How can trusted advisors and channel leaders turn cybersecurity challenges into growth opportunities? In this episode of Channel Security Secrets, I sit down with Alex Ryals, Chief Information Security Officer at MicroAge, to explore actionable strategies for aligning sales, security, and continuous learning.

Alex shares how matching sales skills with security solutions, creating structured partner programs, and leveraging AI can help resellers and service providers thrive. From hands-on experience building cyber ranges to navigating global cybersecurity threats, this episode is packed with insights.

Takeaways

• Why aligning sales team skills with security solutions is critical for revenue growth and partner success.
• How starting small with focused vendor partnerships helps Trusted Advisors build confidence and expertise.
• What a well-structured partner program, including training, rules of engagement, and deal registration, can accomplish.
• How continuous learning and engagement with industry groups or conferences accelerates knowledge and network growth.
• Why regular maintenance of security tools and strategic AI use helps prevent threats and misconfigurations.

Quote of the Show

• “ If you're day one, my recommendation would be build a network of third party service providers that you can resell.” - Alex Ryals

Find all episodes, show notes, and resources at: https://www.cdg.io/podcast/

Partner with us: https://www.cdg.io/partner-with-cyber-defense-group/

Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-ryals-cyber/
• Company website: https://microage.com/
• Cybersecurity Decyphered: https://www.youtube.com/@CybersecurityDecyphered

Ways to Tune In

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gIKsOyorKMzQA7wxck4dH?si=ff617df387aa401c
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/channel-security-secrets/id1826825461
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8703d3a3-4128-4691-8862-cb847f53f776/channel-security-secrets
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChannelSecuritySecrets