There's a version of leadership that measures itself in titles and announcements. And then there's the kind Ola Witukiewicz, director of community engagement at Pax8, practices—one built on consistency, curiosity and an unwavering belief that the best outcomes happen when you build alongside your community, not just for it.
That philosophy has shaped everything from her work elevating partner voices through Pax8's Partner Advisory Council to the way she shows up in industry spaces like GTIA—listening first, leading second. It's also why she's been named the 2026 GTIA Future Leader Award winner, recognized for bringing fresh ideas and for exemplifying what real leadership looks like in the IT channel today.
What accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of that led to your selection for this award?
There isn't one single accomplishment that stands out to me. For me, it's about showing up consistently. I once read about the three C's: Challenges, choices and change, and they've become principles I try to live by both personally and professionally.
While I'm incredibly proud of helping elevate partner voices through initiatives like the Partner Advisory Council (PAC) and advocacy programs at Pax8, what matters most to me is creating space for people to be heard. Whether it's spending time with partners at events, listening to their feedback, understanding their challenges or connecting their perspectives with leadership, I've learned that the best outcomes happen when we build alongside our community, not just for it.
This award feels especially meaningful because it recognizes something I'm deeply passionate about. I invest a great deal of time in learning, whether that's reading leadership books, studying human behavior or finding ways to better understand and connect with others. At the end of the day, leadership is about people, and I'm grateful to be part of an industry and community that continually inspires me to grow.
How are you seeing the IT channel evolve right now, and what trends do you think will define the next few years?
The channel is experiencing one of the most significant shifts I've seen, driven by AI, automation and the growing demand for business outcomes over technology management alone. I believe the next few years will be defined by how successfully partners evolve from being technology providers to trusted advisors, helping customers navigate AI adoption, cybersecurity, data governance and operational transformation.
MSPs are in a unique and incredible position right now to leverage AI and take their businesses to the next level. Those who partner with vendors that are investing heavily in AI innovation and enablement will be well positioned to accelerate growth and deliver even greater value to their customers. One of the biggest opportunities in front of us is education, continuing to learn about AI use cases, best practices and real-world applications while openly sharing ideas and experiences with one another. That's one of the reasons organizations like GTIA are so important. They provide MSPs with valuable resources, peer connections and opportunities to learn from one another as we collectively navigate this next chapter of the industry.
What motivates you or your company to continue driving innovation and leadership within GTIA?
What motivates me most is the opportunity to help people succeed. GTIA creates an environment where collaboration, knowledge sharing and community come together, and I have seen firsthand how powerful those connections can be in helping individuals, businesses, and the industry grow.
I also feel incredibly grateful to work for a company like Pax8, which consistently thinks ahead of the market and isn't afraid to challenge conventional thinking. Our leadership team listens to partners, prioritizes innovation based on MSP feedback and is constantly looking around corners to understand where the industry is headed. Having the opportunity to learn from leaders who are both visionary and deeply committed to serving partners has had a profound impact on my own growth.
I am naturally drawn to people who are successful not just because of what they achieve, but because of how they continue to learn, self-reflect and invest in themselves. One quote from Brené Brown that has always stayed with me is: "Kindness without clarity creates confusion. Clarity without kindness creates fear." I believe the best leaders find a balance between the two, and that philosophy continues to shape how I approach leadership, relationships and community within the channel. The GTIA community embodies this organically.
Can you share a meaningful lesson or unexpected insight you gained during the project or work you’ve engaged in with GTIA?
One lesson that continues to stand out to me is that some of the most impactful ideas come from listening rather than leading. Through my involvement with GTIA and the broader channel community, I've learned that creating space for diverse perspectives often leads to better outcomes, stronger relationships and more meaningful innovation than any one person or organization could achieve alone.
I've also learned that pressure is a privilege. At the end of the day, you're often left with one of two thoughts: "I wish I had" or "I'm glad I did." That mindset has encouraged me to lean into opportunities, ask questions and create space for others to do the same. One of my hopes is to help build a community where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and aren't afraid to ask what they may perceive as a "stupid question." More often than not, if one person is looking for clarity, there are many others in the room thinking the exact same thing but hesitant to speak up.
A recent example that reinforced this for me was during an in-person Partner Advisory Council meeting, where our chief product officer led a session on product innovation and enhancements. She spoke with such clarity, confidence and authenticity that it sparked a conversation afterward among several female partners who shared how empowered and encouraged they felt to contribute their own perspectives. Moments like that remind me of the kind of environment I hope to help create within our industry, one where people feel confident using their voice, sharing their ideas and realizing that often the only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves.
What impact do you hope your work will have on the broader industry or on the next generation of channel leaders?
I hope my work encourages others to lead with curiosity, empathy and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. The channel has given me incredible opportunities throughout my career, and I believe one of the best ways we can continue to grow as an industry is by investing in one another, sharing knowledge openly and creating space for different perspectives to be heard.
If I can help create a more connected, inclusive and supportive community while encouraging the next generation of leaders to find their voice and step into opportunities with confidence, I would consider that a meaningful contribution. Some of the most impactful moments in my career have come from people who took the time to mentor me, challenge me and encourage me to think bigger than I thought possible for myself.
I also hope to help redefine what leadership looks like in our industry. Leadership isn't about having all the answers, it's about listening, learning, asking questions and helping bring out the best in others. If my journey can inspire someone to speak up in a meeting, take on a new challenge, volunteer for a community initiative or believe in their own potential a little more, then that impact will extend far beyond anything I could accomplish on my own. At the end of the day, the future of the channel will be shaped by the people willing to show up, support one another and leave the industry better than they found it, and I'm grateful to play a small part in that journey.
See the full list of 2026 North America Spotlight Award Winners.
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