Power Hour Podcast

What does freedom really mean - and how do grief, AI, and writing all play a role in getting there?

In this episode of the Power Hour Podcast, I sit down with Meg Smith - AI mentor, writer, and co-coach of the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge - to explore how the Power Platform and personal growth intersect.

Meg opens up about navigating grief, writing her memoir, and how she’s redefined success and happiness on her own terms. From calculated risks to aligning with your values, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking more freedom, purpose, and perspective in life and tech.

🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:

- How grief can fuel growth and self-discovery

- Why values are the true roadmap to success and freedom

- The mindset shifts Meg used to navigate personal and professional change

- How travel and AI can both expand your worldview

- The link between rest, productivity, and gratitude

- Why your story - and your perspective - matters more than you think

👣 Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and Setting the Scene

02:13 – The Journey of Writing a Memoir

06:01 – Finding Freedom Through Travel and Grief

09:55 – The Power of Pain and Motivation

16:05 – Defining Freedom and Its Evolution

20:50 – Roadmap to Freedom: Values and Goals

27:00 – Calculated Risks and Incremental Progress

32:08 – Dreaming Big and the Law of Attraction

33:56 – Dreaming Big: Setting Goals for the Future

37:16 – The Power of Reflection: Realizing Dreams

39:38 – Life in London: A Journey of Change

44:36 – The Impact of Travel: Expanding Horizons

49:29 – Aligning Values with Financial Decisions

53:18 – Defining Happiness: Living in Alignment with Values

1:02:44 – Embracing Uniqueness: The Value of Your Story

👉 Visit Powercademy.com to level up your Power Platform career

👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment if this episode resonated

🔗 Follow Meg Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz/

In this episode, Ryan Jones, Partner Director of Product Management at Microsoft, shares how he transitioned from the world of audio engineering to scaling low-code tools for millions. We unpack the future of Managed Environments, the real value of the COE Starter Kit, and how you can find your superpower in tech.In this episode:- Ryan's career pivot from music to software and product leadership.- Why Managed Environments matter for governance and scaling apps.- The COE Starter Kit's role, now and in the future.- Cost, deployment strategies, and business impact of managed environments.- Career tips: Networking, personal branding, and finding what you love.- What happiness means when you work at the top of tech.--------------Check out our sponsor! (They allow me to keep making these for free!)🚀 Get Started with Plumsail – Tools to Power Up SharePoint & Microsoft 365!💥 Use promo code HOWDANG for 10% OFF your first year!🔧 Plumsail Product Pages:📝 Forms for SharePoint – Build beautiful, dynamic forms inside SharePoint:https://plumsail.com/forms/sharepoint-forms/Howdang🌐 Public Forms – Easily collect data from anyone, no login required: https://plumsail.com/forms/public-forms/Howdang📄 Documents – Automate document generation from templates: https://plumsail.com/documents/Howdang🎫 SharePoint HelpDesk – A full-featured helpdesk inside your SharePoint: https://plumsail.com/sharepoint-helpdesk/Howdang🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Org Chart for SharePoint & MS Teams – Visualize your organization with ease: https://plumsail.com/sharepoint-orgchart/Howdang🌟 Check out all the tools here: https://plumsail.com/Howdang--------------Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:19 Introduction to Ryan Joes and His Role at Microsoft03:38 Ryan's Journey from Music to Technology07:50 Understanding Managed Environments and Their Importance10:30 The Growth and Future of Managed Environments12:12 COE Starter Kit vs. Managed Environments14:31 Cost Considerations for Managed Environments17:47 Who Should Adopt Managed Environments?22:17 Deployment Strategies in Power Platform26:36 Sponsor Segment32:14 Deployment Strategies (wrap-up)32:47 Lessons from Ryan's Microsoft Journey38:32 Finding Your Superpower in Your Career43:44 Advice for New Professionals48:09 Defining Happiness in a Fast-Paced World👉 Learn more at Powercademy.com👍 Like, subscribe, and follow us for more Power Platform insights🔗 Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjmax/

Tired of feeling behind in tech? Nathan Rose gets real about making the leap into Power Platform and how AI is changing the game. In this episode of the Power Hour Podcast, Nathan shares his transition story from traditional IT into low code and PowerFX, breaking down how hands-on learning, community involvement, and staying curious can unlock powerful professional growth.He unpacks the real opportunities in tools like Copilot Studio, explores how Generative AI is shifting the development landscape, and dives into personal reflections on joy, growth, and giving back.🔑 Episode Takeaways:- Why just starting is more valuable than waiting to be ready- PowerFX, Copilot Studio & the real future of low code- Generative AI isn't replacing you — it's empowering you- How to overcome introversion and build community- The real meaning of happiness (and why it’s different than joy)- Tips on career transitions, asking for help, and paying it forward👉 Whether you're stuck, starting over, or scaling up, Nathan’s story is proof that personal growth and tech evolution go hand-in-hand.📢 Like, subscribe, and share this with someone ready for a change.🎧 Follow Nathan Rose here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanroseakl/🌐 Visit https://powercademy.com for more tools and training!⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and Context of the Power Platform Journey 02:50 – Transitioning into the Power Platform 06:12 – The Role of PowerFX and Low Code Development 09:06 – Generative AI and Its Impact on Development 12:11 – The Future of Coding and Natural Language Processing 14:46 – The Evolution of Microsoft and the Power Platform 18:01 – Autonomous Agents and Their Applications 20:59 – Generative AI in Daily Life and Professional Use 23:51 – Conclusion and Reflections on Technology's Future 30:50 – The Power of AI and Personal Agency 32:30 – Getting Started with AI Tools 34:38 – Embracing the Learning Curve 36:37 – Adapting to Remote Work 39:54 – Finding Balance in a Hybrid World 41:38 – Building Community Connections 45:52 – Overcoming Introversion in Networking 51:05 – Defining Happiness and Joy 54:38 – Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

In this episode of the Power Hour Podcast I sit down with Chris Huntingford, Director of AI at ANS, to cut through the noise around AI. Chris shares how his journey - from early coding days in South Africa to leading AI innovation at a large consultancy in the UK - has been fueled by self-awareness, honesty, and community-driven growth. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the AI hype or unsure how to stay relevant, this conversation is packed with real-world advice.Here’s what you’ll learn:1. Why most AI conversations are missing the point — and how to spot the difference2. How Chris uses community engagement and authenticity to drive tech innovation3. The biggest myths about AI responsibility and trust4. Why managing emotional and physical states is key to success5. How to recondition your mindset for long-term career and personal growth👉 Check out Chris Huntingford here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishuntingford/👉 Learn more about Power Platform and career growth at Powercademy.com👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for weekly insights!Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Background01:33 – Career Journey and Early Experiences05:34 – Community Engagement and Presentation Style10:16 – Role of Director of Artificial Intelligence14:28 – Understanding Responsible AI19:25 – Advice for Career Advancement in Tech21:46 – Embracing Personal Limitations22:43 – Cultural Reflections: Growing Up in South Africa23:12 – Confronting Racism and Personal Growth26:49 – Reconditioning Perspectives: A Journey of Unlearning30:05 – Mental Health and Emotional Awareness32:15 – Managing Life's Plates: Balancing Priorities39:37 – Defining Happiness and Contentment

Why aren’t more Power Platform pros getting what they’re worth? Erfan Siddiq, joins the Power Hour Podcast to reveal what’s really going on. From his career switch as a functional consultant to launching his own recruitment agency, Erfan breaks down how trust, specialization, and storytelling on LinkedIn can make or break your next move.This episode pulls back the curtain on:- Why many candidates are underpaid - and how to change that- What makes a recruiter actually trustworthy- The hidden power of LinkedIn profiles and storytelling- The truth about recruitment fees and compensation structures🔥 If you’ve ever wondered if your recruiter is giving you the full story - don’t miss this.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more Power Platform insights.🌐 Visit Powercademy.com for hands-on learning.🔗 Connect with Erfan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erfan-siddiq-0b8569172/Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Erfan's Journey02:55 – Transitioning from Consultant to Recruiter06:07 – The Importance of Listening in Recruitment08:51 – Identifying Trustworthy Recruiters12:07 – The Value of Specialization in Recruitment14:59 – Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Growth18:03 – Crafting an Effective LinkedIn Profile21:00 – The Power of Storytelling in Professional Spaces23:07 – MMA and Personal Stories24:41 – The Importance of Storytelling in Recruitment25:41 – The Role of Authenticity in Recruitment27:38 – Understanding Recruitment Compensation30:47 – Contract vs Permanent Recruitment Dynamics34:46 – Building Relationships with Recruiters37:44 – Interview Preparation and Candidate Experience45:06 – Building Personal Connections in Recruitment47:13 – Understanding Client Needs and Market Dynamics52:08 – Challenges in Talent Attraction56:10 – The Importance of Candidate Experience01:01:02 – Balancing Work and Personal Life01:05:35 – Defining Happiness and Purpose in Work

From marketing to Microsoft, Areti Iles brings a refreshing perspective on AI, soft skills, and the power of community.In this episode, she shares her journey into tech, how she sees the future of AI adoption, and why data quality and human connection still reign supreme. If you're navigating the tech world, thinking about your next career step, or just trying to make sense of AI and job security — this episode is for you.🔑 In this episode, we cover:- Why soft skills matter more than ever in tech- The impact of the EU AI Act on AI adoption- How data quality can make or break AI strategies- The real risks of generative AI and rogue systems- Areti’s advice for becoming a confident public speaker- Why community and mentorship are critical for growth- What happiness looks like for Areti today👥 Whether you’re a tech pro, aspiring speaker, or curious about where AI is headed — this one is packed with gold.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to Areti Iles and Her Journey 05:54 - The Importance of Soft Skills in Tech 12:01 - The Evolution of AI and Its Implications 18:08 - Security Concerns with Generative AI 23:55 - Data Quality and AI Adoption 41:30 - Building a Supportive Community 51:52 - Personal Journey and Career Path 01:00:54 - Finding Happiness and Fulfillment Check out Areti! -https://www.linkedin.com/in/aretiiles/👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to Powercademy!🎓 Learn more at Powercademy.com🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn for more insights and updates.

