Cracking the Code: How Startups Can Win with MSP Partnerships | The Pair Program Ep57

How do startups break into the market without a massive sales force? And what do Managed Service Providers (MSPs) really look for in vendor solutions, beyond the sales pitch? In this episode, Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen sit down with Brian Luckey (CIO at Integris) and Ian Y. Garrett (CEO & co-founder of Phalanx) to explore the high-stakes world of vendor-MSP relationships. They dive into how cybersecurity startups can leverage MSP partnerships to scale, the biggest pain points MSPs face, and what separates a winning product from one that never gets traction.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why Managed Service Provider (MSP) partnerships can be a startup’s secret weapon
• The must-have features MSPs demand from vendors
• How automation and AI are reshaping cybersecurity
• The biggest mistakes vendors make when pitching MSPs
• What the future holds for MSP services and security

If you’re in tech, you won’t want to miss this one!

About Brian Luckey: Brian Luckey is a transformational leader with 20+ years in IT, operations, and service delivery, Brian specializes in scaling businesses, optimizing performance, and driving innovation. As CIO at Integris, he enhances IT infrastructure, customer experience, and revenue growth for businesses of all sizes. With two MBAs and a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems, he blends strategic vision with hands-on expertise to implement cutting-edge technologies, streamline processes, and foster high-performing teams.

About Ian Y. Garrett: As CEO and co-founder of Phalanx, Ian is revolutionizing secure file sharing for startups and SMBs. A former US Army Cyber officer and defense sector data scientist, he has firsthand experience tackling cybersecurity challenges at scale. Combining his operational expertise with Ph.D.-level research in AI and cybersecurity, Ian is building automation-driven solutions that eliminate human error and simplify data protection in an increasingly complex digital world.

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Graduating from Set-Asides in Government Contracting: The Path to Sustainable Success | The Pair Program Ep56

In this episode, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen welcome two industry leaders: Greg Schaub, CFO of Anika Systems, and Rolf Holman, Chief Strategy Officer of Falconwood. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from small business set-asides to competing in the full and open market.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Effective strategies for safeguarding revenue during transitions between federal contracts
• How to build and fund a successful business development team for scalable growth
• The role of joint ventures and partnerships in maintaining competitiveness
• Modernization in technology and its impact on company culture
• Finding the right balance between internal innovation and strategic mergers/acquisitions

About Greg Schaub: Greg Schaub is the Chief Financial Officer at Anika Systems, overseeing financial strategy and growth initiatives. With over 20 years of experience, he has excelled in driving efficiency, managing mergers and acquisitions, and leading strategic transformations across industries such as defense, government services, and technology. Greg’s leadership is backed by advanced degrees in finance and business administration.

About Rolf Holman: Rolf Holman currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer for Falconwood. Rolf leads the strategic planning and initiatives including business development, mergers & acquisitions, transformation, and the company’s partnerships. An accomplished executive with over 30 years of global IT experience, across Defense & Security, Government, Banking, High Tech, Communications, Media, and Entertainment industries.

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Securing the Future: Traditional IT vs. Blockchain in Banking | The Pair Program Ep55

In this episode of The Pair Program, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen explore the future of cybersecurity in financial services with two distinguished experts: Jacques Boschung, CEO of Halborn and Sandip Wadje, Managing Director and Head of Emerging Technology Risks at BNP Paribas. Together, they unpack how blockchain, AI, and emerging technologies are reshaping cybersecurity and risk management in the financial sector.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The evolution of cybersecurity: From traditional IT to blockchain and AI.
• The role of quantum computing in reshaping encryption and security protocols.
• Why “Secure by Design” is a must-have for emerging technologies.
• Blockchain’s impact on risk management and settlement systems in finance.
• How AI is transforming threat detection and risk assessments in the banking world.

About Jacques Boschung: Jacques Boschung is the CEO of Halborn, a leader in Web2 and Web3 cybersecurity. Jacques has spent most of his career with prominent IT vendors such as HPE, IBM, and, more recently, Dell Technologies, where he served as SVP for EMEA Alliances and Telecom. Between 2020 and 2022, he was President and General Manager of Inovalon’s Payer business. Additionally, Jacques is a member of the board of Swiss Medical Network, the second-largest healthcare provider in Switzerland, and Chairman of Well Gesundheit AG, the leading medical app in that market.

About Sandip Wadje: Sandip Wadje is Managing Director and Head of Emerging Technology Risks at BNP Paribas. With over 23 years of experience in cybersecurity, IT risk, and compliance, Sandip specializes in Cloud, AI, and Digital Assets. He is recognized for simplifying complex risks, driving transformative change, and influencing Fortune 500 stakeholders to enhance technology and cybersecurity initiatives. Sandip has shaped regulatory guidelines, shared insights with industry forums and regulators, and led global teams. He has established Centers of Excellence and advanced cutting-edge technologies, earning a reputation for managing diverse, high-impact portfolios.

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