From Excel to AI: Automating at Enterprise Scale

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Nov 10, 2025

Joe Leo, a Toronto-based leader in supply chain and digital solutions, shares his expertise on scaling automation through the Microsoft Power Platform. He reveals how he transformed tedious manual processes, like cleaning logs and handling countless Excel files, into streamlined canvas apps with real-time insights. Joe discusses deploying a COVID tracking app to 1,000 users in just two weeks and emphasizes the importance of ongoing maintenance for automation tools. He also delves into personal branding strategies in a competitive job market, offering valuable networking tips.

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ANECDOTE

From Macros To Power Platform

Joe Leo started automating with Excel macros and Access before discovering Power Platform around 2020.
He shifted from macros to Power Platform because it offered a more user-friendly interface during COVID-era needs.

INSIGHT

Platform At Retail Scale

At scale, Power Platform supports both office and frontline store users across large retail footprints.
Joe managed ~10,000 licenses with plans to scale toward 100,000 end users in stores.

ADVICE

Replace Clipboards With Apps

Replace paper checklists with Canvas apps that capture timestamps, photos, and location for richer data.
Use Power Automate to send reminders and escalate missed tasks automatically.

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👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/757

Discover how automation and AI are reshaping enterprise operations through the Microsoft Power Platform. Joe Leo shares real-world use cases, lessons from scaling automation across 10,000+ users, and insights into integrating RPA, Power BI, and AI for smarter business processes.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

Build scalable automation using Power Platform tools
Replace manual checklists with real-time digital workflows
Use canvas apps to improve data quality and reduce maintenance
Integrate RPA with model-driven apps for centralised control
Navigate career shifts and personal branding in a competitive tech market

✅ Highlights

“Macros were the way to automate work before Power Platform.”
“We had over 10,000 licenses… scaling to 100,000 users.”
“Cleaning logs on a clipboard became a canvas app with photo uploads.”
“200 Excel files emailed weekly—now replaced by a single app.”
“We deployed to 1,000 users in two weeks during COVID.”
“We created a model-driven app as a control station for automation.”
“Instead of inbox triggers, we used canvas apps to cleanse data.”
“Maintenance is the hidden cost—bots went offline mid-process.”
“Power apps are agile—changes deployed during a single call.”
“LinkedIn job posts get 100+ applicants in 15 minutes.”
“You’ve got to articulate your brand in a few minutes.”
“You can’t just build, deploy and forget—maintenance is ongoing.”

🧰 Mentioned

Microsoft Power Platform - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform
UI Path - https://www.uipath.com/
Excel Macros - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/quick-start-create-a-macro-741130ca-080d-49f5-9471-1e5fb3d581a8
Canvas Apps - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/canvas-apps/

✅ Keywords
automation, power platform, canvas apps, model-driven apps, power automate, rpa, ai integration, business process, power bi, data quality, career branding, enterprise tech

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

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Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith