Microsoft Innovation Podcast

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.

FULL SHOW NOTES  https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/613 Carike Botha, a vibrant software development consultant from South Africa, joins us to share her fascinating journey within the Power Apps community. From her unexpected pivot from marine biology to technology, Carike's story is filled with inspiration, cultural richness, and technological innovation. Discover how the Power Platform Bootcamp has sparked a new wave of enthusiasm in South Africa, and be captivated by the influential roles played by figures like Chris Huntingford in the broader tech realm. As Carike opens up about her passions for religious discussions and her love for South African and Korean cuisine, she paints a lively picture of the multicultural evolution happening both in her homeland and abroad.  Carike Botha, a vibrant software development consultant from South Africa, joins us to share her fascinating journey within the Power Apps community. From her unexpected pivot from marine biology to technology, Carike's story is filled with inspiration, cultural richness, and technological innovation. Discover how the Power Platform Bootcamp has sparked a new wave of enthusiasm in South Africa, and be captivated by the influential roles played by figures like Chris Huntingford in the broader tech realm. As Carike opens up about her passions for religious discussions and her love for South African and Korean cuisine, she paints a lively picture of the multicultural evolution happening both in her homeland and abroad.We also explore her transition from a SharePoint administrator to a Power Platform specialist, highlighting her knack for creating custom solutions across various sectors. You'll learn about the essential tools she uses daily, including ChatGPT, and the prominence of Microsoft's brand in the South African market. The episode takes a thoughtful turn as we discuss the importance of skills development, certifications, and security in tech, especially concerning business deals with financial institutions. With a light-hearted closure, Carike shares her travel experiences, dreams, and the cultural nuances that come with international travel, leaving you inspired to explore both technology and the world.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/612Is trust really the missing ingredient in the recipe for successful business relationships, especially in the world of tech and AI? Join Ana Welch, Andrew Welch, Chris Huntingford, and William Dorrington as they unpack this provocative question and explore the intricate nature of trust within business interactions. Drawing from Stephen Covey's "The Speed of Trust," they promise to reshape your understanding of how trust—or the lack of it—impacts every deal and partnership. With a spotlight on the often fraught dynamics between Microsoft partners and their customers, they reveal why today's savvy business audience scrutinizes every word and motive more than ever before. Through consistent, transparent interactions, they can build the trust that is crucial for confidence in technological advancements.Delve into the complexities of Microsoft's sales and partnership strategies and uncover the real reasons behind the tension in aligning interests with their partners. Contrast this with Salesforce's model, and you'll soon see why navigating these corporate giants can feel like a complex dance.  The discussion also offers a glimpse into the future of AI in business, stressing the importance of delivering true value rather than just technological upgrades. They reflect on personal experiences with tools like Copilot and Azure AI Studio, offering insights into how these innovations can be leveraged effectively. Whether it's managing large-scale AI projects or maintaining momentum in personal endeavours, this episode provides valuable insights to help you thrive in today's tech 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

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/611 What if the tools you use every day could be seamlessly integrated to transform federal operations? Join us as we welcome Ed Williams, a Senior Solutions Architect at AndWorks, who shares his extraordinary journey from soldier to Power Platform expert. With a passion for revolutionizing data management and reporting, Ed unveils how Power BI and CRM systems are enhancing efficiency within the federal government. He also offers a glimpse into his personal life, filled with family adventures in Maryland and a love for Old Bay seasoning. Embark on this exploration of how strategic applications on the Microsoft Power Platform are reshaping the landscape of enterprise deployments.Ever wondered how complex data security needs are met with the Power Platform? We tackle this and more, delving into the shift from the platform being perceived as a tool for citizen developers to one capable of addressing intricate data concerns. Ed and I highlight the importance of leveraging built-in features like auditing and security controls, and the hurdles of licensing management. We share practical insights into automating license allocation using auto-claim policies and structuring licenses around O365 teams for smooth transitions in large enterprises. Our discussion promises to enrich your understanding of security and governance within the Power Platform ecosystem.Discover the power of fusion teams working in harmony to streamline project management with the Power Platform. We explore how multidisciplinary teams can leverage custom-built tools to manage workflows and integrate various applications effectively. From fostering collaboration among developers, analysts, and change managers to stepping beyond familiar technologies, we underscore the necessity of embracing diverse tools. As we reflect on the evolution from Dynamics CRM to the Power Platform, I emphasize the importance of remaining open-minded to meet complex project needs. Embark on this journey to unlock the full potential of the Power Platform as a transformative connective hub for your enterprise. OTHER RESOURCES:Ed Williams' Blog: Automate The MundaneMicrosoft 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/610 Francis Msangi Masera, a passionate Chief Innovation Officer from Nairobi, Kenya, takes us on a fascinating journey through his career in the tech world. From his initial spark of interest in computers during high school to becoming a Microsoft MVP in 2024, Francis' story is one of dedication and innovation. We explore his transition from being a C-sharp developer to specializing in Navision and Business Central, emphasizing his impactful role in implementing these solutions locally and internationally. With the rising popularity of Business Central and Power Platform in Kenya, especially among SMEs and large organizations, Francis provides valuable insights and shares a glimpse of Nairobi's vibrant culture, including the culinary delight of Nyama Choma.Our conversation shifts to the exciting integration of AI tools like Microsoft's Copilot in Business Central, and how Azure OpenAI service is enhancing functionalities for businesses. Francis sheds light on the importance of prompt engineering in optimizing these technologies, offering practical examples like invoicing with specific item queries. He also shares strategic tips on becoming a Microsoft MVP, emphasizing the significance of community contributions and effective showcasing of work. His experiences, including speaking at events like Experts Live Kenya, highlight his commitment to community engagement and knowledge sharing. Join us to discover how Francis's expertise is helping businesses unleash the full potential of ERP platforms through AI advancements.OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90 Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/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/609Ever wondered how a seven-day water-only fast might change your life? Join us on the Ecosystems Show as we recount a personal journey through fasting and the unexpected results, including an emergency flight diversion due to a medical incident. We unravel the humorous chaos of maintaining continuity during back-to-back recordings while highlighting the weight loss and wellness insights we gained. As we share our experiences, we delve into the different fasting impacts on men and women, offering valuable considerations for those curious about this wellness trend.Shifting gears, we explore the fascinating realm of AI and technology, focusing on the concept of agentic systems. Imagine AI agents as your personal assistants, navigating complex customer service scenarios with ease, armed with all the relevant information you might need. We compare these intelligent systems to traditional roles like travel agents, pondering how the creators' management styles might shape their decision-making processes. The potential for AI-driven solutions to innovate customer loyalty in commoditized industries is astonishing, as they focus on price optimization over brand fidelity.We tackle the evolution of AI interfaces, drawing attention to controversial practices by companies like Ryanair and Spark. With recent advancements in AI tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot, we explore how a unified UI could revolutionize interactions across various enterprise applications. Envision intelligent agents anticipating your needs, managing daily tasks, and even optimizing your grocery shopping experience. As we reflect on the transformative power of AI, our conversation paints a picture of an intriguing future where AI seamlessly integrates into our lives, reshaping software asset management and customer experiences.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