The Trusted Advisor Blueprint: Evolving VCIO, VCISO & AI Leadership in MSPs

The Trusted Advisor Blueprint: Evolving VCIO, VCISO & AI Leadership in MSPs

May 19, 2026 · 22 min · Episode 270

About this episode

Brian Doyle discusses the evolving roles of external leadership in MSPs and how they can become trusted advisors.

In this engaging episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle dives deep into the evolving roles of external leadership within managed service providers (MSPs). Focused on concepts like VCIOs and the newer roles of VCISOs and Virtual Chief AI Officers, Brian unpacks the complexities and contributions these positions bring to customer leadership hierarchies. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, he shares valuable strategies on how MSPs can position themselves as trusted advisors and integral parts of their clients' success stories. Brian explores the challenges and opportunities of embedding MSP professionals into client leadership structures, stressing the importance of building trust, understanding organizational culture, and strategic alignment with business goals. In a landscape crowded with rapid technological changes and increasing cybersecurity threats, he advocates for MSPs to harness their market intelligence and AI insights to drive value for their clients. The episode is brimming with tactical advice on influencing without overstepping, understanding organizational dynamics, and leveraging industry expertise to strengthen client outcomes. Key…

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Host: Brian Doyle

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: MSPs, VCIOs, VCISOs, Virtual Chief AI Officers

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