An interview with Dave Michels

Dave Michels

Enterprise Communications Analyst at TalkingPointz

Key Topics:Enterprise Communications (UCaaS, Video, CCaaS, CPaaS, Messaging)

Location:Colorado, United States

Bio:

Dave Michels, a self proclaimed communications protagonist, is the founder of TalkingPointz which offers commentary and research including a well known monthly Insider’s Report. Dave’s unique perspective on enterprise communications and collaboration comes from a career involving communications and IT leadership positions. A published author, Dave posts opinions and research at TalkingPointz.com and also contributes regularly to multiple news and analysis sites including No Jitter.

How did you get to become an expert in your key topics?

I’ve been focused on enterprise communications my entire career. I have worked in startups, airline industry (networking), F500 IT, IT Distributor, and owned a telecom VAR.

What sub-topics are you most passionate about?

Crypto-assets, blogging, travel.

Who influences you within these topics?

I work very closely with many industry influencers. I do a regular podcast with Evan Kirstel (2x a week) and a near weekly video cast with Zeus Kerravala.

What challenges are brands facing in this space?

As enterprise communications have become cloud-delivered services, end users are reevaluating prior decisions and assumptions. I help both end users and the providers themselves, understand both key trends that are occurring and how the providers differ (both their offers and their visions). I monitor the news very closely, and tend to be very current on industry trends and announcements.

What do you think the future holds in this space?

More consolidation. The providers are all expanding into adjacent areas, putting pretty to merge. Also, Microsoft Teams is growing very quickly, creating both FUD and confusion and pressures on alternative providers.

What brands are leading the way in this space?

The leaders are Microsoft (Teams), Google (Workspace), Cisco (Webex), and Zoom. However, there’s a very vibrant ecosystem of providers that complete and/or compete such as RingCentral, Vonage, Five9, and many more.

If a brand wanted to work with you, which activities would you be most interested in collaborating on?

I tend to a lot of papers, speaking, fireside chats, webinars, and a lot of leadership advisory on strategy and communications. I am particularly good at helping providers formulate how best to communicate their vision (messaging testing/message development).

What are your passions outside of work?

BBQ, Seinfeld, and I enjoy my camper van.

What would be the best way for a brand to contact you?

Email (dave at talkingpointz.com) tends to work best.

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Interview with Dave Michels

by Joe Fields | Jun 14, 2021 | Interviews, Tech