Microsoft Innovation Podcast

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/578 Unlock the secrets to becoming a top-tier solutions architect with our special guest Sean Astrakhan, a team lead for solution architecture at Microsoft and a celebrated YouTuber course creator. Join us as Sean takes us through his fascinating career journey, from teaching to engineering, while sharing his love for Mexican cuisine and diverse dance genres like salsa, merengue, and hip hop. Discover how his international experiences in Mexico, Spain, and St. Petersburg, Russia have shaped his personal and professional life, and how his passion for coding has opened new doors for him. Explore the world of platform architecture as we dive into the essential responsibilities of a solutions architect. Sean provides invaluable insights as he discusses user experience, the importance of integrating platforms like Power Platform, Azure, and M365, and the broader impacts of design choices on business solutions. Learn how to navigate the complexities of today's technology landscape and find fulfillment in balancing team leadership with managing your own projects.Get ahead of the curve with our discussion on the newly announced well-architected framework, encompassing cost optimization, budgeting, and licensing. Sean shares his motivations behind his course creation and emphasizes the critical role of communication skills for developers transitioning into architectural roles. Finally, we delve into the evolving influence of AI in solutions architecture, with a focus on the limitations and potentials of tools like Copilot, and the importance of data structuring and Power BI for future-ready solutions architects. This episode is packed with valuable experiences and forward-thinking perspectives you won't want to miss.OTHER RESOURCES: Link to Sean's Course - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-acceleratorGitHub: https://github.com/sastrakhan  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/577   What role do food, family, and fun play in shaping an IT professional's life? Discover the captivating world of Saurabh Bharti, a seasoned Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations consultant hailing from the UK, as he takes us on a flavorful journey through his Indian heritage. From exploring London's diverse Indian food scene to unravelling the rich tapestry of Indian politics and culture, Saurabh's stories offer a mesmerizing blend of personal and professional experiences. Join us as we dream of future travels to India, sharing our own encounters with its vibrant culinary landscape and contemplating the idea of immersing ourselves in its unparalleled hospitality.Our episode also charts Saurabh's fascinating career journey, from his roots in computer science engineering in Bangalore to his current role in the UK. Hear about the pivotal moments that shaped his path, including his introduction to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 and the invaluable mentorship that deepened his understanding of finance consulting. Finally, we wrap up with an enlightening conversation with Sir AB, a renowned business applications expert, who shares his profound insights on various topics. With gratitude and anticipation, we look forward to more enriching discussions in future episodes.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/576  How can smaller economies like New Zealand and Australia keep up with the cloud technology revolution? Join us on this episode of the Power Platform Show as we uncover the unique dynamics of adopting Microsoft Power Platform in these less densely populated regions. We promise insights into how population density and economic size shape technological adoption and business culture, and debunk the myths surrounding market size and opportunities south of the equator.Using New Zealand as a case study, we analyze the economic impact of global trade and technology, spotlighting the success of Green Button. We discuss leveraging Microsoft's Azure, Power Platform, and Fabric for a competitive edge. Our conversation extends to the broader economic landscape, contrasting the US's large internal market, Europe's fragmented economies, and China's export-driven strategy. Learn how geography, market size, and government support forge paths for business innovation and growth.Lastly, we explore the transformative power of AI in education, particularly one-to-one tutoring for young children. Imagine reducing learning time while boosting outcomes, allowing families to travel and maintain high educational standards. We also share personal stories about our dream destinations and the practicalities of living abroad in a hybrid work world. From the charm of Tuscany to the vibrant cultures of Portugal, Spain, and Argentina, we provide a fresh perspective on global living and remote work.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

Scott Sewell, a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, shares his captivating journey from Dynamics CRM expert to Power BI advocate. He discusses the transformative capabilities of Microsoft Fabric, streamlining data management and integrating various tools. The conversation highlights how effective data management is crucial for AI model training, enabling businesses to generate intelligent insights. Scott also emphasizes the importance of leveraging Dataverse for improved decision-making and operational efficiency, showcasing the evolving landscape of data solutions.

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/574Unlock the secrets to navigating an unconventional tech career as we sit down with Michael Roth from Germany, a manager of Experience Tech at Avanade and a Power Platform governance MVP. From educational science to IT consulting, Michael’s journey is anything but typical. He takes us through his transformation, sharing the pivotal experiences and influential mentors that guided him. Hear the story behind his first project, a seemingly simple tea timer app, and discover how his passion for in-person workshops using pen and paper played a crucial role in his professional development. This episode is a testament to the power of personal connections and real-world interactions in forging a successful career.But that's not all. We dive into the transformative power of blogging within the IT community, illustrating how documenting personal solutions can lead to broader recognition and professional growth. Michael shares insights on the critical importance of Power Platform security and AI governance, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures and thoughtful AI integration. This discussion underscores the increasing necessity for effective data handling and governance strategies as technology evolves. Tune in for a compelling mix of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and actionable advice from Michael’s remarkable journey.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/573  Have you ever had a brush with fame on a train or bumped into royalty at a bookstore? Join us for a laughter-filled episode of the Power Platform Show where William Dorrington, Andrew Welch, and I, Mark Smith, share our hilarious celebrity encounters, featuring stories about Ryan Cunningham, Kevin McLeod, and even a chance meeting with Queen Elizabeth. Amid our humorous banter, we introduce the intriguing concept of "anchor apps," a term coined by Steve Mordew, to explore applications that are so integral to business operations they become irreplaceable.Then, we take a deep dive into the world of enterprise agreements and ERP systems, reminiscing about the days of lengthy update cycles and discussing the significant shifts brought by enterprise licenses. We tackle the rise of low-code/no-code apps, playfully dubbed "craplets," that can fall short of delivering substantial value. The conversation highlights the need to focus on robust, mission-critical applications that seamlessly integrate with organizational infrastructure, ensuring continuous growth and adaptability. We also touch on the Five Eyes alliance, providing a fascinating context to understand the dynamics of deploying large-scale apps in enterprise settings.Lastly, we navigate through the Power Platform ecosystem, detailing how certain applications rise to the status of anchor apps and their pivotal role in business operations. We categorize apps into productivity, important, and critical tiers, emphasizing the urgency for better recognition of Power Platform as a formidable enterprise solution. Our discussion includes captivating tales of legacy tech solutions, like a sophisticated system for the US and New Zealand mission to Antarctica, and a critical test management app in the UK. These stories illustrate the lasting impact of enterprise-grade apps across various sectors, blending humor, insight, and real-world technology triumphs.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/572  What if you could effortlessly manage your development infrastructure while ensuring robust security and compliance? Join us as we sit down with Raphael Pothin, a Lead Power Platform Reliability Engineer at Manulife, who is revolutionizing governance processes and streamlining administrative tasks with the Power Platform. Raphael shares his passion for DevOps and dives into the game-changing potential of the Terraform provider for Power Platform, bringing infrastructure as code to new heights.Discover how Microsoft's Power Platform can transform your development workflow, freeing you from the complexities of maintaining infrastructure. Raphael walks us through the advantages of using Dataverse for data management and integrating backend solutions with Azure services. We discuss the often-debated topic of control versus efficiency, highlighting how Power Platform stands up to enterprise demands while allowing developers to maintain ALM rigor and source control.Finally, we explore the rich resources available for developers making the transition to Power Platform. Raphael emphasizes the value of Microsoft Learn and community engagement, and reveals how Microsoft Fabric integrates seamlessly with Dynamics 365 for advanced data processing. Hear firsthand how Manulife leverages the Power Platform on a global scale, navigating data sovereignty challenges in the financial sector. Plus, gain insights into boosting productivity through Power Automate and Power Apps, as Raphael shares personal strategies for overcoming performance challenges. Tune in for an episode packed with actionable insights and expert advice!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/571  Unlock the secrets of becoming a Microsoft MVP with our guest Tomas Riha, a seasoned business process automation consultant from Prague. Tomas' journey is anything but ordinary, starting from his early days with SharePoint and Nintex, evolving to his current specialization in Power Automate and M365. Tomas doesn't just talk tech; he shares his life beyond the screen, including his new passion for salsa dancing and five-year dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His unique approach to understanding and organizing complex company workflows will offer you practical strategies to streamline your own processes.Managing financial logistics and payments from international clients can be daunting, but Tomas breaks down these challenges with practical insights and personal anecdotes. From dealing with various currencies to navigating the quirks of PayPal and paper checks, his experiences offer invaluable lessons for any global consultant. We also delve deep into the essence of becoming an MVP, underscoring the importance of genuine passion and community involvement. Tomas’ story of contributing through forums and blogging during the COVID-19 lockdown serves as an inspiring example of how dedication and consistency can lead to recognition. Tune in for actionable advice, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on achieving success in the tech community.OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90 Day Mentoring Challenge  10% off code use MBAP at checkout https://ako.nz365guy.comSupport 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/570  Can AI truly understand and manipulate our realities without us noticing? Join us on this exploration of artificial intelligence as we challenge prevalent fears and misconceptions, often stoked by media sensationalism. Chris emphasizes the importance of educating organizations to dispel these myths and highlights the productivity-boosting capabilities of tools like Microsoft's Co-Pilot. We also delve into the implications of a significant lawsuit involving Elon Musk and OpenAI, which raises crucial questions about the evolving landscape of artificial general intelligence (AGI).Imagine a world where AGI operates behind the scenes, subtly influencing our decisions and actions. We discuss the skepticism around AGI's true capabilities and contrast Western notions of privacy with the Chinese acceptance of constant surveillance. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as we bring in Daniel Kahneman's insights, discussing how AI can significantly reduce human biases and improve decision-making processes. This chapter not only questions the reality of AGI but also brings to light the potential benefits and ethical considerations of an AI-driven future.Are we on the brink of a technological revolution that could rival the advent of electricity? We explore the socio-economic impacts of AI, comparing it to past technological advancements that initially displaced jobs but eventually created new opportunities. The discussion underscores the importance of proactive change and continuous learning in adapting to rapid technological advancements. We also touch on the human aspect, emphasizing empathy and support for those struggling with these transitions. Through historical analogies and personal anecdotes, we illustrate the critical need for societal motivation and the pursuit of new opportunities in an increasingly AI-driven world.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/569  What happens when a seasoned .NET developer shifts gears to embrace low-code solutions? Scott Durow, a Power Platform and Cloud Developer Advocate at Microsoft, shares his transformative journey from traditional coding to adopting the Power Platform. We delve into the evolution of Microsoft's business applications and the essential resources needed for professional developers to transition smoothly to Power Platform. Scott also offers a glimpse into his life on the scenic west coast of Canada, highlighting how the natural beauty and outdoor activities inspire his work.We tackle key topics like integrating Power Platform with existing .NET ecosystems in enterprise software development, emphasizing the necessity of developer input even in low-code environments. Scott discusses the platform's extensibility through C# plugins, TypeScript, JavaScript, and custom connectors, making it a robust choice for enterprise solutions. We also explore the concept of anti-patterns and how leveraging higher-level abstractions can simplify complex software architecture, ultimately enhancing development efficiency.In a fascinating case study, we examine a major financial institution in Australia transitioning 60 Pega developers to Power Platform. Scott shares practical advice for overcoming the initial learning curve and maximizing the platform's benefits. We also dive into the roles of software and enterprise architecture, touching on the skepticism enterprise architects may have towards low-code solutions like Power Platform. Wrapping up, we reflect on our engaging conversation with Scott and look forward to more insightful discussions in future episodes. Don't miss this episode packed with valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the Power Platform landscape!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