Microsoft Innovation Podcast

Joe Leo, a Toronto-based leader in supply chain and digital solutions, shares his expertise on scaling automation through the Microsoft Power Platform. He reveals how he transformed tedious manual processes, like cleaning logs and handling countless Excel files, into streamlined canvas apps with real-time insights. Joe discusses deploying a COVID tracking app to 1,000 users in just two weeks and emphasizes the importance of ongoing maintenance for automation tools. He also delves into personal branding strategies in a competitive job market, offering valuable networking tips.

👉 Full Show Noteshttps://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/756 AI is transforming how businesses use data, but most are still stuck with outdated models. In this episode, Brian Perks shares how to unlock high-impact insights by shifting from fragmented data to identity-driven ecosystems. Learn how to optimise your ideal customer profile, reduce waste, and build scalable, AI-powered sales strategies. 🎙️ What you’ll learn How to eliminate low-value data and focus on high-conversion targets Why identity-based data is critical for fraud prevention and sales activation How to optimise your ICP for repeatable, scalable growth What LinkedIn advertising gets wrong—and how to fix it How startups can access enterprise-grade data tools ✅ Highlights “We are making the data available to the platform in its entirety.” “You only want the sales, the marketers, the people that are going to buy your products.” “Companies using 5x5 data have customers that essentially stay forever.” “AI cannot spontaneously generate your email address or mobile number.” “We act as the barometer to let you into the room and see the digital universe.” “LinkedIn has been your professional resume. It is not Facebook for business.” “Most companies don’t run the kind of analytic to understand their soft costs.” “IP-based ABM marketing hits every device on that IP—you’re paying for all of them.” “Small companies no longer have to be in the data business first to build data-enabled products.” “AI models still depend on human journalistic research.” “Publishers are getting scraped 1000 times per visitor under fair use.” “We’re going to need AI shepherds to verify and validate output.” 🧰 Mentioned LinkedIn Sales Navigator: https://business.linkedin.com/sales-solutions/sales-navigator CloudFlare - https://www.cloudflare.com  Claude - https://claude.ai Xandr (Microsoft Advertising): https://www.xandr.com ✅Keywords ai sales, identity data, fraud prevention, data licensing, linkedin advertising, b2b marketing, ideal customer profile, sales activation, publishing models, audience extension, data utility, generative ai 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

In this episode, Amanda Sterner, an employee experience and productivity expert, shares her insights on how Microsoft Loop and Copilot are transforming collaboration. She reveals how Loop's appealing design enhances personal workflows and discusses the challenges with offline access. The conversation highlights how Copilot simplifies complex tools, fostering confidence in users unfamiliar with Microsoft 365. Amanda also emphasizes the importance of Champions programs in driving digital adoption and the necessity of active participation for success.

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith👉 Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/754How to use AI to structure thinking, surface blind spots, and move through complex problems. Meg and Mark show practical patterns: building mental models, running thinking-hat challenges to cut confirmation bias, using AI as a thought partner, debugging code and page issues, automating inbox and workflows, role-playing hard conversations, and rapid research. They share personal wins from branding decisions to rescuing a bee swarm. The episode closes by flagging next week’s focus on ethical decision making and safety.Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz🎙️ What you’ll learnUse AI to build and test mental models that expose blind spots.Run thinking-hat challenges to counter confirmation bias.Treat AI as a thought partner to frame better questions and choices.Diagnose code and page layout issues fast, then move to fixes.Design inbox and workflow automations with Copilot and Power Automate.✅Highlights“How can we use AI to help us solve problems.”“AI is not gonna take our jobs, but greedy capitalist will.”“We are living in this world that is trying to polarize us all the time.”“I like the concept of mental models.”“I’m going to ask my dumbest question.”“I’m waking up and within three minutes of inbox, it’s empty again.”“I’ve got AI. I don’t need to call anybody.”🧰MentionedEdward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Thinking_HatsZenler https://www.newzenler.com/invite/aeLVdHRecipetineats https://www.recipetineats.com/Connect 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, mental models, problem solving, strategic thinking, copilot, power automate, code reviewing, confirmation bias, six thinking hats, ethical decision making, chatgpt, beekeeping 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/753  AI adoption starts with data readiness. Yatindra Ranpura shares a practical framework for deploying Copilot successfully, including how to clean legacy systems, measure adoption, and align with regulations like GDPR and the EU AI Act. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and build a resilient, scalable AI strategy. 🎙️ What you’ll learn How to prepare your data for Copilot and AI tools A 3-step framework for successful AI adoption Ways to identify and remove ROT (redundant, obsolete, trivial) data How to align AI rollouts with GDPR and the EU AI Act Techniques for measuring sentiment and adoption across teams ✅ Highlights “Data quality is a super important topic.” “Establishing the correct guardrails of any Copilot release is fundamental.” “If you don’t need it, you should get rid of it.” “ROT data means you can really focus on what is the key thing.” “We discovered the most popular file was the restaurant menu.” “You want to get something done rapidly, but pull in the right parts of the business.” “GDPR and the EU AI Act are super important.” “You can measure sentiment without needing a formal survey.” “We realised there were three copies of the same information going around.” “Some organisations aren’t even prepared.” “You’ve got to make sure you’ve packed properly.” “We help restructure and break down huge icebergs into smaller ones.” 🧰 Mentioned Microsoft Copilot - Enjoy an AI Assistant Anywhere with Copilot for PC, Mac, Mobile, and More | Microsoft Copilot Office 365 - Microsoft 365 - Subscription for Productivity Apps | Microsoft 365 SharePoint - Safely Collaborate and Share Content | Microsoft SharePoint ✅Keywords copilot, ai adoption, data quality, office 365, sharepoint, gdpr, eu ai act, rot data, sentiment analysis, power platform, data governance, legacy systems 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

Jared Matfess, a Solution Architect at AvePoint, Microsoft MVP, and author, shares his inspiring journey from aerospace to tech. He dives into the challenges of professional burnout and how rediscovering his passion through writing and Microsoft Copilot revitalized his career. Jared discusses simplifying complex AI tools for business users and shares practical use cases for Copilot Studio. He also reflects on overcoming hurdles during his book writing process, highlighting community support and the importance of adapting to rapidly changing technology.

Discover the essential skills needed for effective collaboration with AI agents. Learn how to set clear goals, feedback loops, and define success criteria for digital labor. The discussion highlights the balance of human involvement based on risk and the importance of Business Process Management in optimizing workflows. Explore the duality of excitement and apprehension surrounding AI, and uncover practical strategies for delegating tasks to agents while maintaining trust. Real-world examples and exercises will help you sharpen your delegation skills today!

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 👉 Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/750 Andrew Wingate shares practical insights on building applied AI capability, managing change, and leveraging the Microsoft Power Platform, especially Business Central, for scalable, efficient business solutions. From blogging and video editing to ISV ecosystems and AI agents, this episode is packed with real-world strategies for tech professionals. 🎙️ What you’ll learn   Use AI to accelerate research, writing, and data analysis Build scalable content workflows with tools like Clipchamp and CapCut Evaluate and integrate ISV solutions for Business Central Apply change management strategies in tech projects Optimise cloud storage and backup for business continuity ✅ Highlights “I use AI every day to start, support, or finish tasks.” “Clipchamp lets me edit fast with templates and assets.” “CapCut created a polished video in 30 seconds.” “Business Central has nearly 7,000 apps on AppSource.” “Successful ISVs make partners look good.” “You’ve got to build trust—honesty is essential.” “I’ve Googled a problem and found my own blog post.” “AI helps me find market share data and visualise it.” “The real go-live should be boring—everything’s tested.” “If it’s not backed up in two places, it doesn’t exist.” “I use Audible on walks to recharge and learn.” “AI is starting to influence how I speak in real life.” 🧰 Mentioned Microsoft AppSource (Business Central apps): appsource.microsoft.com Clipchamp (Microsoft video editor): clipchamp.com CapCut (AI-powered video editor): capcut.com Synology NAS (cloud storage solutions): synology.com  ✅ Keywords ai productivity, business central, microsoft power platform, isv ecosystem, clipchamp, capcut, automation tools, copilot studio, appsource, change management, synology nas, oneDrive 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/749   Founder Colin McIntosh shares how he built a consumer brand from scratch and launched a free AI-powered resume builder helping thousands navigate a shifting job market. This episode explores the future of work, the rise of solopreneurs, and how AI is reshaping hiring, branding, and business strategy. 🎙️ What you’ll learn Use AI to optimise resumes and improve job search outcomes Build a brand identity map to guide consistent messaging Navigate AI-driven hiring systems with human-first strategies Scale impressions and conversions in consumer marketing Prepare for a solopreneur future with AI as leverage ✅ Highlights “I give it away for free to anyone who can't afford it.” “AI won’t take your job, but a capitalist will.” “I realised I’m building a company for people like me.” “We sold $300,000 of pre-orders before shipping a single unit.” “You can’t fake a different brand voice.” “I used to pay $250,000 a year for customer care. Now it’s $26,000.” “People are stuck in stasis—six, nine, 12-month job searches.” “300,000 government workers laid off with no warning.” “Capital can now unlock creativity, scale, and product development.” “I created landing pages that spoke in the voice of the podcast.” “My free resume template’s been used a few million times.” “I think it’ll be a golden era for solopreneurs.” 🧰 Mentioned Sheets and Giggles - https://sheetsgiggles.com/en-ca  Sheets Resume -  https://sheetsresume.com/ Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/Techstars - https://www.techstars.com/ ✅Keywords ai resume builder, tech layoffs, solopreneur, brand identity, consumer marketing, job search, sustainable business, lyocell sheets, recruiting tools, impressions strategy, resume optimization, startup growth 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/748Joy Apple shares practical insights on Copilot adoption, governance, and information architecture. She explains how foundational data practices directly impact AI effectiveness, and why adoption must be intentional to succeed. A warm, expert conversation on making AI work in real-world business environments.🎙️ What you’ll learn     How to structure information for effective Copilot use Why governance is critical for successful AI adoption The risks of oversharing and undersharing in data environments How metadata improves findability and automation Why IT-business relationships shape technology success ✅ Highlights   “It’s governance rebranded.” “The M365 world is built to be flat- that’s where all the goodness happens.” “Copilot was like, sorry about you, no.” “You only get one chance to make a good first impression.” “Under sharing means I’m not getting all the data I need.” “Productivity means less friction for the employee.” “I never met a data I didn’t like.” “Copilot will catch up.” “Thank you Microsoft for including SharePoint Advanced Management with the Copilot license.” “Adoption means the needs of my employees are being met.” “Brenda is amazing at Excel - it’s not her job to be a Microsoft 365 expert.” “The relationship between IT and the business is critical.” 🧰 Mentioned   Viva Suite: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-viva Viva Learn: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-viva/learning Purview: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/microsoft-purview Microsoft MVP YouTube Series: How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 ✅ Keywords   copilot, governance, sharepoint, metadata, microsoft 365, adoption, information architecture, purview, teams, viva, oversharing, productivity Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith