Pax8 Academy Live

From LLMs to Digital Labor: Preparing for the Next Era of AI | Pax8 - Academy Live Podcast Episode 47

In this episode of Academy Live, we explore one of the most important frameworks for understanding where AI is headed: the Gartner Hype Cycle and why it matters for MSPs, business leaders, and anyone preparing for what’s next. As Pax8 looks ahead, there’s a clear focus on the future of digital labor powered by agentic AI. But preparing for the next technology curve doesn’t mean abandoning the business you’re running today. In this conversation, we unpack the concept of curve jumping, the S-curve framework, and what it takes to evolve while continuing to grow in the current cloud era. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: ✅ What the Gartner Hype Cycle is and why it matters ✅ How technologies move from hype to real business value ✅ Where LLMs and AI agents currently sit on the AI adoption curve ✅ The difference between the Hype Cycle and the S-Curve ✅ What “curve jumping” means for MSPs and business leaders ✅ How Pax8 is preparing for the future of digital labor ✅ Why businesses must evolve without disrupting current revenue streams ✅ Celebrating Pax8’s Docebo Inspire Award for Best Customer Education Program Plus, we close out the episode with a special guest appearance from Olivia Reid to celebrate exciting news from the 2026 Docebo Inspire Learning Awards, where Pax8 was recognized with the Best Customer Education Program award. This episode topic isn’t about chasing hype. It’s about understanding timing, preparing for technology shifts, and building the foundation for what comes next. 🔗Gartner Hype Cycle Article: https://www.pragmaticcoders.com/blog/gartner-ai-hype-cycle [https://www.pragmaticcoders.com/blog/gartner-ai-hype-cycle] 👍 Like and 🔔 Subscribe to stay up to date on our latest episodes. New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 1 PM MT.   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Rex Frank | Vice President of Academy | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexfrank/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexfrank/] Chris Kaiser | Director of Peer Initiatives | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/] Amanda Glidden | Director of Academy Content | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafglidden/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Olivia Reid | Manager of Learning Technology, Partner Experience| Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-reid-a8a69669 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-reid-a8a69669] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ LINKS Pax8 Academy Homepage https://tinyurl.com/y4m8d3cd [https://tinyurl.com/y4m8d3cd] Become a Partner with Pax8 Academy https://signup.pax8.com/?lang=EN_US [https://signup.pax8.com/?lang=EN_US] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ☁ Pax8 Beyond 2026 ☁ Learn more about our partner event: https://www.pax8beyond.com/ [https://www.pax8beyond.com/] ☁ Learn More About Pax8 ☁ Why Pax8? - http://pax8.io/H1MI50NFhHl [http://pax8.io/H1MI50NFhHl] Explore our cloud marketplace - http://pax8.io/Ix0450NFhI9 [http://pax8.io/Ix0450NFhI9] ☁ Subscribe To Our Channel ☁ Never miss an episode of Academy Live - http://pax8.io/5yxJ50JJ3Z3 [http://pax8.io/5yxJ50JJ3Z3] ☁ Follow Us ☁ LinkedIn - http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423 [http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423] Twitter - http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u [http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u] Facebook - http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f [http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f] ☁ Shop Pax8 Club ☁ See our collection of softwear - http://pax8.io/5xUR50NFhJb [http://pax8.io/5xUR50NFhJb]

The Climb to CEO: What It Really Takes to Grow in MSPs | Pax8 - Academy Live Podcast Episode 46

What does it really take to grow from an individual contributor to a leader and beyond? In this episode of Academy Live, Jennifer Roy, CEO of Nucleus Networks, shares her journey from service manager to leading a $25 million MSP and what she wishes she had known earlier in her career. 🔑 Key Topics Covered ✅ Jennifer Roy’s journey from service manager to CEO ✅ How to move from individual contributor to leadership roles ✅ The role of soft skills in standing out and advancing your career ✅ Why Women in Tech representation and panels matter ✅ Practical advice Jennifer would give her earlier self ✅ Developing informal leaders within your organization ✅ How self-serve models like Pax8 Marketplace drive growth ✅ Creating more valuable work for teams in an AI-driven future If you are looking to grow your career, develop future leaders, or rethink how your business creates value, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply right away. 👍Like and 🔔Subscribe to stay up to date on our latest episodes. Remember, we post NEW episodes on YouTube every other Tuesday at 1 PM MT.   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Rex Frank | Vice President of Academy | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexfrank/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexfrank/] Chris Kaiser | Director of Peer Initiatives | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/] Amanda Glidden | Director of Academy Content | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafglidden/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Jennifer Roy | CEO | Nucleus Networks https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-roy-ops/ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ LINKS Pax8 Academy Homepage https://tinyurl.com/y4m8d3cd [https://tinyurl.com/y4m8d3cd] Become a Partner with Pax8 Academy https://signup.pax8.com/?lang=EN_US [https://signup.pax8.com/?lang=EN_US] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ☁ Pax8 Beyond 2026 ☁ Learn more about our partner event: https://www.pax8beyond.com/ [https://www.pax8beyond.com/] ☁ Learn More About Pax8 ☁ Why Pax8? - http://pax8.io/H1MI50NFhHl [http://pax8.io/H1MI50NFhHl] Explore our cloud marketplace - http://pax8.io/Ix0450NFhI9 [http://pax8.io/Ix0450NFhI9] ☁ Subscribe To Our Channel ☁ Never miss an episode of Academy Live - http://pax8.io/5yxJ50JJ3Z3 [http://pax8.io/5yxJ50JJ3Z3] ☁ Follow Us ☁ LinkedIn - http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423 [http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423] Twitter - http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u [http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u] Facebook - http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f [http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f] ☁ Shop Pax8 Club ☁ See our collection of softwear - http://pax8.io/5xUR50NFhJb [http://pax8.io/5xUR50NFhJb]

The Conversations MSPs Need to Have | Pax8 - Academy Live Podcast Episode 45

What happens to all the great ideas that never make it on stage? In this episode of Academy Live, we sit down with Tara Rummer, Director of Community at Immy.bot, and Dean Trempelas, Head of MSP Success at Empath, to explore two movements shaking up the MSP space: RejectionCon and Spicy Monday. 🔑 Key Topics Covered ✅ What RejectionCon is and how it started ✅ Why rejected talks can be the most valuable ideas ✅ Creating space for new and diverse voices in the MSP community ✅ The origin and impact of Spicy Monday ✅ Why honest, opinionated conversations matter in the channel ✅ Balancing personal brand with bold perspectives ✅ How community-driven movements can shape the industry Together, Tara and Dean unpack why these ideas resonate, how they have gained traction, and why the MSP industry benefits from more transparency, more voices, and a little more edge. If you have ever felt like certain conversations are missing from the stage or the feed, this episode is for you. 🔗 Check out Rejection Con: https://www.rejectioncon.com/submit-a-talk [https://www.rejectioncon.com/submit-a-talk]  🔗 All proceeds from RejectionCon support the Rural Tech Fund, helping provide technology resources and opportunities to students in rural communities. Learn more or get involved: https://ruraltechfund.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXBmY2VJVkdlSEhxLWRTTk16YWI5Y3htczRTUXxBQ3Jtc0trQ3N6Sjh3OHEyMFhGdl9lNWpZdWZ4TDV3TkxJVVlsMVJseTk4ZVB4bE8td2w2eXpmUzhPbmZjeXY1LXltTVBsNnR1bGFfV1NDQkVlcF80T1dwYm1odXpVRTBHN1NPLU03VVRWeFdRdk5xMXVZclhubw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fruraltechfund.org%2F&v=2R9iCDkbUPQ] 👍Like and 🔔Subscribe to stay up to date on our latest episodes. Remember, we post NEW episodes on YouTube every other Tuesday at 1 PM MT.   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Rex Frank | Vice President of Academy | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexfrank/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexfrank/] Chris Kaiser | Director of Peer Initiatives | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/] Amanda Glidden | Director of Academy Content | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafglidden/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Tara Rummer | Chief Community & Ecosystems Officer | Immy.bot https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-rummerashley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-rummerashley/]  Dean Trempelas | Head of MSP Success | Empath https://www.linkedin.com/in/drzoidberg/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drzoidberg/]  ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ LINKS Pax8 Academy Homepage https://tinyurl.com/y4m8d3cd [https://tinyurl.com/y4m8d3cd] Become a Partner with Pax8 Academy https://signup.pax8.com/?lang=EN_US [https://signup.pax8.com/?lang=EN_US] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ☁ Pax8 Beyond 2026 ☁ Learn more about our partner event: https://www.pax8beyond.com/ [https://www.pax8beyond.com/] ☁ Learn More About Pax8 ☁ Why Pax8? - http://pax8.io/H1MI50NFhHl [http://pax8.io/H1MI50NFhHl] Explore our cloud marketplace - http://pax8.io/Ix0450NFhI9 [http://pax8.io/Ix0450NFhI9] ☁ Subscribe To Our Channel ☁ Never miss an episode of Academy Live - http://pax8.io/5yxJ50JJ3Z3 [http://pax8.io/5yxJ50JJ3Z3] ☁ Follow Us ☁ LinkedIn - http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423 [http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423] Twitter - http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u [http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u] Facebook - http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f [http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f] ☁ Shop Pax8 Club ☁ See our collection of softwear - http://pax8.io/5xUR50NFhJb [http://pax8.io/5xUR50NFhJb]

