Microsoft Innovation Podcast

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/672We dive deep into the world of AI security with Microsoft's Senior Offensive Security Engineer, Joris De Gruyter, from the AI Red Team, who shares insights into how they test and break AI systems to ensure safety and trustworthiness.TAKEAWAYS• Microsoft requires all AI features to be thoroughly documented and approved by a central board• The AI Red Team tests products adversarially and as regular users to identify vulnerabilities• Red teaming originated in military exercises during the Cold War before being adapted for software security• The team tests for jailbreaks, harmful content generation, data exfiltration, and bias• Team members come from diverse backgrounds including PhDs in machine learning, traditional security, and military experience• New AI modalities like audio, images, and video each present unique security challenges• Mental health support is prioritized since team members regularly encounter disturbing content• Working exclusively with failure modes creates a healthy skepticism about AI capabilities• Hands-on experimentation is recommended for anyone wanting to develop AI skills• Curating your own information sources rather than relying on algorithms helps discover new knowledgeCheck out the Microsoft co-pilot and other AI tools to start experimenting and finding practical ways they can help in your daily work.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

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/671Prashant Chaudhary shares his journey from automation engineering to Microsoft MVP, highlighting how a passion for programming and community support shaped his successful career in Power Platform.TAKEAWAYS• Working at EY as a technical lead with expertise in Power Apps, Power Automate, and Dataverse• First awarded Microsoft MVP status in 2024• Started in automation engineering before transitioning to IT through a programming aptitude test• Specializes in Power Automate after about 5-6 years working with Power Platform• Successfully implemented desktop automation projects for financial data processing• Career influenced by a startup owner who taught him to think beyond a single domain• Joined EY through networking connections made by helping others in the community• Planning to expand community involvement through speaking engagements in 2025• Values networking as a critical component of career growthOTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP 90 Day Mentoring Challenge - https://www.90daymc.com/  Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/670 Join us for a captivating conversation with Rahan Arif, the dynamic CEO and founder of Lowcodera, who pulls back the curtain on his inspiring journey through the tech world. From the early days of building websites in university to navigating the impactful realms of Microsoft technologies and SharePoint, Rahan shares how these experiences paved his path to entrepreneurship. He also reveals how he balances this high-stakes career with the joys of family, food, and travel, and how these personal passions keep him grounded. Learn from his insights on the increasing costs of travel due to inflation and his memorable family trips to Europe and Dubai. TAKEAWAYS• Rahan's background in website development and early IT experiences • Transitioning from SharePoint to a focus on Power Platform • Identifying gaps in the functionality and appearance of Power Apps • Launching Low Code Era to address these challenges with PCF components • Introduction of the generative AI app-building platform for faster development • The concept of "App in an Hour" and collaborative prototyping • Revolutionizing how businesses approach and envision app solutions • The future potential of low-code integrations and democratizing development 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

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/669 Peter Ruiter shares his journey from PHP developer to Microsoft MVP, highlighting his career transformation and expertise in Microsoft's contact center technology.• Born in the Netherlands with a family that spans continents – wife from Argentina, two sons aged 14 and 10• Started in Media Technology, working with PHP and marketing automation before transitioning to Microsoft technologies• Currently serves as Principal Solution Architect and Cloud Domain Lead at Capgemini• Leads Power Platform initiatives within Capgemini Netherlands, focusing on complex Dynamics projects• Passionate about Microsoft's contact center capabilities which integrate Teams, Dynamics, and Azure Communication Services• Explains how Microsoft's platform approach gives it advantages over competitors like Genesis and Amazon Connect• Provides insight into the practical considerations of implementing contact center solutions, including cost comparisons• Planning to speak at the BizApps Summit in Düsseldorf and attend the MVP SummitOTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 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

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/668 Microsoft's digital technology specialist from Singapore shares insights on enterprise-scale Power Platform implementations and how AI is transforming business processes across industries. We explore the psychology behind enterprise architects' resistance to low-code platforms and examine real-world success stories from major banks and global organizations.TAKEAWAYS• The psychological barriers enterprise architects face when considering low-code platforms• Parallels between historical resistance to .NET and today's hesitation about Power Platform• Case study of a major bank that improved performance 12-fold by migrating from legacy ERP• How a UK bank used Power Automate to fix a critical integration in hours instead of weeks• The impact of agentic AI on eliminating "performance leaks" in organizational workflows• Transforming contact centers with intelligent routing and AI-powered agent assistance• Why smaller organizations without legacy data "baggage" are well-positioned for AI adoption• How the Power Platform enables consolidation of business processes similar to data lakesMicrosoft 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

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/667Join us for a captivating episode exploring the transformative journey of Soren, a senior consultant and MVP in the Power Platform community. From his humble beginnings to becoming a thought leader, Soren opens up about his experiences and insights. He emphasizes the user-friendly nature of the tools within the Power Platform, making it accessible to anyone looking to embark on a career in tech. Soren's stories reveal how curiosity and adaptation can turn obstacles into stepping stones toward success.  TAKEAWAYS • Soren's introduction to the Power Platform and Projectum • Importance of user-friendly tools for citizen developers • Enhancing skills in the tech landscape with AI intersections • Real-world examples of user empowerment through technology • Insights into potential future trends in the industry • Career advice for aspiring Power Platform developers  OTHER RESOURCES: 👉  Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 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

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/666  We explore whether AI is overhyped or dangerously underhyped, examining the disconnect between those creating AI technology and those selling it without adequately addressing trustworthy AI concerns.TAKEAWAYS• The Microsoft AI Tour event demonstrated excellent technical content with a strong focus on trustworthy AI• There's a dangerous disconnect between people who make AI technology and those who sell it regarding responsible AI implementation• Trustworthy AI doesn't mean stopping innovation but preventing potential calamities• The scale of AI's impact may be drastically underestimated, similar to our inability to truly comprehend "65 million years since dinosaurs"• AI enables processing information at unprecedented scale, creating extraordinary risks in surveillance and human rights contexts• Corporate discussions about completely replacing customer service departments with AI raise serious socioeconomic concerns• Shadow AI applications being developed without proper governance represent significant risks• Containing AI's risks while harnessing its benefits requires education, curiosity, and political wisdomGet educated and don't rely on echo chambers or news articles - read in-depth material from experts to form your own opinions about AI's trajectory and implications. BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:👉 The Coming Waveby Mustafa Suleiman👉 Origin by Dan BrownOTHER RESOURCES👉90 Day Mentoring Challenge - https://www.90daymc.com/  👉Support the show - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nz365guy 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

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/665 Stevie Sims shares his journey from chemical plant operator to lead Power Platform developer at Shell, demonstrating how business expertise combined with low-code tools can transform organizations.TAKEAWAYS• Started career in operations, climbing towers and turning valves before discovering Excel• Hurricane Ida became a pivotal moment when he built a Power BI dashboard to manage recovery• Transitioned from citizen developer to fusion team member building complex apps and automations• Believes companies should encourage operational experts to upskill with technical tools• Emphasizes the importance of business knowledge when developing technical solutions• Advocates for "ring-fencing" talented citizen developers for focused development periods• Prevents duplicate development efforts through idea triage and solution sharing• Featured in new book "All Hands on Tech: AI-Powered Citizen Developer Revolution"Check out "All Hands on Tech" by Ian Barkin and Tom Davenport, featuring Steve's story and other inspiring examples from the low-code no-code space.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

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/664  In this engaging episode, we connect with Sriram Balaji, an inspiring leader and MVP who shares his journey within the tech universe. From his early days coding alongside his son, who claims the title of one of the youngest Power Platform certified individuals, Sriram showcases the incredible fusion of family, passion, and career. He discusses the Age of Copilot newsletter, a valuable resource crafted to keep the community informed about OpenAI's advancements.  This episode takes an enlightening turn as we explore the differences between Copilot and ChatGPT, emphasizing how organizations can leverage these tools for tailored solutions. Sriram’s expertise shines through, offering insights into A.I.'s practical applications and how professionals can utilize these technologies for growth.  Join us for this captivating exploration of tech, family, and resilience! Don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this enlightening episode with your network!  TAKEAWAYS • Introduction of Sriram and his role as Solution Director at Curve Digital • The fascinating story of Sriram's son and his custom GPT tool • Overview of the Age of Copilot newsletter and its significance • Discussion on Copilot versus ChatGPT and their unique functionalities • Insight into balancing family life with tech innovations • Sriram's reflections on becoming an MVP and community engagement  OTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/663   Step into the world of AI with our latest episode, where Dewain Robinson from Microsoft unpacks the transformative power of Copilot Studio and intelligent agents in 2025. As organizations gear up to integrate advanced AI solutions, the discussion delves into what this shift means for everyday tasks and overall productivity. From understanding the distinction between copilots and agents to exploring real-life case studies demonstrating innovation in action and unexpected value, listeners will gain actionable insights into the future of AI.  This vibrant discussion is not just about technology; it’s about shaping the future of work—witnessing AI evolve from a mere tool to an essential colleague. Grab your headphones and join us to prepare for the AI revolutions that lie ahead. Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode! TAKEAWAYS • Understanding Copilot Studio and its capabilities  • The rise of autonomous agents in 2025  • User-friendly AI systems boosting creativity over simplicity  • Case studies demonstrating the transformational value of AI  • Preparing for the future: AI as an enabler, not a replacement  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