In this episode of the Power Platform This and That podcast, Rory Neary chats with Ben Fetters, a Power Platform Trainer and consultant, about his unexpected journey into the Microsoft ecosystem. From his early resistance to IT to becoming a recognized voice in the Power Platform space, Ben shares candid stories, insights into Canvas Apps and Power Automate, and his experiences helping others through training and community engagement.

They explore the evolution of app development tools, the impact of user groups, and real-world project management successes. Ben also reflects on the joys (and quirks) of working with modern controls, his content creation process on LinkedIn, and the underestimated magic of the barcode scanner control.

💡 Takeaways

• The Power Platform fosters instant connections among users.
• Content performance is often unpredictable—just post and share.
• Carousel posts are effective for educational content on LinkedIn.
• Training others in the Power Platform is both impactful and fulfilling.
• User groups create space for learning, networking, and collaboration.
• The barcode scanner feature in Power Apps deserves more attention.
• Modern controls offer better design but still have functional gaps.
• The updated Power Automate designer improves usability and clarity.
• Community involvement accelerates both personal and career growth.
• Microsoft-based custom app solutions are a growing trend in organizations.

🔗 Links

Ben Fetters LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfetters/

How to speed up your apps Link

4 Power Apps coding concepts for non-developers Link

Delegation do's and dont's Link

⏱️ Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Power Platform Podcast
• 06:23 Ben Fetters' Journey into Power Platform
• 13:36 The Evolution of Power Apps and Automate
• 17:49 The Growing Demand for Custom Apps
• 22:59 Training and Community Engagement
• 29:52 The Value of User Groups
• 34:51 Something Old: Barcode Scanner
• 39:14 Something New: Modern Controls & Designer
• 46:33 Something Borrowed: Learning from Audrey Gordon
• 49:30 Something Blue: Platform Frustrations
• 54:28 Blow Your Own Trumpet: Project Management Wins
• 57:00 Desert island disk - Mr Blue Sky