Summary

In this engaging conversation, Tara Rummer shares her journey from a non-technical background to becoming a key player in the MSP and SaaS industries. The discussion covers her experiences with EmmyBot, the importance of community in business, and the evolving definition of success in IT careers. Tara emphasizes the need for adaptability in the fast-paced tech world and the value of building genuine relationships within the community. In this engaging conversation, Tara Rummer, Abhi Saini, and Ben Climer explore the dynamics of leadership in the MSP space, the importance of community, and the challenges of navigating workplace communication. They discuss the significance of technical knowledge versus business acumen, the necessity of training and development for employees, and the value of conferences for networking and learning. The conversation also touches on the evolution of new products in the industry and the personal experiences of the speakers, including their thoughts on public speaking and community engagement.

Takeaways

Tara's journey into IT began unexpectedly through her connection with an MSP.
Success in IT is a moving target, varying from person to person.
Community-led growth is essential for building lasting relationships in business.
Adaptability is crucial in the ever-changing landscape of technology.
Tara emphasizes the importance of feedback and learning from others.
Building a supportive community can lead to better business outcomes.
Tara's background in art history has contributed to her critical thinking skills.
The transition from MSP to SaaS requires a different mindset and approach.
Tara's experiences highlight the challenges of managing client expectations.
Creating a positive work environment is key to employee retention. Gossip can create unnecessary panic in the workplace.
Successful leaders often juggle multiple roles.
Technical knowledge is not always essential for leadership.
Internal testing can provide valuable feedback.
Generational differences affect technology understanding.
There is no silver bullet solution in business.
Role specialization is crucial as teams grow.
Investing in employee training pays off.
Conferences are vital for community building.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a common challenge.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Office Setup
02:57 Jelly Cats and Personal Connections
06:04 Feedback and Product Development
08:45 Marketing and Design Insights
11:22 Adulting and Life Lessons
14:11 Defining Success in IT Careers
15:10 Defining Success: A Personal Journey
16:09 Early Exposure to Technology
18:48 From Art History to IT: An Unexpected Path
20:12 Navigating Career Changes and Opportunities
24:29 Building a Career in the MSP Space
27:58 The Importance of Continuous Learning in IT
31:25 Transitioning to Community Leadership
37:13 The Role of Community in Business Growth
42:02 Challenges in IT Management and Client Expectations
47:22 Taking Risks and Embracing Change
51:32 Understanding the Vendor Perspective
58:33 Training and Development in Tech
01:00:44 Building Community Through Conferences
01:07:18 The Importance of Shared Experiences
01:19:36 Embracing Naivety in Technology
01:22:58 The Rise of New Products in the MSP Space
01:24:27 Imposter Syndrome and Humility in Success
01:27:10 Late Night Conversations and Personal Insights
01:29:33 Nostalgia and Collecting in the Modern Age
01:34:07 Connecting with the Community and Final Thoughts

Keywords

IT community, technology, work-life balance, neurodiversity, AI, empathy, public speaking, innovation, personal development, community involvement, AI, technology, communication, empathy, IT industry, hiring, mistakes, community, MSP, vendor

Takeaways

Imposter syndrome is common in the tech community.
Community involvement is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Work-life balance can be blurred when you love what you do.
Understanding personality types can enhance team dynamics.
Neurodiversity brings unique perspectives to the tech industry.
Respecting employees leads to better productivity.
Public speaking requires authenticity and practice.
Empathy in processes can improve workplace efficiency.
Technology evolves, but foundational skills remain important.
AI is a tool that requires understanding and context. AI agents are evolving to understand user preferences better.
Communication is crucial in IT to avoid misunderstandings.
Empathy in hiring is as important as technical skills.
Learning from past mistakes is essential for growth.
Accountability should be prioritized over chastisement in the workplace.
Building a community can provide support and resources.
Newcomers should seek mentors and find their community.
Patience and curiosity are key traits for success in tech.
Understanding the business impact of IT decisions is vital.
Navigating the tech landscape requires both technical and soft skills.

Summary

In this episode of the Panda Award Show, hosts Abhi Saini and Ben Climer welcome Ashley Cooper, a seasoned professional in the IT community. They discuss Ashley's journey in technology, the importance of community involvement, and the challenges of work-life balance. The conversation delves into neurodiversity, the significance of empathy in processes, and the evolving landscape of AI. Listeners gain insights into public speaking, the value of diverse perspectives, and the role of constraints in driving innovation. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the evolution of AI agents, the importance of communication in the tech industry, and the balance between empathy and technical skills in hiring. They share personal experiences transitioning from MSPs to vendor roles, the significance of learning from mistakes, and the necessity of building a supportive community in tech. The discussion culminates in valuable advice for newcomers in the IT field, emphasizing the importance of finding one's place and fostering connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
02:11 Guest Introduction: Ashley Cooper
03:18 Ashley Cooper's Career Journey
06:54 Work-Life Balance and Passion
10:38 Understanding Personality Types and Work Dynamics
14:45 Neurodiversity in the Workplace
17:57 Empathy in Processes and Systems
22:49 The Role of Technology in Career Development
27:36 Early Influences and Exposure to Technology
31:07 Adrenaline and Innovation: A Historical Perspective
33:15 Understanding Technology: Beyond Computers
36:34 The Evolution of Learning: From Basics to Complexity
41:41 The Iterative Process of Mastery
46:10 The Role of Community in Learning
48:44 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives
52:40 Constraints as Catalysts for Innovation
57:15 AI: Understanding Its Limitations and Potential
01:01:14 The Evolution of AI Tools and User Experience
01:06:14 Navigating the MSP Landscape: A Personal Journey
01:11:30 Empathy in Tech: The Human Element
01:15:29 Communication and Trust in IT Management
01:21:00 Building Resources for the Next Generation
01:25:00 The Importance of Context in Technical Roles
01:30:32 Integrity vs. Accountability in the Workplace
01:36:33 Navigating MSP Challenges and Opportunities
01:37:00 The Journey into LabTech and Community Engagement
01:39:30 Finding Your Tribe in the MSP Community
01:41:26 Driving Value and Recognition in IT
01:45:20 Transitioning from MSP to Consulting and Vendor Roles
01:50:14 Building a Vision for CyberDrain
01:52:26 Reflections on the New Generation in IT
01:59:40 Advice for Newcomers in the MSP Space

n this episode of the Panda Awards Show podcast, Abhi, Ben, and Dean discuss Dean's journey in the technology sector, his current role at EmPath, and the importance of education and experience in the tech industry. They explore the balance between knowledge and experience, the significance of mentorship, and the role of luck in achieving business success.

Dean shares insights from his early career, leadership lessons, and the challenges of scaling a Managed Service Provider (MSP).

The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing industry.

In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the chaotic yet fascinating world of tech jobs, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on customer service, hiring strategies, and the challenges of scaling service quality in Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

They explore the concept of white glove service, the importance of standardization, and the journey of transitioning from an MSP to a vendor.

The discussion culminates in the introduction of 'Spicy Mondays,' a platform for candid industry conversations that challenge the status quo.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:31 Current Role and Responsibilities at M-Path
05:59 Experience vs. Knowledge: A Dungeons and Dragons Analogy
10:55 The Importance of Knowing Your Limits
15:55 The Role of Education in Technology
22:00 Dean's Journey into Technology
28:01 Transitioning from Passion to Career
33:10 Leadership Lessons from Early Career
39:23 The Role of Luck in Business Success
47:53 Scaling Challenges for MSPs
52:02 Navigating the Chaos of Tech Jobs
55:05 Lessons from the Field: Customer Interactions
58:47 Hiring Strategies for MSPs
01:03:00 The Challenge of Scaling Service Quality
01:08:34 Understanding White Glove Service
01:18:11 Standardization vs. Customization in MSPs
01:21:59 Transitioning to the Dark Side: A Personal Journey
01:33:24 Spicy Mondays: A New Perspective on Industry Conversations