Microsoft Innovation Podcast

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

FULL SHOW NOTES https://podcast.nz365guy.com/519 Ever wondered how spicy curry ties into the low-code revolution? Jason Earnshaw from Huddersfield, our Low Code Practice General Manager with a penchant for Dynamics 365, spices up our show with his rich stories from the IT landscape. His journey from the days of Lotus Notes to the cutting-edge Power Platform offers a delectable mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights, proving that technology and curries do get better with time.This episode is a time capsule, where we journey through the evolving world of IT, from the nostalgia of Microsoft CRM's transformation into Dynamics 365 to the emergence of solutions like Mendix. It's a narrative woven with reflections on the past and excitement for the future, as Jason walks us down memory lane, sharing how XRM's potential was overshadowed by internal politics and how customer needs drive the ever-changing tech ecosystem.Finally, the conversation shifts gears to the culture and aspirations driving A&S Group, where community involvement and diverse perspectives aren't just buzzwords—they're the very fabric of their success. We untangle the complex tube map of project management, stopping at critical stations like ALM and security, and discuss how these elements contribute to delivering tailored pathways to triumph for their clients. Join us for a session that marries the technical with the personal, the past with the present, and success with the community.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/518 Embark on a captivating journey with Nanddeep Nachan, an esteemed Office 365 consultant from Pune and a Microsoft MVP since 2019. His tale is one of intriguing transformation, from harbouring a childhood fascination with trains to pioneering in the IT landscape. Ned reveals his trajectory, detailing the twists and turns from his early days as a Java developer to his adept navigation through the Microsoft ecosystem—embracing SharePoint and the dynamic Power Platform. The conversation illuminates his experiences across various SharePoint iterations and his seamless adaptation to cloud technologies. Witness Nanddeep's passion as he recounts the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his professional engagement with virtual communities, leading him to maximize his involvement in seminars, boot camps, and community events, and how this has fueled his journey and love for Microsoft technologies.Step into the world of a Microsoft MVP and uncover the countless benefits that stretch beyond the title. As the NZ365 guy, I take pride in sharing my four-year tenure with this prestigious accolade, reflecting on my contributions to the community. Drawing inspiration from Microsoft 365 mavens such as Valdic Mastikas and Garry Trinder, I've carved a niche for myself through keynote speeches, insightful articles, and prolific code sharing, especially within the realms of SharePoint and Power Platform. Join us as we discuss the pivotal role of the Patterns and Practices community and my experiences as an independent connector publisher, emphasizing the privilege of rubbing shoulders with Microsoft's product groups, keeping a finger on the pulse of rapid tech advancements, and savouring the global networking, knowledge exchange, and learning that comes hand-in-hand with being part of this vibrant community.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/517 Discover the transformative power of AI as Gwenael Bego, Microsoft's Group Product Manager, takes us on a journey through the innovative landscapes of AI Builder and Power Automate. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone eager to harness AI's capabilities without needing to write a single line of code. Gwenael isn't all work, though; he also shares the rich tapestry of his life, weaving in stories from his Hong Kong roots to his current Parisian escapades. If you're itching for authentic Parisian culture, you're in luck! Gwenael divulges those tucked-away haunts and experiences that give the City of Lights its true luster, from its pulsing nightlife to its resplendent arts scene, with a splash of champagne wisdom for good measure.Step into the future with us as we explore the synergy between AI Builder and Syntex, peeling back the curtain to reveal how these platforms are revolutionizing business workflows. You'll be at the edge of your seat as we uncover the burgeoning world of Generative AI, spotlighting the exciting potential of GPT models and their integration within familiar business tools. And because no technological advance is complete without addressing the elephant in the room, we confront the issues of data privacy and security head-on, showcasing Microsoft's relentless commitment to responsible AI. This episode is not just about learning; it's about experiencing the vision of AI as it reshapes the digital terrain.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/516 Get ready to meet Betim Beja, the first-ever Microsoft MVP from Albania, with an unyielding passion for technology and its potential to transform lives. Betim's mission isn't an easy one - he is determined to cultivate Albania's tech industry, despite the challenges of a small market, and he's doing so with astounding success. From helping local tech professionals produce top-tier software to organizing tech events, Betim's impact is palpable. Listen in as he shares his love for open-source contributions, his transition from consulting to creating products on Dynamics, and the unique charm of his homeland.Our conversation doesn't stop there. We explore the influential world of the Power Platform community and the significance of figures like Jonas Rapp and Jordi Montana. Betim unveils his experiences in organizing Albania's first-ever Power Platform Summit and how, despite language barriers, he reaches a global audience with his tech blogs in English and Albanian. We also delve into the potential and challenges of translating Microsoft Dynamics products into Albanian. It's an enlightening discussion about language accessibility in tech, the critical role of community and collaboration, and Betim's extraordinary journey in enriching the Albanian tech landscape.OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ AlbanianXrm's Blog: https://xrm.al/blog ComponentFramework-Mock: https://github.com/shko-online/ComponentFramework-Mock Shko Online: https://shko.online  Albanian Power Platform Summit (Guido's Website):  https://www.communityevents.it/albanian-power-platform-summit-2023 GitHub: https://github.com/BetimBeja Albanian Power Platform Summit Website: https://powerplatformsummit.al   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@albanianxrmThis 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/515 