Applications are rolling in for the inaugural Channel Partners TechAdvisor (TA) Thought Leadership awards that will culminate in the winners recognized at the Channel Partners Conference and Expo April 13-16 in Las Vegas.

If you haven’t nominated yourself or a TA you know, you still have until Feb. 13 do so. To demonstrate what types of leaders we’re looking for, here are selected blurbs from a sampling of our nomination forms so far. We’ve X-d out the names and descriptions – you’ll have to wait for us to announce the winners for those details.

The categories we judge are overall Thought Leadership, Industry Influence and Advocacy, Innovation and Vision, Customer/Client Impact, and Sales Leadership.

Thought Leadership

• “I'm not afraid to say the things others won't, and I've done so many times on my platforms. The most important thing is to understand that I do what I do out of responsibility, appreciation, and gratitude. I don't rant, I bring solutions.”
• “XXXX’s insights bridge strategy and execution, helping organizations rethink how sales operations can drive long-term value. By consistently sharing vision, best practices, and a modern mindset, XXXX helps shape industry dialogue and inspires leaders to adapt, evolve, and lead with purpose.”

Industry Influence & Advocacy

• “My approach has always been customer-first acting as a trusted advisor rather than a seller. I consistently challenge providers, contracts, and legacy thinking to ensure clients receive the right solution, not just the easiest one. By remaining vendor-agnostic and deeply engaged in my clients’ goals, I help them navigate complex technology decisions with clarity and confidence.”
• XXXX is a thought leader because XXXX doesn’t just comment on where the channel is headed—XXXX builds the frameworks to get it there. XXXX’s work challenges long-standing assumptions about vendor alignment, MDF usage, and advisor development.”

Innovation and Vision

• “XXXX constantly challenges the status quo and excels at adopting the latest technologies as well as helping peers grow. XXXX always chooses integrity over profits and ensures customers success – also working each day to set the stage with services and pushes the other leaders daily to ensure they do the same. XXXX is pushing for vendors to step up the game by bringing not only real world examples but also by helping to solve issues both now and well into the future.”
• “XXXX sees where the market is headed and builds practical, scalable ways for teams and partners to grow with it. XXXX’s approach goes beyond technology. By encouraging continuous improvement and thoughtful experimentation, XXXX helps the channel stay adaptable, confident, and ready for whatever comes next, not just today’s challenges but long-term success as well. XXXX’s commitment to client success is reflected in repeat engagements and referrals, underscoring her impact as a trusted advisor who helps organizations achieve operational resilience and strategic growth through thoughtful technology planning.”
• “Focus is on a disruptive, no-cost consulting model that challenges the traditional, costly approach of large consulting firms. Repeatable methodology combining requirements forensics, stakeholder alignment, financial modeling, and multi-supplier evaluation. Approach projects with a differentiating philosophy: advisors should stay engaged through implementation and project support, not ‘sell and disappear.’”

Customer/Client Impact

• “XXXX focuses on education and long-term outcomes rather than short-term transactions. Clients benefit from clearer strategies aligned to their business goals. What sets XXXX apart is a commitment to leading his peers, not just his own business.”
• “Referrals are the best reward for building a business. My moto: My customer who is a one-person operation might refer me 100 times, but my customer with 100-plus employees might only refer me once, so treat all customers the same.”
• XXXX’s ability to align vendor incentives with client needs has been a recurring theme in a 30-year history of scaling sales organizations. XXXX has become an industry leader by bridging the gap between decades of experience and future-state technology.”

Sales Leadership

• “XXXX is an industry leader because he bridges the gap between decades of experience and future-state technology. He remains a champion for a conflict-free, automated, and human-centric future for the global communications ecosystem."
• “XXXX approaches sales as an extension of trust and service rather than a transaction, and focuses on understanding client challenges, aligning the right solutions, and setting realistic expectations. This consultative approach not only improves client outcomes but also strengthens vendor and partner relationships. Within the TA community, XXXX regularly shares insights that help other advisors refine their sales approach and better serve their clients.”
• By modelling ethical, client-first sales practices, xxxx elevates sales leadership standards within the technology advisory community. Through published articles, media interviews, and ongoing participation in advisor forums, XXXX translates complex technology and channel dynamics into clear, actionable guidance.”
• "Having built my practice from the ground up, I focus on education, transparency, and outcome-based recommendations rather than product-driven selling. My sales leadership demonstrates how ethical advisory practices drive sustainable growth across the channel ecosystem.”

Still Time to Apply

These are the type of TA leaders we’re honoring. Do they sound familiar? If these descriptions remind you of anyone you know, be sure to apply here.