

Microsoft Teams Insider
Tom Arbuthnot
Microsoft Teams discussions with industry experts sharing their thoughts and insights with Tom Arbuthnot of Empowering.Cloud. Podcast not affiliated, associated with, or endorsed by Microsoft.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 5, 2025 • 25min
Copilot Practical Applications and Success Stories with Sarah Miller
Sarah Miller, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Microsoft 365 Copilot, shares her expertise on integrating AI in organizations. She discusses the transformative power of Microsoft Copilot and showcases real-world success, like Pets at Home, which enhances operations using AI agents. Key topics include the importance of enterprise security in AI adoption, the function of specialized agents in various industries, and the Copilot Dashboard and Success Kit for measuring AI impact. Sarah emphasizes collaboration between business users and IT for effective AI deployment.

Feb 26, 2025 • 35min
Microsoft Teams Phone and Rooms at Kingfisher, Revolutionising Retail Communications
Matt Sheldrick, M365 Product Designer at Kingfisher, discusses the company's transformative journey with Microsoft Teams. He shares insights on deploying video capabilities in stores to enhance collaboration and communication. The podcast reveals the importance of quick, efficient room setups and how they addressed the unique needs of a large retail organization. Sheldrick also dives into the integration of AI tools like Microsoft Copilot to boost productivity and enhance the hybrid meeting experience within Kingfisher's diverse work environment.

Feb 19, 2025 • 24min
Understanding Microsoft Teams Premium: Features and Use Cases
Mansoor Malik, Principal Group Product Manager for Microsoft Teams Premium, shares insights from his extensive experience with the platform. He dives into key features like Intelligent Recap and Microsoft Places, highlighting how these tools enhance productivity in hybrid work settings. Malik discusses the value evaluation of Teams Premium, focusing on ROI and branding in corporate communications. He also addresses advanced security features that empower users, ensuring privacy and data protection in modern workplaces. Tune in for an engaging exploration of workplace innovation!

Feb 13, 2025 • 15min
Microsoft Teams Update - February 2025
Dive into groundbreaking innovations in Microsoft Teams this February! Discover the new Microsoft Teams Rooms Express Install and explore enhancements like Super Resolution and multiple camera views. Plus, learn about fresh partnerships with OEMs and ODMs. Exciting updates on voice solutions and a glimpse into future developments round out this month's highlights. Stay in the loop with all things Teams!

Feb 12, 2025 • 50min
UC Status Podcast Crossover- Thoughts on 2025 from a combined 40+ years in UC
Join Randy Chapman, host of the UC Status Podcast, known for his expertise in the UC market, and Mark Vale, a regular contributor focused on Microsoft Teams innovations. They dive into the latest Teams features and what’s on the roadmap for 2025. The conversation explores the advancing role of AI in tools like Copilot and its implications for contact centers. They also discuss the evolution of BYOD strategies and the need for robust security in cross-platform communications. A lively exchange on the future of collaboration awaits!

Feb 10, 2025 • 28min
Chandra Chivukula, Vice President, Engineering Microsoft Teams
Chandra Chivukula, Vice President of Engineering for Microsoft Teams, shares insights from his extensive experience guiding Teams' evolution. He discusses the successful migration of over 320 million users to a new client, enhancing collaboration and innovation. Chandra delves into the use of cutting-edge web technologies, such as React and WebView2, to ensure a seamless experience across platforms. He highlights how a unified codebase and user feedback have shaped the architecture and feature set, paving the way for future advancements.

Feb 5, 2025 • 31min
Video Rooms in 2025 with Olly Henderson, Head of Video Product Jabra
Olly Henderson, Head of Video Product Management at Jabra, shares his insights into the future of meeting room technology. He unveils the new Panacast 40 VBS, perfect for small huddle rooms. The discussion highlights the role of AI in enhancing video conferencing experiences and how BYOD is evolving in the corporate world. Olly explains Jabra's innovative partnerships and cost-effective solutions for seamless deployment, making video conferencing more accessible. The conversation is a fascinating glimpse into the future of hybrid workplaces.

Jan 29, 2025 • 17min
City of Independence, from Analog Phones to Microsoft Teams and Five9 over 20 locations
Chris A. Johnson, Municipal Cyber Center Manager at the City of Independence, Missouri, shares their journey from an old analog phone system to a modern cloud-based communication infrastructure using Microsoft Teams and Five9 with the help of AVI-SPL.The transition from an outdated Avaya phone system to modern cloud platformsCollaborating with AVI-SPL accelerated the transformation timeline from a multi-year to a 2-year projectAutomating processes, improving contact center capabilities and better resident satisfactionEnabling hybrid work flexibility, improving job satisfaction and retentionThanks to AVI-SPL, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Jan 22, 2025 • 22min
Microsoft Teams Phone Success at Derby City Council
Kathie Anderson, the IT Change Manager at Derby City Council, shares her experience navigating the shift to Microsoft Teams during the pandemic. She reveals how they condensed a six-month transition into six weeks to support remote work. Kathie discusses the integration of Luware's contact center solution, enhancing the council's communication and efficiency. The conversation also touches on valuable insights gained from Power BI reporting, which helps track call patterns and performance, ensuring essential services respond effectively to community needs.

Jan 15, 2025 • 23min
Customer Stories and Enhancing Meetings with AI, Brad Hintze, Crestron
Brad Hintze, EVP of Global Marketing at Crestron, shares how Crestron transforms meeting experiences across various sectors. He discusses impressive client success stories from Puma and Blue Water Financial Services. The conversation dives into the rising role of AI in meetings, including transcription and audio quality, which elevate collaboration. Hintze also teases upcoming advancements in visual AI and multi-camera systems coming in 2025 that promise to revolutionize how we meet and connect.