Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/714

What if mastering Excel could unlock superhuman productivity? In this episode, Aleksandar Grasic—founder of Outliers and a three-time Microsoft MVP—shares how he helped over 300,000 professionals transform their workflows using AI-powered tools and structured data literacy. From slashing 8-hour tasks to 1-hour wins, Aleksandar reveals how combining Excel, Power BI, and Copilot can revolutionize how we work. Whether you're a tech leader or a data enthusiast, this conversation offers a roadmap to smarter, faster decision-making in the age of AI.
 
🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
Excel is still a powerhouse: Aleksandar explains how structured learning and tools like Power Query and Power Pivot can dramatically reduce time spent on data tasks.
AI as a productivity partner: Tools like Copilot and ChatGPT should be used to enhance—not replace—human expertise, especially in presentation and data analysis workflows.
Data literacy is essential: Increasing data literacy by even 30% across teams can significantly improve decision-making and adaptability in AI-driven environments.
Localized impact, global relevance: Outliers has educated over 300,000 professionals in the Balkan region, proving that regional language content can drive massive engagement.
Bridging users and developers: Aleksandar acts as a feedback conduit between Microsoft’s development teams and real-world users, influencing tools like Copilot in Word and Excel. 

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Outliers Education Platform – https://outliers.rs
👉 Microsoft MVP Program – https://mvp.microsoft.com
👉 Microsoft Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Power BI – https://powerbi.microsoft.com
👉 Power Query & Power Pivot in Excel – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/excel
👉Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 

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.

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Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!

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🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/713

What happens when agile breaks down and AI steps in? In this episode, the hosts explore how traditional delivery models are being replaced by high-impact lab cycles, where elite engineering teams solve complex problems in just two weeks. From modernizing legacy systems to navigating the rise of autonomous developers, this conversation dives deep into the evolving tech landscape—and how AI is reshaping productivity, pricing models, and the future of work.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Lab Cycles vs. Agile: Agile is losing effectiveness in enterprise environments. Lab cycles offer a faster, outcome-driven alternative with production-ready results in two weeks.
- AI in App Modernization: AI is now capable of refactoring legacy codebases, even without full documentation—opening doors to modernizing systems like COBOL.
- M365 Copilot in Action: Real-world use cases show how Copilot dramatically reduces proposal creation time while improving accuracy and collaboration.
- The Rise of Autonomous Developers: Top-tier engineers are expected to own the full product lifecycle—from ideation to pricing—driven by soft skills and strategic thinking.
- AI’s Impact on Pricing Models: Professional services are rethinking pricing as AI slashes delivery time, creating new revenue opportunities and client value. 

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft Power Platform – https://powerplatform.microsoft.com
👉 M365 Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Microsoft Graph – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/overview
👉 AI for Good Conference – https://aiforgood.itu.int  

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 show

If 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/712

What if the future of work isn’t just faster—but fundamentally different? In this episode, Ryan Cunningham, Corporate VP of Microsoft Power Platform, returns to reflect on a decade of low-code evolution and the seismic shift AI is bringing to business applications. From the early days of Power Apps to the rise of intelligent agents, Ryan shares how organizations can rethink software, scale innovation, and prepare for a world where humans and AI build together. If you're leading digital transformation or shaping the future of enterprise tech, this conversation is your blueprint.
 
🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- AI is Reshaping Business Software: The next generation of apps won’t just be built faster—they’ll be co-created with AI agents, transforming how work gets done and who (or what) does it.
- From SaaS Sprawl to Platform Consolidation: Many companies are drowning in disconnected tools. Power Platform offers a path to simplify, consolidate, and reduce costs—while increasing agility.
- Digital Coworkers Are Here: AI agents are already taking on repetitive, low-value tasks. The future lies in designing systems where humans and agents collaborate seamlessly.
- Licensing and Value Are Evolving: As AI agents take on more work, traditional per-user licensing models are giving way to consumption-based models—mirroring Azure’s evolution.
- Iterate or Fall Behind: In a world of rapid change, being early and imperfect beats being late. Organizations must adopt a mindset of continuous experimentation and learning.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Build Keynote featuring Ryan - Ryan Cunningham: (8) Post | Feed | LinkedIn 
👉 Unpacking the tech - https://youtu.be/PYZgUj8iTC4?feature=shared&t=4332
👉 Forrester Wave - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/blog/power-apps/microsoft-is-a-leader-in-2025-forrester-wave-low-code-platforms-for-professional-developers/
👉EPPC Keynote - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9mbhrcq-wQ 
👉 Project Siena – The original internal name for what became Power Apps: https://devblogs.microsoft.com/premier-developer/microsoft-project-siena-create-a-windows-8-1-app-with-zero-lines-of-code/

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 show

If 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/711

What if your AI assistant didn’t just answer questions—but built you an interactive tool to explore the answer yourself? In this episode, Alex Pearce, Chief Strategist at Softcat and long-time Microsoft MVP, shares how he’s pushing the boundaries of AI in the enterprise. From HTML-based learning tools to agentic AI and ISO standards, Alex offers a grounded yet forward-thinking look at how organizations can move beyond hype and start building meaningful, effective AI strategies.
 
🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
Interactive AI as a Learning Tool: Alex uses Claude to generate interactive HTML pages for exploring complex topics—transforming AI from a passive assistant into an active teaching tool.
Agentic AI for Real Productivity: True productivity gains come from building AI agents that can autonomously assist with tasks like compliance checks or document analysis—not just summarizing meetings.
Governance and Standards Matter: As AI adoption accelerates, organizations must understand what models are being used, where data is processed, and how to align with emerging standards like ISO 42001 and the EU AI Act.
Copilot Confusion: Many businesses underutilize Microsoft 365 Copilot because they’re unaware of included tools like Copilot Studio, Notebooks, and custom agents—despite paying for them.
AI Maturity is Uneven: While some organizations are innovating fast, others are still unsure how to extract value from AI tools. Education and architectural thinking are key to bridging the gap. 

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Claude by Anthropic – Alex’s preferred AI model for generating interactive content: https://www.anthropic.com
👉 Where’s Wes (YouTube) – A creator who demonstrates AI coding and visualization techniques.
👉 Microsoft 365 Copilot Studio – Tool for building custom AI agents within Microsoft 365: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio
👉 Azure AI Studio / Foundry – For building and hosting custom AI models with full control: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/ai-services
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 

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 show

If 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/710

What if your future teammates weren’t human? In this episode, the Ecosystems crew dives into the seismic shifts reshaping the AI landscape—from the rise of world models to the surprising salaries behind prompt engineering. You’ll hear how businesses are adapting (or falling behind), why red teaming is becoming a psychological minefield, and what skills will truly future-proof your career. Whether you're a developer, architect, or strategist, this episode will challenge your assumptions and help you navigate the next wave of intelligent systems.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- World Models Are Coming: Large Language Models (LLMs) may soon be replaced by “world models” that integrate multiple senses and mimic human cognition more closely.
- AI Salaries Are Surging: Roles like Prompt Engineer and AI Ethicist are commanding higher salaries than traditional data scientists—sometimes by £20K or more.
- Red Teaming Is Not Just Technical: The emotional toll of reviewing harmful AI outputs is real, and the field may soon require psychological support.
- Agents Aren’t There Yet: Despite the hype, most AI “agents” lack true orchestration, planning, and memory—making them far from autonomous.
- Future-Proof Skills Matter: Being an AI augmenter—someone who integrates AI into daily workflows—is now a must-have capability across roles. 

📚 RESOURCESMENTIONED
👉 YouTube Red Teaming Course by Ioana – Free 10-episode series on red teaming fundamentals - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwFVhFdD2fs
👉 Book: Range by David Epstein – Why generalists thrive in a specialized world - https://www.davidepstein.com/the-range/ 
👉 Ezra Klein’s Book: Abundance – Recommended reading on future-focused thinking - https://www.amazon.ca/Abundance-Progress-Takes-Ezra-Klein/dp/1668023482 

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 show

If 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/709

What happens when you roll out cutting-edge AI tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot—only to watch them gather dust? In this episode, Vicki Holman, Ecosystem Architect at ANS, shares what really drives successful Copilot adoption. From cultural shifts to AI literacy, she unpacks the human side of AI transformation. Whether you're leading a rollout or just trying to get more from your license, this conversation is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons from the trenches.

🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Adoption is everything: Without a clear change management strategy, even the    best AI tools will go unused.
- Copilot is a mindset shift: Superusers think “Copilot first,” using it as a sparring      partner to ideate, create, and refine.
- AI boosts accessibility: Copilot has been life-changing for neurodivergent users,    leveling the playing field in meetings and collaboration.
- Guardrails matter: Data governance, permissions, and tools like Microsoft                Purview must be in place before rollout.
- Prompt-a-thons work: Hands-on, collaborative workshops are a powerful way to    build AI literacy and confidence across teams.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft 365 Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Microsoft Purview – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/information-protection/microsoft-purview
👉 ProSci Change Management Model – https://www.prosci.com/methodology/adkar
👉 Microsoft Loop – https://loop.microsoft.com/

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 show

If 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/708
 
When Danilo Nogueira first saw the potential of AI, he spent days immersed in videos, convinced it would reshape the world. Now, as Head of Modern Work at Cloud Target and a newly minted Microsoft MVP, he’s leading global transformations with Microsoft Copilot. In this episode, Danilo shares how AI is revolutionizing productivity, why Excel might be the next big frontier, and how he teaches teams to speak the language of Copilot. If you're navigating AI adoption in your organization, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
AI as the New Electricity: Danilo compares AI’s transformative power to electricity and the internet—predicting it will become embedded in every aspect of work.
Practical Prompting Framework: He developed a four-part method (KPCO) to help users ask Copilot the right questions—covering what, for whom, where, and how.
Excel’s Untapped Potential: Danilo sees Excel as a future powerhouse for AI integration, enabling data transformation without leaving the app.
Real-Time Translation in Teams: Teams Premium’s live translation is breaking language barriers in global workplaces, enhancing collaboration.
Overcoming AI Resistance: Danilo focuses on showing results—like faster HR interviews and improved productivity—to win over skeptics. 

 🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Teams Premium – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/premium
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 

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 show

If 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/707

What if your next pull request was written by an AI agent—while you were in a meeting? In this episode, Microsoft’s Scott Hunter pulls back the curtain on how AI is transforming software development from the inside out. From GitHub Copilot’s new agent mode to the rise of site reliability AI, Scott shares what’s real, what’s hype, and what’s coming next. Whether you're a developer, product leader, or tech strategist, this conversation will reshape how you think about productivity, skill-building, and the future of engineering teams.
 
🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
Agent Mode is Here: AI agents can now autonomously fix bugs, open pull requests, and iterate on code—freeing developers from tedious tasks.
The Developer Role is Evolving: Prompt engineering and code review are becoming core skills, while traditional junior roles may fade.
AI in Site Reliability: New SRE agents can detect, diagnose, and even resolve infrastructure issues—cutting pager alerts by 30%.
Training the Next Generation: As AI handles more entry-level work, companies must rethink how they grow senior engineering talent.
Prototyping at Warp Speed: With tools like Copilot and Next.js, developers can build full-stack apps in minutes—if they know what to ask. 

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 GitHub Copilot Agent Mode – https://github.com/features/preview/copilot-workspace
👉Java Migration Tools –https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/migrate/
👉 Microsoft Build Conference – Announcements on AI agents and developer tools: https://build.microsoft.com 

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 show

If 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/706 

What happens when a seasoned tech leader steps away from Microsoft, only to return stronger and more AI-savvy than ever? In this episode, Nikkia Carter shares her journey from early programming days to becoming a Microsoft MVP—twice. She dives deep into how AI, especially Microsoft Copilot, is transforming business operations, leveling the playing field for small companies, and reshaping how professionals work. If you're curious about practical AI adoption, ethical considerations, and how to stay ahead in tech, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Plus, Nikkia shares a powerful AI tip from JP O’Donnell of ProActive BDA that’s changing how professionals prepare for meetings.
 
🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
AI is a tool, not a replacement: Businesses should integrate AI to enhance human work—not eliminate it. 
Copilot use cases are expanding: From proposal writing to HR and accounting agents, AI is streamlining workflows. 
Privacy matters: Free AI tools may compromise data security—invest in trusted platforms like Microsoft Copilot. 
Small businesses benefit most: AI democratizes access to enterprise-level capabilities, much like the cloud did. 
MVP advice: Consistent monthly contributions (blogs, user groups, videos) are key to earning and maintaining MVP status. 

🧰RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 JP O’Donnell of ProActive BDA - He gave the AI tip to Nikkia Carter.
👉 Microsoft Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot  
👉 ChatGPT – https://chat.openai.com  
👉 Perplexity AI – https://www.perplexity.ai
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 

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 show

If 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/705   

What if the biggest barrier to AI success isn’t the model—but your data? In this episode, Sedarius Tekara Perrotta, CEO of Shelf, reveals why unstructured data is sabotaging enterprise AI efforts and how to fix it. From SharePoint chaos to hallucinating copilots, Sedarius shares a practical framework for transforming messy data into clean, actionable fuel for generative AI. If you're a business or tech leader navigating AI adoption, this conversation is your roadmap to clarity, control, and competitive edge.
 
🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
Unstructured data is the silent killer of AI accuracy. Most organizations have millions of files riddled with micro-errors that confuse AI models and lead to hallucinations. 
A successful AI strategy starts with a data strategy. Clean, enriched, and refined data is essential before plugging into any AI system. 
Use the “Reduce, Enhance, Refine” framework. Focus on a specific use case, eliminate irrelevant data, enrich with metadata, and refine to a trusted set of documents. 
Automation is key—but not enough. Human oversight and iterative monitoring are still critical to ensure AI outputs remain accurate and relevant. 
AI agents will transform job roles incrementally. Expect gradual automation of tasks, with agents augmenting—not replacing—human expertise.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Shelf – AI-powered unstructured data management platform: https://www.shelf.io  
👉 Microsoft Copilot Studio – Customizable AI interface for enterprise use: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/copilot-studio  
👉 Gartner Research – Identified poor data quality as the #1 barrier to scaling GenAI - Read the full Gartner press release

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 show

If you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith