Microsoft Innovation Podcast

FULL SHOW NOTES https://podcast.nz365guy.com/501 Are you eager to get under the hood of Microsoft's FastTrack team? Join us as we converse with Paul Mare, an experienced manager from Microsoft, who shares invaluable insights about the design, architecture, and governance of Microsoft's customer solutions. From his intriguing career trajectory, starting at the Atomic Energy Corporation, to his adventurous safari in Botswana, Paul's anecdotes make for an absorbing listen, while offering a unique viewpoint on balancing professional and personal life. FastTrack is more than just a team - it's an evolution of proactive architects shaping customer solutions. Once an escalation team, FastTrack now handles the complexities of projects with license revenue above 300,000K and delivers value to all projects. Hear how they gather feedback from projects and use it to inform their engineering decisions. Decoding the dynamics of this team, Paul enlightens us about the importance of working closely with partners and customers for successful project delivery. When implementing Dynamics 365, where do you start? With the Total Success by Design Framework. Paul provides a comprehensive guide to using this book for successful project implementation. Understand the significance of early discussions during the implementation process and how the Dynamics 365 implementation portal can provide visibility and context for your project. With the right strategies and tools, creating visibility for your project and effectively onboarding projects is achievable. So sit back, enjoy the insights, and discover how you too can navigate the world of Dynamics 365 with confidence. 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/500 Rise and shine, folks! Welcome to a riveting conversation with none other than Sudeep Ghatak, an exemplary principal architect at Theta, an Ivy League member of the Microsoft MVP club, and a celebrated author. We will be navigating through his journey to becoming an MVP, spiced up with his passion for AI, and her exceptional contributions to the Power Automate forums. You won't want to miss Sudeep's insights on his highly acclaimed book, Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Online Cookbook, which has garnered a throng of followers, and an upcoming second edition that promises to transport you into the world of Viva and AI. Turn up the volume as we dive into the second part of our chat, where Sudeep unveils the magic of chat GPT for SPFX components, a tool transforming his work life, and making him more efficient and productive. Sudeep not only shares his technical prowess but also gives us a glimpse into his personal life, his rhythms with music, and his fascination with the cosmos. So, buckle up for an episode brimming with thrilling experiences, nuggets of wisdom from a Microsoft MVP, and an exhilarating journey to the stars. Get set and let's roll!OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Sudeep Ghatak’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-365-SharePoint-Online-Cookbook/dp/1838646671 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/499 Ever wonder how tech leaders make their way to top companies like Microsoft? Join us on a fascinating journey with Dipti Jaiswal, principal group engineering manager at Microsoft, who takes us through her remarkable career path, and lets us in on the world of Power Pages. You'll be captivated by her experiences in Bangalore, India, the tech talent hub known for its rich culture and delightful cuisine. Not only is Dipti a tech whiz, but she's also a passionate leader and mentor, committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Interaction with Power Pages will never be the same again after you uncover the brilliant features it affords, like the Maker Co-Pilot that expedites website creation. It's not just about speed though, it's about skill enhancement for Pro Developers through the Co-Pilot feature, inspired by GitHub's Co-Pilot. Hold your breath as you learn about the End-User Co-Pilot, which lets you add chatbots to your site with ease. To top it all off, we delve into the Governance and Security features that ensure smooth administration of your website inventory and data. Lastly, we extend a heartfelt thanks to the Power Platform and Dynamics community for their invaluable contributions. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be enlightened on tech, leadership, and the vibrant Indian tech scene.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

Keith Atherton, a senior developer at Quorum and a Microsoft MVP, shares his artistic journey blending creativity with technology. He discusses his path from physics to tech, sparked by illustrating a business book. Keith dives into the nuances of course creation on LinkedIn Learning, emphasizing the importance of feedback and self-publishing. He also explores PowerFX, highlighting its potential and the need for advancements within its development environment. Perfect for those interested in a tech career or online education!

Dewain Robinson, Principal Program Manager for Power, Virtual Agents, and Conversational AI at Microsoft, talks about the potential of Power Virtual Agents and Azure OpenAI in revolutionizing data accessibility. They discuss the democratization of data science and AI, challenges of using large language models, and upcoming innovations with Azure Cognitive Services.

