Microsoft Innovation Podcast

FULL SHOW NOTES https://podcast.nz365guy.com/504 Imagine sharing a meal with a friend who not only understands the nuances of rich Indian cuisine but also the complexities of the tech world. That's our guest Rachit Garg for you, a Principal Technical Architect from Melbourne, and Microsoft MVP awardee in 2023. He brings a unique blend of flavours to the table - from his favourite spicy dishes of Uttar Pradesh, India, to the technological conundrums he tackles daily. You'll feel the heat of his passion for food and the spark of his technological insights while discovering the diverse taste preferences within his family.  Our conversation takes a twist as we explore the tech world with Rachit, another Microsoft MVP. His journey is lined with invaluable advice for aspiring MVPs, emphasizing the need for a unique contribution, a clear focus, and a well-crafted plan. He makes the concept of AI in Dynamics 365 sound as easy as pie, presenting various practical use cases. So, whether you're a food enthusiast navigating the tech world or a tech aficionado with a penchant for spicy food, this conversation promises to serve you a buffet of insights and experiences. OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ BOOKS & OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED :F&O applications and gearing up for MVP application: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/get-started-financial-management-dyn365-finance/?WT.mc_id=DX-MVP-5005277 https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/get-started-financial-management-dyn365-finance/?WT.mc_id=DX-MVP-5005277 https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-US/search?target=Profile&program=MVPWT&mc_id=DX-MVP-5005277 https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-US/faq?section=mvp,WT&mc_id=DX-MVP-5005277 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/503 Ever wondered how a social psychologist ended up in IT? Join us for an engaging conversation with our guest, Nils Gooijer, a product owner from the Netherlands who has seamlessly meshed his academic background with his professional expertise. Nils, who has worked with major clients like Heineken, enlightens us on how his path from psychology led him to a pivotal role in IT. He takes us through his fascinating journey, highlighting the integral role of adoption and change management in crafting solutions. In the second part of our discussion, Nils delves deeper into the nuances of adoption and change management. He draws intriguing parallels between these concepts and marketing strategies, shedding light on a marketing template that can be utilized in power platform implementations. If you're seeking tips on creating a fun and inclusive team culture, Nils has got you covered. He emphasizes the power of fun in fostering an inclusive environment, also acknowledging how the Microsoft community encourages individuals to express themselves through the Power Platform. Expect a wealth of insights from this captivating chat! OTHER RESOURCES: Miro board - https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVMTYbxPw=/?share_link_id=955746465988 European Power Platform European Power Platform Conference: https://www.sharepointeurope.com/conference/speakers/nils-gooijer/ 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/502 What happens when a tech enthusiast from Ecuador finds his calling in the vibrant city of Amsterdam? Join us as we chat with Wilmer Alcivar, an MVP from the Netherlands who is passionate about everything CRM, social media integration and adding value to CRM projects. From his early days in Ecuador to his current involvement in the Dynamics sales model and his shift towards the Power Platform, Wilmer’s journey is not only intriguing but also inspiring.  Picture this – a laid-back conversation about tech, culture, and personal anecdotes, all while navigating through the maze of Microsoft Business Applications. Learn from Wilmer as he regales us with his experience with model-driven apps, canvas apps, and custom pages using the Greater Kit. He also takes us through his pioneering work with Power Pages, Power Automate Desktop, and the challenges he sees in the Power Platform. From his initial rejection to finally becoming an MVP, Wilmer's candid recount of his journey offers valuable insights. This episode promises a unique blend of personal wisdom and professional insight, all delivered with a dash of Wilmer's signature charm. OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Power 365 Academy - https://www.power365academy.com/ GitHub - https://github.com/walcivarSupport 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/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. 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/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 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.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

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-LeendersSupport 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!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