Microsoft Innovation Podcast

FULL SHOW NOTES https://podcast.nz365guy.com/529 Have you ever wondered how AI can supercharge your business applications? Join me as I sit down with Tom Marsh, a Microsoft maestro of product management, to unveil the transformative power of large language models and their potent influence in the business world. As Tom traces his ascent from intern to product management virtuoso, we venture behind the scenes of Microsoft's innovative culture, where he orchestrates the enhancement of work efficiency and job satisfaction with cutting-edge applications. Beyond the tech talk, Tom also gives us a glimpse into his personal life, from treasured family moments to his culinary escapades.Imagine a workplace where AI tools like Co-Pilot redefines customer service and case resolution in industries as intricate as financial services. In this episode, we dissect the practicalities of automation technologies and their ripple effects across various sectors. Discussions with Tom illuminate the boon of Microsoft's collaborative landscape, sparking a hive of cross-group idea exchange and ceaseless innovation. We also navigate the complexities and triumphs of hardware supply management essential for rolling out these AI marvels, not forgetting the impact of GitHub Copilot and the internal knowledge sharing it fosters.The digital future hinges on the synergy of data and AI. My conversation with Tom dives into the essence of high-quality data for informed decision-making and how AI can enrich this very data, streamlining processes like CRM systems and elevating meeting productivity. We encourage you to get hands-on with AI tools through the Power Platform, traversing Microsoft's treasure trove of learning resources. Plus, we're inviting your voice into the conversation. Who from Microsoft would you love to hear next on our show? This is your front-row seat to the pulsating heart of business applications and AI's perspective landscape.RESOURCES MENTIONED: For Microsoft partners (for all kinds of demos, presentations, documentation, and more.) -  http://aka.ms/bacopilot  Overview of the different copilot experiences in Dynamics 365 - http://aka.ms/dynamics365ai Microsoft Power AI I Microsoft Power Platform (More information for copilot experiences in Power Platform) - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/ai This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://podcast.nz365guy.com/528 Ever wondered what it's like to swap the sunny skies of Brazil for the emerald embrace of Ireland, all while scaling the heights of Microsoft's tech landscape? Michel Mendes, our spirited guest from Brazil, did just that. He traces his steps from SharePoint savant to a maestro of BizApps and Power Platform, with a special nod to his current passion, PowerPages. But Michel's tale isn't just about the bytes and codes; he paints a vibrant canvas of his life in Dublin, from headbanging at rock concerts to savouring craft beers at the famed Porterhouse. You'll feel the cobblestone beneath your feet as he brings the essence of Dublin – and the warmth of its pubs – to our ears.Join us as we walk the road less travelled with Michel, discussing not only the perks of city life but also the challenging leap of resettling in an English-speaking work environment. His reflections on the linguistic gymnastics and cultural adaptability required to flourish abroad are as inspiring as they are practical. And if you're keen to know how engaging content and community spirit can earn you the coveted Microsoft MVP title, Michel's insights are a treasure trove. He shares his favourite Power Platform tools, combining advanced development with the streamlined functionality of Power Pages and Power Automate, proving that professional growth and personal reinvention go hand in hand.OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://podcast.nz365guy.com/527 Imagine intertwining the rhythms of personal passion with the beats of cutting-edge technology. That's the melody we play in our latest discussion with Jon Russell and Mike Gowland from A&S Group, where we harmonize the tunes of AI, the Power Platform, and life's candid moments. Our guests don't just bring their tech expertise to the table; they also share slices of their personal worlds, from John's artistic forays into photography and music to Mike's heartfelt family tales, setting the stage for a symphony of stories where technology meets the heart.'Just Ask It' isn't just a tool; it's a testament to the spirit of innovation that thrives at the intersection of AI and human ingenuity. We wade into the narrative of this game-changing asset for DataVerse schema generation, born from a high-stakes challenge to assist a water utility company. Witness how a blend of technical prowess and AI assistance gave rise to a digital copilot that now empowers consultants to demonstrate DataVerse's versatility across diverse industries, all while fostering a unique dialogue between technology and user needs.As we peer into the horizon, we ponder the future of personal language models and their transformative potential for businesses and individuals alike. The conversation takes flight as we discuss the impact of shrinking chip sizes on AI development, the allure of personal digital avatars, and the ethical framework that must scaffold the AI landscape. Join us as we explore these trails, guided by John and Mike's insights, and consider how the burgeoning growth of AI technology could shape a future where your tech understands not just your commands, but your story.RESOURCES MENTIONED: Just Ask It - https://github.com/sgtsnacks-64/JustAskIt/tree/main This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://podcast.nz365guy.com/526 When Silvester Akakpo's father sparked his curiosity with the enigmatic world of computers, little did he know it would propel his son toward becoming Ghana's shining star in Microsoft Technologies. In a narrative as rich and diverse as the African continent itself, we follow Silvester's journey from familial influences in Togo and Germany to becoming an MVP—a tale spiced with his affection for continental cuisine and the universal language of football. As Silvester opens up about his initial dreams of piloting and how they gave way to a thriving IT career, listeners are treated to an intimate account of the potent blend of family, culture, and mentorship that fuels his drive and success.Embark on an exploratory voyage into the realm of Power Apps with our latest MVP, where canvas apps paint the picture of innovation and model-driven apps lay the foundation. Silvester debunks myths about the MVP accolade, revealing its true essence as a recognition of community leadership and expertise rather than just a title. He generously shares the playbook for fostering a vibrant Microsoft community in Ghana, offering a trove of wisdom for tech enthusiasts aiming to claim their own MVP status. Join us as we uncover the secrets of consistent community engagement and the altruistic sharing of knowledge that not only elevates others but cements one's mastery of technology.OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://podcast.nz365guy.com/525 Embark on a journey through the veins of business optimization with Rachel Profitt, Microsoft's principal program manager, as she brings her wealth of knowledge from Denver, Colorado, straight to your ears. From an honoured Microsoft MVP to the halls of Microsoft itself, Rachel's insights into Dynamics 365's newly unveiled business process catalogue promise to revolutionize your approach to finance, operations, and beyond. Our conversation peels back the layers of this powerful tool, crafted to enhance and expedite Dynamics 365 implementations. Revealing the synergies between community efforts and technological triumphs, Rachel highlights how this open-source gem on GitHub isn't just a Microsoft showpiece; it's a community-driven tour de force for partners and customers to elevate their business practices.Today's digital landscape is a mosaic of collective wisdom, and our episode explores how community resources are the bedrock of successful Dynamics 365 and Power Platform implementations. Dive into the heart of this collaborative spirit with Rachel as we unravel a world where vanilla baseline business processes, AI advancements, and in-app guidance converge to chart a clear path through often treacherous implementation terrain. We don't just discuss the tools of the trade; we reveal the pulse of innovation beating within each community contribution, each flow diagram, and each step toward harnessing the transformative power of an efficiently deployed ERP or CRM system.But the intrigue doesn't stop there. The finale of our discussion with Rachel takes us into the future of process mining, how telemetry data offers a crystal-clear reflection of business operations and the pivotal role of test suite automation in safeguarding system integrity. The symbiotic relationship between Dynamics 365 and Power Platform is not just discussed; it's celebrated as a testament to the dynamic interplay of documentation and community input. So, as you reach the end of this auditory voyage, the question that remains isn't just about creation on the Power Platform—it's about the mark you'll leave on the ever-evolving tapestry of technological progress.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Business Process Catalog - https://aka.ms/businessprocesscatalog One Guidance -  https://aka.ms/oneguidance Business Process Catalog - https://aka.ms/businessprocesscatalogrequests D365 submit PNP -  https://aka.ms/d365submitpnp  Business process feedback -  https://aka.ms/businessprocessfeedback This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://podcast.nz365guy.com/524 Have you ever wondered if the road less travelled leads to unexpected success? Fernando Tudela, Spain's premier D365 FNO expert and senior technical consultant with Aluma Technology Solutions, is here to regale us with his tale. From the halls of physics academia to the forefront of international tech projects, Fernando's trajectory is anything but ordinary. Hailing from the picturesque city of Valencia, he's a testament to the fact that one can forge a global career while remaining anchored to their local roots. Tune in to hear about the challenges and triumphs of working across industries such as education and logistics, and how a deep-seated passion for technology can shape a uniquely fulfilling path.Then, let's navigate the nuanced world of freelance consulting in the FNO sphere, where personal branding is more art than science. I'll share the ins and outs of positioning yourself as a go-to expert—a process that can open doors to exciting projects and clients, particularly when you have a knack for something as specialized as electronic reporting. Learn how I juggle freelancing with a full-time role, tackling time zone puzzles and intense project phases, all while managing the practicalities of international payments with savvy tools like WISE. Whether you're a budding freelancer or a tech enthusiast, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and personal experiences from the vibrant trenches of technical consulting.OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://podcast.nz365guy.com/523 Discover how the virtual world is transforming our reality with Christian Segurado, a system integration manager from Microsoft who joins us from the bustling city of New York. With a treasure trove of 16 certifications and a history of more than 20 mixed-reality implementations, this episode is a deep dive into the potential of augmented and virtual reality. Christian offers invaluable insights from his experiences at the Dynamics Community Summit and provides a glimpse into the future of AR and VR technologies, including the exciting developments from Meta and the highly anticipated contributions of Apple in the realm of mixed reality.The frontline workforce is on the brink of a revolution, thanks to the wonders of AR and VR. Christian illustrates how AR is not just a tool but a digital