In the ever-shifting world of managed services, staying ahead of the curve requires more than just technical expertise—it takes leadership, adaptability, and vision. In a recent interview on the Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations podcast, Todd Hale shared hard-earned lessons from his journey in IT leadership, offering valuable advice for MSPs navigating rapid technological change.
Here are five key lessons MSPs can take away from Todd Hale’s perspective on tech evolution and sustainable growth:
1. Adapt Early, Not Late
Todd emphasizes the importance of not just keeping up with change—but staying ahead of it. Too many MSPs fall into reactive patterns, adjusting only after clients or competitors force their hand. Instead, Todd encourages a proactive mindset: explore new tools early, understand what’s coming next, and prepare your team and clients accordingly. Anticipation, not reaction, is the foundation of leadership in tech.
2. Let Go to Level Up
Growth requires trust. Todd makes it clear that many MSP founders hinder their own progress by holding too tightly to the technical day-to-day. At some point, leaders must step back, empower others, and focus on scaling the business. Delegation isn’t a loss of control—it’s the path to strategic growth and longevity.
3. Speak in Outcomes, Not Acronyms
Clients aren’t buying patching or ticketing—they’re buying peace of mind, risk reduction, and measurable results. Todd urges MSPs to reframe their services in terms of business value. Rather than listing technical features, talk to clients about how your services improve their operations, reduce threats, and support compliance.
4. Culture Is Your Competitive Edge
While many MSPs focus on tools and processes, Todd reminds us that culture is what sustains long-term success. A healthy internal culture fosters trust, retention, and better client experiences. Teams aligned around shared values and vision move faster, innovate more, and attract top talent.
5. Stay a Student of the Industry
Complacency is the enemy of relevance. Todd encourages MSPs to remain lifelong learners—whether through leadership coaching, technical certifications, or peer groups. Staying curious and connected to evolving best practices is essential for any MSP looking to grow and lead in today’s environment.
Todd Hale’s insights are a powerful reminder that growth isn’t just about adding more tools or clients—it’s about intentional leadership. MSPs that evolve their mindset, lead with clarity, and invest in their teams will be the ones that thrive as technology continues to transform.
