Microsoft Innovation Podcast

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!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/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.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/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/ 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!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/510 Ready to embark on a captivating tech journey with Komi Siabi, a Dynamics AX 2012 and Dynamics 365 FNO Technical Consultant from Nigeria? Strap in as we navigate his tech trajectory, from his beginnings in web development to his current role in Dynamics. Komi's detour includes a vibrant tour of his home country with must-try delicacies, top-rated tourist locations, and some exciting insights into the local sports scene. And just when you think you've heard it all, Komi spills the beans on his transition into Dynamics and his experiences as a consultant.But the exploration doesn't stop there! We shine the spotlight on a seasoned Dynamics 365 MVP from Africa, as they unravel their favourite modules in the Dynamics 365 portfolio and the winding road to becoming an MVP. Get ready for some behind-the-scenes on their invaluable contributions to the community through forums, blogging, and speaking events. They passionately discuss the power of multilingual content and dreams of becoming a FastTrack Recognized Solution Architect. For those in Africa aspiring to be MVPs, there's a goldmine of advice on the importance of continuous learning and patience. Get ready for a tech-loaded ride!OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Dynamics Community: https://community.dynamics.com/members/komi-siabi Community Spotlight: https://community.dynamics.com/365/b/spotlight/posts/komi-siabi---community-spotlightSupport 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/509 Are you ready to conquer the complex layers of strategic pyramid implementation? Buckle up as we delve deeper, moving away from mere governance to creating conditions for triumph. From platform management and enterprise architecture to application life cycle management, we guide you through the labyrinth, illuminating the path towards success. Ever wondered how to thrive in an ecosystem-driven world? This episode unpacks the power of governance and the importance of Azure Monitor, App Insights and other technologies in establishing successful conditions. Hear us out as we reveal the potential of setting up an ecosystem design authority to nurture and mature your cloud ecosystem. We also shed light on the significance of multi-ecosystem collaboration and how Microsoft is incentivizing Dynamics over the Power Platform. Weaving in our personal experiences, we talk about the essentials we pack for conferences, revealing the importance of meticulous planning for these events. We touch on Microsoft's AI tools like Copilot and how they can be a game-changer for startups. Towards the end, we share personal anecdotes from helping a friend lace a dress to discussing sustainable practices and the debatable trend of returning to the office. So grab a cuppa and tune in to this insightful conversation! 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/508 What if you could peek into the dynamic world of ERP development and understand the evolution of Business Central from NAV? That's exactly what we're offering in our chat with Steve Endow, a senior ERP developer at Blue Dragonfly and a 10-year MVP recipient. Steve takes us on a journey through his tech landscape, honing in on Dynamics 365 Business Central, its potential for large enterprises despite being a mid-market solution, and its burgeoning role in application development and customization. Together, we also traverse the enticing but challenging terrain of the Dynamics 365 stack, and how it serves as a supplemental tool.Ever wondered about the intricacies of becoming a Microsoft MVP? We delve into it, talking about the rewards and difficulties of this achievement, and Microsoft's push for partners to specialize. Our guest, an MVP for over a decade, shares his voyage, including his recent venture in Latin America, aimed at training Business Central professionals. The importance of English proficiency in the tech industry, particularly in El Salvador, also takes center stage. Brace yourself for an insightful episode packed with Steve's wisdom, advice, and experiences in the ever-evolving tech industry.OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ GitHub - https://github.com/steveendow 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/507 Hop aboard the Tech Express with AJ Zafar, the solutions architect from England! Our guest is a tech whiz at Kerv Digital, but don't let his tech credentials fool you. AJ Zafar is a man of many layers; he's an avid community contributor, a pizza enthusiast (pineapple topping included), and a beloved community rock star. Join us as we explore his vibrant world, from his fascinating work life to his fun experiences at a recent community event in Vegas.Are you ready to witness a web developer's metamorphosis into a Power Platform wizard? We've got that captivating tale covered as we dive into the world of Metro Bank. It's a journey filled with challenges, solutions, and growth, showcasing how citizen development is changing the game in the tech world. Hear how our AJ navigated through initial restrictions and smaller problems to successfully grow the Power Platform within the bank. With experience in Unity and WordPress to boot, you can't help but admire the strides they've made towards enabling citizen development at Metro Bank.The topic of security is ever prevalent in our tech-driven world, and we're not shying away from it. Our guest unravels the challenging web of security concerns faced in the realm of citizen development, particularly in a bank setting. From handling these concerns to managing platform access, we delve into it all. We round off with a look at application life cycle management, the significance of a theory test app, and the role of continuous learning in this fast-paced industry. So, buckle in for this tech-filled ride and let's explore the multifaceted world of Power Platform together!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/506Ever wonder what it's like to transition from IT to Power Apps and the Power Platform? Join us as we sit down with Ahmed, a seasoned Microsoft Power Platform solution architect, to unlock the secret behind his journey. Ahmed, who's been in the field since 2013, opens up about his life’s journey, from growing up in the United Arab Emirates and Sudan to becoming a recent MVP awardee. He shares his enthusiasm for Dataverse, his recent ventures with Dynamics 365 FNO, and even his current diet! It's not just about code, but also about the person behind it, and we promise you're going to love this intimate conversation with Ahmed.We then shift gears to delve into the nitty-gritty of Power Apps and the Power Platform. Whether you're a newbie or an experienced developer looking to broaden your knowledge, this episode is a treasure trove. Listen in as we discuss Ahmed's transition from the world of IT, his passion for Dataverse, and his hands-on experience with Dynamics 365 FNO. Ahmed also recommends some indispensable resources for those starting out, including the Microsoft Learn program and community forum. Get ready to be inspired, learn, and be part of our ever-growing community!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

Sarah Critchley, an accomplished principal program manager at Microsoft, shares her inspiring life journey and discusses Power Virtual Agents (PVA). She uncovers the secrets of PVA, including the PowerCat PVA playbook and Generative Actions. The podcast also delves into the integration of Azure Open AI service with PVA and the potential role of voice technology in PVA.