mentor for workers, enhancing their skills and ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Meanwhile, VR is redefining collaboration; picture a 3D world where remote meetings mimic the tangibility of being in the same room. Microsoft Mesh is just the beginning. We also touch upon the transformative use of AR in hands-on training, illuminating its potential to reshape learning and development across industries.In this insightful exchange, we also explore Microsoft's Guides app and the burgeoning industrial metaverse, discussing how it's set to overhaul organizational processes. We then pivot to the future of AI as a co-pilot in various sectors and its symbiotic relationship with human expertise. And as your host, Mark Smith, the NZ365 Guy, I'm eager to hear from you! If you've got suggestions for future guests or topics, reach out on LinkedIn or show your support through my Buy Me a Coffee page. It's time to witness the future unfold—one episode at a time.This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://podcast.nz365guy.com/522 Have you ever pondered the intriguing intersection where professional expertise meets vibrant personal passions? That's precisely what we unpack with Dynamics 365 MVP Josh Knox, whose professional pivot to Co-Optimize captures the essence of collaboration within a cooperative business model. Josh's narrative is as rich and diverse as his love for Brazilian culture and his dedication to jiu-jitsu. He candidly shares his journey, seamlessly blending insights from his career in finance and operations solutions with colourful stories of raising a family entrenched in the warmth of Brazilian traditions – a lively and informative exploration of the harmony between work and life.As we journey through the art of ERP consulting, I reflect on my path into the industry, underscoring how a medley of experiences crafts a well-rounded consultant. Our dialogue traverses the critical balance of soft and hard skills, and the invaluable role of mentorship, and serves up practical wisdom for those entering the field. We also dissect the strategy of verticalization, diving into how consultants can carve out their niche for heightened expertise. Throughout, I confront the complexities of earning an MVP title, sharing personal anecdotes about overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of specialized knowledge in specific domains, such as accounts receivable. Join us for a compelling conversation that stitches together the fabric of personal growth, professional evolution, and the subtle intricacies that make a consultant truly exceptional.OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Josh's ERP Consultant training book - https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Young-ERP-Consultant-Beginning/dp/B0CSNRK3CZ/ This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://podcast.nz365guy.com/521 Imagine unlocking the secrets of low-code success with Casey Burke, Microsoft's principal product manager, as your guide. You're in for a treat as we unravel the intricacies of enterprise adoption and the transformative power of application lifecycle management in Power Apps. Casey doesn't just talk shop; he invites us into his world outside the office, complete with tales of mastering the grill and balancing life's passions with professional pursuits. Our conversation is a testament to the vibrant persona behind the tech that's sculpting the future of application delivery.We jet-set to New Zealand, too, where the trailblazing folks at Indigen inspire us with their adventures in Dynamics and business applications. Picture crossing borders with robots—it's just a day in the life of a Microsoft partner shaking up the tech scene. As we navigate the evolving landscape of software development, you'll gain insight into the crucial roles of service principal accounts and managed identities, and understand how administrative control intersects with the empowerment of citizen developers. Casey expertly stitches together personal anecdotes and his profound professional expertise, offering you a front-row seat to the revolution unfolding within the Power Platform.This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://podcast.nz365guy.com/520 Have you ever wondered how an expert in SharePoint evolves into a Power Platform maestro? Paul Stork's story intertwines technology and the human spirit, as he shares his remarkable transition from a focus on SharePoint to conquering the Power Platform, all while juggling his dual roles as an IT professional and a Lutheran pastor. His tale unwraps the layers of a career that seamlessly blends passion and profession, providing rich insights into how he managed to navigate such diverse paths. Moreover, Paul opens up about the personal decisions that shaped his journey, including his full-time shift from ministry to IT, the heartfelt background behind his consulting company's name, and the familial ties that brought him to Minneapolis amidst a global pandemic.This episode isn't just about personal transitions, though. It's a deep dive into the nuances of the IT landscape, from the struggles of maintaining databases to the complexities of Microsoft licensing. We engage with Paul to unravel the real-world effects of these challenges on both users and developers, especially those entangled in the web of SharePoint's limitations and the prohibitive costs of premium Power Platform solutions. Through Paul's expertise, we shed light on the strategic decisions within Microsoft and how they echo through the corridors of Office 365 and the Power Platform ecosystem. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the intricate dance between technology and strategy, offering a lens into the lives of those who work daily to make sense of an ever-changing digital environment.BOOKS AND OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Link to the book that Paul just released on Power Automate.  Learning Microsoft Power Automate (oreilly.com) This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith