This podcast series focuses on insightful one-to-one conversations between Frank Vitagliano, CEO of the Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC) and respected thought leaders from the IT community. From executives of the world’s leading tech distributors and tech vendors to esteemed analysts, researchers and other astute professionals, guests share their unique perspectives on trends and activities in the channel in a non-promotional and unbiased format.
Between the Boom and the Shock: EIU’s Alex Holmes on Asia’s 2027 Outlook
That Asia Pacific region is entering 2027 caught between two powerful forces: the AI infrastructure boom driving investment and exports, and geopolitical shocks that could reshape trade, inflation and growth. In episode #80 of Beyond Distribution with GTDC, host Frank Vitagliano speaks with Alex Holmes, regional director for Asia Pacific at the Economist Intelligence Unit, about the opportunities and risks defining the economic outlook in this vital tech community.
Holmes explains why the most immediate economic benefits of AI are coming from physical infrastructure investment—including data centers, power systems and advanced chips—and why Asia is capturing a significant share of that value. He also examines whether today’s massive capital spending is sustainable, what AI revenues may reveal about future returns and why adoption must spread beyond a small group of leading companies.
Can AI infrastructure investment continue to propel Asia’s growth? What do changing trade policies, geopolitical friction and climate risks mean for the technology ecosystem? Check out Episode 80 of Beyond Distribution with GTDC for a forward-looking conversation on these topics and more.
7 Oct 2026
AI Is a Gateway to New Channel Opportunities: A Conversation with Intel’s Maurits Tichelman
AI is moving from experimentation to practical business outcomes—and creating significant new opportunities across the channel. In this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC, host Frank Vitagliano speaks with Maurits Tichelman, general manager of Intel’s EMEA partner sales organization, about the rapid evolution of these technologies and distribution's role in their successful adoption.
Tichelman explains why successful AI strategies must begin with clearly defined outcomes rather than technology alone, and how the channel can take advantage of these opportunities. He also highlights the readiness issues that can stall deployments—from data quality and infrastructure to security, sovereignty and regulatory compliance.
Distributors are the orchestrators in this ecosystem, connecting silicon providers, ISVs, cybersecurity specialists, systems integrators and solution providers. He suggests that their local knowledge and ability to scale and help assemble complete solutions make them critical to helping customers navigate complexity and adopt next-generation technologies. The complexity and increasing business value of AI creates true opportunities for the IT community—with the channel sitting firmly in the center.
How can local AI processing improve security, reduce latency and control costs today? Why are data readiness, infrastructure, governance and compliance essential to successful deployments? Check out Episode 79 of Beyond Distribution with GTDC for a forward-looking conversation on these topics and more.
16 Sept 2026
Turning AI Ambition into Channel Execution: Insightful Conversation with Plugable’s Lynn Smurthwaite-Murphy
In episode 78 of Beyond Distribution, host Frank Vitagliano speaks with Lynn Smurthwaite-Murphy, CEO of Plugable, about why AI should be treated as a business transformation—not just another technology deployment. Drawing on her experience across the channel, distribution and vendor communities, she explains why organizations must have executive ownership, as well as clear outcomes, governance and communications to create measurable value from their AI investments.
Smurthwaite-Murphy also shares the AI journey for her company as they began adopting the technologies out of necessity. What led the organization to begin using these solutions as part of their long-term vision? How did grassroots experimentation and practical use cases boost productivity and drive other positive outcomes?
This conversation explores those questions and highlights the rise of local and hybrid AI models. They also take a “deep dive” into channel opportunities, with emphasis on business consultation over a more technology-driven approach. The channel has become a transformative machine with AI following many of the same principles as other innovations — only faster and broader. Check out the complete conversation in this insightful new episode.
Who has been a guest on Beyond Distribution with GTDC
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Julie Simpson
Jacquie Rives
Larry Walsh
David Grant
Anthony Frot
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3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
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39
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Engagement
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Who hosts Beyond Distribution with GTDC?
Frank Vitagliano host the show. Published by Global Technology Distribution Council.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
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