Tubbtalk - The Podcast For It Consultants

In this episode, Richard Tubb speaks to Michael Lawson, who has over15 years of experience in working with MSPs. A seasoned startup founder, he’s recently built an exciting new platform for MSPs. Movebot is designed to make data migration easier, particularly at scale.Michael tells Richard how he came up with the idea for Movebot, the tools it integrates with and the tech requirements for MSPs to run it effectively for themselves and their clients.Richard asks Michael to explain the types of data Movebot migrates and how to use it for data merges, as well as giving some examples of how real-life MSP use the tool in their businesses.Michael also talks through how Movebot transfers live data and how Movebot helps its global MSP clients to stay data compliant and up to date with legislation changes in their home countries.Richard asks Michael what Movebot’s tech support and outsourcing offerings look like, the pricing structure, and his plans for Couchdrop and Movebot in 2024 and beyond.Mentioned in This Episode

In this episode, Richard Tubb speaks to Dan Adams. Dan is the chairman of New England Network Solutions, a Massachusetts-based MSP, and he's also the founder of Up-skill, a media and e-learning service for IT professionals. Dan is also the author of "The Tech Nerd's Guide to Career Success: Seven Proven Lessons to Unlock Your Growth in an IT Services Company". He explains why he was inspired to write a book and who it's for.Dan shares the story of his career in the IT space and how he set up and grew his MSP, as well as what inspired him to write his new book, who it’s aimed at and how it can help engineers as well as business owners.Richard and Dan discuss the disconnects between the roles an MSP owner has, how engineers think versus how MSPs think and Dan’s four success quadrants for MSP owners.They also talk about the lessons in the book around measuring competence and success, how MSP owners can encourage their engineers to learn from the book’s advice, and how it can be beneficial to those in both nimble

In a unique bonus episode of TubbTalk, Richard Tubb discusses why he wants to do an audio version of his popular MSP Insights newsletter.Richard explains that many MSPs prefer to listen rather than read. If you're busy or commuting, it's easier to have audio on in the background.Plus, Richard hopes that this will help him reach a bigger audience, who may not know about him already. And as recording audio content is time-consuming and draining for him, Richard prefers to write an update instead, as he explains in this episode.Except it's not Richard speaking at all. What you'll hear is a synthesised version of his voice, created with an AI tool called Descript.What do you think? Revolutionary or world-destroying? Would you use it in your own business? Would you enjoy listening to a recording knowing it wasn't really the person you follow? Mentioned in This EpisodeVideo and audio editing and AI Tool: Descript

In this episode, Richard Tubb speaks to Nigel Moore, the illustrious founder of The Tech Tribe. It’s community for forward-thinking MSPs looking to network, collaborate and learn from their peers. Its members have access to marketing, training, expert panel discussions and more.This is a bumper episode, so get a flask of tea, a packet of biscuits and settle in to learn from Nigel and Richard! Nigel explains how The Tech Tribe came about, why people join and why it attracts industry experts. He also shares his advice on running a successful MSP without working long hours, how to grow a strong team culture and how they deal with disagreements in The Tech Tribe community forums.Nigel talks openly about how he overcame addiction to grow a successful business and how this led to meditation and journalling practices.He shares his tips on how to tackle difficult conversations and why he thinks AI might help us better understand ourselves.Richard asks Nigel why he invests in businesses, and not necessarily those in t

This episode was originally recorded live as a chat between Richard Tubb, Dray Agha and Joe Burns on the topic of cybersecurity. Dray is UK Manager for Threat Operations for Huntress, a managed cybersecurity platform.Joe is the owner of Reformed IT, an MSP based in the East Midlands. He’s also a Huntress customer, using their outsourced NOC services. They both generously gave up their time for this TubbTalk Live show.Richard asked Joe to explain why he chose to partner with Huntress rather than doing his own cybersecurity and the experience of integrating Huntress tools into his tech stack.Richard also asks Dray about Huntress: how they find the right employees and their approach to 24/7 cybersecurity support. Richard asks Joe how to assess cybersecurity systems and Dray how Huntress support their clients to do cybersecurity better.He also asks Joe to explain session hijacking and Dray about the importance of conditional access policies. Finally, he asks them both for their thoughts on government involvement

