Microsoft Innovation Podcast

FULL SHOW NOTES https://podcast.nz365guy.com/448  Find out about David Rivard’s approach to balancing work and family, his favourite winter activities, and the best food to try in Montreal, including the must-try poutine dish. Learn about David’s journey into tech, his early work as a citizen developer in the biotech industry, and how he transitioned into becoming a full-time Dynamics developer. David shares his experience as a Power Platform architect and developer, providing insights into the platform's evolution and the latest features added to it, including chat, GDP, and GPT integration. How Power Platform can be integrated with other systems, such as Salesforce and SharePoint, to create a unified experience for users. The benefits of integration and provide examples of how it can be done using connectors and APIs. Creating Reports with Power BI. Discussion about Power BI, a tool within Power Platform that allows users to create interactive visualizations and reports. How Power Automate can be used to automate repetitive tasks and streamline business processes. Check out examples of how Power Automate can be used in different scenarios. Talks about Power Apps, a component of Power Platform that allows users to create custom business apps using a drag-and-drop interface and the features of Power Apps and walk through the process of building a simple app. Introduction to Power Platform, a suite of tools from Microsoft that allows users to build custom business applications without writing any code. Find out more about the benefits of Power Platform and how it can be used in different industries. This episode is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to become an MVP and looking for inspiration and tips to help them achieve their goal. Listeners can learn about the MVP program, what it takes to become an MVP and the benefits of being a part of this community. OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ PCF Controls: https://pcf.gallery/authors#david_rivard GitHub: https://github.com/drivardxrmSupport 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/447 Christian Segurado talks about his family and background, growing up in Germany, and moving to the US on a soccer scholarship. He shares what he does for fun outside of work, which includes running marathons and playing soccer. He also shares his transition from soccer to tech. Christian explains how he got into consulting and how he found a passion for tech and system integrations. He also talks about the challenges he faced in this transition and how he overcame them. In this podcast episode, Christian shares the importance of collaboration and communication, and how his team at Mazars works with clients to provide customized solutions. Christian talks about the future of mixed-reality devices and their potential to replace traditional screens and laptops. They also discuss Microsoft Mesh, an entry feature that uses Teams infrastructure and avatars, and its potential to revolutionize virtual meetings and collaboration. How Christian feels about the layoffs at Microsoft that have affected the HoloLens team and other areas. Discussions about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work from their unique cultural backgrounds. Christian discusses the future of work and whether remote, hybrid, or in-office work will be the norm. Christian expresses his hopes for HoloLens, saying that he sees the future in the virtual keyboard and multiple screens. Christian stresses the importance of team culture in remote work, explaining how it fosters trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. He offers advice on how to build and maintain team culture in a remote work environment. Christian discusses the impact of remote work on productivity, the environment, and work-life balance, and predicts what the future may hold. OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Mazars LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mazarsinus/ 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/446 William  McLendon shares about his family and his love for food, particularly barbecue. They also discuss his reading interests, which currently revolve around technology and customer service. Are you curious about the life of a solution architect? In this episode, William McLendon shares his journey and what he enjoys about his work. Want to learn from a tech expert? Tune in to learn more about William's insights on supporting business objectives and discuss the importance of customer service. William also shares the importance of customer service in the tech industry. William discusses a lead generation scenario where they capture lead information and align bookable resources accordingly.  William discusses the use case of self-selecting scheduling, where a person can log in to the portal and see available appointment slots based on the resource schedule and its significant impact on many companies and their scheduling process. Discussions about licensing on scheduling and whether it can be licensed outside of field service. They discuss the possibilities and limitations surrounding this issue. MVP Program and William’s journey into becoming a Microsoft MVP. OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Power community events: https://events.powercommunity.com/team/william-mclendon/ Power community: https://www.powercommunity.com/d365-wave-2-universal-resource-scheduling-at-scale-by-william-mclendon/ and https://www.powercommunity.com/universal-resource-scheduling-at-scale-william-mclendon/ Summit Community: https://www.summitna.com/speaker/william-mclendon/ 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/445 Sitaram Pemmaraju shares his love for spicy food and how he enjoys trying out new restaurants. He also talks about his family and his passion for playing video games with his children. Sitaram shares how his childhood passion for understanding how video games were built led him to pursue a degree in computer