Today I’m speaking with Kory Kogan VP of content development at Franklin Covey. Kory and I dive deep into the world of project management. Kory shares invaluable insights on the practical skill of managing projects, whether they're official or unofficial. We'll explore how breaking down tasks and setting specific deadlines can reduce risks.

The discussion extends to the attributes of successful unofficial project managers, emphasizing that good organizational and people skills can often outweigh technical expertise. Kory provides actionable advice for those managing teams without formal authority, stressing the importance of high trust leadership behaviors such as respect, listening, and accountability.

Kory also highlights how everyone is a project manager in some capacity in their life, so I’m sure this episode will be valuable to everyone.

Kory is the author of the book Project Management for the unofficial project manager.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast! In today’s episode I chat with industry veteran Rob Rae CVP @ Pax8. Together, we explore the dynamics of technology conferences, from choosing locations and handling logistics to balancing networking opportunities amidst distractions. Rob shares insights from his experience running the PAX8 Beyond event and delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on transitioning from live to virtual events and back.

The conversation also highlights the ever-changing landscape for managed service providers (MSPs), examining the shift from traditional distribution to a more marketplace-centered model and how this impacts the SMB IT sector. We delve into the evolving consumer behavior, the rise of antisocial selling, and the crucial role of MSPs in navigating cybersecurity and product choices for clients.

We also take a deep dive into the potential and pitfalls of AI adoption, urging MSPs to stay proactive and adaptable. Rob offers a cautious yet optimistic take on monetizing AI and emphasizes the importance of consultation and co-managed IT opportunities.

Join us as we uncover the future of technology events, the transformative role of AI, and the continuing evolution of the MSP and IT landscape!

This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.

Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.

Welcome to Evolved Radio Podcast. Join us as Matt Linn, the COO of Thread, shares insights from his journey from account management to spearheading innovative chat solutions in the MSP space with Thread. We'll explore the dynamic integration of internal ticketing systems with platforms like Microsoft Teams, address the real-time benefits of chats for triggering workflows, and consider the pressing challenges and opportunities of evolving chat support models in the MSP industry. We’ll also explore how AI will have a major role to play in chat support. Don't miss this engaging discussion on the critical role chat platforms play in IT support and how it’s set to revolutionize the IT service industry.

This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.

Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.

Welcome back to the Evolved Radio Podcast. Today's episode features Dr. Heather Denniston, a former chiropractor turned wellness specialist who's here to share her insights into maintaining energy and focus during our workday—especially for those of us in the high-stress technology sector.

We dive into practical strategies for overcoming the infamous afternoon slump, as Heather recommends simple recharging techniques you can use. We also navigate the crucial role of setting clear boundaries to conserve energy and touch upon a client's innovative approach of using out-of-office emails to signal availability.

Heather's transition to wellness was fueled by her personal health journey, embodying the narratives that often inspire those in the health and wellness space. Together, we discuss combating decision fatigue, the pitfalls of a hyper-distracted world, and how retraining our focus through methods like the Pomodoro technique can significantly cut through the noise.

Moreover, we examine the steep rise in workplace distractions and burnout in the post-pandemic era, as indicated by reports from giants like Microsoft and Deloitte. From the importance of restorative breaks to the impact of office food culture on our well-being, we leave no stone unturned in exploring how small lifestyle tweaks can make a mammoth difference in our productivity and health.

Stay with us as we uncover the myths of multitasking, the all-too-common issue of decision fatigue, and why leaders must play a pivotal role in fostering a communication culture that respects personal time and mental wellness.

So, if you're seeking ways to build resilience, improve focus, and adopt a sustainable work-life balance, join us on this enlightening journey with Heather. Let's get Evolved.

Today, we welcome Joel Abramson, managing partner at TopDown.

In this episode, we will explore the ever-relevant topic of maximizing productivity in an increasingly remote and digital work environment. Joel shares his insights on the challenges that businesses face, such as the distractions of technology and the need for better tools to monitor productivity. Together, we delve into Produce 8, an innovative response to the plateaued productivity issues.

We'll also discuss how the pandemic has brought new concerns over employee productivity to the forefront for many CEOs. Joel illuminates the fine line between automation benefits and the additional burdens it can place on technicians.

Join us as we examine strategies to avoid burnout and boredom by focusing on meaningful work, setting intentional goals, and unlocking efficiencies with better workflow and tool optimization. We'll tackle the tricky balance of keeping an eye on the bottom line while improving the work experience to boost engagement and productivity.

We're here to equip you with the tools and thought processes needed to not just survive but thrive in the modern business landscape. So let's evolve your approach to managing time and engagement with Joel Abramson on the Evolved Radio Podcast.

This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.

Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.

Welcome back to Evolved Radio Podcast, today we are diving into the groundbreaking revolutionary world of the AI. My guest today is, Jimmy Hatzell, a man who’s not just fascinated by the capabilities of AI but also turned that fascination into a MSP focused AI startup. Together, we’re going to explore the ins and outs of AI in the world of Managed Service Providers.

Jimmy and I reflect on how far the ecosystem has advanced in such a short period. We nerd out abit on the underlying technology behind generative AI, and how it's prompting millions of users and companies to latch onto the LLM bandwagon.

Jimmy takes us through his personal journey with AI - from a eureka moment with his father-in-law to starting his own company, focusing on how small businesses can maximize their use of AI.

We’ll look at the breathtaking pace of technological evolution versus the sluggish crawl of regulation and guess what the future holds.

Will MSPs manage LLM infrastructure? Will we see a return to on-premises solutions? Stick around for predictions and our deep dive into these predictive waters.

This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.

Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.

Joining us today is Michael Nelson, the co-founder of Scaled and owner of TLC Tech, an MSP in California. Michael's journey began with skepticism towards remote work, but through revolutionary changes and an open mind, he's since embraced a mainly remote workforce, reaping benefits in productivity, profitability, and employee happiness.

In this episode, we'll uncover the transformative impact of remote work for MSPs, the integration of overseas talent into local company cultures, and how these remote powerhouses can reinvigorate your organization. We'll also discuss the distinctions between staff augmentation and outsourcing, the importance of intentional onboarding, and the necessity of regular communication to engage and retain top remote talent.

Michael will share his personal insights on how remote staffing has reshaped his company and practical tips for maintaining company culture in a remote work environment. We'll be exploring the creation of a remote employee engagement plan and the benefits of thorough documentation.

Additionally, we’ll touch on the cultural nuances of managing a diverse workforce and tackle the more subtle aspects of cross-cultural management.

So plug in, adjust your volume, and get ready for an enlightening conversation that might just change the way you view staffing in your MSP. Let’s tune in.

This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.

Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.

Welcome to another episode of the Evolved Radio Podcast! In today's episode, I’m joined by Mike Psenka, CEO and Founder of Moovila, to delve into the world of project management, particularly in the MSP (Managed Service Provider) space. If you've ever wondered why projects just can’t seem to get delivered on time and how you could make your project delivery process better, you’re gonna love this one. We discuss the importance of understanding dependencies, the critical path, and how technology can streamline project management processes. Mike shares his insights on APMM (autonomous project monitoring and management) and its innovative features. Whether you work in a smaller MSP or a larger organization with a PMO, there's valuable advice for all. So join us as we explore the secrets, strategies, and challenges of managing projects in the ever-evolving world of IT.

This episode is brought to you by Evolved Management Training Courses.

Online courses specifically crafted for MSP needs. A Service Manager BootCamp course, a project manager for MSPs course, an MSP security fundamentals course, and an IT Documentation Done RIght course.