Explicit Measures Podcast

Mike and Tommy engage with a listener's critique of Microsoft's excessive use of the term 'experience' in their products. They debate its impact on user expectations and adoption. The duo explores whether clearer language could benefit data teams. They also cover updates in Power BI, from deployment pipelines to the convenience of new features like Azure Maps marker support. The discussion touches on AI's influence on data tasks and the evolving role of natural language in programming, emphasizing the need for meaningful UX over buzzwords.

Mike and Tommy dive into the intricacies of Microsoft Fabric, questioning its necessity and warning against over-provisioning. They explore intriguing case studies revealing significant cost savings by switching to more suitable solutions. The duo also discusses data preparation for Gen AI, the limitations of Azure tools, and the importance of aligning AI capabilities with business needs. With insights on managing skill gaps and cautioning overestimations of Fabric, they provide practical advice for organizations navigating complex tech landscapes.

Mike and Tommy dive into the world of Microsoft's MCP servers and AI agents for Power BI and Fabric. They discuss whether teams should quickly embrace these integrations or proceed with caution. The hosts highlight the critical balance between agent capabilities and the need for human oversight. Listeners will learn how agents can enhance workflows by catching exceptions and organizing data effectively. Security risks and the importance of pilot testing are key concerns, making this an essential listen for anyone involved in data management.

Mike and Tommy delve into the fascinating role of AI in Microsoft Fabric's success, debating whether it's the AI innovations or the platform's inherent strengths at play. They examine the impact of Databricks' new Excel add-in and its implications for data access. The hosts explore the future of agent marketplaces and the increasing reliance on automation in everyday tasks. Additionally, they highlight how AI enhances visual creation workflows and speeds up development tasks, while human oversight remains crucial for quality control.

Mike and Tommy present the whimsical Fabric Made Up Awards, poking fun at quirky features. They debate categories like 'Most Likely to Be Disabled by IT' and discuss the pros and cons of data notebooks versus traditional methods. Large language models enhance coding, but caution is needed. The duo highlights the importance of governance in future workloads and critiques overwhelming aspects like UIs and complex billing. They also share insights on performance tips, innovative knowledge tools, and the challenges of GitHub in the Fabric landscape.

Mike and Tommy kick off the year by sharing their Fabric resolutions. They dive into personal New Year's traditions, like the quirky 12-grape custom. Travel tips for families spark lively debate, comparing road trips versus flights. The duo highlights their focus on Microsoft Fabric for 2026, with Mike targeting Power BI embedding education and Tommy examining AI-generated code validation. They chat about integrating AI into workflows and the significance of data governance roles. Finally, they glance at Fabric's evolution as both a transactional and analytical powerhouse.

Mike & Tommy dive into Revisiting Dataflows Gen 2, exploring the tension between initial skepticism and current capabilities after major updates, and how organizations can strategically position this tool in their data workflows for maximum value.https://blog.fabric.microsoft.com/en/blog/unlocking-the-next-generation-of-data-transformations-with-dataflow-gen2-fabcon-europe-2025-announcements?ft=Allhttps://blog.fabric.microsoft.com/en-gb/blog/new-dataflow-gen2-dataGet in touch:Send in your questions or topics you want us to discuss by tweeting to @PowerBITips with the hashtag #empMailbag or submit on the PowerBI.tips Podcast Page.Visit PowerBI.tips: https://powerbi.tips/Watch the episodes live every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 730am CST on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/powerbitipsSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/230fp78XmHHRXTiYICRLVvSubscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/explicit-measures-podcast/id1568944083‎Check Out Community Jam: https://jam.powerbi.tipsFollow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcarlo/Follow Tommy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommypuglia/

Mike & Tommy dive into the challenges posed by Microsoft's Fabric IQ, exploring the friction it creates within organizations as they redefine semantics. They discuss how this shift impacts culture, politics, and collaboration, offering practical strategies for successful adoption.https://blog.fabric.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/introducing-fabric-iq-the-semantic-foundation-for-enterprise-ai?ft=AllGet in touch:Send in your questions or topics you want us to discuss by tweeting to @PowerBITips with the hashtag #empMailbag or submit on the PowerBI.tips Podcast Page.Visit PowerBI.tips: https://powerbi.tips/Watch the episodes live every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 730am CST on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/powerbitipsSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/230fp78XmHHRXTiYICRLVvSubscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/explicit-measures-podcast/id1568944083‎Check Out Community Jam: https://jam.powerbi.tipsFollow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcarlo/Follow Tommy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommypuglia/

This festive episode kicks off with a charming fabric gift exchange! The hosts delve into how Power BI and Fabric shape their lives. They explore intriguing AI advancements and how Copilot is empowering non-developers. Childhood holiday memories and favorite movies bring lighthearted nostalgia. Innovative ideas like model pickers and the Application Writer for seamless app integrations steal the spotlight. Plus, suggestions for tag managers and sticky cells enhance workflow in Fabric. A perfect blend of tech and holiday spirit!

Delve into the fascinating role of the 'Intelligence Developer' and its impact on business intelligence practices. Discover how AI is reshaping workflows and the debate over using Fabric SQL versus Azure SQL. The duo reflects on Power BI's evolution and its significant influence on careers. Explore the emergence of agents for developing enhanced data capabilities and automation. With a focus on the skills needed for future intelligence developers, this discussion blends technology and the human touch.