Prepare to elevate your understanding of Business Process Management (BPM) as we engage with the brilliant Massoud Dehkordi from Agile XRM, who casts a spotlight on BPM's pivotal role in enhancing the Power Platform. As we navigate the labyrinth of process automation limitations within Power Automate, Massoud equips us with the knowledge to distinguish between mere task automation and the sophisticated orchestration of BPM. Essential listening for anyone involved in sectors where complex, enduring business processes are the norm, our discussion reveals how Agile XRM bridges the gaps, delivering the flexibility and control those evolving businesses demand.Venture with us through a monumental digital transformation journey as we dissect a landmark project with an Irish government agency, a testament to the prowess of Agile XRM when pitted against tech behemoths in a gruelling three-year tender process. Massoud recounts how their collaboration with Microsoft's platform and Sylogist's portal connector triumphed, revolutionizing the regulatory domain for organizations such as pension houses and dental practices. This episode not only celebrates this significant victory but also expertly decodes the intricacies of managing complex data and regulatory processes with agility and precision. Tune in for a masterclass in BPM's crucial role in digital transformation success stories.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/514 Ever wondered about the transformative journey from a software developer to a Microsoft business applications whizz? Our guest, Microsoft MVP Cristhian Fernandez, founder of Creativity Spark, shares his thrilling adventure of shifting gears and advancing in the dynamic tech arena. From the heart of Paraguay to the vibrant city of Tarragona in Spain, Chris bares it all. Exposing his passion for technology, the process of creating a platform community, his insights into his personal life and the decision to relocate with four kids, this episode is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.Dive deeper as we flip the coin and explore the magnificent world of the Power Platform. Unveiling the potential it holds in creating complex, enterprise-grade solutions, Cris and I ponder over the industry's magnetism towards low-code solutions and the plethora of opportunities that it unveils. Intertwining personal narratives with professional insights, this episode promises an exhilarating journey into the realm of technology, its evolving dynamics and the revolutionary Power Platform. If you are passionate about technology and its transformative power, we've got quite a ride in store for you!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/513 We are thrilled to have on board Ashish Bhatia, a principal product manager at Microsoft, who is on a mission to democratize AI solutions. Through a fascinating exchange, Ashish sheds light on his journey into the realm of AI and his focus on GPT-based capabilities within Power Automate. He articulates his vision for AI Builder, a tool that empowers low-code citizen makers to build intelligent applications, and how it has evolved over time.The conversation then delves into the intriguing world of AI, exploring how context, in the form of metadata and location information, can enhance precision and accuracy. We introduce the concept of RACS, a tool that aids in retrieving the right information and prompting the LLM to generate precise answers. Prompt engineering, a concept that reduces hallucination in AI models, also takes center stage in our discussion.But how does AI impact our careers and learning? We thrash out this question in detail, discussing how AI has become a critical part of many jobs, enhancing performance. We examine different ways of learning about AI, from using it as a writing assistant to critiquing work. And how can we overlook AI safety? It's a hot topic that we analyze in-depth, looking at the ethical implications of AI and its potential for both positive and negative outcomes. Join us in this captivating exploration of the AI landscape and how it's shaping our lives and careers.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/512 Ready to embark on a technological journey unlike any other? Sit down with us as we catch up with Stuart Baxter, a recognized MVP in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Solution Architecture. Get set to learn from his career path, which began with a serendipitous stumble into Dynamics and led him to become one of the leading voices in the tech world. Through his work on ground-breaking projects across various industries, Stuart is not just an architect of tech solutions, but a sculptor shaping the future of technology.The chat takes an interesting turn as we move to explore the amazing features of Dynamics 365 Field Service. Prepare yourselves to be amazed by the flexibility of these modules across different industries and the tailored solutions provided by Curve, a consultancy that is carving its own niche in the market. Stuart takes us on a comprehensive run-through, highlighting the niche use cases achievable with Dynamics 365 Field Service. So, buckle up and join our enlightening exchange on the exciting possibilities and ongoing revolution in the tech world.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/511 Ever wondered how to build a strong platform ecosystem? Or why integrating landing zones across various technologies is key to driving transformation within your organization? Join us as we break down these complexities, along with our esteemed guests Mark Smith, Chris Huntingford, and Anna Demone. Together, we shed light on the core elements of a well-constructed cloud ecosystem. We underscore the importance of a unified data model and a supportive culture in implementing such an ecosystem.The conversation transcends the technicalities of building platform ecosystems and takes a deep dive into the human element. The resistance to change, the importance of cultural adoption, and the role of agile leadership in driving a strategic mindset are themes we explore at length. We glean insights from our experiences with individuals skeptical of change, underlining the significance of effective leadership in encouraging transformation. As we navigate the technology landscape, we emphasize the urgency for continuous learning and modernization. Leaders bear the onus of sharing their knowledge and embracing new business practices to stay competitive. We explore the notion of the "trough of disillusionment" in technology upskilling and the importance of staying current in a rapidly evolving world. So, grab your headphones, get comfortable, and join us on this insightful journey of discovery. This episode promises not just to inform but to inspire and challenge. Tune in!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