FULL SHOW NOTES https://podcast.nz365guy.com/496 Meet Nathalie Leenders, a Power Platform Senior Analyst who has taken an intriguing journey from hairdresser to tech expert. Take a peek beyond the screens into her world as she discusses her passions beyond the tech realm. She shares her love for cooking inspired by her travels, her interest in Argentine tango, and her life with her cat. Natalie’s story teaches us that it's never too late to switch gears and embrace a completely new career path. The conversation steers towards her transition from an IT support role to working on Power Platform. Get insights into how she navigates use cases in Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI, and how she's assisting in replacing legacy applications in her company. Listen as Natalie talks about her recent Power Automate exam and her rising interest in Robotic Process Automation (RPA). You also won't want to miss Nathalie's exciting news about her selection as a speaker at the upcoming Vegas conference. This episode is a treasure chest of inspiration and insights, offering a fresh perspective on tech careers and beyond. OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ CodePen - https://codepen.io/Nathalie-Leenders Github - https://github.com/Nathalie-LeendersThis 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/495 Prepare to be engrossed as we dissect Andrew and Anna's strategic pyramid, a fascinating framework that guides our exploration of how value operates within ecosystem architecture. We start from the pinnacle, discussing how to apply workloads such as Dynamics 365 apps, enhancing core business systems, and crafting data and AI-powered user components. We then plunge deeper, tackling the creation of conditions for success, touching on user needs, clear policies, and fostering a well-connected platform.We don't shy away from emphasizing the importance of diversifying your skills and welcoming AI into your tech space. Let's illuminate the basic tasks AI handles efficiently, giving you room to tackle more complex tasks. Let's also scrutinize the lower echelons of the pyramid that provide more time to concentrate on other crucial areas. We also tackle the role of your friendly neighbourhood consultants and their necessity in bringing industry knowledge and best practices to the roundtable.Lastly, we address common technology solution pitfalls, such as the tendency to use familiar tools without considering cost-effectiveness. We emphasize the importance of unbiased technology decisions in an environment teeming with a diverse array of technologies. We also marvel at Microsoft's AI journey, a decade-long preparation that heralds their transformative moment. We contemplate the implications for the talent market and the role of an ecosystem architect. Buckle up for an exciting and enlightening ride!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/494 Imagine revolutionizing businesses with a single platform... that's precisely what our guest Phil Glew-Deval, an MVP from Bexel, England, does with the Power Platform. As a lead developer, he's not just designing applications; he's transforming workflows and making business processes more efficient. Balancing his technical prowess with a love for food, family, and a good book, Phil's world extends far beyond the realm of coding.Join us in the exciting journey of Phil, from his early days as an internal audit professional to becoming a Power Platform developer. Not one to keep his knowledge to himself, Phil reveals his process of creating an app in PowerApps, from the intricacies of SharePoint to the wonders of dataverse tables. Hear about his most advanced creation - a desk booking application for nearly 4,000 colleagues. But not everything is as rosy as it seems. Phil addresses the misconceptions around the Power Platform, and how education and communication are the key to dispelling them. Wrapping up our conversation, we delve into the world of Microsoft Certified Trainer qualification, giving you a comprehensive overview of what the certification entails. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened - this episode is packed with insights!OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Learn Microsoft: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/users/philglewdeval-0632/ Website: www.dcsuk.tech 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/493 Join us for an enlightening conversation with our distinguished guest Vinay Deo, a principal group product manager at Microsoft. Step into his shoes as we traverse through his fascinating journey that spans from his work with personal gadgets to Bing Ads, all the way to his current role focusing on customer insights and orchestration. As you accompany Vinay through his diverse experiences and personal life, you'll also get a taste of the vibrant food culture in Seattle and Vinay’s love for travel.Brace yourself, as we venture into the world of Dynamics 365 Customer Insights and Marketing. Engage in an enlightening dialogue with Vinay about the transformational shift from two products to Dynamics 3.6.5, focusing on the enhancement of customer experiences and the unification of customer profiles from various data sources. Discover the power of real-time customer engagement dynamics and how trigger-based journeys can revolutionize marketers' responses to customer actions. We wrap up this engrossing discussion by exploring ways to personalize messages and ensure that they feel less like spam and more tailored to the individual. You’ll also learn ways to identify and utilize consumer preferences for boosting customer engagement. Don’t miss this riveting conversation loaded with insightful revelations.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/492 Ever wondered how an accountant would transition into a tech guru? Meet Steven Chinsky, the director of Dynamics Practice at Accelerant. From his thrilling escapades like sky diving and racing Lamborghinis to his passion for barbecuing, Steven is all about living life in the fast lane. But what truly stands out is his seamless shift from crunching numbers to dominating the tech industry, all thanks to the push from his mentors to explore ERP software. Steven lifts the lid on his journey, becoming an MVP since 2023 and how Xapta, birthed from Navision, along with Dynamics 365 BC, is revolutionizing operations in multinational corporations.Get ready to uncover the untapped potential of Business Central in any manufacturing environment. Steven dishes on his personal journey to becoming an MVP and how he sailed through the application process, pandemic notwithstanding. His association with Microsoft has led to a myriad of opportunities to speak at various conferences, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experiences. Prepare to be inspired by his insights on the ever-evolving tech industry, his journey as a Microsoft MVP, and his valuable nuggets of wisdom for those aspiring to follow in his footsteps. So buckle up and join us on this exciting ride!OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Dynamics Community: https://dynamicscommunities.com/community/members/steven-chinskywipfli-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