CompTIA to GTIA: Industry Insights with Carolyn April (EP 938)
Carolyn April, Vice President of Research and Market Intelligence at GTIA, joins the podcast to break down the big transition from CompTIA, the future of the channel, and why MSP standards and AI readiness matter more than ever.
Presented by Thread — the AI-powered service desk transforming MSP support, automation, and productivity for today’s IT leaders.
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Dive deep into the channel’s evolution with industry veteran Carolyn April of GTIA. Uncle Marv and Carolyn discuss the organization’s new nonprofit focus, major reports like the State of the Channel, and pressing issues like AI readiness and MSP accountability. Carolyn opens up about her transition to leading GTIA’s research, shares how member feedback shapes research topics, and reveals what it’s like to hit the conference circuit in 2025. This episode is a must-listen for MSPs looking to stay ahead of industry trends and understand the opportunities brought on by recent changes.
Takeaways:
- Understand the CompTIA-to-GTIA transition and its effect on the channel
- Learn how GTIA is focusing solely on channel member value as a nonprofit
- Get the scoop on MSP credentialing and the push for professionalization
- Hear Carolyn’s perspective on the biggest research trends for 2025
- Discover what’s changing – and what’s not – in flagship reports and member engagement
- Find out how AI is reshaping MSP business models, internally and externally
- Explore how GTIA integrates research, education, and member services
- Hear personal stories from Carolyn’s journey: journalism, research, and leadership
- Fun side topics: running, skiing, and the dynamics of teaching friends new skills
- Action items for MSPs and vendors to adapt and succeed
Mentioned Entities with URLs
- GTIA: https://www.gtia.org
- CompTIA: https://www.comptia.org
- ChannelCon: https://connect.comptia.org/events/channelcon
- IT Nation (conference): https://channelcon.gtia.org/
- GTIA IT Industry Outlook 2025 PDF: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/downloads/GTIA-IT-Channel-Outlook-2025/
- PAX8: https://www.pax8.com
- CompTIA Volley Podcast (retired): https://blubrry.com/volley
- EMEA Events: https://www.gtia.org/events/emea/
- CCF Conference (Chicago): https://www.gtia.org/events/ccf/
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