science. He worked in a couple of service industries before landing his dream job at Microsoft. Understanding Power Apps Wrap, a tool that produces mobile apps for the enterprise. The discussion revolves around the advantages and challenges of using this tool for app development in the enterprise. Sitaram Pemmaraju explores the new Power Apps Wrap platform, specifically designed to produce mobile apps for enterprise use. They delve into the features and capabilities of the platform, highlighting how it can benefit businesses looking to develop custom apps quickly and easily. Sitaram discusses how Power Apps Wrap can simplify the development process and make it more accessible to non-developers. He explains how the platform can help companies improve productivity, increase efficiency, and streamline processes by allowing employees to easily access important data and workflows via mobile devices. Sitaram also discusses the steps businesses need to take to get started with Power Apps Wrap. They cover topics such as setting up the platform, creating custom templates, and working with data sources. He also provides tips and advice on how to ensure the successful adoption of the platform within an organization. The podcast looks at the broader implications of Power Apps Wrap for the future of enterprise apps. Sitaram discusses how the platform can help companies stay competitive by enabling them to quickly adapt to changing business needs and technology trends.Sitaram shares some real-world examples of how Power Apps Wrap is being used by businesses today to create custom apps that have improved productivity, reduced costs, and enhanced customer experiences. Sitaram speaks about the evolution of app building and the differences between version one and version two. Sitaram explains how version one had a lot of manual steps that caused confusion for some customers, while version two is completely wizard-based with five easy steps to follow.  The podcast discusses the various distribution channels used by companies to distribute apps. Microsoft has its App Center, while Intune is another popular channel among Microsoft customers.    Sitaram discusses some potential benefits of utilizing the WRAP features in the Power Apps and how they benefit your client's business functions.  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/444Ibrahim Idowu discusses his journey into the IT field, his passion for the Power platform, and how he balances work with his love of football and gaming.  We explore how Ibrahim’s interest in repairing computers led him to study engineering and how his first job out of school introduced him to SharePoint and Microsoft technology, and how he found his niche in the Power Platform. In this episode, we learned about how Power Platform is revolutionizing the way businesses operate in Nigeria.  Ibrahim talks about his experience founding the Nigerian Power Apps User Group in 2019, how the group has grown, how it's helped people embrace the Power platform, and why community is so important to him. The Power Apps community in Nigeria is actively promoting this technology, and we are seeing its impact across various industries. The Power Apps community in Nigeria is a growing network of developers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who are passionate about empowering their businesses with technology. The future of Power Platform in Nigeria and an excellent opportunity for developers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to learn about this technology and take advantage of its benefits. Ibrahim discussed the exciting potential for AI integration within Power Platforms, including how it can streamline business processes and improve decision-making capabilities. Ibrahim also discusses how his interest in AI was sparked during his work in SharePoint and how he sees AI shaping the future of IT. Learn about the latest AI tools and techniques being used to create smarter and more efficient Power Platforms, and how businesses can benefit from their integration. Ibrahim discusses the latest developments in AI-assisted workflows and how they can help businesses stay ahead of the curve. Ibrahim discusses the potential benefits of democratizing AI, including increased productivity and innovation, and how Power Platforms can make this vision a reality.  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/443Shadrack Kiprotich shares his experience working in the industry and how his company is using technology to empower farmers in Kenya. Shadrack talks about his journey in the tech industry, from winning awards to working on open-source projects.  Shadrack also talks about his upbringing and shares some insights into Kenyan culture.  Shadrack talks about his upbringing and shares some insights into Kenyan culture, from the food to the music. Shadrack shares his journey of discovering low-code platforms such as Microsoft's Power Platform and explains how he found himself answering coding-related questions in his commerce classes and how he introduced his classmates to the Power Platform.  Shadrack shares his journey from studying finance to becoming a business applications enthusiast.  Shadrack shares his experience of forming a community group to empower local enthusiasts and how he sees low-code platforms shaping the future of application development. He also discusses his passion for adding artificial intelligence to business applications and the benefits it can bring. He also discusses some of the challenges associated with implementing AI and the importance of understanding the needs of the organization before implementing AI solutions. Shares his experiences as a community builder in the tech industry. Kiprotich emphasizes the importance of building relationships and supporting others within the community. He also discusses some of the benefits of community building, such as access to resources and the ability to learn from others. Kiprotich encourages listeners to try new things and take on new challenges, as this can lead to personal and professional growth.  OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ GitHub: https://github.com/shadrackkiprotich  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/442 Dr. S. Gomathi shares how she first became interested in technology and how it has evolved over time. Learn about Dr. S. Gomathi's journey into the world of technology and what motivates her passion for teaching. Gomathi shares how education has opened doors for her and allowed her to pursue her passions. Throughout her career, Gomathi has been committed to giving back to her community and helping others. Dr. S. Gomathi discusses her approach to teaching and sharing knowledge. She emphasizes the importance of simplifying complex concepts and using visual aids to help people understand difficult topics. Learn the importance of lifelong learning. Dr. S. Gomathi emphasizes the need for continuous education, even after completing a formal degree. She encourages listeners to pursue their passions and explore new topics, whether through self-directed study or formal coursework. This podcast provides insight into the world of technology and education. Dr. S. Gomathi discusses her experiences with various software tools and platforms, as well as her work with Google for Education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and education. OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Dr S Gomathi’s GitHub: https://github.com/Gomathikrishna/D365-Business-Central-AL-Programming 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/441 Goloknath Mishra shares his experience in Singapore, where he enjoys exploring different places, particularly Little India for its vegetarian food options. Tune in for an engaging conversation with Goloknath about technology and learn the vital aspect of career growth and success. Goloknath shares his experience of building solutions on the Power Platform and how the platform has evolved over the years.  Goloknath talks about the Singapore community around Dynamics 365 and his involvement with it over the years.    The importance of having a clear vision and mission for your business, and how to define your ideal customer and target market. Goloknath talks about the various line of business applications he has seen built using Dynamics and the Power Platform. Goloknath explains that his area of expertise is in Dynamics CRM, but he has also delved into the Power Platform, which he finds to be an interesting and low-cost platform for building a line of business applications. A discussion about the future of the Power Platform and how it can be used to create even more innovative solutions for businesses. Goloknath encourages listeners to explore the platform and see what it can do for their organizations. OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ PAD in Udemy - https://www.udemy.com/course/introduction-to-power-automate-desktop/ 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/440 Ferran Chopo shares his hobbies and family life – what he does for fun, how he spends his time with his family and enjoying the sunny weather and delicious food in Barcelona.  Ferran shares his insights on the ease of use and flexibility of Power Apps and the time-saving benefits of Power Automate.  Ferran also talks about his role as a member of the SharePoint Music Group in Barcelona and his love for music.  Ferran discusses his current role with the Power Platform and the benefits of Power Automate and Power Apps for both developers and business users.Ferran shares his journey into technology, starting with his first computer at the age of 14 and his passion for building applications.  Ferran shares his experience working with various Microsoft technologies, including the Power Platform, and the impact it has had on automating processes and building custom solutions.  Ferran discusses the benefits of Power Automate for automating repetitive tasks and saving time, as well as the flexibility and ease of use of Power Apps for building custom solutions.  Ferran shares his passion for the Power Platform and how it has opened up new opportunities for him in his career.  Ferran shares his experience as a Microsoft MVP and discusses the process of becoming a Microsoft MVP, including the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and sharing knowledge with the community.  If you're interested in learning more about the Power Platform and how it can benefit your organization, be sure to listen to this episode and check out the links in the show notes. OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ GitHub: https://github.com/fchopo Power Platform Magazine: https://www.powerplatformmagazine.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/439 Hear Azure McFarlane talks about her inspiring story and love for food, family, and fun, and how these things play a role in her life outside of tech. Listen to the full episode for more insights from Azure on the importance of building a strong support system in tech. Azure shares her journey into the tech industry and the importance of building a strong support system. Azure talks about her expertise in Power Automate and how she uses it to increase productivity in both her personal and professional life. Azure shares her experience using Power Automate to snap photos of receipts and upload them to SharePoint and Dynamics for easy tracking and organization. Tune in to hear Azure's thoughts on the importance of continuous learning and staying engaged with the Power Platform, and her tips for finding creative uses for Power Automate in your own life. Azure shares her journey in creating engaging content for YouTube and blogging platforms. Azure shares her experience as an MVP and the opportunities it has provided for her, such as speaking at events and being a part of the MVP community. This serves as inspiration for others looking to become an MVP and the benefits that come with the recognition. 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