From the Back Office to the Boardroom: Five Keys to Successfully Transition From MSP Tech Leader to CEO

Making the leap from technical expert to CEO requires more than just business knowledge—it demands a fundamental shift in mindset. In this episode, Janice Mahlmann, CEO of August eTech, shares her 24-year journey from network engineer to successful MSP leader and offers practical insights for technical professionals ready to step into executive roles.

Janice breaks down the transition into five key areas: shifting from problem-solver to strategic thinker, developing essential soft skills, focusing on sustainable growth, building a strong company culture, and finding the right balance between technical expertise and business leadership. She emphasizes the importance of hiring experts in areas like HR, accounting, and sales while maintaining enough technical knowledge to guide the business effectively.

The conversation reveals critical delegation, financial planning, and client evaluation lessons. Janice discusses why MSPs must standardize services, build financial cushions, and sometimes walk away from unprofitable clients. Her approach to staying technical while scaling demonstrates how leaders can maintain their passion for technology while successfully growing their organizations from solo operations to 25-person teams.