Navigating the channel can be a difficult task, particularly for young industry professionals who are just starting their careers. Without guidance and support, it’s easy for talented professionals to stray from the course and miss out on valuable and rewarding opportunities in IT and telecom. YCL is opening doors for the next generation of channel professionals with a mission to unite and empower young people under 40 and create a welcoming environment where members can connect and grow together. The group launched in 2024 under the direction of co-founders Adam Basa and Lynne Zimmerman, two young industry leaders who are carving their own paths in the industry. “Over time, I realized a gap in connecting young professionals like myself, both online and at industry events,” explained Basa, who has been active in the channel since age 18 when he got his start as a business development representative with Telegration. “Lynne and I recognized this challenge and decided to create YCL as a space where young professionals in the channel can connect, grow and support one another.” According to Zimmerman, the idea for YCL came during a conversation with Basa in Las Vegas. “I have been around the technology channel for a number of years but decided to make the career jump about two years ago and didn’t look back,” said Zimmerman, who currently works as a national channel manager at CommandLink. “Adam and I discussed how there are numerous organizations within the channel but not one for the young leaders. There will be no channel if the next generation doesn’t step up. This is what we are hoping to change at YCL.” CV: YCL is working to unite and empower the next generation of young channel leaders. From your perspective, what are some of the challenges that young people are facing in the channel today? YCL: Young professionals often face challenges connecting with peers in an industry predominantly filled with more experienced professionals. It can be difficult to network with others their age, navigate career paths and stay ahead of rapid technological changes without guidance. The channel can feel daunting, especially at events where younger members might feel disconnected and unsure how to move forward. YCL aims to bridge these gaps by creating a community that fosters mentorship, provides workshops and offers networking opportunities to help young leaders find their way. CV: How does YCL help young professionals innovate and push their ideas forward? YCL: In 2025, we will provide a wide range of resources to help members thrive, including exclusive training events, mentorship programs, career opportunities and local meetups. These initiatives create platforms for young professionals to learn, connect and push their innovative ideas forward, contributing to the channel’s future. Even though we’re still in the early stages, we’ve already made great progress. With over 100 members, we’re launching a Discord group for continuous collaboration, sending out mentorship questionnaires and organizing our inaugural event at Channel Partners 2025, where members can meet and collaborate freely. CHANNEL MANAGEMENT 46 CHANNELVISION | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2024 By Gerald Baldino Youth Movement Lynne Zimmerman and Adam Basa working the recent Telarus Partner Summit in Nashville Young Channel Leaders (YCL) is paving the way for the next generation of technology innovators
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