[Opinion | Channel Guru] The channel is broken – Channel Guru is how we fix it

After seventeen years at Microsoft, I made the leap. Not because I was done—but because I wasn’t. I still had more to give to the tech partner channel across Australia and New Zealand. I knew the challenges. I’d seen the growth. And I believed, deep down, there had to be a better way to support the people building the future of tech in our region.

So I set out on a mission: speak to one hundred industry leaders. Learn. Listen. Get under the hood of what was working—and what wasn’t. I thought maybe I’d launch a consultancy. Bring together the best ideas, the sharpest tools, and deliver them back to the channel. But here’s what I found instead: I’m not the expert. And that’s the point. The real experts are already out there—brilliant operators, passionate consultants, coaches, marketers, strategists—people who live and breathe partner success. But they’re often hard to find, overstretched, or priced out of reach. And partners? They’re too busy running the day-to-day to play matchmaker. The system’s broken. We needed a smarter way to connect the right people, with the right partners, at the right time.

Here’s the reality: running a tech partner business today is a grind. The pace of transformation is relentless. New tools, new programs, new threats—every day, something shifts. Margins are tighter, the stakes are higher, and the time to actually work on the business? Non-existent. Most partners know they need to evolve—build structure, get strategic, lean into growth—but they’re stuck in the whirlwind. They don’t know where to start, or who to trust.

And let’s be real—the channel doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. It’s the connective tissue of the industry, quietly powering customer success, vendor programs, and market growth. But support for the channel is patchy. Disconnected. A handful of solid communities exist, sure—but few are built specifically to bridge the gap between the partners on the ground and the experts who can actually help them level up. That’s the gap we saw. And it matters—because if we want a stronger tech ecosystem, we need stronger, more supported partners at the centre of it.

That’s why we built Channel Guru—from the ground up, with one mission: to empower tech partners with practical tools for sustainable growth. Not theory. Not hype. Real advice, from real people, who’ve actually done the work.

We’re not a vendor. We’re not chasing clicks or pushing certifications. We exist for one reason—to help partners grow. And we do it by curating the best talent, the sharpest minds, and the most actionable insights across the industry. Our tagline says it all: From insight to action—your success starts here. That’s not just a slogan, it’s how we operate. Whether it’s raw, real content, tailored guidance, or curated offers from trusted experts—we’re here to cut through the noise and help partners build better businesses. Because this isn’t just about today’s wins. It’s about your business, your growth, your future.

In just a few weeks, Channel Guru will announce an official launch date —and we’re kicking things off with a lineup of battle-tested gurus ready to back you. It’s a single subscription, all-access pass to experts across sales, marketing, vendor programs, product, operations, and more. Whether you’re stuck on incentives, need to tighten your go-to-market, or you’re dreaming bigger—like building a business ready for acquisition—our community’s got your back.

But this isn’t just a content hub or another forum. Channel Guru is built to be a living, breathing support system. Yes, we’re launching online—but we’ll be showing up in person too. Starting with techpartner.news' Pipeline event on the Gold Coast, where we’ll host a VIP Guru Lounge. It’s your space to sit down with experts, get real advice, and be part of a community that’s built for—and by—the tech channel. Because growth isn’t something you do alone. And with Channel Guru, you won’t have to.

So here’s the ask: if you’re a tech partner who’s ready to work on your business—not just in it—Channel Guru was built for you. If you’ve ever felt stuck, isolated, or just too busy to find the right help—we’ve been there. And we’ve built the community we wish existed years ago.

Join us. Be part of something that’s built for the long game. Where growth is shared, support is real, and every conversation moves you closer to where you want to be. This is just the beginning—and your seat at the table is waiting.

Head to channelguru.com and register your interest to lock in early access and a special introductory offer when we launch. You won’t want to miss it.