EP212 - A 2024 Podcast Year in Review with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick

It’s been a busy year for Stuart and me, and we kick off the episode with some festive banter, steering clear of any Mariah Carey renditions—thankfully! Stuart reflects on how much we’ve achieved and the importance of this reflective time of year. Together, we unpack what made these five episodes so impactful and why they’ve captured the attention of our audience.

Coming in at number five, we discuss Episode 168 with the brilliant Claire Jenks, titled “So You Think You're Busy? How to Get Out of Overwhelm and Get Out of Your Own Way.” This episode tackled time management, productivity, and overcoming imposter syndrome—common themes that MSPs wrestle with daily. Stuart reminds us that time is finite, and how we choose to use it determines our success. He emphasises the power of saying “no” to less important demands to focus on what truly matters. As MSP leaders, finding time to prioritise and plan can transform the way we work, and this episode served as a timely reminder of how to do just that.

At number four, we revisit Episode 184 with Jay McBain, “The Future of Running Your MSP in an AI World.” AI dominated headlines this year, and this episode provided much-needed clarity on its practical application for MSPs. Stuart and I agree that while AI is exciting, the focus should remain on operational efficiency. It’s not about chasing shiny objects but ensuring that existing tools and systems are fully utilised to deliver results. Jay’s message that AI will augment—not replace—good old-fashioned SOPs resonated with many. The key takeaway? Use AI as a supercharger, not a distraction, and lean on your vendors to guide adoption in a meaningful way.

In third place is one of our early Ask Stuart episodes, Episode 143, “How to Get More Out of My Team.” This topic is close to the heart of every MSP owner who understands that their team is often the most significant investment in their business. Stuart reflects on how leadership, accountability, and communication are pivotal to maximising team potential. From the importance of defining your “Pied Piper tune” to creating a culture that aligns with your mission and values, this episode packed in valuable advice for improving team dynamics and achieving better results. It’s no wonder it’s one of the year’s favourites.

At number two, we revisit Episode 147 with Mark Copeman from Wingman, “How to Get the Best Out of the MSP Global Event.” While this episode centred around preparing for events, it struck a deeper chord about the value of connection and learning. Stuart and I discussed the importance of defining success before attending any event, focusing on the right conversations and relationships to achieve meaningful outcomes. For many MSPs, getting out of their day-to-day bubble and engaging with peers and vendors at events is transformative. This episode captured that essence perfectly, and the feedback from listeners was phenomenal.

Finally, at the top spot, we celebrate Episode 144 with Julie Hutchinson, “The Art of Having a Difficult Conversation.” This episode was a runaway success, receiving ten times the downloads of our second-place podcast. Julie’s expertise in guiding leaders through difficult conversations resonated deeply with our audience. Stuart highlights how avoiding difficult discussions only compounds problems, while Julie’s frameworks provide a clear, structured way to address challenges positively. This episode wasn’t just about managing tough topics; it reframed these conversations as opportunities to strengthen teams and drive results. It’s no surprise it captured the hearts of so many listeners.

As Stuart and I reflect on 2024, we’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved. Helping over 50 ...