Partnerships Unraveled

In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Adam Winston, Field CTO at WatchGuard. From scaling a services business to $12M in annual revenue to driving innovation at WatchGuard, Adam shares what it really takes to build trust when you are in an industry as high-stakes as security.
Channel professionals will hear a candid take on the uncomfortable truths that shape partner programs. How financial perspectives shape the reality of the channel. Why vendors burn goodwill when they push “specials” that feel like leftovers. And what it looks like to design partner engagement around MSP economics, not product slides. Adam also breaks down practical enablement tactics like the “placemat strategy,” plus where he sees the biggest opportunity for MSPs over the next 3 to 5 years as AI changes the work and consolidation accelerates. Expect sharp stories, operator-grade advice, and ideas you can apply to partner strategy right away.

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In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Kevin Rasdale, a veteran Channel Sales Engineer (SE) with over a decade of experience supporting partner ecosystems at top vendors like Dell, Varonis, and more. Kevin pulls back the curtain on the often misunderstood role of the channel SE, outlining its strategic importance in deal qualification, partner empowerment, and technical sales success.

Channel professionals will gain insight into when and why partners should engage SEs early in the sales cycle, how individualized support strategies vary between MSPs and big-box resellers, and what the rise of SOC/MDR offerings from vendors means for the future of the MSP model. Kevin brings real-world perspective and practical advice that SEs and channel leaders alike can implement immediately, whether it’s strengthening partner onboarding or navigating the evolving security services landscape. Tune in for a candid, high-value conversation filled with actionable takeaways for elevating partner performance.
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In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Bill Bellano, U.S. Channel Leader at Proofpoint, whose 15+ years of experience across cybersecurity vendors like Fortinet, Bitdefender, and SonicWall have shaped a dynamic, on-the-ground view of channel evolution. Bill shares actionable insights on re-establishing partner trust, scaling smart in underserved commercial segments, and building high-performing channel teams in today’s outcomes-first market.

Channel professionals will learn how to navigate the shift from transactional selling to ecosystem-driven engagement, why listening without defensiveness rebuilds partner mindshare, and how to scale indirect revenue through simplicity and enablement. We also dive into the key attributes Bill looks for in channel account managers with emphasis on consistency, partner-centricity, and strategic execution.

If you're focused on improving partner performance, driving predictable pipelines through commercial channels, or building a more resilient partner motion, this episode offers clarity, strategy, and inspiration. Tune in and take away frameworks you can apply immediately.
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In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we sit down with Dave Allen, Vice President of Geo Sales and Partner Sales at Akamai, to explore the strategy and innovation behind Akamai’s newly revamped Partner Connect Program. With decades of channel experience, Dave shares the methodology behind designing a partner program from the ground up one that reflects today’s evolving channel landscape and Akamai’s partner-first mindset across security, compute, and edge infrastructure.

Channel leaders tuning in will gain tactical insights on how Akamai is leveraging incentivized behaviors to drive new customer acquisition, expanding partner tiering to better reflect regional performance, and embracing distribution as a key scale lever. We also dive into how the company has embedded partner value into field compensation models and enablement structures—proving Akamai’s shift from a direct-first legacy to a truly partner-centric approach.

Whether you’re rethinking your own partner tiers, struggling with program scalability, or seeking fresh ideas around high-growth services like microsegmentation, this episode delivers actionable frameworks and strategic clarity. Don’t miss this look inside one of the most partner-focused evolutions in B2B tech.
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In this episode of Partnerships Unraveled, we welcome back Jessica McDowell, VP of North America Marketing and Digital Strategy at TD SYNNEX, to unpack the findings of the newly released Direction of Technology 2026 Report. Drawing on insights from more than 1,400 partners across 40 countries, this conversation explores what will truly define partner success in the years ahead.

Jessica explains why 2026 represents a pivotal moment for the channelwhere growth is driven less by what partners sell and more by how they operate. From the continued rise of service-led and managed services models to the AI adoption paradox, talent shortages, and intensifying competition, the episode breaks down the strategic shifts partners must make to stay relevant and competitive.

Partner marketers, channel leaders, and ecosystem strategists will gain practical guidance on why specialization, operational excellence, and ecosystem collaboration are becoming essential. If you want a clear view of where the channel is heading and how to prepare for it this episode delivers a forward-looking, data-backed perspective.

Find out more about Direction of Technology 2026 Report & TD SYNNEX:
TD SYNNEX Direction of Technology report (direct link): https://ms.spr.ly/DOTE
TD SYNNEX Website: https://www.tdsynnex.com/na/us/
TD SYNNEX Newsroom: https://news.tdsynnex.com/
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Learn more about Channext 👇
https://channext.com/

Watch on YouTube ►
https://www.youtube.com/@channext

#channelmarketing #channelpartners