Microsoft Innovation Podcast

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.

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