Julian Lee, President of TechnoPlanet for 34 years, has been a key figure in the IT Channel’s development (see “About” www.technoplanet.com). After studying physics, computers and business at the University of Toronto, he founded a global distribution and manufacturing company for Apple third-party products.

Today, he serves as the publisher, editor, and host of eChannelNEWS (eChannelNEWS.com), delivering daily news to the global channel community. He is also the organizer of the 24-year successful ChannelNEXT technology conferences, which bring the IT industry together to learn and build partnerships several times a year.

His mission is to support channel partners in building a bigger, better, stronger and smarter business as well as assisting technology companies in generating awareness of their products and building robust channel partner ecosystems.

Additionally, he focuses on several other key areas: Helping channel partners improve their cybersecurity through the Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem (https://cybersecuritydefenseecosystem.com); Future-proofing businesses via peer-group collaboration with the Channel Partner Alliance (www.channelpartneralliance.com); and Guiding partners through the era of Artificial Intelligence and advanced solutions like building their Digital Twins to assist them in better navigating their AI journey.

Mental health and burnout pose a significant, yet often unaddressed, challenge within the IT community—our “silent killer.” The reality of being designated “essential workers” during the pandemic underscores the intense demands of the job. Technology professionals frequently endure long, stressful hours, with those in cybersecurity being particularly affected. The concept of genuine downtime is virtually nonexistent. This mental stress has far-reaching effects, impacting not only the individual but also their family and friends. Finding ways to alleviate this stress is not just welcomed by the community; it is arguably essential for the long-term sustainability of the industry itself. Let’s fix this!

Miguel Ribeiro has been a Managed Service Provider since 2007 and is the Founder of VBS IT Services, a Canadian MSP built on the belief that sustainable success requires more than technical expertise—it requires healthy leaders, strong systems, and balance.

Miguel’s commitment to supporting mental health comes from personal experience. In 2012, he suffered a serious concussion that forced him to step away from his business for an extended period. Because he had invested early in systems, workflow automation, and team structure, the company continued to operate during his recovery. That experience fundamentally shaped his leadership philosophy and highlighted how vulnerable MSP owners can be when everything depends on them.

Through that challenge, Miguel learned that burnout, constant pressure, and the inability to disconnect are not badges of honor—they are risks to both the business and the individual. His focus shifted toward resilience, intentional leadership, and building organizations that can thrive without sacrificing personal well‑being.

Miguel’s daily mental health practice is based on “The 8‑8‑8 Rule” where he advocates for structured time, recovery, and boundaries as foundations for long‑term performance and success.

Miguel is dedicated to helping MSP owners protect their mental health while building sustainable, high‑performing businesses that don’t depend on burnout to succeed but instead focus on creating peace in your life.

MJ Patent believes the technology channel is powered by people first, and when those people are not well, neither are the businesses they build.

With more than 15 years of experience leading marketing teams across the IT and cybersecurity ecosystem, from high-growth startups to Fortune 100 distributors like Insight and Tech Data, MJ has seen firsthand the pressure that leaders and teams carry. Today, as Chief Marketing Officer at Logically, she focuses on helping IT and security organizations cut through complexity and take practical, actionable steps toward stronger business and security outcomes. Behind every strategy, campaign, and growth plan, she never loses sight of the humans doing the work.

MJ joined MSP Well because she believes mental health in the channel is not a “nice to have” conversation. It is a business imperative. The IT and cybersecurity industry operates in constant urgency. Cyber threats do not sleep. Clients expect immediate answers. Leaders are asked to scale teams, hit aggressive targets, and navigate relentless change. That kind of sustained pressure has real consequences if it goes unaddressed.

Throughout her career, MJ has spoken openly about mental health in high-pressure environments and the responsibility leaders carry to create cultures where people can thrive, not just perform. Her leadership philosophy centers on authenticity, curiosity, and clarity. She believes in direct communication, real alignment, and building environments where individuals can grow without sacrificing their wellbeing. She also follows a simple personal rule: do not be an a-hole.

MJ sees MSP Well as a critical force in normalizing conversations around stress, burnout, anxiety, and leadership pressure in the channel. By bringing visibility, resources, and community support to these issues, MSP Well helps ensure that the people protecting businesses every day are also protected themselves.

Beyond her corporate role, MJ is deeply committed to lifting the IT and cybersecurity community. She serves on the Global Technology Industry Association Data Advisory Council, acts as a Pavilion Ambassador, mentors emerging leaders, and advocates for women in tech and cybersecurity. She frequently speaks on authentic leadership, modern defense strategies, and wellbeing in demanding industries.

At the core of everything she builds, from industry events like LogicON to experiential learning initiatives like ThreatFactor, is a belief that complexity can be made clear, and pressure does not have to come at the expense of humanity.

Through MSP Well, MJ is proud to support a movement that reminds the channel of something essential: strong businesses are built by healthy people.