This is another Team Tubb Travelogue!Steve McCormick catches up with Richard Tubb and Pascal Fintoni who are in London for two different yet complementary international events: the B2B Marketing Expo and the Call & Contact Centre Expo.Grab a cup of your favourite tea or coffee, relax and join them for a fun conversation about the tech highlights from each expo.There are shout-outs to old and new friends and a chat about the impact of AI on all our marketing and customer service practices.Plus lessons about preparing for trade shows, and... the Team Tubb Travelogue Quiz is back!Richard and Pascal share their reactions and new findings from the two international events, the inevitable travel mishaps, food reviews and together they tackle one important question:Is knickerbocker glory better than sticky toffee pudding?Did you know...The B2B Marketing Expo showcases cutting-edge developments in marketing and features high-quality exhibitors and interactive sessions, making it a must-attend event for marketing

In this episode, Richard Tubb talks to Phylip Morgan, the Chief Revenue Officer at Pax8. A cloud marketplace, they believe that the distribution market and the whole channel is fragmented, and somebody needs to unite and bring it together.Phylip shares his journey in the IT space, what drew him to Pax8 and how the industry has changed since he started, as well as one thing that’s stayed the same, and what’s coming next for Pax8.Phylip explains to Richard why he thinks that data is like oil and why data sharing doesn’t affect your competitive advantage, and they also discuss what AI means for the MSP sector. Richard also asks Phylip to explain more about Pax8: their approach to community and their workplace culture, the Pax8 Beyond conference and the future of live events. Phylip also talks about his life outside of work – being a father, grandfather and church pastor. Mentioned in This EpisodePax8Pax8 BeyondThe Tech TribeCompTIABook: Bob Burg: The Go-GiverSpeaker and author Patrick Lencioni on YouTubeSpe

We managed to track down Richard Tubb and Steve McCormick during a recent trip to the North West of England. It was a busy couple of days; they attended the MSP Summit Manchester 2023 and then they fought their way through heavy traffic for the SBSC North West evening event, where we finally caught up with them.This is a fun discussion with the usual mix of event recap, travel woes, impromptu practical advice and culinary delights! And well-deserved shout-outs to great individuals including:Phyl Morgan from Pax 8, Kate Wood from Women In Tech North, Robert Gibbons from Cara Technologies and SBSC North West, Sam Sheridan from Sheridan Computers.And let's not forget Richard's newfound friend... the legend that is Kevin Keegan!Did you know...The Managed Services Summit Manchester is a major event in the IT industry featuring impactful presentations by industry leaders, networking opportunities, and a platform for critical business discussions.The SBSC North West is an independent forum for Microsoft Small Busine

In this special bonus episode, Richard shares his best MSP business advice. This show was recorded as a live AMA (ask me anything) with members of the SuperOps community.

In this episode, Richard speaks to Darren Strong. Darren is the Managing Director of Focus Technology Solutions, a managed service provider based in the North of England. Plus, he’s also built and managed multiple MSPs and founded Scalable MSP. They  consult, configure and implement established MSP best practices to help managed service provider businesses accelerate their profit.Darren tells Richard why he joined the ConnectWise IT Evolve community and the catalyst for starting his MSP. He explains the types of MSPs they work with and the services they provide.They also dig into growth, with Richard asking how Scalable helps MSPs benchmark their progress and what Darren considers to be the main issues MSPs face when they grow.Darren also speaks honestly about why he doesn’t think there’s a conflict of interest working with an MSP coach who also owns a managed services business, how he juggles the two roles and his advice to grow and scale. Mentioned in This EpisodeConnectWiseConnectWise IT Nation Evolve