Summary

In this episode of the Power Hour podcast, I interview Jukka Niiranen, a Power Platform advisor and consultant running his own company.

We discuss Jukka's journey from traditional CRM systems to advocating for user-centric technology solutions. He shares insights on the importance of bridging the gap between users and technology, measuring the impact of Power Platform solutions, and the challenges of low-code adoption.

He reflects on his experience founding a consultancy, transitioning to entrepreneurship, and the significance of community in professional growth. The conversation also touches on Jukka's decision to retire from the MVP program and the role of writing in his thought development, culminating in a discussion about happiness and personal space.

Find Jukka! -

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jukkaniiranen/Read His Perspectives: https://www.perspectives.plus/

Timestamps -

00:00 Introduction to Jukka Niiranen and Power Platform

02:48 User-Centric Approach to Technology

09:18 Demonstrating Impact of Power Platform

15:45 Challenges in Establishing a Consultancy

30:24 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

31:22 Building a Supportive Community

34:44 The Importance of Networking

36:45 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur

40:38 Retiring from the MVP Program

49:14 The Power of Writing and Transparency

57:51 Defining Happiness and Purpose

DescriptionIn this episode of the Power Hour podcast, I bring you a special recording interviewing Ahmed, the founder of Amplify IT, about his innovative solution, PowerUX, designed to enhance model-driven applications in Power Apps and Dynamics 365.Ahmed shares his journey from a technical consultant to a startup founder, detailing the challenges he faced and the motivation behind creating PowerUX. We then delve into the features of PowerUX, its user-friendly interface, and how it empowers both developers and functional consultants to create high-quality JavaScript without extensive coding knowledge. Check out Power UX below! : Website: https://powerux.app⌛ Use code POWERHOUR to get a 50% discount! - Valid until the end of April ⌛Docs: https://docs.powerux.appCommunity Version: amplifyit/poweruxAhmad's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmadsammour/AMPLIFY IT LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplifyitbe/Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to PowerUX and Ahmed's Journey06:48 Exploring PowerUX: Features and Functionality20:19 Deployment and User Experience of PowerUX27:00 The Development Journey and Future Roadmap38:07 Generative AI in Development: Insights and Perspectives

Summary

In this episode of the Power Hour podcast, I sit down with Mark Smith (aka nz365guy), who shares his experience in the Microsoft tech industry and his journey in creating the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge.

Mark discusses the importance of soft skills, communication, and financial literacy in achieving career success. He emphasizes the shift from traditional employment to entrepreneurship, the role of health and fitness in personal development, and the impact of AI on daily life.

Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Mark Smith and His Journey

03:19 The Motivation Behind the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge

09:19 The Importance of Tacit Knowledge and Soft Skills

11:22 Identifying Common Blockers in Career Progression

15:36 Practical Tips for Improving Communication Skills

20:04 The Shift from Full-Time Employment to Entrepreneurship

23:18 Understanding the Fallacy of Corporate Loyalty

29:19 Embracing the Solopreneur Mindset33:19Key Focus Areas for Personal Development

37:48 Journey to Financial Literacy

41:00 The Power of Reading and Learning

47:41 Leveraging AI for Daily Tasks

54:47 The Impact of Social Media on Focus

01:01:28 Defining Success and Happiness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy/

90 Day Mentoring Challenge: https://www.90daymc.com/

In this episode, we’re joined by Nick DeCourcy, an AI and Microsoft 365 Copilot consultant who helps small and medium-sized businesses navigate the evolving landscape of AI adoption.

Nick shares his journey from childhood tech enthusiast to AI consultant, offering deep insights into the challenges of AI adoption, training strategies, and risks businesses face when using AI tools like Copilot.

We also explore the potential of autonomous agents, how to choose the right AI tools, and why empathy and balance matter more than ever in today’s fast-paced world.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, consultant, or just curious about AI’s role in business, this conversation is packed with practical advice and thoughtful reflections.

⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Nick DeCourcy and His Journey
02:54 - Adoption Patterns in Small to Medium Businesses
06:04 - Engaging Leadership for AI Adoption
09:07 - Understanding Responsible AI and Its Risks
11:48 - Navigating Shadow IT and AI Usage Risks
15:05 - Choosing the Right AI Tools for Businesses
17:53 - Custom AI vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions
20:47 - The Future of Autonomous Agents
23:52 - The Role of Personality in AI Responses
27:00 - Balancing AI Assistance with Human Input
30:02 - Business Dynamics: Training, Consulting, and Development
31:59 - Evolving Business Focus: From Training to Advisory Services
34:40 - The Virtual Experience: Advantages and Challenges
38:08 - The Journey to Entrepreneurship: Nick's Background and Motivation
43:29 - Navigating the Power Platform: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
47:46 - Authenticity in Business: The Importance of Genuine Connections

52:46 - Defining Happiness: Personal Reflections and Insights

🔗 Connect with Nick on LinkedIn:👉 Nick's LinkedIn