About Partner1 Distinguished Expert Speaker Series
The Partner1 Distinguished Expert Speaker Series brings together industry leaders to share actionable insights and strategies for driving growth and innovation through partner ecosystems. Each session features dynamic discussions and real-world case studies, providing exclusive access to expertise on co-selling, co-marketing, achieving designations, and standing out to sellers. This series is designed for Software and Solutions partners eager to scale their businesses and succeed in a competitive, AI-driven environment.
Presented by Partner1, the trusted growth advisor behind hundreds of high-performing B2B tech companies growing profitably and globally through partnerships.
Kelly Sarabyn, who leads technology partnerships and programs at HubSpot, shares what it takes for software companies to stand out in the HubSpot ecosystem and build integration partnerships that drive measurable, lasting growth rather than fizzling out after launch.
24 Mar 2026
Marketing Strategies for Ecosystem Led Growth
Erica Hakonson, CEO and Founder of Maven Collective Marketing, shares actionable marketing strategies for ecosystem-led growth, empowering Microsoft partners to achieve measurable success.
28 Nov 2025
Navigating the Salesforce Ecosystem
Salesforce expert Heather Mason explains how companies can effectively partner with Salesforce, discussing ecosystem changes and strategies for partner-led growth in this interview.
26 Jun 2025
Scaling Smart: How High-Growth Startups Can Win with and Beyond Microsoft
Yianni Touliatos from Microsoft's Digital Natives team discusses how high-growth startups can effectively scale within the Microsoft ecosystem, offering insights on aligning with Microsoft's priorities and leveraging cloud marketplaces in this interview.
25 May 2025
Growing Through Connection: Unlocking SMC Growth in Interconnected Ecosystems
Regina Johnson, Microsoft Partner Engagement Leader, examines how interconnected economies enable new growth paths for SMCs through partnerships, expanding customer reach, and building community in this interview.
21 Apr 2025
Co-Sell Mastery in the Microsoft Ecosystem
Brian Galicia is a Global ISV Sales leader within Microsoft. His partner team empowers partners & ISVs to grow their revenue on the Microsoft Cloud. He has been with Microsoft for 18+ years across various leadership roles including Sales and Marketing and has won numerous awards including the prestigious Microsoft Circle of Excellence/Platinum Club. He is a keynote speaker and a published co-author of “Navigating LinkedIn for Sales”, which was the #1 Sales & Selling Techniques book the week it was launched on the Kindle Store.
In this episode of the Partner1 Distinguished Expert Speaker Series, we sit down with Brian Galicia for a dynamic conversation on scaling partnerships in the Microsoft ecosystem. Brian shares insights from nearly two decades at Microsoft, leading a global portfolio of ISVs and helping software companies build scalable, cloud-first businesses.
Key highlights include:
Partnership at Scale: Brian’s perspective on what it takes for ISVs and SIs to align effectively with Microsoft’s evolving priorities and commercial motions.
Opportunities for Growth: Reflections on areas that partners are not focusing on today that are missed opportunities for growth
Co-sell Readiness & Marketplace Momentum: Practical advice for partners looking to deepen engagement, build trust with Microsoft sellers, and drive velocity through the Microsoft Marketplace
Personal Insights: A behind-the-scenes look at Brian’s journey, from his role at Microsoft to his passions outside work, including LinkedIn and personal branding
Whether you're a founder, partnership leader, or GTM executive, this episode is packed with real-world insights, tactical strategies, and inspiration to help you grow faster and partner smarter within the Microsoft ecosystem.
25 Mar 2025
Accelerating Growth in the Microsoft Partner Ecosystem - Elena Kennedy, Microsoft
In this episode of the Partner1 Distinguished Expert Speaker Series, we sit down with Elena Kennedy, Senior Partner Development Manager at Microsoft. Elena shares her extensive experience and insights on driving partnership success with cloud providers and AI startups. We discuss the strategic priorities for aligning with Microsoft, emerging trends in the ISV and software partner ecosystem, and the role of the commercial marketplace in accelerating growth.
Key highlights include:
Strategic Priorities: Elena's top three priorities for software companies to focus on when aligning with Microsoft, including leveraging Microsoft programs, showcasing compelling customer stories, and prioritizing partnership development. Emerging Trends: Insights on the latest trends in the ISV and software partner ecosystem, including untapped opportunities and innovative solutions leveraging Azure AI.
Commercial Marketplace: The role of the commercial marketplace in driving growth for ISVs and the potential for multi-party private offers.
Deepening Engagement: Steps for companies already co-selling with Microsoft to deepen their engagement and grow faster.
Leadership Qualities: Critical leadership qualities and mindsets for software companies navigating rapid growth within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Tune in to learn about the latest strategies, innovative use cases, and the future of partnerships with Microsoft. Whether you're a SaaS company, services partner, investor, executive, board member, or simply interested in the intersection of AI and cloud partnerships, this episode is packed with valuable information and expert perspectives.
20 Feb 2025
Transforming Financial Services with AI - Daragh Morrissey, Microsoft
In this episode of the Partner1 Distinguished Expert Speaker Series, we sit down with Daragh Morrissey, who is Data & AI for Financial Services at Microsoft. Daragh shares his extensive experience and insights on the evolution of AI, from its early days to the groundbreaking advancements of today. We discuss the practical applications of generative AI, the potential of agentic AI, and the strategic considerations of the build vs. buy decision for partners and customers.
Tune in to learn about the latest trends, innovative use cases, and the future of AI in financial services. Whether you’re a SaaS company, services partner, investor, executive at a financial institution, or simply interested in the intersection of AI and finance, this episode is packed with valuable information and expert perspectives.
17 Jan 2025
Navigating the Future of AI and Innovation - Parul Bhandari, Microsoft
In this episode of the Partner1 Distinguished Expert Speaker Series, we sit down with Parul Bhandari, who is leading Microsoft’s Telco, Media & Gaming Partner Strategy globally. Parul shares her vision for how AI, security, and innovation are transforming industries and unlocking unprecedented opportunities for growth.
From driving productivity with tools like Microsoft M365 Copilot to creating hyper-personalized customer experiences and pioneering new AI-native business models, Parul discusses the trends reshaping the next 2–3 years. She also dives into the challenges businesses face in this new era, including cybersecurity, ethical considerations, and the evolution of tech ecosystems.
Key highlights include:
How AI is becoming a strategic lever for growth in the telecommunications industry.
The power of ecosystems and partnerships to drive innovation and create long-term value.
Leadership strategies for executives, board directors and VC and PE firms in scaling profitably while staying resilient in a rapidly evolving market.
Whether you’re a SaaS leader, investor, or executive looking to stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies.
Who has been a guest on Partner1 Distinguished Expert Speaker Series
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Erica Hakonson
Heather Mason
Yianni Touliatos
Regina Johnson
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
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