Microsoft Innovation Podcast

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/638  Experience the inspiring journey of C R Bhargavi, a senior software engineer at Ford Motor Company, who blends her technological expertise with her rich cultural heritage. Sparked by her father's legacy as a software project manager, Bhargavi walks us through her path into the tech world, focusing her talents on the Power Platform to revolutionize business processes. As she shares her story, listeners are invited to explore how her early exposure to technology set the foundation for her career and how her Indian roots and artistic passions in fashion design and Bharatanatyam dance shape her personal and professional life.Join us in this episode as we explore the intricacies of balancing a career with personal passions through Bhargavi's experiences. Discover her role at Ford, where she applies her Power Apps skills to tackle business challenges, reflecting the company's commitment to Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. Hear firsthand how community networking and familial guidance molded her journey, and find inspiration in her story of integrating technology with the arts. This conversation sheds light on the multifaceted nature of a career in tech, celebrating the fusion of cultural influences and professional accomplishments.This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/637  Discover the inspiring journey of Cat Schneider, a senior software engineer at Hitachi Solutions America, as she shares her remarkable career transformation from working in the public sector to becoming a passionate advocate for Power Platform tools. Through her engaging story, you'll learn how a mentoring relationship at the Florida Department of Transportation ignited her interest in Power BI, leading to the creation of a community with over 300 active users. Cat's enthusiasm for integrating these tools not only revolutionized her organization but also positioned her as a sought-after speaker at conferences and opened doors to multiple job offers, including one from Microsoft. This episode is filled with insights into how passion and community can drive innovation and success in both personal and professional realms.We also tackle the significant topic of accessibility, particularly in the public sector, with a focus on making digital content and laws available to all. Cat sheds light on the challenges posed by Florida's sunshine laws and shares her experience forming a user group dedicated to UX, UI, and accessibility. Highlighting the fun yet exhausting world of conferences, she brings a sense of humor with tales of dressing up as a dinosaur, while also sharing her pet projects involving Power Apps and electronics with Arduino and Raspberry Pi. This episode promises to leave you inspired and motivated to explore the transformative potential of technology in creating inclusive and innovative solutions.This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/636Meet Villem Heinsalu, a seasoned Dynamics 365 Business Central developer from Estonia, who shares his journey from a traditional partner role to becoming a freelance MVP developer. With a newborn son and a passion for simple yet well-made food and paddle tennis, Villem offers a rich tapestry of personal insights intertwined with professional wisdom. This episode promises to unpack the nuances of freelancing, the art of self-promotion, and the delicate balance of managing freelance projects alongside a full-time job. Villem’s transition into entrepreneurship, spurred by opportunities on LinkedIn, provides an authentic narrative to anyone considering a similar path.We also dive into the dynamics of customer relationships in the ERP sphere and explore long-term service models that extend beyond initial implementations. Villem candidly discusses pricing strategies, the challenges of overdue payments, and the immense value of community contributions on his journey to becoming a Microsoft MVP. Discover how achieving MVP status can enhance professional visibility, and get practical advice for aspiring MVPs who aim to impact the community with originality and generosity. Whether you're curious about freelancing or aiming for MVP recognition, Villem's story provides both inspiration and actionable guidance for navigating the evolving landscape of the tech industry.This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/635  Unlock the secrets to navigating the dynamic world of software ecosystems with us as we reflect on an extraordinary year of innovation and transformation. Our journey has been nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by the launch of Cloud Lighthouse in January 2024 and the burgeoning influence of Dynamics Minds, an event like no other, merging the sophistication of Davos with the creativity of Burning Man for Microsoft's community. We explore Microsoft's evolution from a stalwart software company into a trailblazing AI-driven organization, reshaping the very nature of business applications and redefining tech events. Our experiences in building BizApps and Azure practices reveal the vital importance of adaptability in an ever-changing tech landscape. Challenge the status quo with us as we advocate for a shift from traditional, siloed business practices to a comprehensive, global approach in cloud technology. The limitations of maintaining isolated, product-focused practices are laid bare as we champion a holistic cloud strategy that fosters cross-functional collaboration and integration. Drawing from a powerful example in Australia, we discuss how centralizing practices across regions can unlock significant growth potential and enhance customer service. As remote work continues to revolutionize the workforce, we highlight its societal benefits and caution against reverting to outdated office-centric models.Gaze into the future as we anticipate the evolution of AI, predicting a transition from "co-pilots" to "agents" by 2025. Our discussion delves into how AI can become more intuitive and seamlessly integrate into our daily lives, enhancing productivity by adapting to individual user preferences. We celebrate these achievements in the software ecosystem with engaging and insightful discussions that have sparked laughter and growth. As we wrap up, we thank our audience for their invaluable feedback and encourage everyone to stay connected for more innovative strategies to push boundaries and create value in the ever-evolving world of technology. This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/634  Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jay Wellings, the head of development at Volato, who brings a wealth of experience from the greater Portsmouth area. As an aficionado of great steak dinners, Jay shares not just his culinary preferences but also his career journey from studying computer science in 2003 to becoming a powerhouse in the Microsoft ecosystem by 2016. This episode offers a rich narrative of Jay’s passion for front-end development and how web technologies have dynamically evolved, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the Microsoft Power Platform’s enterprise capabilities.Do you think the Microsoft Power Platform is only for small-scale projects? Think again. We dismantle this misconception by showcasing its robust features and the significant impact it can have on enterprise-level operations. Jay shares his firsthand experience with a major financial institution where he orchestrated a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, proving skeptics wrong about the platform’s scalability and effectiveness. Built on Microsoft’s secure Azure cloud infrastructure, the Power Platform is far from a "beginner's tool" and is ready to tackle mission-critical workloads with an ironclad approach to security and compliance, especially in sectors like finance.The conversation takes an exciting turn as we discuss the potent combination of data centralization and AI. Jay provides insights into transitioning from siloed data management to a streamlined, centralized data schema using Microsoft Dataverse, a critical step towards harnessing the power of AI. Hear how clean data paves the way for innovative AI applications in industries like retail and banking, turning mundane tasks into automated marvels and revolutionizing customer service. As AI cements its role in the technological toolbox, this episode underscores the importance of thoughtful integration, maintained by robust data practices, to unlock untapped possibilities within the Microsoft ecosystem.This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/633  Imagine a world where technology and martial arts intertwine to create a tapestry of personal and professional success. That's the landscape we're exploring with Charlie Phipps-Bennett, a remarkable tech industry talent from Weymouth, England. Discover how a chance encounter nearly turned perilous and became a pivotal moment in his life, thanks to his training in boxing and Muay Thai. Charlie's story isn't just about physical defense; it's a powerful testament to the life skills martial arts instill, shaping discipline and strengthening character. In an era where self-defense is crucial, Charlie's journey offers valuable lessons and inspiring insights for both adults and children.But the journey doesn't end there. Celebrating Charlie's remarkable achievement of winning the UK Tech Star of the Year award in 2023, we pivot to his groundbreaking community efforts. Despite living miles away in Weymouth, he's at the heart of building the Scottish Power Platform User Group, fostering collaboration and growth for Power Platform professionals in Scotland. Get the inside scoop on camaraderie at the awards, including fun-filled moments with peers like Chris Huntingford. With support from Mark Christie and the Scottish Summit team, Charlie's story is a beacon for aspiring MVPs, showcasing how dedication to community and technology can create ripple effects that transcend borders.OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/632 Ever tried juggling three laptops while navigating airport security? Chris did, and it was as chaotic as you'd imagine! Tune in for a chuckle as we recount our technical misadventures at Microsoft Ignite in Chicago, where a Wi-Fi hiccup with Riverside had us scrambling. Plus, get a heartwarming glimpse into family life with an amusing story about Andrew's daughter Alexandra's nursery adventures that will surely bring a smile to your face. Shifting gears, we tackle the serious business of technology's role in political dynamics and cybersecurity. From Facebook and TikTok's influence on elections to parallels with the Cambridge Analytica saga, we're diving into the murky waters of cybercrime. With its sophistication now rivaling the GDP of major economies, cybersecurity complacency isn't an option. We'll explore the pitfalls of the "walled garden" approach and emphasize why resilience plans and the growing trend of white hat hacking and chaos engineering are crucial for safeguarding our digital landscape. The episode also casts a spotlight on data integration challenges within modern organizations and the societal impact of digital phenomena. Using Microsoft's Dataverse and OneLake as examples, we discuss the potential for tech giants to lead the charge in solving these complex issues. From the electrifying atmosphere at Microsoft Ignite to our evolving podcasting journey and plans for an AI-focused show, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and inspiration. Join us for a whirlwind of tech talk, political intrigue, and personal stories that promise to keep you entertained and informed. This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Andrew Butenko, a seasoned Solution Technical Architect and Microsoft MVP, shares his insights on the transformative power of the Microsoft Power Platform amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He highlights innovations like FPV drones used in warfare and the exceptional talent of Ukrainian developers. The conversation delves into the evolution of Power Platform development, emphasizing low-code solutions and the critical role of professional developers in creating flexible connectors. Andrew urges a focus on user-centered design to mitigate technical debt and enhance application functionality.

FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/630 Ever wondered how technology can revolutionize both education and business? Join us as we explore this transformative journey with Rafsan Huseynov, a senior IT program manager and enterprise architect from Washington DC, who has just earned his first MVP award in 2024. Rafsan, a passionate advocate for community empowerment, shares his inspiring story—from his beginnings at the United Nations to his academic pursuits in Italy. We dive into his love for culinary adventures across Europe and discuss how these experiences shape his approach to continuous learning and professional growth.Rafsan guides us through the fascinating world of the Power Platform and its pivotal role in modernizing educational curriculums worldwide. Discover how tools like Power BI and Power Apps are not just streamlining processes but also empowering students from all walks of life, including fields like nursing, to innovate and prepare for the evolving job market. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from traditional ERP systems to agile solutions and get Rafsan's insights on balancing technical skills with business acumen. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or an industry professional, this episode offers valuable takeaways on mastering solution architecture and harnessing the potential of AI within the Power Platform.OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP  This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!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://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/629Ever wondered how traditional software management can be transformed by innovative AI solutions? Join us as we navigate the exhilarating Ignite 2024 through the eyes of our field reporter, Chris Huntingford. With over 200 AI sessions and an emphasis on Contact Center advancements, Chris vividly captures the conference's electrifying atmosphere. Meanwhile, back at our studio, we reflect on the sheer joy of merging hands-on collaboration with cutting-edge AI capabilities, highlighting a rewarding return to the essentials like data modelling.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we dive into the complexities of on-demand licensing for Copilot studio, illuminating the challenges organizations face in financial forecasting. We also take you on a cultural journey through London's vibrant networking scene, where we share anecdotes from our 2017 move to the UK, shedding light on the distinct business drinking culture and the unique expressions that bring a touch of humor to serious business meetings. Our experiences paint a picture of a collaborative environment where professionals from the UK and the US come together to bridge cultural gaps and foster innovation.Finally, we shed light on the rising phenomenon of "shadow AI" in the workplace and the pressing need for robust governance frameworks. Discover the latest developments in Microsoft's GitHub Copilot and the seamless integration between AI Foundry and AI Studio, promising a tailored and advanced experience for developers. As we bring this episode to a close, we reflect on the myriad of technological advancements and cultural insights, encouraging you to engage with the ongoing dialogue and explore the future of software innovation.This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith