Microsoft Innovation Podcast

FULL SHOW NOTEShttps://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/623 Microsoft's Carl de Souza, a FastTrack Senior Solution Architect, joins us to share his passion for life beyond the office. We explore Carl's journey, spotlighting his deep love for food, family, and travel adventures to unique places like Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Carl reveals his secrets to balancing a dynamic career with an adventurous personal life, and how his portfolio website serves as a testament to his ongoing professional growth and technical expertise.Shifting gears, we explore the transformative world of Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) and its cutting-edge integration with AI technologies. Discover how Microsoft's strategic evolution from a comprehensive Digital Contact Center Platform to more modular offerings like AI-driven sentiment analysis and voice recognition is reshaping digital contact centers. We also highlight the monumental impact of Microsoft's acquisition of Nuance, particularly in revolutionizing the medical field with advanced voice recognition.Finally, we delve into the cutting-edge PowerApps Component Framework (PCF) and its game-changing role in app development within the Microsoft ecosystem. Uncover how thoughtful software design with PCF controls can dramatically enhance user experience, offering superior customization compared to traditional web resources. Our discussion also highlights the rapidly evolving landscape of AI co-pilots, noting the importance of a seamless interface that simplifies interactions with multiple AI applications, paving the way for a more intuitive and efficient future in business 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/622 Agnius Bartninkas, a Microsoft MVP and the dynamic COO of Definra, takes center stage in this episode as we explore his intriguing journey from tech to the tantalizing world of mixology. Curious about how an expert in Power Automate Desktop crafts the perfect Mai Tai? Or why a Baby Guinness shot became a significant discovery? Agnius shares personal anecdotes of cocktail adventures, revealing a newfound passion that blends his technical precision with creative flair. Get ready to be inspired by stories of crafting cocktails that capture the essence of far-off places like Waikiki, Hawaii.The conversation deepens as we navigate Agnius' path into Robotic Process Automation (RPA), a venture that started with humble beginnings in programming. Learn how opportunities in an international manufacturing company led him to the forefront of process automation. With insights into the impact of Microsoft's acquisition of Softomotive and the strategic role of Power Automate, Agnius recounts the growth of his family-run business, Robo Virgin, a testament to self-learning, adaptability, and the power of collaboration. This is not just about automation; it's about the relentless pursuit of innovation and the creation of meaningful solutions.As we look to the future, discover the possibilities of AI in email management and the potential for AI-powered co-pilot tools. Agnius shares his journey to becoming a Microsoft MVP, highlighting the integral role of community engagement and content creation on LinkedIn and Discord. Agnius joins us to offer her expertise on business applications, industry trends, and best practices. This episode is a rich tapestry of professional wisdom and personal enthusiasm, perfect for those passionate about technology, creativity, and the exciting prospects of AI.OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  iloveautomation: https://discord.gg/iloveautomation  Quora profile: https://www.quora.com/profile/Agnius-Bartninkas-1 GitHub: https://github.com/AgniusBartninkas/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/621 After facing personal trials like a stroke and witnessing the havoc of severe flooding in Valencia, we find ourselves reminded of life's fleeting nature and the growing threat of unpredictable weather patterns. These experiences underscore the urgent need to cherish our connections and confront the realities of climate change. Join our heartfelt discussion as we also unpack the essence of trust in business, inspired by insights from Rachel Roberts. We'll touch on the critical importance of intentional collaboration when integrating groundbreaking technologies like AI and quantum computing, fostering a future that's both innovative and resilient.Explore the maze of AI adoption, where executive urgency often collides with the fear of missing out. We demystify the common misconceptions fueled by media narratives and dissect the necessity for strategic planning and AI literacy within organizations. Understand the parallels to past technology rollouts that left users bewildered, ensuring this time around, AI's potential doesn't just flicker but shines bright. Our conversation is a beacon for leaders aiming to navigate AI's complex landscape with foresight and efficacy.Step into a world where voice technology and generative AI are poised to redefine daily interactions. From the intuitive ease of finding products to the seamless experience of voice-driven transactions, we ponder the future of human-computer interaction. Yet, the shift from tactile to voice interfaces isn't without its hurdles, reminiscent of early resistance to then-novel video conferencing. Reflect with us on the blend of excitement and skepticism these advancements bring, and consider how they may shape the way we connect with technology and each other.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/620  Emma-Claire Shaw, a dynamic low-code product manager and consultant at Defra in the UK, brings her vibrant personality to our latest discussion. With a bustling family life, including two young daughters and a dog, Emma balances her work with a passion for social activities such as music festivals and fitness through early morning gym sessions and trail running. Her intriguing relationship with food reveals a chocoholic side matched with a deep interest in nutrition and a primarily plant-based diet. We unravel her insights into the latest gut health trends, where she shares her experiences with nutrition and I reveal my experiments with Celtic salt for weight management.Our conversation takes a fascinating twist into the world of Microsoft Power Platform, as Emma shares her journey of implementing transformative low-code solutions in government operations. Her experiences highlight the impact of Power Apps in streamlining processes such as fleet vehicle logs and port inspections at Defra, showcasing the potential for increased efficiency in the public sector. We also reflect on the significant role of Microsoft 365 and the evolution of tech adoption in government, sharing compelling stories from around the world, including innovative uses of similar technology in container inspections in Australia.As we round off our episode, we dive into the digital transformation efforts of environmental agencies in the UK, focusing on initiatives like the Environment Agency's efficient fishing rod license verification via Power App. Emma discusses the ongoing challenges with offline data access in remote areas and shares strategies that have been successfully deployed elsewhere, such as in Western Australia. We also delve into Natural England's modernization of its licensing schemes, marking a shift from paper-based forms to a centralized digital platform, reflecting a broader move towards operational efficiency and innovation in government processes. Join us for this captivating narrative that weaves together technology, lifestyle, and wellness.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/619  Angeliki Patsiavou, a Senior Consultant at Avanade, takes us on a captivating journey from her Mediterranean roots to earning her MVP status in 2023. Raised bilingual with Greek and Italian influences, Angeliki shares how her rich cultural background and love for math led to a bold pivot from economics to technology. Discover how her passion for programming, sparked during her master's thesis, propelled her into a tech career filled with exciting risks and rewarding opportunities. Angeliki also provides a glimpse into the vibrant sense of community she finds within the MVP program, which is steeped in shared values of food, family, and camaraderie.Join us for an exploration of the UK’s online gambling industry's evolution, where we unravel the taxing challenges and regulations that shaped its competitive landscape. We shine a light on the unwavering importance of representation and inclusivity in STEM fields, inspired by a chance encounter at the National Museum of Computing, highlighting the historical contributions of women in tech. From the legacy of Bletchley Park to the promising potential of AI technologies, we discuss how grassroots initiatives are nurturing innovation and collaboration. Listen as we celebrate the organic growth of a co-pilot community, driven by shared enthusiasm and powerful connections that propel both history and technology forward.OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  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/618  Chris Huntingford joins us on the Ecosystem Show to dissect the rapidly evolving landscape of AI regulation in Europe, focusing on the anticipated launch of DSBs in February 2025. We promise you a deep understanding of the implications for high-risk AI solutions and how EU scrutiny might reshape the industry. From distinguishing between rules-based and autonomous AI agents to exploring Microsoft's latest offerings, we shine a light on AI's integration into the workforce and the crucial need for reliable data to avoid unintended consequences. Our discussion isn't just about technology; it's a thoughtful examination of AI's role in transforming how we work and live.As we turn our attention to the future of Power Automate, we envision a world where intelligent agents operate in the background, enhancing productivity while maintaining the essential human touch. Ethical concerns surrounding digital equity and the traditional economic model challenge us to consider a more inclusive future. We also explore a future where humanoid robots efficiently maintain urban spaces, raising important questions about manufacturing and control. Join us as we emphasize the importance of embracing digital equity and adapting to technological change, while regulatory frameworks like the EU's AI regulations guide our global trajectory. This episode is a compelling blend of caution and opportunity, urging you to ride the wave of innovation wisely.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/617 Discover how Jakub Marciniak, a game designer turned Microsoft Power Platform expert, revolutionizes business solutions with a blend of technology and creativity. From his roots in Germany to becoming a principal consultant at Odysseus Digital in the U.S., Jakub's journey is filled with personal anecdotes and professional insights that promise to inspire. Learn about his passion for running with his pitbull-labrador mix and how his early web design experiences with Macromedia Flash sparked his love for tech innovation, ultimately leading him to influence organizations through digital fluency and strategic innovation.  Discover how Jakub Marciniak, a game designer turned Microsoft Power Platform expert, revolutionizes business solutions with a blend of technology and creativity. From his roots in Germany to becoming a principal consultant at Odysseus Digital in the U.S., Jakub's journey is filled with personal anecdotes and professional insights that promise to inspire. Learn about his passion for running with his pitbull-labrador mix and how his early web design experiences with Macromedia Flash sparked his love for tech innovation, ultimately leading him to influence organizations through digital fluency and strategic innovation.In our conversation, we unravel the secrets of transforming organizational processes, emphasizing the critical role of aligning business strategies with execution for enhanced efficiency and innovation. Jakub shares invaluable insights on strategic portfolio management, discussing how digital tools like Power Apps and Dynamics can streamline project governance and empower organizations to adapt in today's digital landscape. Whether you're looking to harness the power of technology to drive business efficiency or seeking inspiration from Jakub's unique career path, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge to help you thrive in a rapidly changing world. OTHER RESOURCESLifting Excel Solutions to the Power Platformhttps://odysseusdigital.com/insights/lifting-spreadsheet-apps-to-the-power-platformThe Cost-Value Matrix https://odysseusdigital.com/insights/cost-value-matrixMicrosoft 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/616Curious about the transformation from traditional development to low-code/no-code solutions? Join us as we sit down with Drew Poggemann, a Microsoft MVP and Director of Solution Architecture at Heartland Business Systems (HBS). Drew brings his expertise from Appleton, Wisconsin, to share his captivating journey from applied mathematics and computer science to mastering the Power Platform. Discover how his love for food, family, and outdoor sports intertwines with his professional life, and how a pivotal influence from MVP colleague Aiden Cascala set him on a new path. Listen as Drew reveals the strategic moves in pre-sales and solution design at HBS, emphasizing the power of Dataverse and Power Apps to elevate businesses from basic to premium licensing.In this episode, we also dive into Drew's career highlights, including his impressive contributions to the Dynamics CRM and Dataverse forums that earned him the MVP title in April 2022. From early days tackling COBOL and JCL at Schneider National to leading major ERP implementations, Drew's story is a testament to the importance of mentorship and embracing new challenges. We also explore the rapid advancements in AI and Microsoft's innovative approach to integrating AI-driven co-pilots across their suite of products. Join us to gain insights into the evolving tech landscape and the future of business solutions.OTHER 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/615  What if integrating AI into our daily routines could unlock untapped potential and redefine the way we work and live? As I share my thrilling plans to speak at the Dynamics Minds event in Slovenia, I also explore the vibrant future awaiting us with Microsoft's Dynamics 365. From reflecting on Microsoft's strategic position in the enterprise AI space to envisioning the immense possibilities of the "one Microsoft story," this episode is a candid exploration of what's next. Join me as I step outside my comfort zone and navigate the challenges and opportunities in leveraging customizable, continuously updated solutions that promise to reshape our professional landscapes.The journey doesn't stop there. Inspired by the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement, I delve into how documenting standard operating procedures can prepare us for an AI-driven tomorrow. The conversation broadens to consider AI's transformative role in sectors like health and economics, pondering its potential impact on longevity, mental health, and even governance. Through personal health practices and forward-thinking ideas, I invite you to reflect on a future where AI reduces the need for traditional labor, urging a meaningful reconsideration of work and purpose in our evolving world. Let's embrace the future with curiosity and an eagerness to harness AI's capabilities for a better tomorrow.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

Keith Atherton, a Power Platform Solution Architect and Microsoft MVP from Edinburgh, shares his transition from traditional coding to low-code solutions. He discusses overcoming initial skepticism about Power Fx and highlights its problem-solving potential. Keith delves into integrating the Power Platform with .NET, showcasing its efficiency in app development. The conversation also touches on the vibrant cultural scene of Edinburgh, his culinary interests, and insights into the complexities of using FetchXML in Power Automate.