming virtual meetings, webinars, and training sessions into memorable experiences. Bernie shares insights from his leadership journey—including his 2022 acquisition of Insignia—and explains why leaders need to be intentional about their “virtual real estate,” from camera positioning and stage design to making audio a priority over video. We explore the difference between simply presenting information and creating an experience. Of course, no conversation with Bernie would be complete without a little fun—and the story behind his famous mustache, which has become part of his personal brand.
Highlights include:Be intentional about your stage: Your camera, background, lighting, framing, and overall virtual presence are part of your “virtual real estate.”
Don't prioritize video over audio: Great virtual experiences begin with clear, professional sound.
How you're perceived is how you will be received: Leadership presence matters both on and off camera.
Networking is about relationships, not collecting connections: Being in the right room can make all the difference.
AI and technology advancements: Leaders and facilitators should lean into the qualities that make them uniquely human.
Connect with Bernie and Insignia Training Partners: Visit InsigniaTraining.com and be sure to access his 'Top 10 Virtual Event Checklist' before your next webinar, virtual meeting, workshop, or online training session. Let's create more engaging and professional experiences.  
 
Timestamps:
Virtual Mistakes 11:52
Soft Skills & Engagement 16:17
AI Exposes Skills 21:35
Top 10 Checklist 34:08
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14ZQIQnRMNZj4zm1A-JV7tRPssy8d1b8S/view?usp=sharing

What if the future of IT isn’t about responding faster—but about knowing what’s going to happen before it happens? David Raissipour, Chief Product & Technology Officer at ConnectWise joins us for a forward-looking conversation about how AI, agentic automation, and predictive intelligence are reshaping the managed services industry. David shares his perspective on the MSP inflection point, why traditional models of simply adding people, tools, and processes are reaching their limits, and how AI agents can help smaller MSPs compete on a more level playing field with larger organizations. 
 
The conversation explores the evolution from reactive IT to predictive IT, where intelligent systems can identify issues, reason through problems, and execute tasks before they become customer-impacting events. David also emphasizes that this transformation is not an “anti-people” approach—it’s a pro-success approach, giving technology professionals the opportunity to move beyond repetitive tasks and contribute at a higher, more strategic level. From the accelerating adoption of AI and dramatically changing response times to the importance of deciding when to buy versus build, David offers practical leadership insights for navigating this next chapter of technology. Plus, we look ahead to ConnectWise’s exciting second half of the year and invite MSP and IT leaders to join the ConnectWise AI Agentic Roadshow and Executive Forum Series for conversations around AI, operational scale, and organizational performance.Follow David on LinkedIn and visit connectwise.com/executive-forum-series to participate in a city near you. 
Timestamps:
Inflection Point 9:20 
 
AI Strategy 18:43
Launched Platform 27:19
Roadshow Series 37:44

The greatest competitive advantage any organization has is its people.  Amanda Van Der Heiden, Chief Learning Consultant and Coach at Global Talent Development Solutions (GTDS) shares practical strategies for aligning people with business strategy, navigating change with confidence, and cultivating leaders who inspire trust, curiosity, and continuous growth. From designing leadership development with intention to understanding why employees resist change and how emotional intelligence fuels lasting success, Amanda offers actionable insights that every leader can apply immediately. 
 
Highlights include:
 
Intentional leadership design with measurable business results.
 
Continuous growth and why today's leaders must continuously upskill to remain effective in an AI-driven and rapidly evolving workplace.
 
Amanda shares the inspiration behind her free resource, 'Goal Development Participant Workbook,' to help turn aspirations into lasting results. Visit goGTDS.com 
 
Additional resources include, The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier and Amanda's book, Set Yourself Up to Excel: A Practical Guide to Goals, Habits and Success
 
Let's Talk Tuesday with GTDS podcast.  
When leaders intentionally invest in learning, communicate with purpose, and develop others, they design culture where both people and businesses thrive.  Download now and continue to strengthen your leadership, empower your teams, and create meaningful organizational impact.   
 
Timestamps:
Why Resist Change 12:26
Skill Up 18:46
Goal Development Resource 24:39

Like a world-class orchestra conductor who brings together extraordinary musicians with different instruments, backgrounds, and talents to perform in perfect harmony, great leaders unite diverse teams around a shared vision to create exceptional business outcomes. We welcome Ilenia Lupi, Executive Director and Europe Channel Leader with Lenovo, for a compelling conversation on leading across cultures, accelerating AI adoption, and empowering organizations through collaboration. 
 
Highlights include:
 
Ilenia shares why trust, adaptability, curiosity, empathy, and active listening are the foundation of effective leadership, emphasizing that "you cannot achieve results alone" and that the future belongs to leaders who orchestrate ideas, partnerships, and diverse perspectives rather than simply having all the answers. 
 
How Lenovo's AI-first strategy helps organizations move beyond experimentation to measurable business outcomes through smarter infrastructure, hybrid AI, edge computing, and a thriving partner ecosystem. 
 
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership: how maintaining a clear vision while allowing local flexibility drives success across Europe's diverse markets, and why strong alliances with partners are essential to navigating today's AI transformation.
 
What to expect from the next generation of technology leaders. 
 
Whether you're leading global teams, building strategic partnerships, or preparing your organization for the next wave of AI innovation, this conversation with Ilenia offers practical leadership insights that will help you become the conductor who brings out the very best in every team member to deliver extraordinary results. To learn more about how Lenovo is helping partners accelerate AI and business transformation, visit Lenovo 360 for MSP: https://tinyurl.com/360forMSP.
 
 
Timestamps:
No "one-size-fits-all" Approach 5:15
Consistencies in Leadership 20:30
Advice for Next Gen 25:29
 

What if your greatest leadership advantage isn't your IQ, technical expertise, or business strategy—but your ability to understand your emotions? Morgane Borzée, Founder of Equanima joins the program to explore how emotional intelligence can transform the way leaders communicate, make decisions, and build stronger organizations. Drawing from her personal journey with anxiety and her passion for making psychoeducation more accessible, Morgane shares how she turned personal challenges into a global mission to help leaders move beyond autopilot and respond with greater awareness and intention. 
 
Highlights include: 
 
Why emotions are valuable data—not weaknesses—and how understanding the needs behind our emotions can unlock healthier relationships, better communication, and more effective leadership. 
 
Why leaders should build a relationship with their stress responses instead of trying to eliminate them.
 
The five stress responses—fight, flight, freeze, submit, and attach—and how they shape behavior.
 
The importance of distinguishing emotions from interpretations to reduce conflict.
 
How our body can provide the first clues to our emotional state.
 
How AI is reshaping not only work but also our sense of value and identity.
 
Creating a shared language around emotional intelligence fosters trust, psychological safety, and high-performing teams. 
 
This is a fantastic conversation to support any CEO, manager, entrepreneur, coach, or therapist, looking for practical strategies to strengthen emotional awareness, improve communication, and create cultures where both people and performance thrive. 
Learn more by visiting https://equanima.io/
Download the Equanima Emotional Intelligence Mobile App: https://tinyurl.com/EquanimaEQ
 
Timestamps:
Awareness of Stressors 8:17
Impact of AI 18:31
Vulnerability & Psychological Safety 24:16
Making EQ Accessible 31:15

Great leaders don't just adapt to change—they create the environment where innovation, collaboration, and business growth thrive. Craig Taylor, Senior Director and Canada Channel Chief at Lenovo, joins the program to explore how leadership, culture, and a relentless focus on customer outcomes are transforming the technology channel. Drawing on more than three decades of experience, Craig touches on leadership principles that have shaped his career, and how Lenovo's One Lenovo strategy is breaking down organizational silos to deliver greater value for customers and partners alike.  He also shares his perspective on the evolving role of AI, channel partnerships, and why today's technology leaders must focus more on solving real business challenges. Craig discusses how Lenovo is enabling partners through education, upskilling, and a channel-first approach that empowers them to lead customer transformation. 
Highlights:
Lasting success comes from aligning people, technology, and strategy around measurable business outcomes. 
Lenovo's One Lenovo strategy is transforming the customer and partner experience.
Building a partner-first culture through collaboration, accountability, and trust.
 
“Sharing best practices and learning from each other. This is coopetition.”"
 
Why education, upskilling, and ecosystem partnerships are critical for future success.  “Engage, Empower, Educate”
 
Learn more about the community by visiting Lenovo 360 for MSP: https://tinyurl.com/360forMSP
 
Timestamps:
Leadership Role 7:22
One Lenovo Strategy 9:35
Lenovo 360 Pathways 12:42
Recognition & The Team 17:55

What separates organizations that simply adopt AI from those that truly transform their business? Rob Cato, Vice President of Worldwide Business Transformation for Lenovo's Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) joins us for an insightful conversation on why successful AI initiatives begin with business strategy—not technology. Rob shares how business transformation is "a disciplined shift in the way that we create value," emphasizing that every AI investment should start with one critical question: What measurable business outcome are we trying to achieve? From defining ROI to moving AI from pilot projects into production, Rob explains why infrastructure, data, security, networking, cooling, and services all play essential roles in delivering lasting business impact.Highlights Include: Why every AI strategy should begin with the desired business outcome.Why customer intimacy is the greatest competitive advantage for MSPs.
Moving AI from pilot projects to production with the right infrastructure.
How curiosity, empowerment, and disciplined leadership fuel business transformation.
Lenovo's channel-first approach and vision for continued global growth.
Bringing innovative technology into the world of sports and sports franchises.
 
Ready to turn managed services into your biggest growth engine? Learn how Lenovo is helping MSPs accelerate growth, deliver greater customer value, and expand their services with Lenovo 360 for MSP: https://tinyurl.com/360forMSP
 
 
Timestamps:
6:41 Successful AI Strategy
11:20 Providing True Value
17:30 Leadership Traits
22:24 Exciting Expectations

"Don't leave money on the table" is an idiom that reflects a failure to maximize profit, revenue, or overall value from a transaction, deal or upsell opportunity.  You never want to undercharge for your products and services. You want to secure the best possible outcome.Elliott Hyman, CEO of Lyra Technology Group, joins and shares his leadership journey, thoughts on AI innovation, MSP growth, and the power of scaling without sacrificing culture.  Highlights include:Why protecting customer relationships, preserving brand equity, and empowering local leadership are essential ingredients for long-term success.The most common profitability mistakes MSPs make, including underpricing services and failing to bill for the full value they deliver.How operational maturity separates thriving organizations from struggling ones.Drawing from the unique experience of acquiring more than 120 MSPs, Elliott discusses how identifying best practices across organizations creates a powerful competitive advantage, and why testing AI initiatives through Lyra's Trailblazers Program accelerates meaningful innovation.Pax8 has become the "new town square" for the IT channel.If you're passionate about building organizations that scale with purpose, empower local leadership, and maximize profitability, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.  If you are an MSP and have been considering what your next steps should be, visit lyratechgroup.com
Don't leave money on the table.
 
Time Stamps:
Impact of Education on Leadership 4:18
Profitability Mistakes 14:09
Implementing AI 24:51
Beyond Conference Takeawayss 30:54