Join Abhi and Ben as they explore career paths, mistakes, and lessons learned in the IT industry.
Panda Award Show
Claim This Podcastby Abhi Saini & Ben Climer
8 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
61
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality95
Social0
YouTube66
Engagement0
Podcast Overview
Join Abhi and Ben as they explore career paths, mistakes, and lessons learned in the IT industry.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
6/24/2025
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61
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality95
Social0
YouTube66
Engagement0
11
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8
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excellent
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Recent Episodes
October 28, 2025
Episode 8 - Jellycats and Immybot
<p>Summary</p><p>In this engaging conversation, Tara Rummer shares her journey from a non-technical background to becoming a key player in the MSP and SaaS industries. The discussion covers her experiences with EmmyBot, the importance of community in business, and the evolving definition of success in IT careers. Tara emphasizes the need for adaptability in the fast-paced tech world and the value of building genuine relationships within the community. In this engaging conversation, Tara Rummer, Abhi Saini, and Ben Climer explore the dynamics of leadership in the MSP space, the importance of community, and the challenges of navigating workplace communication. They discuss the significance of technical knowledge versus business acumen, the necessity of training and development for employees, and the value of conferences for networking and learning. The conversation also touches on the evolution of new products in the industry and the personal experiences of the speakers, including their thoughts on public speaking and community engagement.</p><p>Takeaways</p><p>Tara's journey into IT began unexpectedly through her connection with an MSP.<br>Success in IT is a moving target, varying from person to person.<br>Community-led growth is essential for building lasting relationships in business.<br>Adaptability is crucial in the ever-changing landscape of technology.<br>Tara emphasizes the importance of feedback and learning from others.<br>Building a supportive community can lead to better business outcomes.<br>Tara's background in art history has contributed to her critical thinking skills.<br>The transition from MSP to SaaS requires a different mindset and approach.<br>Tara's experiences highlight the challenges of managing client expectations.<br>Creating a positive work environment is key to employee retention. Gossip can create unnecessary panic in the workplace.<br>Successful leaders often juggle multiple roles.<br>Technical knowledge is not always essential for leadership.<br>Internal testing can provide valuable feedback.<br>Generational differences affect technology understanding.<br>There is no silver bullet solution in business.<br>Role specialization is crucial as teams grow.<br>Investing in employee training pays off.<br>Conferences are vital for community building.<br>Overcoming imposter syndrome is a common challenge.</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Office Setup<br>02:57 Jelly Cats and Personal Connections<br>06:04 Feedback and Product Development<br>08:45 Marketing and Design Insights<br>11:22 Adulting and Life Lessons<br>14:11 Defining Success in IT Careers<br>15:10 Defining Success: A Personal Journey<br>16:09 Early Exposure to Technology<br>18:48 From Art History to IT: An Unexpected Path<br>20:12 Navigating Career Changes and Opportunities<br>24:29 Building a Career in the MSP Space<br>27:58 The Importance of Continuous Learning in IT<br>31:25 Transitioning to Community Leadership<br>37:13 The Role of Community in Business Growth<br>42:02 Challenges in IT Management and Client Expectations<br>47:22 Taking Risks and Embracing Change<br>51:32 Understanding the Vendor Perspective<br>58:33 Training and Development in Tech<br>01:00:44 Building Community Through Conferences<br>01:07:18 The Importance of Shared Experiences<br>01:19:36 Embracing Naivety in Technology<br>01:22:58 The Rise of New Products in the MSP Space<br>01:24:27 Imposter Syndrome and Humility in Success<br>01:27:10 Late Night Conversations and Personal Insights<br>01:29:33 Nostalgia and Collecting in the Modern Age<br>01:34:07 Connecting with the Community and Final Thoughts</p>
September 30, 2025
Episode 6 - Ashley Cooper - AI Wizard
<p>Keywords</p><p>IT community, technology, work-life balance, neurodiversity, AI, empathy, public speaking, innovation, personal development, community involvement, AI, technology, communication, empathy, IT industry, hiring, mistakes, community, MSP, vendor</p><p><br>Takeaways</p><p>Imposter syndrome is common in the tech community.<br>Community involvement is crucial for personal and professional growth.<br>Work-life balance can be blurred when you love what you do.<br>Understanding personality types can enhance team dynamics.<br>Neurodiversity brings unique perspectives to the tech industry.<br>Respecting employees leads to better productivity.<br>Public speaking requires authenticity and practice.<br>Empathy in processes can improve workplace efficiency.<br>Technology evolves, but foundational skills remain important.<br>AI is a tool that requires understanding and context. AI agents are evolving to understand user preferences better.<br>Communication is crucial in IT to avoid misunderstandings.<br>Empathy in hiring is as important as technical skills.<br>Learning from past mistakes is essential for growth.<br>Accountability should be prioritized over chastisement in the workplace.<br>Building a community can provide support and resources.<br>Newcomers should seek mentors and find their community.<br>Patience and curiosity are key traits for success in tech.<br>Understanding the business impact of IT decisions is vital.<br>Navigating the tech landscape requires both technical and soft skills.</p><p><br>Summary</p><p>In this episode of the Panda Award Show, hosts Abhi Saini and Ben Climer welcome Ashley Cooper, a seasoned professional in the IT community. They discuss Ashley's journey in technology, the importance of community involvement, and the challenges of work-life balance. The conversation delves into neurodiversity, the significance of empathy in processes, and the evolving landscape of AI. Listeners gain insights into public speaking, the value of diverse perspectives, and the role of constraints in driving innovation. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the evolution of AI agents, the importance of communication in the tech industry, and the balance between empathy and technical skills in hiring. They share personal experiences transitioning from MSPs to vendor roles, the significance of learning from mistakes, and the necessity of building a supportive community in tech. The discussion culminates in valuable advice for newcomers in the IT field, emphasizing the importance of finding one's place and fostering connections.</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview<br>02:11 Guest Introduction: Ashley Cooper<br>03:18 Ashley Cooper's Career Journey<br>06:54 Work-Life Balance and Passion<br>10:38 Understanding Personality Types and Work Dynamics<br>14:45 Neurodiversity in the Workplace<br>17:57 Empathy in Processes and Systems<br>22:49 The Role of Technology in Career Development<br>27:36 Early Influences and Exposure to Technology<br>31:07 Adrenaline and Innovation: A Historical Perspective<br>33:15 Understanding Technology: Beyond Computers<br>36:34 The Evolution of Learning: From Basics to Complexity<br>41:41 The Iterative Process of Mastery<br>46:10 The Role of Community in Learning<br>48:44 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives<br>52:40 Constraints as Catalysts for Innovation<br>57:15 AI: Understanding Its Limitations and Potential<br>01:01:14 The Evolution of AI Tools and User Experience<br>01:06:14 Navigating the MSP Landscape: A Personal Journey<br>01:11:30 Empathy in Tech: The Human Element<br>01:15:29 Communication and Trust in IT Management<br>01:21:00 Building Resources for the Next Generation<br>01:25:00 The Importance of Context in Technical Roles<br>01:30:32 Integrity vs. Accountability in the Workplace<br>01:36:33 Navigating MSP Challenges and Opportunities<br>01:37:00 The Journey into LabTech and Community Engagement<br>01:39:30 Finding Your Tribe in the MSP Community<br>01:41:26 Driving Value and Recognition in IT<br>01:45:20 Transitioning from MSP to Consulting and Vendor Roles<br>01:50:14 Building a Vision for CyberDrain<br>01:52:26 Reflections on the New Generation in IT<br>01:59:40 Advice for Newcomers in the MSP Space</p>
September 23, 2025
Episode 5 - Dean Trempelas - "Don't burn bridges kids"
<p>n this episode of the Panda Awards Show podcast, Abhi, Ben, and Dean discuss Dean's journey in the technology sector, his current role at EmPath, and the importance of education and experience in the tech industry. They explore the balance between knowledge and experience, the significance of mentorship, and the role of luck in achieving business success. </p><p>Dean shares insights from his early career, leadership lessons, and the challenges of scaling a Managed Service Provider (MSP). </p><p>The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing industry. </p><p>In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the chaotic yet fascinating world of tech jobs, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on customer service, hiring strategies, and the challenges of scaling service quality in Managed Service Providers (MSPs). </p><p>They explore the concept of white glove service, the importance of standardization, and the journey of transitioning from an MSP to a vendor.</p><p> The discussion culminates in the introduction of 'Spicy Mondays,' a platform for candid industry conversations that challenge the status quo.</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates<br>02:31 Current Role and Responsibilities at M-Path<br>05:59 Experience vs. Knowledge: A Dungeons and Dragons Analogy<br>10:55 The Importance of Knowing Your Limits<br>15:55 The Role of Education in Technology<br>22:00 Dean's Journey into Technology<br>28:01 Transitioning from Passion to Career<br>33:10 Leadership Lessons from Early Career<br>39:23 The Role of Luck in Business Success<br>47:53 Scaling Challenges for MSPs<br>52:02 Navigating the Chaos of Tech Jobs<br>55:05 Lessons from the Field: Customer Interactions<br>58:47 Hiring Strategies for MSPs<br>01:03:00 The Challenge of Scaling Service Quality<br>01:08:34 Understanding White Glove Service<br>01:18:11 Standardization vs. Customization in MSPs<br>01:21:59 Transitioning to the Dark Side: A Personal Journey<br>01:33:24 Spicy Mondays: A New Perspective on Industry Conversations</p>
8 total episodes available
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