How MSPs Can Turn Strategy into Real Business Results | Pax8 - Academy Live Podcast Episode 44

A great strategy means nothing if it never turns into results. In this episode of Academy Live, Scott Berns, SVP of Revenue & GTM Americas at Pax8, breaks down the fundamentals of building a business plan that actually drives outcomes. 🔑 Key Topics Covered ✅ Why many MSPs struggle to translate strategy into real results ✅ How prioritization helps businesses focus on what truly moves the needle ✅ Understanding market dynamics and aligning them with your plan ✅ Creating actionable plans your teams can execute against ✅ Using leading indicators to track progress before results appear ✅ Why measurement and feedback loops drive continuous improvement ✅ How MSPs can shift from reactive operations to intentional growth ✅ Practical ways to connect strategy, execution, and business outcomes If you want to move beyond planning for planning’s sake and start building a strategy that produces real results, this episode is for you. 👍Like and 🔔Subscribe to stay up to date on our latest episodes. Remember, we post NEW episodes on YouTube every other Tuesday at 1 PM MT.   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Rex Frank | Vice President of Academy | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexfrank/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexfrank/] Chris Kaiser | Director of Peer Initiatives | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/] Amanda Glidden | Director of Academy Content | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafglidden/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Scott Berns | SVP Revenue & GTM Americas | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-berns-96b52a6/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-berns-96b52a6/]  ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ LINKS Pax8 Academy Homepage https://tinyurl.com/y4m8d3cd [https://tinyurl.com/y4m8d3cd] Become a Partner with Pax8 Academy https://signup.pax8.com/?lang=EN_US [https://signup.pax8.com/?lang=EN_US] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ☁ Pax8 Beyond 2026 ☁ Learn more about our partner event: https://www.pax8beyond.com/ [https://www.pax8beyond.com/] ☁ Learn More About Pax8 ☁ Why Pax8? - http://pax8.io/H1MI50NFhHl [http://pax8.io/H1MI50NFhHl] Explore our cloud marketplace - http://pax8.io/Ix0450NFhI9 [http://pax8.io/Ix0450NFhI9] ☁ Subscribe To Our Channel ☁ Never miss an episode of Academy Live - http://pax8.io/5yxJ50JJ3Z3 [http://pax8.io/5yxJ50JJ3Z3] ☁ Follow Us ☁ LinkedIn - http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423 [http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423] Twitter - http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u [http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u] Facebook - http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f [http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f] ☁ Shop Pax8 Club ☁ See our collection of softwear - http://pax8.io/5xUR50NFhJb [http://pax8.io/5xUR50NFhJb]

Leadership for the Next Era: Building Inclusive Teams That Win | Pax8 - Academy Live Podcast Episode 43

In this special Women’s History Month episode of Academy Live, we’re joined by Sara Ehrich, Manager of Academy Instructor Led Training at Pax8, to explore what modern leadership really looks like and how to build inclusive teams that perform at a higher level. Sara leads Pax8’s leadership curriculum, including programs for first-time leaders, new managers, and middle managers stepping into more strategic roles. 🔑 Key Topics Covered ✅ Transitioning from individual contributor to team leader ✅ Accountability conversations that build trust ✅ Leading middle managers and developing leaders ✅ Psychological safety and productive debate ✅ The impact of inclusive recruiting practices ✅ Why women apply differently and how to address it ✅ Career growth: horizontal vs. vertical paths ✅ The business and human case for diversity in leadership ✅ Soft skills that accelerate leadership growth ✅ Pax8 peer communities and leadership development resources Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a new manager, or building the next generation of leadership inside your MSP, this episode delivers practical takeaways you can apply immediately.   Check out Sara’s Leadership ILT Links: 🔗 Accountability Unlocked: https://www.pax8nebula.com/m/2bbff8c5abce9528/original/Accountability-Unlocked-Syllabus.pdf [https://www.pax8nebula.com/m/2bbff8c5abce9528/original/Accountability-Unlocked-Syllabus.pdf] 🔗 Introduction to Management: https://www.pax8nebula.com/m/222eb59807d69048/original/Introduction-to-Management.pdf [https://www.pax8nebula.com/m/222eb59807d69048/original/Introduction-to-Management.pdf] 🔗 Leading the Leaders: https://www.pax8nebula.com/m/3e0606d23fc26ddb/original/Leading-the-Leaders-Syllabus.pdf [https://www.pax8nebula.com/m/3e0606d23fc26ddb/original/Leading-the-Leaders-Syllabus.pdf] 🔗 Preparing for Your First Hire: https://www.pax8nebula.com/m/1e68821bb3603135/original/Preparing-for-your-First-Hire-Syllabus.pdf [https://www.pax8nebula.com/m/1e68821bb3603135/original/Preparing-for-your-First-Hire-Syllabus.pdf] 🔗 So, They Want You to Lead: https://www.pax8nebula.com/m/4ec9bd62815298f5/original/So-They-Want-you-to-Lead-Syllabus.pdf [https://www.pax8nebula.com/m/4ec9bd62815298f5/original/So-They-Want-you-to-Lead-Syllabus.pdf] On-Demand Leadership MicroLearnings: 🔗 https://academy.pax8.com/learn/learning-plans/557/microlearnings-leadership [https://academy.pax8.com/learn/learning-plans/557/microlearnings-leadership] 👍Like and 🔔Subscribe to stay up to date on our latest episodes. Remember, we post NEW episodes on YouTube every other Tuesday at 1 PM MT.   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Rex Frank | Vice President of Academy | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexfrank/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexfrank/] Chris Kaiser | Director of Peer Initiatives | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/] Amanda Glidden | Director of Academy Content | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafglidden/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckaisercsquared/] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Sara Ehrich | Manager of Academy Instructor Led Training | Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraehrich/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithmarchiano/] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ LINKS Pax8 Academy Homepage https://tinyurl.com/y4m8d3cd [https://tinyurl.com/y4m8d3cd] Become a Partner with Pax8 Academy https://signup.pax8.com/?lang=EN_US [https://signup.pax8.com/?lang=EN_US] ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ☁ Pax8 Beyond 2026 ☁ Learn more about our partner event: https://www.pax8beyond.com/ [https://www.pax8beyond.com/] ☁ Learn More About Pax8 ☁ Why Pax8? - http://pax8.io/H1MI50NFhHl [http://pax8.io/H1MI50NFhHl] Explore our cloud marketplace - http://pax8.io/Ix0450NFhI9 [http://pax8.io/Ix0450NFhI9] ☁ Subscribe To Our Channel ☁ Never miss an episode of Academy Live - http://pax8.io/5yxJ50JJ3Z3 [http://pax8.io/5yxJ50JJ3Z3] ☁ Follow Us ☁ LinkedIn - http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423 [http://pax8.io/1jFu50JJ423] Twitter - http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u [http://pax8.io/AAth50JJ42u] Facebook - http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f [http://pax8.io/A4gR50JJ43f] ☁ Shop Pax8 Club ☁ See our collection of softwear - http://pax8.io/5xUR50NFhJb [http://pax8.io/5xUR50NFhJb]