Imelda Marcos was famously known for owning over 3,000 pairs of shoes. Most of us aren’t that extreme, but when it comes to technology vendors, some businesses are starting to look like her closet. Cluttered, mismatched, and full of things that almost fit.

Several years ago, I made the switch to Altra running shoes. If you’re not familiar, they’re known for their wide toe box. A design that lets your toes spread out naturally and ultimately promotes better balance, posture, and endurance. It’s not just more comfortable, it allows your toes to splay naturally.

I just got a new pair, last week in fact.  A big Memorial Day sale caught my eye, and I went with the Lone Peak 9’s, of which I’ve had three or four prior versions. I put them on, they fit like a glove and I literally never broke stride. While the change was hard for me years ago, adjusting to zero drop shoes that is, I’ll never go back, I just can’t.

It got me thinking about the parallels in business. Here’s what I mean.

Space to Move Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Requirement

Traditional shoes cramp my feet just like traditional providers cramp your business. You feel good at the initial try-on, but over time, pressure builds until something breaks. Whether it’s a black toenail or a data breach, the problem comes from a bad fit, one that you overlooked initially.  At Katalyst, I continue to be proud of what Sean Webb is doing with our managed services offering. We don’t bolt on rigid controls out of the box but rather allow our clients the freedom and flexibility they need. Each day we look to offer our clients scale, the ability to pivot with their business, and accelerate while limiting risk.

Natural Movement = Peak Performance

Altra’s foot-shaped design doesn’t force your body to move unnaturally. That results in better posture, fewer injuries, and greater endurance. Our philosophy at Katalyst mirrors that. We align with how your teams work, not how a checklist says they should. A true fit in your managed service provider doesn’t get in the way of performance, it improves it.

Prevention > Correction

The best running shoes prevent problems before they start. You don’t wait for a stress fracture before you reconsider your gear. Managed Services is the same way. Waiting for an incident to occur or an outcome to be missed is like waiting for a blown-out Achilles. You’ll wish you made the investment sooner. We try to help our clients proactively monitor, detect, and respond so that they aren’t relying on hope as a strategy.

Final Stride

Just like switching to Altra’s gave me the freedom to run stronger and longer, the right managed service partner gives your business the freedom to move fast, scale smart, and stay protected. If your current IT provider is cramping the toe box in your business, it might be time to widen.

Final Thought – my boss always tells me to deal with the rocks in my shoe faster… Ever had a rock in your shoe? No matter how small, it’s uncomfortable. When things get serious, and you are tackling some serious terrain, it’s a showstopper.

You don’t have to live with it.