Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations

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Send us a textIn this thoughtful episode of the Joey Pinz Conversations podcast, Joey sits down with Stan Ivanov, founder and  CTO of ThreatMate, to explore a decades-long journey through software development, entrepreneurship, and personal evolution.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Joey Pinz Conversations podcast, Joey sits down with Andreas Ambuehl, co-founder and CEO of Privatam, to unpack how technology—and transparency—are transforming the future of private capital markets and global investing.

Send us a textIn this thoughtful episode of the Joey Pinz Conversations podcast, Joey is joined by Victoria Bruns, a former educator, lifelong horsewoman, and now a rising voice in human-centered cybersecurity.

Send us a textIn this energizing episode of the Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations podcast, Joey talks with Scott Barlow, Global VP of MSP and Cloud at Sophos, about how MSPs are becoming the true frontline of cybersecurity—and what vendors must do to support them.

Send us a textIn this refreshingly candid episode of the Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations podcast, Joey dives deep with Nadav Shenker, CEO of Vircom, a leading provider of email security solutions.

Send us a textIn this action-packed episode of the Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations podcast, Joey dives deep with Mike Psenka, CEO of Moovila, as they explore how discipline, probability, and automation intersect to revolutionize project management for MSPs.

Send us a textIn this powerful episode of the Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations podcast, host Joey Pinz sits down with Pete Busam, Navy veteran, marketing strategist, and founder of Equilibrium Consulting. Pete shares his inspiring journey from launching vertical missile systems aboard warships to scaling multimillion-dollar MSPs and coaching tech leaders through strategic marketing and operational maturity.Learn how Pete's nonprofit, the USS Bunker Hill Association, supports over 21,000 veterans, and why he believes discipline, process, and health are essential to success—in business and in life.They explore:

Send us a textIn this high-energy episode of the Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations podcast, Joey sits down with Ryan Walsh, founding executive of Pax8 and chair of the GTIA Member Champions, to talk teamwork, technology, and transformation.

Send us a textIn this powerhouse episode, Joey Pinz welcomes Robin Robins—industry icon, entrepreneur, and founder of Technology Marketing Toolkit—for an unfiltered, deeply personal conversation on what it really takes to succeed in the MSP world and beyond.Robin shares how she went from being homeless at 14 to building a multimillion-dollar marketing empire. She breaks down the truth behind sales vs. marketing, why most MSPs fail to scale, and what separates leaders from managers. Along the way, Robin opens up about her exit, post-sale emotions, imposter syndrome, grief, and why happiness is not the goal—impact is.This episode is raw, real, and packed with wisdom for MSPs, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing success with purpose.

Send us a textIn this action-packed episode, Joey Pinz sits down with cybersecurity veteran and ex-MSP operator Chris Loehr. From his early days as a two-footed soccer midfielder to leading Solis Security through complex ransomware response cases, Chris shares insights forged in both cleats and crisis. ⚽

Send us a textWhat do cooking steaks, German football, and MSP automation have in common? In this enriching episode, Joey Pinz chats with Mathias Zeumer about how life in the kitchen, yoga, and cybersecurity intersect in surprising ways. From 10 summers in a private club to managing human risk in the digital world, Mathias brings a grounded, practical philosophy to everything he does.

Send us a textWhat do street food in Vietnam, varsity football, and DMARC email authentication have in common? In this immersive episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Michael Chester for a lively conversation that connects personal transformation with global impact.

Send us a textWhat if chasing growth was silently killing your business?In this candid and high-impact episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Rick Murphy, the founder of Cogent Growth Partners and a veteran of over 200 M&A deals in the tech sector. Rick opens up about his personal transformation—losing 60+ pounds—and ties it directly to the mindset needed for sustainable business growth.They dive deep into what Rick calls “Top Line Disease,” a common but costly obsession with revenue at the expense of profitability. He breaks down the symptoms like “Staff Infection” (overpaid, underperforming teams) and “Credit Line Addiction” (debt-fueled operations) — and offers powerful insights on curing them.

Send us a textVaruschka Nagesar's path from South African lawyer to global executive to freedom-driven empowerment coach is a masterclass in reinvention. In this rich and inspiring conversation, Joey Pinz dives deep into the mindset shifts and personal awakenings that led Varuschka to pivot away from high-powered roles at Accenture, Google, and DHL to become a guide for others navigating major career transitions.We explore the lessons she learned from working across continents, the unique culture of Google (and what it gets right), and how she helps leaders tap into their “true north”—that inner compass that guides decisions aligned with values, purpose, and fulfillment.

