Guest Introduction
This episode features two leaders who are breaking barriers in the MSP channel. Paige Layton is a Sales Development Representative at Todyl, a cybersecurity platform built for the channel. She brings a grounded, practical perspective on building a career and a personal brand in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and her story resonates with anyone early in their tech career looking for a roadmap. Michelle Accardi is the CEO of Liongard, a SaaS platform that gives MSPs visibility into their clients' environments. Michelle has led Liongard through rapid growth, and her leadership journey through the tech world offers hard-won lessons on scaling organizations, building culture, and leading with purpose. Together, they make a compelling case for why diversity and intentional leadership are not just aspirational values but essential forces shaping the future of managed services.
What We Cover
How Can Women Build a Personal Brand in the MSP Channel?
Paige shares her story of entering the tech industry and explains why showing up consistently, sharing your perspective, and building a visible presence are the most powerful career accelerators available today. She offers a practical roadmap for professionals early in their journey who want to stand out without waiting for permission. Paige covers how she used LinkedIn, industry events, and community involvement to build credibility quickly in a space where she had no prior network. Her message is clear: start showing up, start sharing, and the right people will find you.
Why Does Community Matter for Career Growth in Technology?
Both guests emphasize that community involvement creates opportunities that cold outreach simply cannot replicate. Paige and Michelle discuss how peer networks, industry events, and genuine relationship-building open doors that job applications alone never will. For anyone building a career in the MSP channel, this segment underscores the compounding value of investing in relationships early and often.
What Does Purpose-Driven Leadership Look Like at a Fast-Growing Company?
Michelle opens up about leading Liongard through rapid growth and the lessons she has learned about building organizations where people thrive. She explains how leading with purpose, rather than just metrics, creates stronger culture, better retention, and more resilient teams. Michelle shares specific examples of how she approaches hiring, team development, and decision-making differently because of her values-first leadership philosophy. Her perspective challenges the transactional leadership style that dominates many fast-growing tech companies and offers a concrete alternative.
How Does Diversity Strengthen the MSP Industry?
The conversation closes with a direct argument: the MSP channel benefits when it actively welcomes and elevates diverse voices. Paige and Michelle discuss the business case for inclusion, from broader talent pools to stronger decision-making. They challenge MSP leaders to move beyond lip service and create environments where diverse professionals can build meaningful, lasting careers.
Why This Matters for MSPs
MSPs compete for talent in a tight labor market, and the companies that build inclusive cultures attract and retain better people. Personal branding is not just a career development tactic for individuals; it strengthens the visibility and reputation of the organizations those individuals represent. For MSP owners and hiring managers, this episode offers a lens on what top talent is looking for and how to create an environment where diverse professionals choose to stay and grow.
About the Show
Talk Tech with Rob Scott is a podcast series from Monjur where CEO Rob Scott sits down with MSP industry leaders to explore the strategies, tools, and trends shaping managed services. New episodes are published regularly on YouTube. Subscribe to stay ahead of what is next in the MSP channel.
