Ep. 51 - The New HR. Shift Happens. How To Pivot When Employees Work From Home with Michelle Brooks of Security Compass

AI – It's everywhere nowadays, reshaping our reality in ways we’ve only begun to explore. Barb goes in depth with Jimmy Hatzell – the intrepid co-founder and CEO of Hatz AI – exploring his vision and expertise to see how AI can empower, enhance and encourage transformation for MSPs and their clients.

0:00 – Barb's Introduction

0:46 – Who is Jimmy Hatzell and Hatz AI?

5:29 – How did Jimmy's compelling vision and strategy attract investment and seed funding from important investors such as Vestigo Ventures?

8:37 – In light of recent embarrassing incidents affecting businesses involved with AI outcomes, what measures are being implemented by Hatz AI to ensure MSPs can offer these services with confidence without negatively impacting their reputation?

14:21 – How does Jimmy's platform deal with problems and queries that fall of out of its scope involving its training data?

18:21 – What do MSPs say in response to clients to ask, “why should I use your AI service”? What are the benefits and value of choosing Hatz AI as a solution?

22:57 – What is the most important thing Jimmy has ever learned?

This podcast has been brought to you by CDNTechnologies.com. Canada's first and only certified outsourced IT Company where we provide IT Service, IT Support and Cyber Security to businesses all throughout North America from out worldwide headquarters in Oakville, Ontario.

Technology and threats chage daily, so shift the stress of managing your technology to us, as we're direct to tech 24/7/365. Our mission is to bring you User Friendly, Hands Free, Technology Peace. Call us at 905-542-9759.

Our guest, Michael Contento, is a seasoned expert who has journeyed through the whole life cycle of an MSP. We hear about Michael's story and gain invaluable insights on the MSP landscape in Canada, the dynamics of mergers, what to look for in an acquisition, and the hurdles owner-operated MSPs face. Whether you're a budding MSP looking to scale or an established player contemplating a merger, this episode is tailored for you.

0:00 – Barb's Introduction

1:42 – Who is Michael Contento and F12.net?

3:49 – Why did Michael sell his MSP?

8:58 – Aside from money, what should an MSP look for when they are considering who they are going to sell to?

19:43 – What other things should MSPs do when they are preparing to sell?

28:38 – What is the most important thing Michael has ever learned?

This podcast has been brought to you by CDNTechnologies.com. Canada's first and only certified outsourced IT Company where we provide IT Service, IT Support and Cyber Security to businesses all throughout North America from out worldwide headquarters in Oakville, Ontario.

Technology and threats change daily, so shift the stress of managing your technology to us, as we're direct to tech 24/7/365. Our mission is to bring you User Friendly, Hands Free, Technology Peace. Call us at 905-542-9759.

Small businesses require a simple plan to protect themselves from cyber crime. Cyber attacks are unexpected, and these attacks seem to be on the increase. The good news is the majority of cyber crimes can be prevented, and a network assessment performed by an MSP is pivotal to improving security within an organization. Matthew K. Koenig from Nodeware returns to share more insights and the power of IT assessments with Barb.

0:00 – Barb's Introduction

2:33 – Who are Matthew K. Koenig and Nodeware?

6:12 – What do vulnerability scans find when an MSP assesses the network environment of a small business?

15:23 – How can regular vulnerability assessments shift a business' approach from reactive to proactive in terms of cyber security?

20:21 – What is the most important thing Matthew has ever learned?

This podcast has been brought to you by CDNTechnologies.com. Canada's first and only certified outsourced IT Company where we provide IT Service, IT Support and Cyber Security to businesses all throughout North America from out worldwide headquarters in Oakville, Ontario.

Technology and threats change daily, so shift the stress of managing your technology to us, as we're direct to tech 24/7/365. Our mission is to bring you User Friendly, Hands Free, Technology Peace. Call us at 905-542-9759.

In this grand symphony of small business IT, every instrument, every section plays its part. But as we know, in any great performance, a single note change can influence the whole piece. This raises a crucial question: How does a business keep track of all the subtle changes in each section? Shawn Sailer from Liongard joins Barb to explain how tools like Liongard ensure the symphony always plays on, beautifully in tune.

0:00 – Barb's Introduction

2:37 – Who are Shawn Sailer and Liongard?

7:17 – How do MSPs use and leverage Liongard as an opportunity with co-managed IT and other companies?

15:59 – What is the most important thing Shawn has ever learned?

This podcast has been brought to you by CDNTechnologies.com. Canada's first and only certified outsourced IT Company where we provide IT Service, IT Support and Cyber Security to businesses all throughout North America from out worldwide headquarters in Oakville, Ontario.

Technology and threats change daily, so shift the stress of managing your technology to us, as we're direct to tech 24/7/365. Our mission is to bring you User Friendly, Hands Free, Technology Peace. Call us at 905-542-9759.

In today's fast-paced business environment, technology has become an integral part of almost every aspect of operations. From communications, marketing to supply chain management and Cyber Security, ALL businesses rely heavily on technology. Journalists behind industry publications, conferences, social media and research reports provide a deep understanding of the tech industry and can offer valuable guidance to help businesses navigate its complex landscape.

Join Barb as she speaks with Rich Freeman, an industry expert with over two decades of experience in technology journalism. Rich is the go-to source for the latest trends, news, and best practices in the managed services space.

0:00 – Barb's Introduction

2:07 – How did Rich Freeman wind up in technology journalism from Yale?

3:50 – How has writing for technology journalism evolved over the years?

5:00 – Rich's thoughts about the impact of ChatGPT on the industry.

6:43 – What are some of the biggest challenges facing MSPs and their vendors today, and how does Rich see these challenges evolving in the coming years?

15:24 – Will AI play a role in levelling the playing field in the world of MSPs?

19:04 – What are Rich's predictions for the future when it comes to MSPs, vendors and the industry?

24:26 – Rich's thoughts on the decreasing price trends of PCs.

27:20 – What is the most important thing Rich has ever learned?

This podcast has been brought to you by CDNTechnologies.com. Canada's first and only certified outsourced IT Company where we provide IT Service, IT Support and Cyber Security to businesses all throughout North America from out worldwide headquarters in Oakville, Ontario.

Technology and threats change daily, so shift the stress of managing your technology to us, as we're direct to tech 24/7/365. Our mission is to bring you User Friendly, Hands Free, Technology Peace. Call us at 905-542-9759.

Consider this: 99% of the world doesn’t speak geek, nor do they understand cybersecurity and how to protect their digital assets. For the 1% of people who are familiar with terms like Privilege Escalation, Lateral movement and Seim, you might want to continue listening to understand how to communicate effectively to the rest of the world.

Joining Barb today is her friend Ann Westerheim – founder and president of Ekaru, a tech company for small business in Boston, recognized as an accomplished technology innovator and leader. Ann is also now a published author, making history with her new book “Cybersecurity for Main Street – Cyber Fit in 21 Days”.

0:00 – Barb's Introduction

1:56 – Who are Ann Westerheim and Ekaru?

4:00 – What inspired Ann to write her book “Cybersecurity For Main Street: Cyberfit in 21 Days”?

9:57 – What were some of the hurdles Ann faced when writing the book?

12:22 - What is the “one thing” every small business owner should do to protect and preserve their company’s critical data and computer systems?

16:12 – What is the most important thing Ann has ever learned?

This podcast has been brought to you by CDNTechnologies.com. Canada's first and only certified outsourced IT Company where we provide IT Service, IT Support and Cyber Security to businesses all throughout North America from out worldwide headquarters in Oakville, Ontario.

Technology and threats change daily, so shift the stress of managing your technology to us, as we're direct to tech 24/7/365. Our mission is to bring you User Friendly, Hands Free, Technology Peace. Call us at 905-542-9759.

Does your business need cyber insurance? Truth is, cyber criminals are targeting smaller organizations because the smaller your business, the less prepared it is to guard itself against a cyber attack.

Cyber insurance policies and riders have grown popular over the last decade as cybercriminals have become more cunning. Because of this, cyber insurance prices have also risen, so you may be curious whether cyber insurance is something your business absolutely needs.

Joining Barb today is Desraie Thomas of DataStream Cyber Insurance, offering clarity to businesses on the topic of cyber insurance.

0:00 – Barb's Introduction

2:20 – Who is Desraie Thomas and DataStream Cyber Insurance?

7:29 – What does cyber insurance cover?

13:16 – What does an insurance company need to know about your business?

18:15 – What is the most important thing Desraie has ever learned?

This podcast has been brought to you by CDNTechnologies.com. Canada's first and only certified outsourced IT Company where we provide IT Service, IT Support and Cyber Security to businesses all throughout North America from out worldwide headquarters in Oakville, Ontario.

Technology and threats change daily, so shift the stress of managing your technology to us, as we're direct to tech 24/7/365. Our mission is to bring you User Friendly, Hands Free, Technology Peace. Call us at 905-542-9759.

If you are thinking about selling your IT company chances are you have come full circle. The majority of MSPs are tech turned owner operators that grew a respectable businesses and now are done and want out. They can now take that long overdue vacation, treat themselves to something nice, pay back that line of credit and finally have some REAL money in the bank as they think about retirement and what they are going to do next.

Think of it... to sell or not to sell? To buy or not to buy? Joining Barb is Michael Einbinder-Schatz, to talk about life after the acquisition of his MSP – Jobecca Technology Group.

0:00 – Barb's Introduction

2:05 – Who is Michael Einbinder-Schatz and his MSP, Jobecca Technology Group?

7:44 – Why did Michael sell? How did he find the buyer?

17:23 – What did Michael do to prepare his customers for the transition?

27:53 – Does Michael have any regrets selling his business?

29:11 – What is Michael doing now?

39:27 – What is the most important thing Michael has ever learned?

This podcast has been brought to you by CDNTechnologies.com. Canada's first and only certified outsourced IT Company where we provide IT Service, IT Support and Cyber Security to businesses all throughout North America from out worldwide headquarters in Oakville, Ontario.

Technology and threats change daily, so shift the stress of managing your technology to us, as we're direct to tech 24/7/365. Our mission is to bring you User Friendly, Hands Free, Technology Peace. Call us at 905-542-9759.

What is Malware? Do you constantly get hammered by pop-up ads that come from nowhere and infuriate you when using your computer? Does your computer run slow, act funny, or crash unexpectedly? Are you getting tons of spam from unknown senders? Did your internet browser suddenly change? If so, then your computer might be infected with malicious programs that could end up destroying your files, stealing your personal and financial information, and rendering your computer useless.

It's all true. Cyber criminals lurk everywhere and are constantly finding new ways to harm you. If you want to make sure you aren’t their next victim, listen up. Joining Barb is Eddie Phillips of Malwarebytes.

0:00 – Barb's Introduction

2:04 – Who are Eddie Phillips and Malwarebytes?

4:48 – How does Malwarebytes help small business owners protect and preserve their company's critical data?

6:55 – How do you distinguish the difference between malware and a virus?

9:04 – How are endpoint detection and response and managed detection and response services that are delivered by MSPs and IT companies different from off-the-shelf solutions?

15:23 – What is the most important thing Eddie has ever learned?

This podcast has been brought to you by CDNTechnologies.com. Canada's first and only certified outsourced IT Company where we provide IT Service, IT Support and Cyber Security to businesses all throughout North America from out worldwide headquarters in Oakville, Ontario.

Technology and threats change daily, so shift the stress of managing your technology to us, as we're direct to tech 24/7/365. Our mission is to bring you User Friendly, Hands Free, Technology Peace. Call us at 905-542-9759.

When was the last time you thought about the security and the health of your computer network? I know you are so darn busy running your business that you simply forget, until something major happens. Consider this a friendly reminder to get your network checked out – if nothing else, it’s a good way to get a third party review of your network’s security and IT.

You care what happens to your company's tech assets, don't you? Over and over again, as we do our IT discoveries, it’s shocking to find out that a lot of the businesses out there have non-existent backups, security loopholes, and flawed systems that are not accounted for. It is important to have detailed invoices that clearly explain what IT services you are paying for, what you are being billed and why you have that charge.

Listen up! Joining Barb is fellow Canadian Colin Knox from Gradient MSP. Gradient is a popular tool in the MSP space that is used to match security protections, and subscriptions to devices for billing.

0:00 – Barb's Introduction

2:09 – What's new with Colin Knox and Gradient MSP?

9:08 – Colin talks about Gradient MSP's new integration with CompTIA

19:36 – What is Gradient's MSP sanctuary and how has it grown?

24:59 – What is the most important thing Colin has ever learned?

This podcast has been brought to you by CDNTechnologies.com. Canada's first and only certified outsourced IT Company where we provide IT Service, IT Support and Cyber Security to businesses all throughout North America from out worldwide headquarters in Oakville, Ontario.

Technology and threats change daily, so shift the stress of managing your technology to us, as we're direct to tech 24/7/365. Our mission is to bring you User Friendly, Hands Free, Technology Peace. Call us at 905-542-9759.