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Send us a textWhat if addiction isn't the problem—but the solution to a deeper wound? In this powerful episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Meridee Hlokoff, founder of LaserQuit and a passionate advocate for revolutionizing addiction recovery. From lighting her first cigarette at 11 to building a global recovery movement, Meridee's story is raw, real, and radically hopeful.She reveals how cold laser therapy—an acupuncture-inspired, non-invasive treatment—helps people trick their brains into releasing endorphins naturally, mimicking the “high” of addictive substances without the crash. With 95–99% success rates in treating nicotine, alcohol, and even heroin addiction, Meridee's approach offers a new lens on healing.

Send us a textWhat does it really take to grow and sell a $6M MSP—and still have gas left in the tank? In this episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Jamie Kudla, a seasoned entrepreneur who built his IT firm from scratch, sold it successfully, and now helps others do it smarter through global staffing.Jamie shares the gritty truth about the early years: long hours, missed family time, burnout, and the moment he said, “There has to be a better way.” That path led him to build Kalutasan, a U.S.-based outsourcing firm connecting MSPs with elite Filipino talent.Whether you're struggling to hire, overpaying for mediocre techs, or simply want to scale without chaos, Jamie delivers proven strategies rooted in real-world MSP experience.

Send us a textOri Elraviv is a global business turnaround expert who believes success begins with clarity, not chaos. In this eye-opening episode, Ori shares how he's helped six companies realign for sustainable growth by doing the unexpected: slowing down. Drawing from his experience leading multicultural teams and his passion for sports like pickleball and basketball, Ori explains how the fundamentals of team play mirror business transformation. His method isn't about flashy fixes—it's about logic, consistency, and learning to pause, reflect, and then move forward with precision.With stories spanning Israel, China, and the U.S., Ori reveals why “being” matters more than “doing” in leadership, the surprising power of letting go, and how effective leaders use silence and strategy—not force—to build winning cultures. 

Send us a textWhat if everything you know about money is only part of the picture? In this episode, Joey Pinz dives deep with CFA and financial strategist Victor Idoko, who shares his journey from childhood savings in Nigeria to helping Australians build lasting wealth today. With 16+ years of experience, Victor reveals why building wealth isn't about chasing returns—it's about clarity, strategy, and mindset.Together, they unpack the myths around investing, why smart people stay broke, and how small, intentional habits create massive financial transformation. Victor also shares key concepts from his book 7 Basic Wealth Strategies, including mental accounting, automation, and why “hiding money from yourself” might be your smartest move yet.Whether you're a business owner, high-performing professional, or just tired of feeling stuck with your finances—this episode gives you the confidence and clarity to start changing your financial future today.

Send us a textWhat if love was the ultimate catalyst for real, lasting transformation? In this luminous conversation, Swami Nityananda joins Joey Pinz to explore the powerful idea that love is not just a feeling — it's the energy that fuels meaningful change.Swami shares her deep insights on how love can become your rocket fuel for healthy habits, how to break free from patterns of fear and anxiety, and why true happiness must begin in the present moment, not as a future goal.From using meditation to rewire the brain

Send us a textIn this deeply engaging conversation, Joey Pinz sits down with Coach Clarence to explore the powerful intersections of health, mindset, and financial well-being—specifically for those over 40.

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Send us a textWhat happens when a world-class AI entrepreneur also practices yoga and leads with empathy? In this enlightening conversation, Joey Pinz welcomes Dilip Dubey—AI pioneer, founder of multiple successful startups, and investor in 22+ ventures—to discuss how artificial intelligence can unlock not just business value but societal good.

Send us a textIn this rich, personal episode, Joey Pinz welcomes legendary channel journalist Joe Panettieri to discuss the pursuit of truth, the rise and risks of media platforms, and the enduring impact of legacy. From Atari arcades and early tech hacks to breaking the Datto-Autotask merger, Joe opens up about the adrenaline of storytelling—and what it takes to do it with integrity.He reflects on his early newsroom training, the partnership that launched ChannelE2E, and the long hours that blurred into decades of excellence. Joe shares why his family's history, captured on Panetteri.io, is now a central focus—and how discipline and obsession shaped his life in love, work, and health. With references to Yoda, Reagan, and Wizardry (yes, the RPG), this conversation hits both the heart and the head.

Send us a textIn this authentic and motivating episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Marquel McDowell to talk about bouncing back, showing up, and doing the work that matters.Marquel reflects on his rocky start in the MSP world—where poor culture and zero support nearly pushed him out of the industry. Fast-forward to today, and he's thriving at an MSP that values him, surrounded by a community that feels like home. From Roost Flow to GeekCon, Marquel shares how automation sparked his curiosity, how community helped him grow, and why data—not gut—guides his decisions.He also opens up about fatherhood, the mental benefits of early gym sessions, and the subtle but vital difference between managers and true leaders. With humor and humility, Marquel reminds us that success isn't about perfection—it's about effort, energy, and loving the process.

Send us a textIn this episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Hyla Strauss-Stanton, Strategic Account Executive at Acronis, for a wide-ranging conversation about legacy, leadership, and evolving with purpose.From crocheting calming gifts for others to driving Acronis' growth through Roost integrations, Hyla brings clarity and authenticity to every part of her life. She opens up about her move across the country, her passion for helping MSPs scale, and the joy of real connection in an industry that's often virtual. Hyla reflects on her start in the channel during COVID, how Acronis supports service providers from security to disaster recovery, and how motherhood, personal growth, and structured spontaneity shape her journey.

Send us a textIn this rich and heartfelt episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Becky Teal, community leader at Huntress and longtime MSP industry advocate, to explore the real stories behind service, connection, and fulfillment.Becky shares her unique “short-term hobbies” approach to life, allowing herself to fully explore new interests—like scuba diving and kayaking—without guilt or pressure. She opens up about her personal growth journey, including her work-from-home discipline, travel routines, and what it means to stay fully present both at conferences and at home. With over a decade in the MSP community, Becky reflects on the industry's biggest challenges—security, staffing, and scaling—and how the solution always comes back to community.

Send us a textWhat happens when deep faith meets deep tech? In this thoughtful and uplifting episode, Joey Pinz speaks with Adam Meyers—a Tier 2/3 systems engineer, automation evangelist, and sound tech at his church—about his personal and professional journey.Adam shares what fuels his passion for problem-solving, how he uses Microsoft Copilot to streamline workflows, and why sharing automation ideas at Roost matters more than showing off. We dive into his love for solo board games, the lessons of consistency from sound engineering, and the meaningful role his faith plays in his leadership style. Whether he's restoring a deleted file or training new hires, Adam sees work as service—and joy as his KPI.

Send us a textWhat do guitar pedals, choir harmonies, and AI automation have in common? In this rich and multidimensional episode, Joey Pinz chats with Karl Bickmore—CEO of SnapTech IT and founder of Raven Automation—about leadership, legacy, and tuning into what matters most.Karl opens up about his journey from hands-on tech to executive leadership, blending an engineer's curiosity with an artist's instinct. Whether he's designing complex audio rigs or evolving MSP operations with automation, Karl views growth as both science and art. He reflects on his early computer builds, his battle with yo-yo dieting, and why servant leadership isn't just a philosophy—it's a responsibility. From Patrick Lencioni's The Motive to the Flow conference's bold focus on AI, Karl reveals what it really takes to stay relevant in IT today.

Send us a textWhat does it take to evolve an MSP from a lifestyle business into a mature, thriving operation that can survive without the founder? In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Joey Pinz speaks with Vera Tucci, COO of an Italian MSP, about leadership, transformation, and creating a culture that truly supports its people.Vera dives into the key challenges MSPs face—from cybersecurity to talent retention to resisting pressure from private equity roll-ups. She shares how accountability, transparency, and community have shaped her business model—and her personal life. From hiring communication coaches to launching IT Manager survival guides, Vera reveals how emotional intelligence and strategic planning go hand in hand.

Send us a textWhat do rugby, open-fire cooking, and managed IT services have in common? In this energetic and deeply human episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Frank Merino—serial hobbyist, MSP veteran, and community-driven technologist—to talk about grit, service, and savoring life.From building his first MSP at age 15 to helping transform a small HR firm's workflow with smartphones, Frank's story is packed with passion and problem-solving. He shares his love for CrossFit, the meditative art of cooking with hardwood from Uruguay, and the humbling lessons from honoring military heroes through grueling Murph workouts. But behind every story is a single driving force: a desire to help others live better lives through technology.

Send us a textWhat happens when a tech whiz with a passion for helping others builds a movement instead of a business? In this compelling episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Mendy Green—founder of Rising Tide and a key force behind MSPGeek—to explore his remarkable evolution from accounts receivable clerk to tech strategist, community builder, and nonprofit leader.Mendy opens up about the importance of personal motivation, the pitfalls of forcing discipline, and why community matters more than profit. From organizing an affordable, vendor-neutral MSP conference to leading by example in an industry full of silos, Mendy shares what drives him: responsibility to others. He also reflects on his love for music, the power of perspective, and how Krav Maga training taught him more about consistency than any business book ever could.

Send us a textCan creativity and tech leadership co-exist? In this captivating episode, Joey Pinz welcomes John Snyder, CEO of NetFriends and longtime pottery enthusiast, for a thoughtful conversation on scaling a business while staying rooted in service.John shares the full arc of his MSP journey—from tech support to majority owner—emphasizing lessons learned through trial, burnout, and eventually, balance. He reveals how pottery taught him patience and process, while leadership demanded strategic delegation and the courage to ask for help. Learn how John turned marketing into a recruitment magnet, brought in a business partner to sustain growth, and leveraged EOS to transform NetFriends from a scrappy startup to a scalable service machine.

Send us a textWhat happens when near-death perspective and entrepreneurial drive collide? In this dynamic episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Aharon Chernin—CEO of Roost—to talk motorcycles, automation, and legacy.After a life-changing moment sparked by his son's health scare, Aharon transformed his approach to life and business. Riding Ducati motorcycles became a way to mentally disconnect—something he couldn't achieve even poolside years ago. That same need for clarity and purpose fueled his decision to launch Roost and drive automation into the DNA of the MSP industry.Aharon breaks down why automation isn't just a tech feature—it's a competitive necessity and future revenue stream. He introduces his automation maturity model, explains how MSPs often think they're further along than they are, and lays out why community-led growth beats vendor-led conferences. No fluff—just value, vision, and velocity.

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Send us a textWin Kelly Charles is not your typical advocate. Born with cerebral palsy and battling undiagnosed depression for years, she's now a powerful voice breaking stigmas and rebuilding support systems—one conversation at a time. In this raw and heartfelt episode, Win shares how a traumatic back surgery brought her hidden struggles with anxiety and depression to the surface.Through humor, honesty, and fierce self-advocacy, she opens up about the emotional toll of living with disability, the role her faith and church community play, and what the world often gets wrong about mental health. A published author of 12 books and the host of the A Winning Heart podcast, Win proves that passion and purpose aren't limited by physical ability—they're defined by action.

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Send us a textWhat if you could transform your health, mindset, and business—starting with what you put in your body?In this powerful episode, Joey Pinz talks with Justin Snyder, founder of the 8-figure brand Forest Super Foods, about ancient wellness practices, entrepreneurship rooted in purpose, and the art of living fully. From a life-changing encounter with spirulina chips in India to building a global health business without outside investors, Justin reveals how martial arts, farming, and high-quality nutrition create a framework for resilience and clarity.

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Send us a textCan a former high-powered attorney find peace, purpose, and passion on a totally new path? In this eye-opening episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Arlene Cohen Miller—Work-Life Harmony Coach and soul-reading mentor—to explore how self-leadership, presence, and heart-centered living can transform everything.Arlene shares her evolution from courtroom negotiations to coaching conversations. She opens up about trading legal burnout for a life rooted in intuition, meditation, and service. Together, they unpack the emotional layers behind guilt, self-care, and how societal pressure keeps us from honoring our needs.Whether you're running a business, raising a family, or trying to keep your sanity in a chaotic world, Arlene offers grounded wisdom and spiritual insight that will empower you to live from the inside out.

Send us a textIn this thoughtful and grounded episode of Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations, Joey sits down with Ken Tripp of Netwrix to discuss the evolving challenges MSPs face — and how true partner-led collaboration can help solve them. Recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, this conversation weaves cybersecurity, personal transformation, and the need for industry-wide unity.Ken explains how Netwrix helps MSPs secure and profit from Microsoft, especially in relation to Copilot rollouts, compliance obligations, and scaling client environments without adding technical overhead. He discusses the shared responsibility model and how Netwrix streamlines identity, permissions, and data classification through AI — reducing labor costs and delivering predictable value to MSPs managing dozens or hundreds of tenants.The conversation also turns personal: Ken shares his 120-pound weight loss journey following a major health scare and how discipline and routine helped him reshape his life. That same clarity, he says, is needed in the MSP space — not just from vendors, but through shared change and joint accountability across the ecosystem. 

Send us a textIn this energetic and introspective episode recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz talks with Gene Kim, VP of Sales at Absolute, about what MSPs truly need from their security vendors — and how personal resilience echoes in business strategy.Gene opens with reflections on surfing at San Onofre State Beach, how the ocean provides a space for introspection, and how tracking progress — even in hobbies — helps him stay motivated. This passion for metrics carries into his work, where he supports MSPs navigating the challenges of brand visibility, cybersecurity threats, human capital gaps, and delivering operational excellence to SMB clients.The episode also explores Absolute's application persistence and resilience tools, which help MSPs ensure critical software stays active — even after catastrophic failures. With 600M+ devices already embedded at the BIOS level, Gene explains how Absolute provides continuity at a scale few can match.In a powerful moment, Joey shares his 120-pound weight loss journey, prompting Gene to reflect on how discipline, metrics, and mindset shape both personal and business transformations. 

