Microsoft Innovation Podcast

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/ 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://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.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://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/ 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://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.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://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) 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.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://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/ 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.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://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/@albanianxrmMicrosoft 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://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.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