From Excel to AI: How to Stay Relevant in Tech

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Frederick Anaafi shares his journey from Excel trainer to Microsoft MVP, highlighting how AI - especially Microsoft Copilot - is transforming productivity and career paths in Africa and beyond. He offers practical insights on building AI fluency, driving community-led tech adoption, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

👉 ️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/762

🎙️ What you’ll learn 

• How to build a tech career starting with Excel and Power BI 
• Why AI fluency is essential for modern professionals 
• Practical ways to adopt Microsoft Copilot without a subscription 
• How to lead community-driven tech initiatives 
• What it takes to become a Microsoft MVP in emerging markets 

✅ Highlights 

• “AI is the electricity of our era.” 
• “If you don’t learn AI, then yes, you will be left out.” 
• “Copilot helps you get results faster and be more efficient.” 
• “Before entering the corporate world, you need to know Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.” 
• “I failed the Excel Expert exam the first time, but I didn’t give up.” 
• “We had close to 200 people attend the first DynamicsCon West Africa.” 
• “AI engineering will be the ish—what people should really go into.” 
• “Trust in Copilot comes from knowing it’s secure and responsible.” 
• “We’re driving Copilot adoption through free virtual training.” 
• “In Ghana, we have fewer than 15 MVPs, but we’re growing.” 
• “The usefulness of Copilot is there—now we need to build trust.” 
• “I see AI transforming every industry we work in.” 

🧰 Mentioned 

• Microsoft Excel Expert Certification: learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/exams/mo-211 
• Tableau: tableau.com 
• Power BI: microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/products/power-bi 
• Microsoft Copilot: copilot.microsoft.com 
• DynamicsCon West Africa: eventbrite.com/e/dynamicscon-regional-west-africa-tickets-1249579418679 
• MCT West Africa Summit: mctwestafrica.com 
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series: How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 

✅Keywords 
ai fluency, microsoft copilot, power bi, excel expert, tableau, data analysis, mvp programme, tech community, ai adoption, microsoft 365, dynamics 365, west africa tech 

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Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith