About this episode
Live from Zero Trust World 2026, I sit down with Cobalt’s own Ian Dunstan to unpack how he transformed a small break‑fix shop into a security‑first MSP that clients happily pay more for. We talk zero trust, ThreatLocker, managed services, and why drawing a hard line on culture and client behavior might be the most powerful business decision you make this year.
Why listen
Hear how Ian “ripped up” his IT business and rebuilt a modern MSP offering from the ground up.
Learn how to move legacy clients onto a security‑driven stack with Kaseya, Datto, Microsoft 365, EDR, and MDR.
Get practical ideas for packaging services into one top‑tier managed services plan instead of bronze/silver/gold.
Understand how ThreatLocker fits into a Zero Trust strategy and how to roll it out without losing your mind.
Hear real‑world perspective on the UK Cyber Security Resilience Bill, Cyber Essentials, and what rising compliance expectations mean for MSPs.
Steal Ian’s “no asshole policy” and “pain per pound” concept to protect your team and profits from toxic clients.
Mentioned in the Show
Two Locks and a Cox (rugby podcast): https://open.spotify.com/show/2-locks-and-a-cox (best match; verify)
Talking Tech Beyond the Buzzwords: https://cobalt.so/news/talking-tech-beyond-the-buzzwords (landing from Cobalt)
EOS – Entrepreneurial Operating System: https://www.eosworldwide.com
Zero trust security: https://www.cisa.gov/zero-trust-maturity-model
Guests
Ian Dunstan — Cobalt Business IT and Comms | https://cobalt.so | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-dunstan-107bb36
Shout-outs
Sarah Cox, Two Locks and a Cox (rugby podcast co‑host): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-locks-and-a-cox-from-devons-radio-exe/id1693283493|
Ben Lee, Two Locks and a Cox (rugby podcast co‑host, retired Premiership rugby player): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-locks-and-a-cox-from-devons-radio-exe/id1693283493|
Chris Thomas, Cobalt Business IT and Comms / Talking Tech Bey
