Microsoft Innovation Podcast

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/643  This episode explores the evolving landscape of recruitment within the Microsoft ecosystem, focusing on the growing trend of in-house talent acquisition over traditional partnerships. Bilal (Bill) Khan shares his personal journey, insights on the importance of AI skills, and the vital role of personal branding in securing opportunities in the tech industry.TAKEAWAYS• Discussion on the shift from Microsoft partners to in-house recruitment teams • Importance of empathy and the human element in recruitment • Emerging need for AI skills in the job market • Insights on personal branding and its impact on careers • Reflections on family, food, and fun as integral to work-life balance• How can career development be self-initiated in partner organizations? • Why is building in-house teams becoming a more cost-effective strategy for businesses? • How can agencies adapt their approach to client relationships to stay competitive? • How is AI expected to revolutionize recruitment by 2025? • Why are empathy and effective communication essential in recruitment?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/CopilotAdoptionSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/642 This episode showcases Kristoffer Ruyeras, a new MVP, as he shares insights into his journey navigating the tech landscape, the importance of community engagement, and the blend of personal heritage with professional passion. His experiences highlight how storytelling and connection shape the road to becoming an MVP and the value of knowledge-sharing platforms like blogs and podcasts. TAKEAWAYS• Exploration of Kristoffer’s background and cultural heritage • Insights into the Matalino blog and its mission • Overview of the Dynamics Corner podcast and its organic style • Discussion about community engagement and networking experiences• Becoming an MVP is a journey of learning, sharing, and community involvement.• Kristoffer's journey highlights the value of mentorship • Reflections on the journey to becoming an MVP and the significance of sharing knowledge• Learn the importance of education and continuous learning in his career.• Kristoffer believes in the power of community to help individuals grow in their careers.OTHER RESOUIRCESKristoffer's Personal Blog: https://matalino.io/about  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/CopilotAdoptionSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

In this engaging discussion, Kasper Larsen, a Microsoft M365 MVP and senior solution architect, shares his expertise in PowerShell and SharePoint Premium. He highlights the often-overlooked power of automation for streamlining tasks and enhancing document management. Kasper delves into exciting AI integrations, especially in SharePoint Premium. He reflects on community-driven initiatives that make these tools even more impactful. Plus, he shares thoughts on leisure activities like diving that remind us of the balance between work and play.

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/640   Asif Rehmani's journey as a Microsoft MVP showcases the vital intersection of user support and technology adoption. Through his work with Visual SP, he reveals how contextual assistance can effectively bridge knowledge gaps and empower employees at every stage of their careers. • Discussion of the MVP journey and experiences • Insights into the evolution of Visual SP • Importance of contextual support for users • Personal anecdotes linking life experiences to professional growth • Reflections on the changes within the MVP program over the years • Exploration of effective educational tools and their impact on user training • Emphasis on community and networking among MVPsOTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/639  Discover the transformative journey of Douglas Daley from Sydney as he shifts from a tech-focused career at IBM to a more business-centric role at PwC. Gain insights into how this evolution is not just a career pivot but a holistic change that enhances both professional and personal life. Doug's tale is as much about embracing business perspectives to boost organizational performance as it is about balancing these insights with passions outside work, like his love for pre-industrial furniture making. This episode unpacks how traditional crafts can offer a much-needed antidote to burnout culture, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.Explore how AI is revolutionizing technology consulting, with a focus on creating a diverse personal knowledge base. This episode sheds light on the tools that are shaping the field, from ChatGPT to Midjourney, and emphasizes the significance of adopting AI-enhanced methods for capturing and organizing information. We also discuss the pressing need for creativity and caution against becoming overly reliant on AI-generated content. With Doug's valuable reflections, listeners will understand the impact and potential of AI tools like Notion AI in streamlining business processes and how they are reclaiming time for more profound, creative endeavors.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/CopilotAdoptionSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/638  Experience the inspiring journey of C R Bhargavi, a senior software engineer at Ford Motor Company, who blends her technological expertise with her rich cultural heritage. Sparked by her father's legacy as a software project manager, Bhargavi walks us through her path into the tech world, focusing her talents on the Power Platform to revolutionize business processes. As she shares her story, listeners are invited to explore how her early exposure to technology set the foundation for her career and how her Indian roots and artistic passions in fashion design and Bharatanatyam dance shape her personal and professional life.Join us in this episode as we explore the intricacies of balancing a career with personal passions through Bhargavi's experiences. Discover her role at Ford, where she applies her Power Apps skills to tackle business challenges, reflecting the company's commitment to Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. Hear firsthand how community networking and familial guidance molded her journey, and find inspiration in her story of integrating technology with the arts. This conversation sheds light on the multifaceted nature of a career in tech, celebrating the fusion of cultural influences and professional accomplishments.Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/637  Discover the inspiring journey of Cat Schneider, a senior software engineer at Hitachi Solutions America, as she shares her remarkable career transformation from working in the public sector to becoming a passionate advocate for Power Platform tools. Through her engaging story, you'll learn how a mentoring relationship at the Florida Department of Transportation ignited her interest in Power BI, leading to the creation of a community with over 300 active users. Cat's enthusiasm for integrating these tools not only revolutionized her organization but also positioned her as a sought-after speaker at conferences and opened doors to multiple job offers, including one from Microsoft. This episode is filled with insights into how passion and community can drive innovation and success in both personal and professional realms.We also tackle the significant topic of accessibility, particularly in the public sector, with a focus on making digital content and laws available to all. Cat sheds light on the challenges posed by Florida's sunshine laws and shares her experience forming a user group dedicated to UX, UI, and accessibility. Highlighting the fun yet exhausting world of conferences, she brings a sense of humor with tales of dressing up as a dinosaur, while also sharing her pet projects involving Power Apps and electronics with Arduino and Raspberry Pi. This episode promises to leave you inspired and motivated to explore the transformative potential of technology in creating inclusive and innovative solutions.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/CopilotAdoptionSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/636Meet Villem Heinsalu, a seasoned Dynamics 365 Business Central developer from Estonia, who shares his journey from a traditional partner role to becoming a freelance MVP developer. With a newborn son and a passion for simple yet well-made food and paddle tennis, Villem offers a rich tapestry of personal insights intertwined with professional wisdom. This episode promises to unpack the nuances of freelancing, the art of self-promotion, and the delicate balance of managing freelance projects alongside a full-time job. Villem’s transition into entrepreneurship, spurred by opportunities on LinkedIn, provides an authentic narrative to anyone considering a similar path.We also dive into the dynamics of customer relationships in the ERP sphere and explore long-term service models that extend beyond initial implementations. Villem candidly discusses pricing strategies, the challenges of overdue payments, and the immense value of community contributions on his journey to becoming a Microsoft MVP. Discover how achieving MVP status can enhance professional visibility, and get practical advice for aspiring MVPs who aim to impact the community with originality and generosity. Whether you're curious about freelancing or aiming for MVP recognition, Villem's story provides both inspiration and actionable guidance for navigating the evolving landscape of the tech industry.Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/635  Unlock the secrets to navigating the dynamic world of software ecosystems with us as we reflect on an extraordinary year of innovation and transformation. Our journey has been nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by the launch of Cloud Lighthouse in January 2024 and the burgeoning influence of Dynamics Minds, an event like no other, merging the sophistication of Davos with the creativity of Burning Man for Microsoft's community. We explore Microsoft's evolution from a stalwart software company into a trailblazing AI-driven organization, reshaping the very nature of business applications and redefining tech events. Our experiences in building BizApps and Azure practices reveal the vital importance of adaptability in an ever-changing tech landscape. Challenge the status quo with us as we advocate for a shift from traditional, siloed business practices to a comprehensive, global approach in cloud technology. The limitations of maintaining isolated, product-focused practices are laid bare as we champion a holistic cloud strategy that fosters cross-functional collaboration and integration. Drawing from a powerful example in Australia, we discuss how centralizing practices across regions can unlock significant growth potential and enhance customer service. As remote work continues to revolutionize the workforce, we highlight its societal benefits and caution against reverting to outdated office-centric models.Gaze into the future as we anticipate the evolution of AI, predicting a transition from "co-pilots" to "agents" by 2025. Our discussion delves into how AI can become more intuitive and seamlessly integrate into our daily lives, enhancing productivity by adapting to individual user preferences. We celebrate these achievements in the software ecosystem with engaging and insightful discussions that have sparked laughter and growth. As we wrap up, we thank our audience for their invaluable feedback and encourage everyone to stay connected for more innovative strategies to push boundaries and create value in the ever-evolving world of technology. 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/CopilotAdoptionSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/634  Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jay Wellings, the head of development at Volato, who brings a wealth of experience from the greater Portsmouth area. As an aficionado of great steak dinners, Jay shares not just his culinary preferences but also his career journey from studying computer science in 2003 to becoming a powerhouse in the Microsoft ecosystem by 2016. This episode offers a rich narrative of Jay’s passion for front-end development and how web technologies have dynamically evolved, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the Microsoft Power Platform’s enterprise capabilities.Do you think the Microsoft Power Platform is only for small-scale projects? Think again. We dismantle this misconception by showcasing its robust features and the significant impact it can have on enterprise-level operations. Jay shares his firsthand experience with a major financial institution where he orchestrated a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, proving skeptics wrong about the platform’s scalability and effectiveness. Built on Microsoft’s secure Azure cloud infrastructure, the Power Platform is far from a "beginner's tool" and is ready to tackle mission-critical workloads with an ironclad approach to security and compliance, especially in sectors like finance.The conversation takes an exciting turn as we discuss the potent combination of data centralization and AI. Jay provides insights into transitioning from siloed data management to a streamlined, centralized data schema using Microsoft Dataverse, a critical step towards harnessing the power of AI. Hear how clean data paves the way for innovative AI applications in industries like retail and banking, turning mundane tasks into automated marvels and revolutionizing customer service. As AI cements its role in the technological toolbox, this episode underscores the importance of thoughtful integration, maintained by robust data practices, to unlock untapped possibilities within the Microsoft ecosystem.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/CopilotAdoptionSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith