236 – The Power of Storytelling to Drive Unstoppable Partner Success

I’m thrilled to share my interview with Dustin Nelson, Sales Director at CDW, recorded live at Google Cloud’s Marketplace Exchange! Dustin dives into how CDW has embraced the marketplace model to meet customers' evolving needs in today’s SaaS-driven world, where cloud marketplaces are transforming how organizations buy, manage, and scale solutions. Dustin shares CDW’s journey of building a dedicated team to support Google Cloud Marketplace transactions, which has led to impressive growth: over $400 million in marketplace business and 500 transactions this year alone. With customers now at the center, Dustin emphasizes that open collaboration between Google, ISVs, and partners like CDW is crucial for delivering enhanced value and transaction flexibility. For organizations planning their 2025 marketplace strategy, Dustin advises embracing collaboration and focusing on customer-centric approaches to stay ahead in this fast-evolving ecosystem. Tune into this Ultimate Guide to Partnering episode to hear how CDW is sparking the marketplace ecosystem!

I am excited to bring you insights from my conversation with Jarrod Buckley, VP of Channels and Alliances at Datadog, live from Google Cloud's Marketplace Exchange! Datadog, a leader in cloud application monitoring and security, is transforming how customers manage their cloud environments through a single, unified platform. In this episode, Jarrod shares how Datadog leverages Google Cloud Marketplace to simplify customer procurement and drive larger, faster deals. He highlights Datadog's recent innovations, including empowering channel partners to sell Datadog through Google Cloud Marketplace and the ecosystem approach that places customer needs at the center of co-selling strategies. As marketplace adoption grows, Datadog is scaling across geographies, with systems and human teams aligning to ensure seamless co-selling at scale. For anyone looking to optimize their marketplace strategy, Jarrod offers valuable advice for planning and aligning incentives as we head into 2025. Catch this episode of The Ultimate Guide to Partnering for insights into how Datadog leads the charge in marketplace-driven cloud success!

I’m thrilled to introduce my conversation with Ken Olofsen, CMO of Labelbox, recorded live at the Google Cloud Marketplace Exchange! Labelbox, a longtime Google partner, has revolutionized data labeling for generative AI, providing a “data factory” that powers the most advanced AI models. Ken shares how Labelbox collaborates with Google to support model builders and enterprise teams, including an exciting integration with Vertex AI that allows users to leverage Labelbox’s human evaluation services to fine-tune their models effortlessly. In this episode, Ken discusses Labelbox’s use of Google Cloud Marketplace as a rapid transaction platform, enabling seamless, scalable partnerships. From simplifying contracts with private and public offers to offering a one-click evaluation solution on Vertex AI, Labelbox is setting the bar high for innovation in data annotation. Tune in to this episode of The Ultimate Guide to Partnering to learn how Labelbox is shaping the future of generative AI through strategic partnerships!

Thrilled to bring you an exclusive conversation with Lisa Citron, VP of Global Partner Ecosystem at F5, live from the Google Cloud Marketplace event! In this episode, Lisa dives into how F5—a leader in app delivery and security for nearly three decades—has evolved to harness the power of cloud marketplaces and hyperscaler partnerships. With deep insights into the shifts toward C-suite and board-level conversations, Lisa shares how F5 is tackling critical security concerns, especially around AI and API protection. Her perspectives on adapting to new buying behaviors and scaling securely with cloud partners like Google Cloud are essential for anyone navigating the digital transformation landscape. Tune in to learn from Lisa’s journey and hear how F5 is leading in the cloud era on The Ultimate Guide to Partnering!

Just wrapped up an insightful interview with Matt Egan, Senior Strategic Alliance Leader at Optimizely, at the Google Cloud Marketplace event! In our conversation, Matt shared his journey driving Optimizely’s co-selling partnership with Google Cloud. From co-marketing to co-innovation, he emphasized how these strategic pillars have expanded opportunities for Optimizely to help organizations optimize digital experiences on a robust Google-powered platform. For anyone navigating the intricacies of partnerships or aiming to enhance their go-to-market strategy, Matt’s takeaways are pure gold—especially his advice on building executive commitment and focusing on the revenue impact of co-selling. Don’t miss this episode on The Ultimate Guide to Partnering!

Today, we're joined by Channel Legend, Janet Schijns Co Founder and CEO of JS Group. Join us as we dive deep into the evolving landscape of partnerships and leadership in the tech industry. In this episode, we explore a wide array of topics, from the potential pitfalls in e-commerce management to the changing roles of CEOs and CIOs in the age of cloud tech. Janet Schijns is a dedicated and strategic leader known for her protective and defensive approach in supporting business partners. She keenly understands the delicate balance between shielding partners from disruptive market noise and ensuring management remains receptive to critical feedback. Her leadership focus aims to prevent any slowdowns in partner sales momentum, while also fostering transparent communication channels within the organization. We'll unpack the complexities of modern partner ecosystems and the rise of new marketplace dynamics, emphasizing the critical importance of Chief Partner Officers (CPOs) and why they could be the most sought-after CEOs of the future. Janet and Vince will also highlight how companies like Vodafone and Infosys are making substantial commitments to tech giants like Microsoft, and discuss the nervousness surrounding traditional distribution channels amidst these shifts. Moreover, you'll hear insightful predictions about the future of marketplaces, how generative AI is reshaping repetitive business tasks, and why an inclusive partner strategy is paramount. We'll also delve into the economic uncertainties we face, the booming investment in cloud infrastructure, and the critical role of alliance managers in navigating these new terrains.Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or someone interested in the future of partnerships, this episode is packed with valuable insights. So, tune in as we explore how to stay ahead in a constantly evolving business landscape and why the next big CEO might just come from the CPO ranks.

even Pivnik, Entrepreneur, Joins Ultimate Guide to Partnering® Steven Pivnik is a highly accomplished serial entrepreneur and CEO of a leading Microsoft partner, renowned for his ability to apply a growth mindset and agility in leadership. With a sharp focus on innovation and results, Steven has led his company to success, demonstrating what it means to embrace challenges and drive meaningful progress. His expertise in guiding businesses to achieve their greatest potential has made him a sought-after leader and visionary in the tech industry. In his new book, “Built to Finish”, Steven chronicles his entrepreneurial journey, offering valuable insights into the strategies and mindset that helped him scale new heights. His story is one of perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement, providing readers with practical lessons on how to navigate the complexities of modern business. Through his experience, Steven Pivnik continues to inspire leaders to think big and act with purpose.

Decoding Customer-Centric Innovation, the Future of Partnerships at Cisco

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