staging-oaka-studio

September 2025 Edition

lucy@oaka.studio (Lucy Bourne) — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 11:11:25 GMT

Partner Insights, Cutting Through the Noise on Designations

Hi Partners ,

We’ve had a busy few weeks at Oaka. From planning our next big Partner Pulse event, to supporting an incredible cause with Action for Children, and diving deep into Microsoft’s Specialisations and Designations with some brilliant partner teams, we wanted to bring you up to speed.

Last month, we ran a targeted session designed to help Microsoft partners stop guessing and start acting when it comes to Solution Designation and Specialisation.

Here’s why we ran it: Many partners are confused by the route to the ‘achieved’ status; they don’t know why they’re not over the line. Misunderstood metrics and missing associations (both customer & certifications) are often the culprits, not capability.

This session broke down:

Inside the Scoring Model : We unpacked Microsoft’s three core metrics, Performance, Skilling, and Customer Success, and showed how each one is calculated (and where the hidden tripwires are).

Gap Assessment Made Simple : Some eligibility thresholds are not clear. We walked through how to read these with purpose, spot blockers quickly, and know what’s actually holding you back.

The Skilling Factor : These surprises most partners. Having certified people isn’t enough; they need to be properly associated. We showed how to check these stats and see and be aware of what is upcoming.

Specialisation Pathways : Designations are just the beginning. We explained the requirements for specialisation, and the benefits these unlock with funding & Microsoft sellers.

If you missed it, you can still watch it here: Watch the session

Oaka Partner Insights – Demystifying Designations and Specialisations

Coming Up, We’re Sleeping Out So Kids Don’t Have To

Supporting Boycott Your Bed for Action for Children

Next m onth, we’re proud to be taking part in Boycott Your Bed , an initiative by Action for Children to raise funds and awareness for the thousands of children across the UK who are homeless or living in vulnerable conditions.

Here’s the reality:

129,000 children in the UK don’t have a place to call home.
Many are stuck in unsafe housing, temporary accommodation, or sofa-surfing.
Most people don’t know how widespread the issue is.

That’s why on Friday, 3rd October , members of the Oaka team will be sleeping out as part of the national Boycott Your Bed campaign. It’s a small gesture, one night outside, but it’s about standing in solidarity, raising awareness, and helping fund frontline services that provide safe homes, support, and a lifeline to struggling families.

We’re teaming up with amazing individuals from across the Microsoft ecosystem, including Nico Caudron and Jackie To , who are helping to amplify the message and get more people involved.

If this resonates with you, there are two easy ways to help:

Join the event : You can still sign up as an individual or team.
Donate : Every pound raised goes toward urgent services for children and young people.

Learn more or donate here .

Partner Pulse – October 9

Unlocking AI and Agentic for You and Your Customers

Partner Pulse is back , and we’re bringing together Microsoft partner leaders for a full day of AI insight, strategy, and community. Whether you’re shaping new offerings, chasing growth, or just need clarity on what’s real and what’s hype, this event is for you.

This isn’t theory. It’s action. We’ll be covering what it means to build agentic and AI-driven solutions in 2025, how Microsoft is approaching the opportunity, and what other partners are already doing to get ahead.

Who's it for ?

Senior leaders, GTM and sales heads, founders, and solution strategists at Microsoft partners
Partners building or refining their Copilot or agentic AI play
Those looking to move beyond inspiration and into practical next steps

Location : Storey Club, Paddington Central

Address : 4 Kingdom Street, London W2 6BD

Time : 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (doors open 9:30)

Optional drinks from 4:00 PM at The Union, Paddington

Why attend ?

Get clarity on Microsoft’s AI strategy and how to plug in
Explore Copilot Studio specialisation opportunities
Hear what top partners are doing and where they’re winning
Get involved in small-group peer workshops focused on real ideas
Leave with frameworks, stories, and contacts you can use

Brought to you by: Oaka Studio and Seer 365

With thanks to sponsors: Arrow ECS UK and Cognitive Group | Part of Focus Cloud Group

Seats are limited. Register here : Partner Pulse – Eventbrite

Oaka Partner Insights - Turning AI into Advantage

Streamlining the Microsoft Partner Operating Model Thursday, October 23rd, 1:00 PM GMT | Online via Microsoft Teams

AI isn’t just reshaping what partners deliver; it’s transforming how partner businesses operate internally. That’s the focus of our next Oaka Partner Insights session.

We’ll be showing where and how AI can be embedded into your partner operating model to reduce friction, eliminate wasted effort, and create smarter pathways to growth.

Expect a straight-talking session covering:

Where AI genuinely helps inside partner operations, from compliance and incentivemanagement to pipeline prediction and customer success reporting
How to start small, measure real impact, and scale what works
Use cases that directly support Designation, Specialisation, and broader GTM efforts

Speakers:

Nigel Ridpath , Consultant , Oaka Studio
Joel Abbott , Senior Advisor , Oaka Studio

If you’re leading a partner business and asking, “ Where does AI actually fit into our internal processes? ”, this session is built for you.

Add to your calendar and register here: Register here .

Coming This December – Leadership & Management Academy

Building Confident Leaders Who Keep Your Best People

At our last Partner Pulse, only 25% of the attendees reported having received formal management training. That means most managers are doing their best without the tools or frameworks they need, and while they figure it out, great people are leaving because of inconsistent line management.

That’s why we’re launching the Leadership & Management Academy in London this December. It’s a practical, small-group bootcamp designed to create lasting leadership behaviours, not just transfer theory.

What makes it different?

Two intensive days (9–10 December) followed by seven coaching sessions to embed the learning.
DISC profiling for every participant, unlocking how to lead different personalities.
Just 16 seats to keep it focused and impactful.
Led by Nigel Ridpath and Tamara Phelan , with over 40 years of combined experience, turning managers into leaders.

And a bonus for this cohort: each participant will also receive a signed copy of Nigel’s upcoming book, The Time Traveller’s Guide to Management , due in early 2026.

�� If you’d like to secure a place for yourself or your team, drop Nigel a line at nigel@oaka.studio with the subject line Leadership and Management Training .

Stay Connected

We’ve been partnering with teams who are serious about accelerating growth, and one of the most impactful ways we’re helping right now is by making Microsoft easier to navigate.

Everything we do is focused on helping Microsoft partners grow with clarity and confidence. Whether you're aiming to earn your next Solution Designation, launch a new solution, align with Microsoft’s AI and industry priorities, or simply get your strategy sharp and execution-ready, we’re here to help you move faster, with less guesswork and more momentum.

Earn your next designation.
Launch a new solution.
Align with AI priorities.
Or just get your strategy straight.

We’ve got the tools, experience, and people to help make it happen.

Want to talk strategy? Want to join an upcoming workshop? Want a fresh look at your Microsoft Play?

Just reply or book a call , and let’s get going!

May Wrap-Up, June Momentum, and July in Full Swing

lucy@oaka.studio (Lucy Bourne) — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:17:36 GMT

Hey Partners ,

The Microsoft ecosystem has been moving fast, and we’ve been right in the thick of it. May brought real clarity and some long-awaited changes. June kept up the pace, and July kicked off with the usual burst of announcements as Microsoft opened FY26. From dual recognition to AI strategy and go-to-market shifts, we’ve been helping partners stay sharp, focused and aligned.

Here’s our take at looking back at what’s been going on.

In May, we unpacked Microsoft ’s new approach to dual revenue recognition for Business Applications partners. It’s a huge step forward, giving both licensing and implementing partners the recognition they deserve.

Big thanks to Ian Bourne ( Cloud2020 ) and Mat Batterbee ( Apex Channel Consultants ) for joining us and sharing how this change helps partners in the SMB space build stronger P2P models, unlock MCI funding and finally qualify for solution designations.

Ewan Dalton walked through the practical side of submitting claims in Partner Center and reminded everyone to act quickly - claims can be backdated to 1 January 2025, but strong proof and timing still matter.

�� Catch the replay

Lucy on the Tech Success Podcast

Lucy Bourne joined Tenth Revolution Group 's Tech Success podcast for a no-nonsense conversation on what it really takes to grow as a Microsoft partner right now.

Highlights :

Why AI isn’t optional anymore
How retained, strategic relationships are replacing project-based delivery
Why focus beats flexibility in today’s market
What makes a partner truly valuable to customers and Microsoft

�� Listen on Spotify

�� Watch on YouTube

Digital Revolution Awards 2025

We were proud to sponsor the awards and even prouder to see Lucy Bourne on stage presenting the final award of the night. A brilliant reminder that tech is always about people and why celebrating true achievements really matters.

If you’re interested in learning how to nominate for an award or get involved next year, DM us .

Arrow Amplify on Tour – London

In June, we joined Microsoft , Arrow ECS EMEA , and a brilliant mix of partners in London to talk real strategies for growth.

Sessions covered :

Copilot and AI agents
Azure migrations and AMM
Sales plays that actually work
ArrowSphere in practice

Thanks to everyone who joined us in person - the energy in the room said it all. Kudos to the cloud team Oliver Harvey-Jones , Havey Brown , and Apay Obang-Oyway for pulling together such valuable content into such a great event.

Oaka Partner Insights: FY26 Pre-Season – Fast Track Edition

June’s Partner Insights session was our most attended yet. Positioned as pre-season training for Microsoft’s new FY, we focused on what’s changing, where to invest and how to stay aligned early.

Lucy Bourne , Nigel Ridpath , Tamara Phelan and Ewan Dalton were joined by Microsoft’s Shelley Gardiner to cover:

Funded engagements and the latest rules
Sales plays and incentive alignment
Strategic partner planning for FY26

�� Catch the replay

Partner Pulse: FY26 Readiness Workshop

2 July, Microsoft London

We brought together a brilliant community of Microsoft partners to get match-fit for FY26. The day kicked off with a keynote from Paul McPherson on AI and agentic thinking, followed by:

Chris Parkes ( Companial ) on Microsoft’s AI direction.
Lucy Bourne , Lee Baker , and Nigel Ridpath ( Oaka Studio ) on leading for scalable growth.
Sophy Gray ( 7Demand ) on modern demand generation.
Eric Hall ( Seer 365 ) on sales excellence across SMB, SMC and Enterprise.

We wrapped up with a drink at The Union and a catch-up with friends old and new.

The date for our next Partner Pulse is O ctober 8th . Drop us a DM to make sure you get the invite.

Oaka Summer Social 2025

The sun came out just in time for our annual Summer Social at Bondi Green. Hosted with Seer 365 and sponsored by our friends at TrueCommerce , iDynamics Business Solutions , Yavrio - Open Banking , Vertex Inc. , Xe.com , Formpipe , Revolent Group , and Binary Stream Software - Microsoft ERP Solutions , the aim was, as always, to keep things simple - no slides. no presentations or pitches - just great conversation and a few cocktails, all enhanced by the gorgeous backdrop of the canal, thanks to Bondi Green's superb location.

These kinds of nights are a reminder that real community matters. Thanks to everyone who joined us - if you'd like to join us next year, please just let us know at info@oaka.studio .

Partner Insights: Dual Recognition Gets Real

Partner Resources You Might’ve Missed

Microsoft’s official FY26 kickoff covered:

AI Cloud Partner Program updates
Co-sell, marketplace and skilling plans
FY26 strategy from Nicole Dezen and Microsoft leadership

If you missed it, you can catch up here .

You’ll also find resources from the Microsoft Partner GTM Kickoff, which took place yesterday and offered deeper insight into how partners can activate and accelerate their go-to-market efforts in FY26.

We also got the full Oaka Studio team together to digest Microsoft’s latest updates. From new GTM motions and FY26 priorities to AI-led sales enablement and co-sell changes, we spent the day testing ideas and sharpening our support methodology for our partners.

If you want a summary of the key takeaways, you’ll find everything you need on the site here .

MCAPS Starts for Partners – 15 July

Whether you’re:

Aligning to the dual recognition model to support your recognition
Strengthening your Microsoft partner profile
Navigating Solution Partner Designation or Specialisation
Unsure how to access Coop funding
Looking to hire into key roles and scale the team

We’ve helped dozens of partners build smarter strategies and stay in sync with Microsoft. If you're facing similar questions or opportunities, we'd love to help you explore what's next.

�� Book a 1:1 strategy call

Let’s make FY26 count.

Team Oaka

#MicrosoftPartner #BizApps #PartnerStrategy #AICloudPartnerProgram #FY26 #CSP #OakaStudio #SalesEnablement #MCAPSStartsForPartners

Need Clarity on Your FY26 Plan?

Building the Right Team, Not Just Any Team

lucy@oaka.studio (Lucy Bourne) — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:12:33 GMT

Why clarity, structure and alignment are the real growth levers for Microsoft Partners in FY26

As we head further into Microsoft’s FY26 , one thing is becoming obvious across the Microsoft ecosystem: it’s not the biggest teams that are winning . It’s those that are best-aligned . Across Sales, Marketing, Pre-sales, and delivery/professional services.

At Oaka Studio , we work with partner founders and leaders who are serious about scaling with purpose. And what we’re seeing time and again is this:

A bigger team doesn’t guarantee growth.
More roles don’t equal more results.
And headcount without clarity just creates noise, distraction and lack of focus.

The partners growing best this year are the ones asking better questions - not just about who they need to hire, but what they’re trying to achieve and whether their structure supports it.

What high-performing Microsoft partners are doing to get it right

In the most effective teams we work with, certain patterns emerge. These partners:

Think in outcomes, not org charts . Structure is shaped around growth goals, not just titles.

Map roles to strategy, not just skills . Every role exists for a reason – and is clearly owned.

Align sales and marketing around shared priorities . No more parallel tracks. Everyone pulls in the same direction.

Bring delivery in early . To shape value, strengthen retention, and reduce rework.

Resist reactive changes . They don’t rush to fill gaps or empty the bench - They pause to assess what’s really needed.

This kind of clarity is especially powerful in FY26, where Microsoft priorities are sharpening, GTM motions are evolving, and the pressure to deliver more with leaner teams is real.

What’s different about FY26?

This ye ar, alignment is leverage.

If your team structure is unclear, you’ll feel it fast - in missed incentives, siloed execution, or wasted cycles chasing the wrong goals. Too many meetings, not enough movement. Too many hands, not enough ownership.

Instead of asking “ Who do we need to hire? ”, high-performing partners are asking:

What are we actually trying to achieve this year?
Does our current structure support that?
Where are we duplicating effort, and where are the real gaps?
How do we keep our best people focused and fulfilled?

Designing your team for traction

This isn’t about complexity. It’s about clarity by design . And that starts by rethinking your approach to team building:

Be intentional with structure . Don’t default to what’s familiar. Design around outcomes and strategic roles.
Create rhythm and ownership . Empower your team with clear responsibilities and space to execute. Think OKRs, big rocks.
Connect the dots to Microsoft . Everyone – from marketing to delivery – should understand how their role supports Microsoft’s GTM focus, programs and partner incentives.
Celebrate success, not just output . Recognise value creation, not just activity.

Ready to scale with purpose?

If you're planning to grow this year – or just want to make sure your current team is set up to deliver – now is the time to get intentional.

That’s exactly what we do at Oaka.

Our Partner Clarity Calls are short, focused working sessions where we help you:

Spot bottlenecks or misalignments in your structure
Prioritise roles that drive traction (and drop the ones that don’t)
Align your team to Microsoft’s priorities and your business goals
Build the rhythm, clarity and culture your people need to thrive

These are not sales calls. They’re strategic sessions to help you lead with focus.

�� Book your Partner Clarity Call → You bring the ambition. We’ll help shape the team to support it.

#MicrosoftPartner #GTMStrategy #FY26 #PartnerClarity #GrowthWithPurpose #B2BLeadership #TeamDesign #PartnerEcosystem #TeamBuilding #MicrosoftCloud #FY26Ready #PartnerLeadership #FounderLed #HighPerformanceTeams #LeadershipInTech #MicrosoftEcosystem #BusinessApplications #BizApps #LowCode #PartnerCommunity #MSPartner #PartnersMakeMorePossible #ISV #SI

Oaka Partner Insights: Driving Growth Through Partnerships

lucy@oaka.studio (Lucy Bourne) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 19:12:32 GMT

These past weeks have been an incredible journey for us at Oaka Studio, and we’re excited to share everything we’ve been working on with you! From thought-provoking discussions at Oaka Partner Insights to the most recent Partner Pulse , we’ve been focused on one goal: helping SIs and ISVs build stronger partnerships and navigate the Microsoft ecosystem with confidence.

Oaka Partner Insights – A Recap

Our latest Oaka Partner Insights event was a success! We brought together industry leaders, Microsoft partners, and experts to dive into real-world strategies for building impactful partnerships. From co-selling insights to GTM strategies, attendees left with actionable takeaways to drive business growth.

If you missed the session, don’t worry - you can still catch the replay. Just reply with “ Replay ” and we’ll send it your way!

Partner Pulse April Edition: Your Guide to Stronger Partnerships

We also had Partner Pulse . This session was designed to equip SIs and ISVs with the tools and insights needed to thrive in the Microsoft ecosystem. This event focused on

Actionable strategies to drive better partnerships
Expert insights on sales, GTM, and Microsoft collaboration
High-value networking with key players in the ecosystem

If you’re looking to expand your network and unlock new opportunities , Partner Pulse is for you. Stay tuned for our next event!

