Microsoft Innovation Podcast

Joshua Jones, Director of Training at Voltage Learning, illuminates the fascinating intersection of AI and education. He unveils how Microsoft Copilot transforms tools like Loop and Whiteboard into powerful collaborators, sparking creativity with sticky-note prompts. Joshua discusses the evolution of Copilot, highlighting its newfound reliability in Excel and the streamlined project setup in Loop. He also tackles the challenges of inconsistent formatting in PowerPoint and shares insights on using Microsoft Graph to securely access data, making AI a seamless part of professional workflows.

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/731Most people treat AI like a search box, then complain when the answers feel thin. In this episode, Meg and Mark reframe AI as a conversation you practise on purpose. From a “five prompts a day” habit to stronger Custom Instructions, they show how intention, examples, and pushback turn generic outputs into useful work. You’ll also hear a practical te reo Māori learning story, why the word “should” is a red flag in voice interactions, and a calm way to choose tools without FOMO.Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEzWhat you’ll learn- How to build prompting skill through small, daily reps, not one-off hacks.- How to use conversation structure (goal, audience, examples, iteration) for higher-quality outputs.- How to set effective Custom Instructions and ask the tool to interview you first.- How to spot weak guidance in voice mode and push back for evidence.- How to compare models sensibly and choose depth over distraction.Highlights“Five prompts a day is what you should be doing.”“They don’t come to AI with a ‘let’s have a conversation.’”“Instead of approaching it like a one-shot conversation or a search, I thought about approaching it as a conversation with a friend.”“AI is a mirror of who you are.”“If you’re a lazy prompter, you’ll get lazy answers.”“Ask me all the questions that you think you need to ask before I’m ready to create that output.”“The word ‘should’ is what’s important here.”“It’s very easy to say a tool sucks when you don’t use it.”“Different tools do different things.”“It’s still on me to make a decision with the information that I have.”“I’m going to do one a day.”“How lucky are we to be able to take that approach?”MentionedChatGPT Custom Instructions / “Customize GPT”Microsoft Copilot (Custom Instructions)Claude (Anthropic)Gemini (Google; on-device models referenced as “Nano Banana” in the episode)Grok (xAI)ToastmastersISO standards; ANZ standards (Australia/New Zealand)“AI: The Mirror and the Tower,” Dr Oliver Hartwich (Aug 2025) https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/opinion/ai-the-mirror-and-the-tower/kahu.code (te reo Māori learning tools) https://chatgpt.com/g/g-wXVoS6B3c-whakawhiti-reo-kahu-code?model=gpt-4oShow WhatsApp community (listener Q&A) https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEzVideo versions available on Spotify and YouTube Connect with the hostsMark Smith:  Blog: https://www.nz365guy.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guyMicrosoft 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

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/730 What happens when low-code platforms promise speed but deliver complexity? In this episode, Dovydas Grigaitis—a seasoned consultant and self-proclaimed Power Platform skeptic—pulls back the curtain on the hidden costs of low-code development. From technical debt to the blurred lines between developers and consultants, Dovydas shares hard-earned lessons and practical insights that challenge conventional wisdom. If you're building with Power Platform or exploring AI-driven automation, this episode will sharpen your perspective and help you build smarter, more scalable solutions. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS - Low-code isn’t always low-maintenance: Many canvas apps are built without scalable architecture, leading to costly rebuilds and technical debt. - The developer-consultant hybrid is rising: In low-code environments, technical professionals must also be customer-facing to deliver real value. - PCF controls unlock serious potential: From keyboard shortcuts to AI-powered OCR, custom controls can bridge gaps in Power Platform’s native capabilities. - Model-driven apps as backend-as-a-service: With the right setup, developers can build custom React frontends while leveraging Dataverse for security, logic, and hosting. - Flutter Flow vs. Power Platform: Dovydas highlights how other platforms better support transitions from low-code to pro-code development. 🧰RESOURCES MENTIONED: 👉 PCF Gallery – A community-driven library of Power Platform component framework controls - https://pcf.gallery 👉 Flutter Flow – A visual app builder with exportable code for pro-code development - https://flutterflow.io 👉Dataverse – Microsoft’s scalable data platform for model-driven apps - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/data-platform/data-platform-intro 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

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/729   What happens when curiosity meets courage in the tech world? In this episode, Edit Kapcari shares how she transformed imposter syndrome into innovation—leading solution development at ORBUS and mentoring rising tech talent. From building AI-powered apps at hackathons to fostering internal communities that thrive on experimentation, Edit reveals how being a “sponge” for learning can reshape careers and company culture. If you're navigating the fast-moving world of AI, leadership, or Power Platform, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.  🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS - Hackathons as Launchpads: How Edit used hackathons to validate ideas, build confidence, and drive real business value with AI and Power Platform. - Mentorship That Moves People: Why creating space for experimentation and failure is essential to growing tech talent. - Building Learning Cultures: The importance of hiring “sponges” and fostering internal communities that share knowledge weekly. - Balancing Tech with Mental Health: How Edit integrates meditation, conscious eating, and psychology to lead with empathy and clarity. - Navigating the AI Landscape: Insights on staying current with AI trends, from generative interfaces to agentic systems, even when it’s not part of your day job.🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED: 👉 Microsoft's low-code development platform: https://powerplatform.microsoft.com 👉 Tools for integrating AI models: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-automate/custom-connectors 👉Lisa Crosbie’s YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@LisaCrosbie 👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 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

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith🎙️ Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/728Digital fluency isn’t about hoarding tips or binge-watching tutorials. It’s the applied, confident use of tools to achieve outcomes. In this episode, we unpack why “skills over knowledge” matters, how to build a learn-it-all mindset, and what one level deeper looks like in daily work. You’ll hear practical ways to handle change, reduce digital risk, and use AI productively without losing your judgement. Expect clear examples, from identity scams to proposal workflows, and a simple path to turn theory into practice.Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEzWhat you’ll learnDigital fluency = applied, confident use of tools; you can’t binge 25 years of skills in a weekend.Shift from know-it-all to learn-it-all: use curiosity, small daily changes, and personal wins to beat change fatigue.Trust is the organising principle: adopt a Zero Trust posture, and pressure-test decisions against your values.Practical AI workflow: research context, constrain scope, write section-specific prompts, export structured outputs, and read aloud to check tone and accuracy.Cybersecurity hygiene: limit oversharing, enable MFA and passkeys, review platform defaults, and sense-check content with a second pair of eyes.Highlights“You can't live life on somebody else's knowledge.”“We can't binge watch 25 years of digital skills in a weekend.”“Applied confident use of digital tools.”“Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.”MentionedMicrosoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Graph“Learn-it-all” mindset (Satya Nadella)Zero Trust security modelProSci change management (ADKAR)Microsoft Teams Administrator certificationSpeechify (text-to-speech)Passkeys and multifactor authenticationInstagram privacy/settings, Facebook data policiesOura Ring, 23andMe (data and vendor trust considerations)Dynamics Minds keynote reference (Donna Sarkar)Connect with the hostsMark Smith: Blog: https://www.nz365guy.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guyMeg Smith: Blog: https://www.megsmith.nz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnzSupport the showSubscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.Keywords: digital fluency, digital literacy, The Intelligence Age, skills over knowledge, learn-it-all mindset, AI skills, AI productivity, prompt engineering, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot prompts, Zero Trust, cybersecurity hygiene, data privacy, social engineering, identity theft preventionMicrosoft 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

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/727What if you could pivot into AI and low-code development—without a technical background or a hefty tuition bill? In this episode, Luis Camino shares how Microsoft’s Power Up program is helping over 120,000 professionals worldwide build real-world AI skills through hands-on, no-cost learning. Whether you're looking to automate workflows, generate insights, or lead digital transformation in your organization, this conversation reveals how Power Up is reshaping the future of work—one cohort at a time.  🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS - Power Up is a free, hands-on learning academy designed to help professionals build practical AI and low-code skills, regardless of technical background. - Applied learning is central—participants work on real projects and can showcase their work to earn badges and recognition. - Mentorship and community support play a key role in learner success, with live Q&A sessions and volunteer mentors across time zones. - Enterprise teams are adopting Power Up to upskill employees and drive internal innovation, with tailored onboarding and governance support. - The curriculum is expanding to include Copilot Studio and conversational AI, with future tracks potentially covering advanced AI topics.🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED: 👉Sign up: aka.ms/PowerUp/nz365guy 👉 Power Up Program Website: aka.ms/powerup 👉 Microsoft Power Platform: powerplatform.microsoft.com  👉 Copilot Studio: learn.microsoft.com/copilot-studio 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

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/726What happens when a company goes all-in on AI at scale? In this episode, Christoffer Besler Hansen shares how Atea rolled out Microsoft 365 Copilot across thousands of employees—and what they learned along the way. From surprising use cases to measurable time savings, Christoffer reveals the real-world impact of generative AI in the workplace, and why user adoption is the true key to transformation.  🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS - Copilot saves time fast: Most users report saving 30–40 minutes daily, with 20% saving over an hour. - Adoption beats access: Licenses alone don’t drive value—structured onboarding and communication are essential. - Project leaders and consultants benefit most: These roles see major gains in productivity and quality. - Copilot Research Agent is a game-changer: It dramatically reduces time spent on complex tasks like architectural design and meeting prep. - Executive buy-in matters: Atea’s C-suite drove early adoption and shifted the mindset from cost to value.  🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED: 👉 Microsoft 365 Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot  👉 Copilot Research Agent – Part of Microsoft 365 Copilot (no separate URL mentioned) 👉 GitHub Copilot – https://github.com/features/copilot 👉 Cursor IDE – https://www.cursor.so 👉 ChatGPT – https://chat.openai.com 👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTEShttps://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/725Feeling behind on AI? You’re not too late. In this kickoff to the AI Advantage Show, Meg and Mark unpack the myth that “everyone is already ahead,” share why only a small group are true power users, and show how to turn fear into curiosity, then into practical skills. You will learn how to use AI as a thought partner, build adaptability in the Intelligence Age, and plug into a community that learns and teaches together, ako-style.Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEzWhat you’ll learn- Why the “everyone is ahead” idea is a myth, and what the 10 percent power-user cliff really means for you- How to shift from knowledge to applied skill through iteration, not one-shot prompts- Ways to use AI as a thought partner so your ideas lead, and the model supports- How adaptability, curiosity, and practice compound your results over time- A simple “20 Questions” exercise that keeps outputs in your true voice- Why community matters for confidence, accountability, and momentumHighlights“It is not a ramp, it is a cliff.”“Skill beats hype. Practice, iterate, and ask better follow-up prompts.”“AI is becoming an extension of us, like the phone in your pocket.”“Ako means we learn and teach together.”MentionedBrad Smith, Tools and Weapons: https://amzn.to/45H16sDMark’s Tech Trailblazer 2-Minute Tuesday Read: https://pages.nz365guy.com/linkedinConnect with the hostsMark Smith:Blog: https://www.nz365guy.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guyMeg Smith: Blog: https://www.megsmith.nzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnzSupport the showSubscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.Keywords: AI skills, generative AI, Copilot, prompting, Intelligence Age, digital fluency, adaptability, productivity, AI thought partner, learning communitySupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/724 What if your AI adoption strategy could actually stick—and scale? In this episode, Dan Boyles, Head of AI at First AI Group, shares how his team helps businesses move beyond hype to real, measurable impact with Microsoft Copilot. From building prompt libraries to empowering champions, Dan reveals the frameworks and tactics that turn AI from a buzzword into a business advantage. Whether you're leading transformation or just getting started, this conversation is packed with insights to help you drive adoption that lasts. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS - Adoption must be intentional: Successful AI rollouts start with leadership buy-in, clear goals, and a phased strategy—not just flipping the switch. - Champion programs drive momentum: Identifying and empowering internal advocates is key to scaling Copilot across departments. - Prompt engineering is a skill: Effective prompts can reduce hours of work to minutes—some of Dan’s best are over 1,000 words long. - Data hygiene matters: Poor data leads to poor AI outcomes. Clean, curated content is essential to avoid hallucinations and misinformation. - Business-first mindset wins: AI should align with real business goals—whether it’s saving time, increasing revenue, or enabling new capabilities. 🧰RESOURCES MENTIONED: 👉 GitHub Prompt Buddy - https://github.com/stuartridout/promptbuddy  👉 Microsoft Copilot Overview - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/for-individuals 👉 TextExpander – https://textexpander.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

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/723 When Copilot went down for half a day, Bo Fischer Carlsen realized just how deeply embedded AI had become in his daily workflow. In this episode, Bo—an AI strategist from Copenhagen—shares how he's helping organizations move beyond the hype and into real-world implementation of Microsoft Copilot. From compliance challenges to training programs and maturity assessments, Bo offers a practical roadmap for integrating AI into business operations. Whether you're just starting with generative AI or scaling across departments, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t find in a product demo. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS - Copilot is becoming indispensable: Bo shares how Copilot is quietly becoming as essential as Outlook or Teams for productivity—especially once users realize how much they rely on it. - Training is critical for adoption: Successful AI integration starts with tailored training, beginning with Copilot Chat to build foundational understanding before moving into apps like Word and PowerPoint. - Compliance is a major blocker: Many organizations lack the data governance needed to safely deploy AI tools. Bo emphasizes the importance of preparing legal and compliance teams early. - Maturity assessments drive success: Bo uses multi-level assessments—individual, departmental, and organizational—to tailor AI rollouts and avoid one-size-fits-all approaches. - Expectation management matters: Users often expect Copilot to do everything. Bo advises setting realistic expectations, especially around what Copilot can and can’t do in tools like PowerPoint. 🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED: 👉Microsoft Copilot for M365: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot 👉 Microsoft Purview (Compliance Platform): https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/compliance/microsoft-purview 👉 EU AI Act Overview: https://artificialintelligenceact.eu 👉 Microsoft Loop: https://loop.microsoft.com 👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 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