“I’ve heard many companies talk about customer-centric strategies and virtuous company values, but have rarely seen this executed nearly as well as it sounds. That’s why I’m so excited about this episode, where you’ll meet a CEO who doesn’t just talk the talk, but backs up those words with action.” – Rob Spee, Channel Futures
Today, you’ll meet Brian Glahn, CEO of business technology provider Verinext. I sat down with Brian to discuss strategic leadership and industry trends in the technology space. With over 25 years of experience in various technology sectors under his belt, Brian shares his journey and the key factors driving Verinext’s success.
You’ll learn how Brian led a successful merger of two companies into a powerful new brand through his customer-centric strategy and ethics-based leadership that is grounded in his religion faith.
Key Takeaways
Brian’s true north lies in customer-centricity, which simply means understanding and meeting clients’ unique needs to provide the best possible solutions. Here are the top 3 customer trends that Brian is seeing and responding to in his business:
- AI Adoption and Integration: Brian emphasizes the varied pace of AI adoption across different industries, with enterprises and government sectors leading the charge. The focus is on understanding, securing, and leveraging AI to enhance customers’ operational efficiencies.
- Economic Impacts and Tariffs: The discussion highlights how political and economic uncertainties, like tariffs, can create temporary delays and accelerate purchasing decisions, impacting the technology reseller industry differently across various sectors.
- Shift to Subscription-Based Models: Brian mentions the increasing shift towards subscription-based software and managed services, aligning with evolving customer preferences for consistent and scalable solutions.
Here are Brian’s top 3 guiding principles for leadership:
- Fair and Reasonable Decision-Making: Ensuring that all business decisions are equitable and logical, balancing professional and personal growth for employees while driving company success.
- Integrity and Ethical Conduct: Guided by his father’s mantra of “if it feels gray, it’s wrong,” Brian maintains high ethical standards, fostering trust and respect among his team and clients.
- Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Emphasizing the importance of staying ahead of technological trends and adapting strategies accordingly, Brian integrates feedback from clients and industry developments to guide Verinext’s direction.
These guiding principles shape Brian’s decision-making compass by prioritizing ethical behavior, adapting to market needs, and maintaining a customer-focused approach, ensuring sustainable growth and success for Verinext.
Original Post: Channel Journeys Podcast with Rob Spee and Brian Glahn
