

Microsoft Innovation Podcast
Mark Smith [nz365guy]
If you want to get your ideas or questions featured on an episode, please leave us a voicemail: https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/voicemail/Dive into the future of work with the "Microsoft Innovation Podcast," exploring the intersection of People, Business, Technology, and AI. Engage with expert guests—including thought leaders from Microsoft, industry innovators, and community specialists—who are redefining the world with advancements in AI, Cloud technologies, the Power Platform, Dynamics 365, and beyond.Every episode delivers a blend of in-depth discussions, practical insights, and actionable strategies tailored for professionals driving enablement and innovation. Join us across our five shows:The Power Platform ShowThe MVP ShowThe Copilot ShowThe Ecosystems ShowThe AI Advantage (coming soon)
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 13, 2020 • 49min
The Latest Improvements of CDS CDM and Data with Maya Dumesh
FULL SHOW NOTEShttps://podcast.nz365guy.com/190Life and career background of Maya Dumesh – where she lives, her hobbies and describes the community she grew up in A conversation about Maya’s journey to working with Microsoft Discusses Maya’s focus, role and responsibilities as Principal Program Manager for data An introduction to Data storage Discusses the difference between Common Data Model (CDM) and Common Data Service (CDS) Talks about the different types of Data that can be stored in a CDS in different format using different fields How is the CDM related to CDS The best practices for handling CDS and CDM A discussion around data security in the implementation of CDS Explained the benefits of CDS and CDM to Dynamics 365 Users A conversation about the latest improvements to data storage in CDS and CDM The different types of data being introduced to CDS The importance of Common Data Service when using PowerApps or Power BI Maya’s views around CDS when it comes to AI in the future Introduction to minority data and the use cases Maya sees that people are starting to adapt to it With the separation between Dynamics 365 applications and Data storage with CDS, what support they offer for Dynamics 365 users The future of CDS Maya’s long–term views on the possible changes coming to CDS in the next 12 months Relationship of CDS to Power BI dataflows What Maya meant by – “when considering data, you should focus on the application need more than just a data need.” Lessons Maya has learnt and what was the journey like since the split out of relational unstructured data log and log data 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

Apr 8, 2020 • 22min
Rebekka Aalbers on The MVP Show
FULL SHOW NOTEShttps://podcast.nz365guy.com/189A brief introduction about Rebekka Aalbers' life and where she lives Talks about Rebekka's area of specialization How Rebekka ended up becoming a Microsoft MVP The demand for PowerApps in the Netherlands – growing or established? As part of implementing the COE start kit, what are the steps she takes to make sure the product is supported? The type of Industry solutions Rebekka has come up with when it comes to PowerApps How Rebekka decides on what application she uses when working on a project Story of Rebekka's journey to becoming a Microsoft MVP Talks about what format Rebekka uses to run a user group What Rebekka thinks about her first MVP Summit How Rebekka maintains her mental health during this COVID time A discussion about how Rebekka contributes to the community at present and in the future Rebekka's involvement with CDS, SharePoint, Governance and AI builder Discusses Rebekka's favourite AI Builder template Other ResourcesCOE Start KitSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Apr 6, 2020 • 39min
Power Platform Functional Consultant with Paddy Byrne
FULL SHOW NOTEShttps://podcast.nz365guy.com/188Meet Paddy Byrne talk about his life and his passion for skydiving Where in the world is the best skydiving spot for Paddy Talks about how he able to incorporate the skydiving analogy into his current profession Conversations about his current profession A discussion about Paddy’s transition process from Dynamics 365 Consultant to Power Platform The advantage and benefits of using Forms pro The skills you need to acquire moving from Dynamics 365 to Power Platform. Useful Resources available to use to learn more about PowerApps What made Paddy decide to shift from Dynamics 365 Consultant to Power Apps and get his hands on the Power BI and Power Automate? The key lessons Paddy learned and the things he has done differently during his transition How Paddy stay up to date on the technology to maintain his skills Talks about Paddy’s learning journey Paddy’s thoughts on doing things remotely Projects Paddy worked on during his three years transition When it comes Microsoft 2020 technology to what excites him the most 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

Apr 1, 2020 • 30min
Andrew Welch on The MVP Show
FULL SHOW NOTEShttps://podcast.nz365guy.com/187Andrew Welch – the Business Applications and Automation Group Director in AISHow Andrew became a Microsoft MVP A conversation about Andrew’s participation in the Scottish Summit Talks about the Saturday Power Platform event in the UK Andrew’s thoughts on the MVP Community group as a family A discussion about Andrew’s thoughts on introvert people’s engagement in this community Andrew’s observation with the current FLU outbreak; the COVID19 The impact of COVID19 on the economy Talks about Andrew’s expectations and in what way has the MVP program affected his career. How it feels to become a Microsoft MVP What people need to do to become an MVP Shares his thoughts on what he thinks of MVP What worried him the most about the new generation? Other Resources:My business applications themed website: https://www.runwayview.com/Book website: www.FieldBlendsBook.comPower Platform Adoption Framework: www.PowerPlatform.afMicrosoft 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