In this special bonus episode of TubbTalk, recorded live at Microsoft Ignite, Richard Tubb speaks to James Marshall, Azure Success Manager at Microsoft UK. They talk about what’s new at Microsoft and what MSPs can look forward to.James tells Richard why IT professionals should attend Microsoft Ignite, and they discuss why hybrid conferences are still needed, as well as how Microsoft goes about delivering virtual event.Richard asks James about their commitment to the environment and how they’re redressing the balance from past technologies. They explore thenew Co-Pilot AI Assistant and Co-Pilot Studio, what Microsoft Loop is and why Azure is a good fit even if you’re new to business.Mentioned in This EpisodeEvent: IgniteDesign events: BuildPartner event: InspireOnline office tools: 365AI assistant: Co-PilotAI tool: Chat GPTVideo conferencing: TeamsEmail software: OutlookCollaboration tool: SharePointCo-Pilot StudioCollaboration tool: LoopCloud computing tool: AzureOnline training: NinjaNote taking app: OneNote

In this episode, Richard Tubb speaks to Mark Taylor, the founder of Chorus, a Microsoft-focused MSP. Today, they are a leading MSSP, providing channel focused MDR and MXDR services built on the Microsoft security stack. Mark now serves as the CTO.Mark explains his background and how he ended up in the IT space, what an MSSP does and why he decided to become one. He also explains how the team manage their responsibilities when providing both MSP and MSSP services.Richard asks Mark to explain various security acronyms, how Chorus deal with client security breaches, and the types of clients they help. Mark also explains how the business gained MISA certification from Microsoft and what that means for their clients. Mark tells Richard how they support MSPs who want to transition to be an MSSP and the things to consider as well as sounding a note of caution. They discuss the biggest mistake MSPs make with cybersecurity and what AI means for both MSPs and MSSPs.Finally, Richard asks Mark to share who has been an i

In this episode, Richard is joined by Daisy Pike, manager of Solution Consultants EMEA at PAX8. Daisy has a wealth of experience in the IT industry, as well as a degree in electrical engineering. Pax8 are a groundbreaking cloud marketplace platform for MSPs.Daisy explains a typical day for her and what her team does, and how that fits in with the wider Pax8 mission. She also describes her background in STEM and nuclear power, and how that led her where she is today.Richard and Daisy dig into continuity, why it’s so important for MSPs and why you need a good backup solution. She also explained why MSPs need to be aware of Microsoft Clause 6B.Richard asked Daisy what MSPs should look for in a continuity platform, how they should explain the importance of it to their clients, and the various Pax8 continuity bundles to make it easier to implement into your existing stack.Finally, Daisy shares her experiences as a woman in IT, her advice to girls wanting to get into STEM and who she considers her mentors.Mentioned

In this impromptu Travelogue, Pascal Fintoni manages to catch up with Richard Tubb, Stephen McCormick and special guest Tracie Orisko, Senior Director of Sales Development & Community at Huntress.You can expect the usual mix of practical business advice, food and drinks reviews, fun travelling anecdotes and our Team Tubb Travelogue Quiz!The 'Breaches & Brews' Events were informal gatherings organised by Huntress UK at great breweries and distilleries across London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol. These events brought together Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and their teams to discuss essential cybersecurity topics and gain insights into Huntress' collaboration with MSPs in the ongoing battle against cybercriminals.Were you at one of the 'Breaches & Brews' events too? Send us a voice recording with your highlights and we will add your comments to our next Team Tubb Travelogue.

In this episode of TubbTalk, Richard speaks to Dray Agha, UK Operations Manager for cybersecurity experts Huntress. Dray tells Richard how he got started in the IT industry while he was still a kid, and how he ended up at Huntress. They discuss the workplace culture at the company and what makes them different.Dray describes the Huntress experience for MSPs and how they support their clients with three key cybersecurity challenges. They also dig into SOC – what, if any, difference there is between it and managed security platforms, and why you might want to outsource your SOC.Dray tells Richard why outsourcing isn’t a bad thing, and why overseas suppliers can have a positive impact on your business, but also talks through the steps if you decide you want to build your own internal security system.Richard asks Dray to explain the terms ‘offensive security' and ‘persistent foothold’, why defensive security is both exciting and frustrating, and how Huntress respond to client security breaches.Finally, Dray shar

In this bonus episode of TubbTalk, Richard talks to Arvind Parthiban, CEO and co-founder of SuperOps.AI, a combined and RMM for MSPs. They have built artificial intelligence into the very foundation of everything the platform does. Arvind says they describe themselves as the modern PSA and RMM platform, with five products streamlined into one. Their goal is to help MSPs do business more easily and get to profitability quicker.This special interview was put together to share the latest funding news from SuperOps with the wider MSP community. They closed a series B funding round with $12.4m raised, plus additional capital investment. The total raised was $30m.Richard asks Arvind what the funding means for MSPs in general and SuperOps’ clients in particular, why they decided to apply for funding now and what updates they’re planning.Arvind also discusses their plans for new offices, adding MSP and tech expert Juan Fernandez to the team and why they’re launching a new community. Plus, Arvind shares what he hopes

In this episode, Richard Tubb speaks to sales expert Danny Boyle, author of "Sell More, do Less, an MSP and IT Specialists' Guide to Better Sales Calls.” Danny’s a sales leader with a proven history of success in driving step change growth for cloud software brands in the IT industry. He shares his advice on how MSPs can become comfortable with selling.They talk about Danny’s background, how he got started in the IT space, who Ninja One are and what Danny does there. Richard asks Danny what inspired him to write a book and why now.Danny and Richard also dig into sales tactics and how to do better with selling. They look at the reasons why MSPs struggle with sales, the skills you need, and why Danny believes anyone can sell.Danny also shared the biggest mistake MSPs make when they think about selling, his BANK OUT process and the structure and cycle of sales. He also explains why he thinks he has such a high closing rate.Plus, Danny tells Richard how studying psychology and sociology taught him how to build b

In this episode, Richard Tubb speaks to Dave Tilly, CEO of DaaS Portal. Dave is revolutionising the way DaaS (device as a service) is delivered in the MSP space.He and Richard talk about what DaaS actually is, where the idea for the business came from and how DaaS Portal helps MSPs to manage hardware, as well as the experience for MSPs of using the tool.Dave explains to Richard about their relationship with Pax8 and how they’ve been supported. He also explains how DaaS Portal integrates with your existing MSP stack.Richard and Dave were also briefly joined by Scott Riley of Cloud Nexus to talk about his experiences with DaaS Portal and how it’s changed his company’s hardware process. Scott also explained the myth of margins on devices.They then looked at client self-service on DaaS Portal, how they help MSPs to explain DaaS to clients and why they use experience level agreements not service level agreements. Dave also explained why if a client defaults on their DaaS agreement it’s not a big deal.Mentioned in

In this special bonus TubbTalk episode, Richard Tubb talks to Bradley Munday and Jason Kemsley, co-founders of Uptime Solutions, to learn more about their impending merger with Inbay.Uptime Solutions is a white-label outsourcing platform, offering specialist support to MSPs for NOC, SOC and helpdesk. Likewise, Inbay provides outsourced support, with project help and dedicated tech expertise.Richard, Jason and Bradley talk about how the merger came about, the solutions Inbay offer and how they fit with those of Uptime, and what the merger means for MSPs. Plus, they look at why outsourcing works well for most MSPs.Bradley and Jason explain how they’re supporting their customers in the immediate and in future as well as how they’re sharing the news with the MSP community. Richard asks them what the merger means for the wider IT industry and why it will succeed when others have failed. They also explain how they’ll maintain their focus on operational delivery, why they’re not rebranding at the moment, why all the

In this new episode of the Team Tubb Travelogue audio series, Stephen McCormick invites Pascal Fintoni to join him on an impromptu audio call with Richard Tubb and James Steel from Akamai Linode.Both Richard and James are about to start their final day at the CompTIA ChannelCon unmissable event in Las Vegas.This year, the theme for the 3-day conference was 'Build The Impossible' with a strong message to look outside your current customer base, circle of partners, and comfort zone.Richard and James share their reactions and experience so far, memorable speeches and key take-aways, surprising emotional moments and something to do with an oxygen bar?They also take part in a Team Tubb Travelogue Quiz at the end of the call!Were you at the CompTIA ChannelCon 2023 event too? Send us a voice recording with your highlights and we will add your comments to our next Team Tubb Travelogue.