Microsoft Innovation Podcast

FULL SHOW NOTES https://podcast.nz365guy.com/478 Get set for a lively chat with our very special guest, Kerry Peters, the passionate CEO and co-founder of New View Strategies. Not just your traditional tech leader, Kerry enthralls us with tales from her hobby farm in Indiana, where she nurtures a fascinating assortment of honeybees, cats, chickens, and an array of wildlife. Join us as we plunge into the captivating world of beekeeping, explore the potential of IoT in monitoring honey production, and share anecdotes about backyard gardens and the gratifying experience of nurturing our own food.Transitioning from the bucolic to the digital world, we navigate the trails of Business Central's metamorphosis from NAV to BC. As we unravel the reasons behind BC's burgeoning popularity, you'll gain a deeper understanding of its subscription-based, cloud-based structure, and why this approach has resonated with its user community. Kerry shares her thoughts on the role of Power Automate, Power Apps, and Power Platform within Business Central, and divulges her journey to becoming an MVP. Whether you're an aspiring MVP or intrigued by sustainable farming, this episode promises to be a thrilling ride!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/477 Get ready to unlock the secrets of scaling and standardizing Power Platform Apps with our guest, Ryan Jones, a Partner Director of Product Management at Microsoft. Imagine managing thousands of apps like a farmer tending to a herd of cattle, instead of doting on them like beloved pets - that's what we unravelled in our enlightening chat with Ryan. We navigated through the transition from Dynamics CRM to the Power Platform, underlining the increasing necessity for Power Platform to be the go-to for building apps.  We dug into the world of managed environments and how these can transform the way tasks are automated across various environments. From the unique needs of production, development, and citizen development environments to the invaluable role of the COE starter kit and managed environments in meeting these needs - it's all about streamlining processes and boosting efficiency. Moreover, we highlighted how the Power Platform community offers invaluable tools that make managing the Power Platform a breeze.  We didn't stop there! We ventured into the realm of Artificial Intelligence and its role in governance within Microsoft. Ryan shared fascinating insights into how AI assists administrators in understanding the apps, workflows, and releases being built within their environment. Plus, we touched on an important aspect - data security and how Microsoft ensures responsible and compliant use of AI. Tune in to discover the Power Platform's potential and how investing in managed environments can result in a significant return on investment for your organization. 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 NOTEShttps://podcast.nz365guy.com/476Ready to unravel the world of Dynamics 365 Business Central and the Power Platform? Join us as we delve into an insightful conversation with our distinguished guest, Gulshan Shubham, a triumph in the field and a proud recipient of the MVP award in 2022. Currently a Senior Advisory Consultant at IBM, he originates from India, a fact that flavours his intriguing journey in Business Central, his penchant for South Indian cuisine, and his hobbies that include series binging, cricket, and badminton. Listen to him articulate his evolution from a coder to a functional consultant and his unwavering commitment to disseminating his profound knowledge to the Dynamics community. Gulshan, with his astute understanding of Dynamics 365 Business Central, has plenty to share about its edge over Oracle NetSuite, particularly for SMB software. He also throws light upon the integration of the Power Platform with Dynamics 365 Business Central - a field where he and his team at IBM are making significant progress. Furthermore, his journey to earning the MVP title is nothing short of an inspirational tale for anyone passionate about Dynamics 365 Business Central. With a firm belief in sharing his knowledge, Gulshan's recognition has only fueled him to become more responsible and knowledgeable as a consultant. Don’t let this chance slip by to learn from one of the stalwarts of the industry!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/475 Ever feel like you're stuck in a failing project with no way out? Fret not! Hugo, our guest for this episode and a seasoned solution architect, gives us a deep-dive into the art of project recovery. With two decades of experience in the tech industry and an unrivaled passion for Microsoft Technologies, Hugo shares invaluable insights on how to turn a sinking ship around. His secret? Understanding the situation fully and earning the customer's trust.But that's not all! Hugo takes us through his recently released book that serves as the ultimate guide for aspiring architects. It's not just about the basics but weaves together his real-world experiences, from various customer sites to diverse projects. Ready to unravel how to manage conflicting requirements and deliver a product that the business truly wants? Listen in on our compelling conversation with Hugo, and understand the magic behind Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and successful project management in the tech world.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/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