Mar 30, 2020 • 47min
From Dynamics 365 to a Power Platform Startup with Hamish Sheild
FULL SHOW NOTEShttps://podcast.nz365guy.com/186A brief introduction about Hamish Sheild – family background and his experience as a stay home dad. A discussion about his career background Shares the things Hamish did in the UK and what led him back to New Zealand What made Hamish decide to become a Citizen Developer A discussion about Dynamics Citizen Developer branding Discusses Hamish’s background in Dynamics and his involvement with Model-Driven and Canvas Apps Where Hamish see PCF fitting into the development land and from a citizen point of view Talks about Hamish’s journey in Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform Introduction to AppRising What led Hamish to start on his own Hamish’s vision about his company and 3-5 years where he sees himself with Apprising Talks about the type of client profile he is looking for How Hamish establish and sustain trust and integrity with his clients An introduction to Hamish’s involvement with Design Thinking Hamish’s thoughts on the partner ecosystem in New Zealand market Talks about the opportunities for people to work in Power Platform Dynamics 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

Mar 25, 2020 • 30min
Eickhel Mendoza on The MVP Show
FULL SHOW NOTEShttps://podcast.nz365guy.com/185A discussion about the Personal, family and career background of Eickhel How Eichel started with PowerApps Eickhel’s involvement with the Island Council of Tenerife projects using the Power Platform Talks about Eickhel’s pro-developer background Things that help him improve his skills in the Power Platform A discussion about Lemon Code Talks about Eickhel’s journey to becoming an MVP – Started in November Benefits and the beauty of becoming an MVP The things Eickhel discovered after becoming a Microsoft MVP The changes that happened to Eickhel after joining the MVP program Advice he can give to people who are wanting to become a Microsoft MVP – Is the MVP Program right for them? 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

Mar 23, 2020 • 43min
A New Practice Model for 2020 with Chuck Ingram
FULL SHOW NOTEShttps://podcast.nz365guy.com/184Chuck Ingram’s life – talks about his educational background, career background and hobbies A conversation about how Chuck land into this technology industry Discusses the history of CongruentX Talks about the different model for his business and how these models workChuck’s market plan for CongruentX What makes CongruentX different from other Consulting companies Chuck’s ideas with the challenges and problems in the market The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek What are the client avatars intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial? Talks about the strategy Outcomes – not Hours, Clients not Projects and People, and not Resources Chuck’s effective solutions to help keep his employees happy and productive and continue work for him Describes his work style How they motivate everyone to focus on the outcomes How Chuck keep up with trust and credibility The importance of staffs and customers in an organization Talks about the kind of culture they have at Congruent X Discussions about their subscription business model How design thinking is used in their business 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

Mar 18, 2020 • 25min
Ed Gonzales on The MVP Show
FULL SHOW NOTEShttps://podcast.nz365guy.com/183Personal background of Ed Gonzales – where he lives, family and his involvement in Military A discussion about Ed’s road to becoming a Microsoft MVP – Since December 1st, 2019 Ed’s experience and how it feels to be part of Microsoft MVP The story behind the saying – “Those who change themselves change the world.” People involved in his nomination to become a Microsoft MVP – how they met Talks about Ed’s Dynamics 365 – CRM background Discussion about Ed’s involvement with the Dynamics 365 user group community Talks about Ed’s expectations for MVP Ed shares stories about his journey to Power Automate A conversation about Ed, as a Microsoft Certified Trainer A brief introduction about Ed’s blog – The Flying Polymath Ed’s Polymath journey Discusses the reason why Ed join the Army Accomplishment Ed is most proud of 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

Mar 16, 2020 • 44min
From SI to ISV at Speed with Kevin Francis
FULL SHOW NOTEShttps://podcast.nz365guy.com/182The origin story of Kevin’s life – where he lives and family background A brief introduction to Kevin’s career background Kevin’s journey from SI to ISV What made Kevin focus on Microsoft technology An introduction to cognitive service With cognitive services, where does machine learning come to it? A discussion about the four projects Kevin have landed The type or areas of industries where it came from Discusses where the word Wildmouse came from and its history Introduction to Unearth product? Explained the four components of Unearth – Ingestion, Analysis, Discover and Intelligent Action Talks about Kevin’s journey to Unearth product Shares the lessons Kevin have learnt from Unearth and Wildmouse and the thing he did differently What part has Microsoft play in Kevin’s journey Explained the benefits of having an advisory board member in an organization The source in creating a great partnership with the Microsoft team Kevin’s thoughts about the engagement right with the Microsoft team 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

Mar 11, 2020 • 27min
Alex Meyer on The MVP Show
FULL SHOW NOTEShttps://podcast.nz365guy.com/181P Show notesCareer Background of Alex Meyer Talks about Alex’s impression of MVP who became a Microsoft MVP last November 2019 What is MVP, and was it an inspiration for Alex? The type of industries using older technologies Talks about Alex’s journey to becoming an MV and his thoughts on becoming a Microsoft MVP Alex’s opinion on how to start using Power Platform, PowerApps and Power Automate with Dynamics 365 in Finance and Supply Chain Alex’s recommendation to people who are just starting with AX or Dynamics 365 finance and supply chain A discussion with Alex on how people can start their journey on using these technologies together Talks about Alex’s GitHub site As the author of the book what are his contributions Alex’s experience in writing a book Recommendation and advice to people wanting to write a book Speaking engagement of Alex for year2020 Other Resources Security and Audit Field Manual for D365FOMicrosoft 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


