Microsoft Innovation Podcast

FULL SHOW NOTES https://podcast.nz365guy.com/438 In this episode, we dive into Ragavan Rajan’s background - shares his love for travel and exploration and tells us about some of the fun adventures he and his family have had in New Zealand over the past few years. Learn about Ragavan’s journey from India to Scotland and eventually to New Zealand. Discussions about Ragavan’s career path in technology and sharing his background in the Microsoft world and his desire to break out and explore the open-source world. Ragavan shares his thoughts on the future of technology and the importance of continuous learning. Talks about the value of staying up to date with new technologies and the importance of keeping an open mind to new opportunities. In this episode, we discuss the basics of website design and how to create a visually appealing and user-friendly website. Tips on how to effectively incorporate these elements into your design. Find out why people prefer Microsoft set-up tools. Ragavan’s opinion when it comes to start-up limits What brought Ragavan back to the light and what brought him back to Microsoft Ragavan talks about his current work as a DevOps engineer and the challenges and rewards of working in the field.  Ragavan shares his thoughts on the importance of collaboration and teamwork in the tech industry, and the value of building strong relationships with colleagues and clients. Ragavan shares some insights into his experience as an MVP and the impact it has had on his career. Ragavan’s significant contributions to the tech community and has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area. OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Ragavan’s GitHub: https://github.com/ragavanrajan 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/437 Martin Drab’s life background – family, interests, and how he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, going on hikes and skiing. In this episode, Martin talks about his journey into the tech industry and shares his thoughts on the evolution of Dynamics 365 and the future of technology. Martin is a software architect and developer with expertise in Java and Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. The importance of the tech community and how it has evolved over the years, with the advent of new resources and more people getting involved.  Martin shares his thoughts on the future of technology and the impact it will have on businesses and industries. Martin has also released several development tools and written numerous blog posts. Find out more about this. The important changes Martin saw during his time with Dynamics include introducing a web client and switching to the cloud. Martin shares his insights on the development of Axapta over the years and the impact it has had on the tech industry. Technological change and impact - how many people are coming into the community and growing on the new platform? Martin’s journey into becoming a Microsoft MVP and the benefits What changes in the MVP Program and what is the impact on Martin’s career? Martin shares his predictions for the future of technology and the impact it will have on businesses and industries.  OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Martin’s GitHub: https://github.com/goshoom 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/436 Marysol Mantilla gave us a glimpse into her personal life. She and her family are big foodies, with her husband working as a chef. They are also avid soccer fans. If you are interested in learning more about how the Power Platform can enhance your SAP setup, be sure to check out the full episode. We explore how Power Platform can be used to improve and streamline processes within SAP landscapes. We discuss specific use cases where Power Platform can be particularly effective, including excel-based processes and approval workflows. We also delve into the benefits of using Power Platform for SAP developers, including the ability to tackle backlogged projects and streamline complex processes. Marysol shares her expertise on how Power Platform can be integrated into SAP workflows and the benefits it can bring to businesses. We discuss the potential for Power Platform to be utilized by SAP customers who may already be using it for other purposes, such as citizen development. Introduction to the Power Platform and its role in solving point solutions and achieving strategic goals The importance of fusion development in maximizing the potential of the Power Platform Success stories of companies that have effectively implemented the Power Platform to drive innovation and growth Tips for overcoming common challenges when implementing the Power Platform, such as fear of integration with SAP systems The future of the Power Platform and its potential to continue transforming the way businesses operate. 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/435 Peter Ramer shares his journey into software development and the exciting world of automation and the Power Platform. Discussion about the convenience and benefits of using technology for home automation. Peter shares the importance of community and education in the tech industry, and how he enjoys giving back and helping others learn and grow in their careers. The magic of programming and how small changes in technology can make a big impact in our daily lives. Peter shares his experiences with the Commerce Platform and how it has helped his business streamline operations and increase online sales. Learn about the amazing capabilities of the Commerce Platform for managing and selling products online. Find out more about the features of the Commerce Platform if you are looking to succeed in the e-commerce world. Find out more about people’s interest in the Commerce Platform and the whole Commerce Platform story from Microsoft. Explore the world of integration and how it can enhance and streamline business operations. Exciting discussion on Peter’s journey to becoming a Microsoft MVP and the benefits of being an 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/434 A brief introduction about Mats Necter’s life – family, interests and hobbies Talks about Mats’ Hackaton experience Mats also discuss the challenges of working in the tech industry and how to stay motivated and focused. How Power Platform can help organizations automate processes and workflows, streamline data collection and analysis, and build custom applications.  SharePoint is a powerful tool for collaboration and document management and can be customized to fit the specific needs of a team or organization.  How Dynamics 365 can help organizations manage customer relationships and interactions and can be used to improve customer engagement and customer experience. The importance of understanding the needs of customers and finding the right solutions for their specific challenges. A discussion about the role of technology in driving customer engagement and how it can be used to create better experiences for users.  The challenges of working in the tech industry and how to stay motivated and focused. Mats shared his insights on how these technologies can be used to drive customer engagement and improve business outcomes.   What changed since becoming a Microsoft MVP Mats’ advice to people wanting to become a Microsoft MVP OTHER RESOURCES Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Mats’ Github: https://github.com/mnecker 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/432 Laura Roger talks about her family and love of food and shares a fun story about her recent trip to Universal Studios for Halloween Horror Nights. Laura shares her journey into the tech industry and how she ended up as a SharePoint and Microsoft 365 expert. Laura discusses the ever-changing world of technology and the importance of staying current in the tech field. A conversation with Laura about the process of writing a SharePoint book, including research and planning, outlining, writing, and editing. Laura’s valuable advice for those interested in writing their technical book. Laura’s involvement in the community and how she became a SharePoint trainer and expert speaker. How Laura’s company IW Mentor SharePoint training started Laura offers free training sessions on YouTube and constantly records new content for her training company. Laura’s knowledge and expertise on the Power Platform and how it can be used to benefit businesses and organizations. How does Microsoft certification fit into what Laura is doing right now? Laura shares her own experience as an MVP, including the projects and initiatives she has worked on as an 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/431 Introduction to Chris Huntingford's background as the Low Code Leader at ANS. Talks about Chris’ passion for using digital building blocks to create innovative solutions and his dedication to solving real problems through this process. Recap of Chris’ thoughts on the importance of good content and community engagement. Emphasize his commitment to creating quality content and building strong relationships with his audience. Discussion about Chris’ experience participating in hackathons, including any notable projects or successes he has had.  Chris talks about the challenges he has faced and how he has overcome them. Overview of Canvas Apps and Model Driven Apps, two types of low code platforms offered by Microsoft.  Chris explains the key differences between Canvas Apps and Model Driven Apps and how they can be used in software development. The importance of hackathons for the tech community and the value of bringing together diverse perspectives and skill sets to tackle complex problems and generate new ideas. 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/430 Abhi Rathinavelu shares his journey to Microsoft and his work with the Power CAT team, specializing in Power Virtual Agents (PVA) for the past two years. Find out in this episode all the details on Power Virtual Agents and how they can benefit your business. Learn more about Power Virtual Agents and their real-world applications. The various ways Power Virtual Agents can be used, including customer service, employee training and onboarding, and more. How does PVA help the customers, and how does context awareness work in PVA? Check out the role of chatbots in the business world.  The benefits and uses of chatbots in business. What options are available for integration into other data sets the organization has?  How does AI fit into what you can do with PVA? Abhi talks about the differences between public-facing and internal chatbots. A discussion about building low-code chatbots with Power Virtual Agents How to use the Power Virtual Agents chatbot successfully for Financial Industry? 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/429 A brief Introduction to Rory Neary’s life – food, interest and what he does outside Power Platform. Rory shares his expertise in various Microsoft technologies including Excel, SharePoint, Power BI, and the Power Platform. Discusses the role of the Power Platform in helping organizations become more efficient and agile, utilizing tools such as Excel, SharePoint, and Power BI. Talks about the courses Rory offers on his website, which focuses on teaching kids how to use these technologies. Check out this episode to learn more information on how to utilize these powerful tools in your organization. Rory discusses his background as a developer and how he became interested in the Power Platform. Rory shares some of his favourite resources for staying up to date on the latest Power Platform developments. Find out the things you need to know and consider as a designer  Rory’s YouTube channel and the courses he has written on Power Apps Talks about Rory’s YouTube channel content creation and learning experiences OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ Power Apps Course: https://www.powerplatformlearn.academy/courses/power-apps 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/428 Ashley Steiner’s background as an independent consultant specializing in Dynamics 365 Sales and Dataverse integration. Talks about Ashley’s podcasting - the Dynamics Hotdish! Ashley’s involvement and journey into technology – how did it start and how did she land in this space  Ashley’s Microsoft technology background – business apps, power platform and dynamics  A conversation with Ashley about her involvement with Dynamics 365 SalesFind out more about Ashley's journey to becoming a Microsoft MVP Ashley shares her journey as a woman in tech and her experiences as an MVP. The role of Dataverse in empowering businesses to make data-driven decisions and drive growth. Ashley talks about the importance of data integration and management in the modern business world and how Dynamics 365 Sales and Dataverse can work together to enhance sales processes. Ashley shares her expertise on integrating Dataverse with other platforms and tools and the value it brings to businesses in terms of efficiency and productivity.  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