Send us a textIn this deep and forward-looking conversation, Joey Pinz sits down with Chris Day, founder of TopLeft and creator of IT Glue, to explore how technology, intention, and transparency intersect in leadership. Recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, this episode is a must-listen for any MSP founder or operator navigating rapid scale, system chaos, and AI disruption.Chris shares what it was like to build IT Glue from scratch, how TopLeft was born from his own pain points in task management, and what he's learning as he transitions from building tools to building teams. He dives into the current AI landscape, unpacking what's real, what's fluff, and what MSPs actually need to be paying attention to.The conversation also turns personal: Chris discusses the pressure of past success, the challenge of staying grounded post-exit, and how transparency — in business models, client interactions, and personal growth — has become a guiding principle.Whether you're scaling a platform or scaling yourself, this episode delivers clarity, candor, and strategic foresight from one of the MSP industry's most influential builders. 

Send us a textIn this heartfelt and high-impact episode recorded at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Christopher Marquez of IronScales for a powerful conversation that blends vendor strategy, personal resilience, and community leadership.Christopher kicks off by sharing his goals for the week: learning from partners, improving services, and helping MSPs strengthen their security posture. He breaks down how IronScales uses adaptive AI to protect against phishing and email attacks, offering efficient deployment, automation, and education as part of their channel-first approach. MSPs benefit from tools like free email health checks, coaching support, and NFR licenses for internal use.But this episode goes beyond tech. Christopher opens up about his past struggle with alcohol abuse, the wake-up call from his doctor, and his journey to recovery and lasting wellness. He and Joey reflect on the power of discipline, coaching, and community in transforming both business and life.From pork green chili to partner enablement to self-awareness, this conversation is a rich mix of grit, gratitude, and growth — for anyone navigating the MSP space or a personal reset. 

Send us a textIn this thoughtful and grounded conversation recorded at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Chance Weaver, a seasoned MSP veteran and executive at High Wire Networks, to unpack the intersection of growth, wellness, and sustainable leadership in tech.Chance shares his personal journey through multiple acquisitions, the burnout that followed, and how introspection and intentionality helped him realign with what really matters. They talk openly about the toll that tech leadership can take — especially in the fast-paced world of MSPs — and how High Wire's growth strategy aims to be bold without breaking people.This episode also explores the High Wire partner model, how they scale complex cybersecurity services like SOC-as-a-Service, and the importance of enabling MSPs to lead with their brand, not the vendor's. Chance emphasizes that the secret isn't more tools — it's more clarity.If you're running an MSP or leading a tech team, this episode will resonate. It's about listening to yourself, empowering your partners, and knowing when it's time to let go — or gear up again. 

Send us a textIn this refreshingly candid episode of Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations, Joey sits down with Drew Schlussel, Director of Technical Product Marketing at Wasabi Technologies, to talk about simplifying cloud storage and scaling the right way. Recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, this episode cuts through the jargon and gets to the core of what partners truly want: predictability, transparency, and performance that actually delivers.Drew breaks down Wasabi's flat-fee storage model, its refusal to charge for egress or API calls, and why they've ditched tiered pricing entirely. It's not just a technical decision — it's a cultural one. He dives into the psychology behind data usage, vendor relationships, and what it means to truly earn the trust of MSPs.The conversation also covers why Wasabi is doubling down on channel-only sales, how the company avoids fear-based marketing, and Drew's personal perspective on building tech brands that scale without selling out.If you're in the MSP space and tired of the nickel-and-dime model from traditional hyperscalers, this episode will feel like a much-needed reality check. 

Send us a textIn this high-impact conversation at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Rob Rae, legendary MSP advocate and VP at Pax8, to talk about platforms, peer groups, and the pulse of the managed services community.Rob shares what sets Pax8 apart from traditional distributors — its MSP-only focus, commitment to partner success, and its evolution into a true marketplace, not just a catalog. He explains how the newly launched public storefronts allow MSPs to create digital buying experiences for end clients, and how Pax8's AI-powered recommendations are reshaping vendor discovery and security posture.The heart of the episode dives into community — from Rob's deep belief in peer groups and soft skill development, to how the post-pandemic MSP landscape has changed. He opens up about Pax8's internal billing transition and how staying responsive during disruption is an act of discipline.Rob also shares the emotional story of how a simple piece of advice transformed an MSP's business — a reminder of the long-term impact one voice can have.