Microsoft Innovation Podcast

FULL SHOW NOTES https://podcast.nz365guy.com/474 Get ready for an engaging fireside chat with Mahender Pal, a groundbreaking Principal Consultant at Himbap and Dynamics CRM MVP since 2010. He has the honour of being the first MVP from India in the Dynamics CRM space and his story is an enriching one. From a humble beginning in the world of technology in 2007, Mahender's ascent to an MVP in 2010 is a testament to his relentless passion and unwavering dedication. Join us as he recounts his fascinating journey, sharing insights into his personal life, love for travel and cooking, and the invaluable resources he leaned on to elevate his career.As we venture deeper into our conversation with Mahender, we uncover his perspective on the profound impact of Microsoft Dynamics CRM marketing. He unravels his motivations for penning his first book and the overwhelming response it garnered. Listen keenly as he deciphers Packet's promotional strategy for his books and his take on the dynamic evolution of the Dynamics CRM space. He also reveals his current endeavours in building custom applications on Dataverse for customers and the arduous task of juggling book writing with family responsibilities. This is an episode ripe with wisdom from an industry stalwart - an indispensable listen for every aspiring MVP.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/473 Ready to supercharge your understanding of AI and automation? Prepare to be enlightened by Stephen Siciliano, Microsoft's Vice President of Power Automate, as he navigates us through the thrilling world of tech, highlighting the significant advancements since our last chat in 2019. An outdoor enthusiast from Seattle, Steven shares his love for nature and how he leverages AI in his personal life. He also gives us a sneak peek into how AI fuels Microsoft’s Co-Pilot and Power Automate.Ever wondered how Microsoft embraced GPT technology to boost Power Automate flows? Or how do the code-generating capabilities of the GitHub co-pilot model work? We've got you covered. Steven discusses the launch of the Power Automate Co-Pilot for Cloud Flows feature and how it's making a difference. He also shares updates on the Power Automate interface and how its newfound smoothness is transforming workflow creation.The conversation with Steven takes an interesting turn as we spotlight the importance of the comprehensive Power Platform. As we observe a trend of organizations shunning specific point solutions and adopting a more holistic view of their IT landscape, Steven underlines the potential of GPT technology in building Power Automate flows and how AI will impact RPA in the future. We conclude with a fascinating discussion on the integration of RPA and process mining, how automated workflow recommendations can be drawn from activity logs, and the ongoing work on parity in the Power Platform. So buckle up and join us for this insightful journey into the future of tech and automation. And let's anticipate the grand celebration when the fullness of time arrives! Trust us; you don't want to miss it.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/472 We dive headfirst into the dynamic world of D365 with none other than Elif, a veteran consultant who has scaled her way up the ladder to a director role in a partner company. Prepare to glean useful insights and nuggets of wisdom as Elif opens the floor for a chat about her passion for D365 training and her innovative learning platform. Designed for D365 users, this platform focuses on making core team members and subject matter experts effective end users. But Elif's story doesn't end at technology. In a delightful deviation from tech talk, we wander through the lanes of her personal life - her recent house move, her love for food and travel, and her fascinating trip to Turkey. Listen as she paints a vivid picture of Turkish city life and culture, with an intriguing interlude into the history of the country and the life of Atatürk, the founder of modern-day Turkey. This episode is a charming blend of tech insights, personal tales, and riveting cultural discussions that promise an engaging experience.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/471 Lend us your ears for an enlightening chat with our guest, Michael, Avernart's manager of experience design. He's here to spill the beans on his philosophy of integrating the 3Fs - food, family, and fun into his life, his wanderlust fueled by his love for food, and how his superpower of kindness has shaped his personal and professional journey. Curious to find out how Michael garners maximum enjoyment from his travel destinations based on their culinary offerings? Eager to learn how the act of kindness plays an integral role in everyday success? Tune in to get your answers!Michael also documents his invaluable insights on the Power Platform's center of excellence, a treasure trove for enterprise growth. We unearth the intricate aspects of its implementation, governance, and scalability. Michael provides first-hand accounts of guiding his clients from a chaotic platform to a scalable one that aligns with their business goals. The conversation takes a turn towards the significance of an environment strategy and a tenant-wide DLP policy. Wondering about the possible pitfalls of using Power Platform without a comprehensive plan? Get ready to be enlightened as Michael relives his experiences and offers advice on how to tap into the full potential of the Power Platform. Don't miss out on this captivating 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/470 Picture this: A Ukrainian woman in Australia, a mother of two, who is not only a Bicram Yoga enthusiast but also an MVP in Microsoft Dynamics BC at Valrata. Intrigued? That's Alexandra, who shares her inspiring journey with us in this episode. From her home country to her new abode down under, her career in tech, her gastronomic adventures across cultures, and of course, her passion for Bicram Yoga, Alexandra doesn't hold back. She also candidly talks about the current state of affairs in Ukraine and her journey into the world of software and ERP, crediting her inspiring leader, Manon, for her success.Imagine the fusion of finance and AI, sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Alexandra explains how she uses Power BI and Business Central to simplify everyday tasks and how AI is transforming finance operations within organizations. She then guides us through the reporting features of Business Central and Power BI which aid in making well-informed business decisions. Alexandra also underscores the significance of training for developing analytics skills and touches upon the role of Power Virtual Agents in querying data from Teams. Furthermore, she shares the crucial role of community engagement in becoming an MVP and how the title, while a feather in the cap, doesn't necessarily alter personal growth.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/469 Ever thought about the power of diversity and how it can revolutionize the world of technology? Join us for a stimulating conversation with Ioana Tanase, an accessibility PM at Microsoft, a shoemaker by passion, a budding farmer and a published author. This episode takes you through her alluring life journey from Romania to France, where she's revamping an old farmhouse and venturing into sustainable farming. We dig deep into the centrality of accessibility in software development and how Microsoft's groundbreaking Accessibility Toolkit is altering the landscape of tech-product creation by keeping disability in mind.The conversation takes a closer look at the importance of building diverse teams, the potential of avatars, adaptive technology, and customizability in offering more flexibility to users. We also shed light on the untapped potential of hiring people with disabilities. Iona offers an enlightening perspective on how inclusivity plays a vital role in creating an environment where individuals of all abilities can flourish. This episode seeks to redefine the way you perceive technology, accessibility, and diversity. Secure your headphones and prepare yourselves for an insightful exploration into the world of accessible tech. OTHER RESOURCES: Published Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ioana-Tanase/author/B08B2GL66B?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true AI for Accessibility: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/ai-for-accessibility 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/468 Mohammad Yasar discusses his role as a family man and how he spends quality time with his daughter.  Discover Mohammad’s secret to finding a healthy work-life balance while enjoying activities and bonding with loved ones.  Mohammad shares his passion for technology and how his hobby of building computers in his teenage years paved the way for a successful career. Mohammad shares his career journey and how he gained expertise in various applications like JD Edwards, Oracle, and SAP. Mohammad delves into the world of low-code development and its benefits for organizations.  Discover how platforms like Power Apps and Power Automate enable business users to build custom applications and automate processes without extensive coding knowledge. He explains the value of leveraging Power Apps, Power Automate, and Dataverse in their project deliveries to enhance customer experiences and meet industry-specific requirements. Mohammad also emphasizes the significance of sharing knowledge and believes in the power of collaboration to foster personal and professional development. Mohammad's journey to becoming a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional and learn about the community contributions that earned him this prestigious title. Gain insights into how Mohammad continues to support and mentor others in the tech 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/467 Em D’Arcy updates us on her recent promotion to the position of Director of Low Code at Hitachi Solutions.  Em reflects on her career growth within the Power Platform and highlights the importance of organizations embracing low code to empower business users and free up IT resources. How the Power Platform has transitioned from being seen as a platform for simple apps and games to gaining acceptance and respect as an enterprise solution.  Highlights the role of citizen developers in creating business solutions and the platform's increasing prominence in events like Microsoft's builds, ignites, and inspires. The challenge of perceptions surrounding low code platforms in enterprise settings and the need to educate customers about the capabilities and maturity of the Power Platform and its ability to deliver robust enterprise solutions.  The conversation explores strategies for bridging the gap between traditional development approaches and embracing low code for faster innovation. Learn the critical role of governance and security in successful Power Platform adoption and the significance of digital guardrails, encompassing environment strategies, data policies, and connector management. Em shares insights on fostering a viral maker community within organizations and highlights the importance of providing a platform for makers to share ideas, consult with others, and ask questions. Em also emphasizes the need to invest in makers, including sending them to conferences and recognizing their achievements, to drive adoption and create a sense of pride within 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/466 Introducing Ben den Blanken. He shares his personal life, highlighting the importance and challenges of balancing work and family, which he considers the most significant part of his life. As a Power Platform Lead, Ben excels in connecting the dots and leveraging the Power Platform, Azure, and modern work. Join us as we dive into his journey and discover the key factors that contribute to his success. Ben sheds light on his role at Dynamic People, where he leads teams, engages with customers, and combines specialized knowledge to deliver successful projects. The challenges of keeping up and staying up to date with the constant changes in the Power Platform and Ben's approach and strategies for achieving remarkable results. Delve into Ben's experiences with Power Virtual Agents and his special interest in the technology.  Discusses the value of utilizing Power Virtual Agents to connect different areas of the platform, create quick wins, and alleviate pressure from departments such as HR. Discover how this technology contributes to enhancing the flow of work within organizations. Join the conversation as Ben discusses the exciting advancements in AI, including OpenAI's language models and Microsoft's acquisition of Nuance.  Explore the potential of voice technology, AI chatbots, and the challenges surrounding privacy and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape and the future possibilities that lie ahead. The evolution of chat GPT and AI voice assistants - the changes in AI voice assistants and the impact of chat GPT since November and the limitations of current voice assistants. 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/465 Malcolm McAuley shares the importance of family in his life and how he cherishes the time spent with his wife and two boys.  Discover Malcolm’s family fun revolves around their regular trips and enjoying the water and creating lasting memories. Malcolm delves into his current focus on AI and its potential for leveraging within his organization. Malcolm discusses the evolving landscape of AI and the opportunities it presents for businesses and customers.  Discover how Malcolm’s teenage boys are also intrigued by AI and its applications, exploring the possibilities it offers in the online realm. Malcolm dived into the world of the Power Platform, discussing its dynamic side and its integration with Microsoft 365.  Explore the latest developments, including Copilot and VivaSales, and highlight how these tools are bridging different applications and helping organizations craft adoption and modification plans. Emphasizes the importance of collaboration tools to facilitate remote work and foster better interactions within organizations, moving away from the limitations and inefficiencies of email. Highlight the advantages of inline threads and the ability to see others' comments, allowing employees to form relationships and collaborate more effectively, especially in large organizations with distributed teams. The conversation delves into the various components of Microsoft Viva, focusing on its employee insights features.   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