Cybersecurity changes daily. Your MSP will evolve alongside the tools you’re using. Strong leadership and innovative ideas are essential.
Joe Alapat, co-founder and product visionary at Liongard, recently shared his experiences with Carrie Richardson on the Fox and Crow Group Podcast: WIN – What’s Important Now?
Podcast Highlights
Leadership Transition
Joe discusses his move from CEO to a product visionary role, highlighting the importance of finding the right leadership to drive the company forward. Joe says, “It was tough for me to step down, but bringing Michelle on board has been incredibly beneficial. Her fast decision-making and strategic focus have propelled us to new heights.”
He further explains the initial challenges: “It took me a couple of months to get used to it. It was like putting on a new pair of shoes. I had to get comfortable with it and ask myself, am I still needed here? Am I providing value?”
Joe’s experience underscores a critical aspect of leadership changes—knowing the right time for change and trusting new leadership to bring a new perspective. He mentions, “Liongard is not Joe Alapat. Liongard is Liongard. I’m on the journey with Liongard. Seeing Michelle’s impact made me realize how essential it is to separate the business from my personal identity.”
Cybersecurity Focus
Joe emphasizes the importance of proactive security measures over reactive ones. “Every dollar spent left of boom is actually more productive than every dollar spent right of boom dealing in mid-incident,” he explains. Joe’s view highlights the critical need for MSPs to focus on preventative measures to secure their clients’ environments effectively.
Who Should Listen to this Podcast?
If you’re an MSP looking to improve your cybersecurity posture and streamline your operations, this podcast episode is a must-listen. Joe’s insights provide practical advice on implementing effective security strategies and managing leadership changes.
Best Practices for MSP Leadership Transitions
Effective leadership transitions are crucial for the long-term success of any MSP. Here are some best practices for MSP owners planning their transition out of the CEO role:
Identify and Groom a Successor – Choosing the right successor is paramount. Start by identifying potential candidates within your organization who show promise and align with the company’s vision and values. Provide them with opportunities to lead projects, make decisions, and understand the business from various angles. If you are exploring leaders from outside your organization, begin a professional search early in order to evaluate skills, experience and culture fit well before the point of desired transition.
Plan Ahead – A well-thought-out transition plan should be in place well before the actual transition. This plan should include timelines, roles and responsibilities during the transition period, and clear communication strategies to keep all stakeholders informed.
Gradual Transition – A gradual transition allows the incoming CEO to acclimate to their new role while still having the outgoing CEO available for guidance. This phased approach helps maintain stability and continuity within the company.
Focus on Core Strengths – As Joe Alapat did, consider moving to a role that leverages your core strengths. For instance, if product development is your passion, a product visionary role can allow you to continue contributing significantly to the company’s success.
Trust the New Leadership – Trust is critical. Trust your successor to make the right decisions and bring their unique perspective to the role. As Joe mentions, seeing Michelle’s impact helped him realize the importance of separating the business from his personal identity.
Communicate Clearly – Clear communication is essential throughout the transition process. Ensure that all employees, clients, and partners are aware of the changes and understand how they will benefit the company in the long run.
Meet with Fox and Crow Group to Begin Planning Your Leadership Transition
For MSPs that do not yet have a leadership transition plan in place, we highly recommend reaching out to Ian Richardson at Fox and Crow Group. Ian’s expertise in guiding businesses through leadership changes can help ensure a smooth and successful transition.
Join us for Ian’s talk at Liongards inaugural conference; ROARCon in Dallas, TX:
Stop Losing Deals: Overcome Objections and Close More MSP Contracts
- July 24, 2024, 2:10 – 2:55 PM
Listen to the Joe Alapat on the WIN Podcast
Effective leadership changes and a strong focus on cybersecurity are crucial for the success of any MSP. Liongard, under the guidance of Michelle Accardi and Joe Alapat, demonstrates how strategic leadership and innovative solutions can drive business growth and security. Listen to Joe on the What’s Important Now podcast to learn more about Joe’s journey and how Liongard can help your MSP stay ahead in cybersecurity.
FAQs
What is the role of an outgoing CEO during a leadership transition?
An outgoing CEO should focus on providing guidance and support to the incoming CEO, ensuring a smooth transfer of responsibilities, and gradually stepping back to allow the new leader to take charge.
How can MSPs prepare for a leadership transition?
MSPs can prepare for a leadership transition by identifying and grooming a successor, planning ahead, implementing a gradual transition, focusing on core strengths, trusting the new leadership, and communicating clearly with all stakeholders.
Why is proactive cybersecurity important for MSPs?
Proactive cybersecurity measures are essential for MSPs because they help prevent security incidents before they occur, reducing the risk of breaches and ensuring the protection of clients’ environments.
How can Liongard help MSPs with attack surface management?
Liongard provides comprehensive attack surface management software that helps MSPs manage and secure their clients’ environments by automating the discovery, documentation, and auditing of systems and software, ensuring IT infrastructure is always up-to-date and secure.
What are some common challenges during a CEO transition?
Common challenges during a CEO transition include resistance to change, maintaining business continuity, aligning the new leader’s vision with the company’s goals, and ensuring clear communication throughout the process.
Why is it important to trust new leadership during a transition?
Trusting new leadership is important because it allows the incoming CEO to bring their unique perspective and make necessary decisions without constant oversight. This trust helps in fostering a positive working environment and ensuring a smooth transition.