[171] Rob Rae: How to Break Barriers and Build MSP Ecosystems

In this interview, Richard Tubb speaks to Rob Rae, Corporate Vice President of Community and Ecosystems for Pax8. They're a cloud marketplace for future-focused managed service providers (MSP). After 20 years in the channel, Rob has a lot of advice on how to build better MSP ecosystems.

Richard asks Rob for his thoughts on the recent Pax8 Beyond EMEA event, how he thinks events impact the wider MSP community and what the plans are for future conferences.

Rob shares his journey in the channel and why he left Datto to work at Pax8, as well as what his day to day routine looks like. He talks about their company culture, what they’re up to behind the scenes and the realities of expanding into new continents.

Richard asks Rob what he thinks of the recent CompTIA acquisition (Rob is a board member), the lessons he’s learned from his time in the industry and the advice he’d give to potential leaders, as well as who he goes to for inspiration and support.

• Cybersecurity and backup: Datto
• MSP Technology and IT Management: ConnectWise
• IT & security management: Kaseya
• Podcast: Rob Rae bonusode
• Dan Wensley, Operating Advisor, Top Down Ventures; Strategic Advisor, ScalePad
• Cybersecurity and data protection tool: Acronis
• IT certifications and training: CompTIA
• Austin McChord, Chief Executive Officer at Casana
• Charlie Tamayo from Roost
• Paul Redding at CyberQP
• Scott Barlow, Sophos NextGen Cybersecurity Channel Sales Leader
• Jason Magee
• Nadia Karatsoreos, Channel Sales and Marketing Specialist, n-Able
• Christine Gassman, VP of Community at Mailprotector
• Pax8 Beyond 2025