The Power of Partnership in the Microsoft Ecosystem

In today’s fast-moving landscape, partnerships aren’t just beneficial—they’re essential. Successful Microsoft partners understand that strategic collaboration can:

Open doors to new markets and customers
Enhance credibility through joint marketing and co-selling
Accelerate revenue growth with Microsoft incentives

The key? Finding the right partners, leveraging the Microsoft ecosystem effectively, and aligning on shared goals. That’s where we come in.

Let’s Build Your Partnership Strategy

Want to explore how the right partnerships can drive real growth for your business? Let’s chat! Book a one-on-one partnership strategy call with us to get personalized guidance tailored to your business goals.

�� Book your strategy call here

Here’s to building stronger, smarter partnerships together!

#MicrosoftPartner #PartnersMakeMorePossible #TechCollaboration #BusinessGrowth #StrongerTogether #ISV #SI #PartnerToPartner #PartnershipsMatter #OakaStudio #SIPartnerships #ISVSuccess #MicrosoftEcosystem #B2BMarketing

The Importance of Partnering in the Microsoft Partner Community

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:26:08 GMT

Stronger Together: Why Partnerships Drive Success in the Microsoft Ecosystem

Success in the Microsoft Partner Community isn’t just about having great services and solutions - it’s about collaborating with the right partners to scale faster, innovate smarter, and grow stronger, potentially into new regions and industry focus areas .

The Microsoft Partner Community is built on the idea that collaboration fuels success . Whether you're an Independent Software Vendor (ISV), a System Integrator (SI), or a Managed Service Provider, the right partnership can provide:

Access to New Markets : Expanding into new industries or customer segments becomes easier when you collaborate with established partners. We always evangelise for finding you niche – the most successful partners specialise in specific industries, solutions, or customer needs, and this is where partnering can come in .

Technical Expertise : Microsoft’s ecosystem is vast, and no one can do it all alone, and it would be virtually impossible to be all things to all people. By partnering, you gain access to specialised skills and knowledge.

Stronger Credibility : Customers trust businesses that work within the Microsoft network, especially those with co-sell partnerships. The concept of “Partner to Partner” is familiar to both Microsoft and end users, so they know they are getting best in class for the capability they need.

Increased Revenue : With Microsoft’s incentives and co-selling opportunities, businesses that collaborate can close deals faster and on a larger scale.

Why Partnerships Matter

Real-World Benefits of Partnering

Companies that engage in the Microsoft Partner Community see measurable benefits, including:

✔ Higher win rates on deals through co-selling support

✔ Faster go-to-market strategies with joint marketing efforts

✔ Improved customer trust through Microsoft-backed credibility

If you’re not already leveraging the power of partnerships, now is the time .

Here’s how to start:

Identify Your Strengths – What does your company bring to the table? Find complementary partners to fill the gaps.

Engage in the Community – Attend Microsoft events, join partner networks, and start conversations. Why not @Seer 365 and @Oaka 365 for this quarter’s Partner Pulse? We’ll be talking about this exact topic.

Leverage Microsoft Programs – Take advantage of co-selling, marketing support, and incentives designed to help partners succeed.

How To Get Started

Join Us at Oaka Partner Insights

Want to learn more about how to leverage partnerships for growth? Our next Oaka Partner Insights is your chance to connect with potential partners, hear from industry leaders, and gain insights into Microsoft’s latest partnership strategies.

�� April 1st, 2025

�� Teams

�� https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7db9875e-0201-47d4-b0ec-b2d6e9bb569f@d00fe698-bc02-4592-96c3-b3570337fdc8

Oaka Partner Insights is a dynamic series of webinars, podcasts, and newsletters tailored to empower Microsoft Partners. Our mission is to support your Microsoft Alliance, Sales, Go-To-Market, and Practice/Delivery growth. Each engagement will delve into a focused topic, providing valuable insights and strategies to help you excel in these critical areas.

Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights, partnership strategies, and Microsoft ecosystem updates.

#MSPartner #PartnersMakeMorePossible #MicrosoftPartner #BusinessGrowth #TechCollaboration #StrongerTogether #ISV #SI #PartnerToPartner #PartnershipsMatter #Oakastudio #SIPartnerships #ISVSuccess #MicrosoftEcosystem