Summary 
In this episode of the Power Platform 101 podcast, host Rory Neary is joined by guest Lisa Foster, Managing Director of Blackbird Corporate, a Microsoft Training Organisation. They discuss the evolution of SharePoint and the Power Platform, the importance of training and consulting, and the transition from InfoPath to Power Apps. They explore the challenges and benefits of on-premises versus cloud solutions, the significance of user stories in development, and the integration of third-party tools like DocuSign. Lisa shares her journey in the industry, her achievements, and her passion for motorcycle racing, while also touching on the evolving terminology around citizen developers and Power Platform makers.

Takeaways

The podcast is rebranded to Power Platform 101 for better discoverability.
Lisa Foster has a long history with SharePoint and Power Platform, evolving her business over 16 years.
SharePoint's offline capabilities are crucial for certain sectors like military and government.
Transitioning from InfoPath to Power Apps is a significant change for many organizations.
On-premises solutions have their own set of challenges compared to cloud solutions.
Training in Power Platform is a major focus, with 70% of training related to it.
Understanding the differences between Canvas apps and Model-driven apps is essential for users.
Power Automate can significantly enhance workflows for clients, but many are unaware of its full capabilities.
Integrating tools like DocuSign can streamline processes for clients.
Consulting and training together provide a unique value proposition for clients.
The term 'citizen developer' is evolving, with 'Power Platform maker' being a more suitable term.
User stories are vital for guiding development in Power Platform projects.
Power BI reporting can be complex, especially with large datasets.
Power BI Premium offers enhanced features for data refresh rates.
Old features like SharePoint alerts are being phased out, requiring new workflows in Power Automate.
New features like Copilot in Power Platform are exciting but require additional licensing.
Learning from others in the industry can provide valuable insights and improvements.
Achievements in both business and personal interests, like motorcycle racing, are sources of pride.

Chapters

00:00 Podcast Introduction and Rebranding
02:21 Lisa Foster's Journey into Power Platform
04:19 Evolution of SharePoint and Power Platform
05:49 Offline Capabilities and Security in SharePoint
08:19 Transition from InfoPath to Power Apps
11:04 On-Premises vs Cloud Solutions
12:41 Training Focus on Power Platform
14:22 Understanding Canvas Apps vs Model-Driven Apps
17:01 Power Automate and Client Use Cases
18:42 Integrating Third-Party Tools like DocuSign
20:58 Consulting and Training Synergy
23:33 Citizen Developers vs Power Platform Makers
27:06 Power Platform Training and User Stories
28:34 Power BI Reporting Challenges
30:38 Power BI Premium Features
33:10 Power Platform Integration Discussion
36:30 Old Features: SharePoint Alerts
39:24 New Features: Copilot in Power Platform
42:42 Borrowing Best Practices from Others
47:14 Proud Achievements in Business and Racing
51:24 Music Preferences and Personal Insights

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

Sarah Jones is an experienced recruiter in Microsoft Dynamics and Power Platform.  In this conversation with Rory Neary, shes explores the Power Platform community through the lens of a recruiter, explaining their role of recruiters, and the various pathways into careers within this space. They reminisce about their personal journeys, the importance of networking, and the value of mentorship. Sarah shares insights on the evolving job market and the significance of being authentic in one's career. The discussion also highlights the joy of community engagement and the impact of user groups, while concluding with personal reflections and musical moments.

Takeaways

• Connections within the Power Platform community are vital.
• Recruiters provide valuable insights into the job market.
• Authenticity is key in career development.
• The Power Platform community is known for its welcoming nature.
• There are diverse pathways into Power Platform careers.
• Effort and initiative are essential for career advancement.
• Mentorship programs play a crucial role in professional growth.
• User groups remain relevant and beneficial for networking.
• Matching candidates with the right roles is important for success.
• Learning from failures is a part of personal growth.

Links

Sarah Jones Linkedin (2) Sarah Jones | LinkedIn

Misfits podcast Voices Rising: Women in Tech, User Groups & the Future of AI Security

Power Platform High Five Community (2) Power Platform Community High Five: Posts | LinkedIn

Howdan Rashid podcast Navigating Recruiters in the Power Platform space: Power Hour Podcast #4 - Sarah Jones

Architects accelerator Untethered 365 | Power Platform Solutions Architect training

Manchester AI user group Manchester AI User Group | Meetup

Experts live user group Experts Live UK | Meetup

Christmas song for Sarah

Sound Bites

• "You should be authentically you in your career."
• "User groups are still relevant and valuable."
• "You learn and grow through trying and failing."

Chapters

00:00 Building Connections in Power Platform Community

05:36 The Role of Recruiters in Power Platform

11:11 Sarah's Journey into Recruitment

16:44 Navigating the Power Platform Landscape

22:24 Matching Candidates with Opportunities

28:08 Advice for Aspiring Power Platform Professionals

33:35 Cultural Differences in User Groups

35:02 The Rise of Mentoring Programs

36:23 Learning Through SWOT Analysis

38:21 Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool

42:44 Community Engagement and Podcasting

43:11 Spotlighting Innovative Community Leaders

45:36 Addressing Skill Shortages in the Industry

48:16 Celebrating Personal Achievements

48:40 Empowering Women in Tech

54:16 Musical Reflections and Personal Connections

In this episode, Rory Neary and Sean Astrakhan explore Sean's journey into the Power Platform, discussing his early experiences, the importance of building skills, and the challenges faced in the tech industry. They delve into the evolution of Power Platform controls, the significance of community engagement, and the impact of AI on automation. Sean shares insights on creating compelling content and the value of collaboration within the tech community, while also addressing licensing issues and cost management strategies. The discussion culminates in personal reflections on achievements and the importance of continuous learning.

Takeaways

• Sean's journey into technology began in his late 20s in China.
• Building a portfolio is crucial for standing out in job applications.
• The Excel import feature in Dynamics 365 is reliable and effective.
• Co-Pilot Studio has the potential to revolutionize automation in Power Platform.
• Creating engaging content is essential for community connection.
• Licensing strategies can help manage costs effectively in Power Platform.
• AI can enhance productivity but should not overshadow existing features.
• Community collaboration leads to innovative solutions and shared success.
• Early work experiences provide valuable lessons for personal growth.
• Continuous learning is vital in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Show links

Excel integration into model driven apps

Import data in model-driven apps - Power Apps | Microsoft Learn

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/user/import-data

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Copilot Studio

Create and publish agents with Microsoft Copilot Studio - Training | Microsoft Learn

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/work-power-virtual-agents/

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Power Apps - Robust Multilanguage Tutorial | Choices, Labels even Lookups! (Canvas Apps SharePoint)
https://youtu.be/RlAl5ausRO4?si=PC__mvLsZGprGn0j

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Architects Accelerator Course

Architects Accelerator | Untethered 365

https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

Music

Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8mtXwtapX4

APT - ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekr2nIex040

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and Background
02:51 – Journey into Power Platform
05:39 – Building Skills and Getting Hired
08:16 – The Evolution of Power Platform Controls
11:14 – Transitioning to Power Platform
14:11 – Community and Networking in Power Platform
16:54 – Early Work Experiences and Lessons Learned
19:39 – Creative Content Creation in Power Platform
22:16 – Navigating Power Platform Licensing
26:03 – Something Old, Something New in Power Platform
31:15 – Excel vs Power BI: The Data Visualization Debate
32:28 – The Future of Co-Pilot Studio
34:34 – Understanding Co-Pilot Studio and Dataverse
35:22 – Highlighting Community Contributions
38:41 – Critique of AI Integration in Apps
43:05 – Celebrating Achievements in Power Platform

In this episode, Rory Neary and Keith Atherton explore their backgrounds and journeys into the Power Platform. They discuss the differences between canvas and model-driven apps, the importance of responsive design, and the application of Gestalt principles in UI/UX design. Keith shares his creative pursuits in game development and art, while also highlighting the impact of generative AI and Copilot on the platform. The conversation emphasizes community engagement, user groups, and the diverse backgrounds of Power Platform users, along with the challenges and frustrations they face.

Honourable mentions for

Malin Martnes, Mark Christie, Andrew Bibby, Charlie Phipps-Bennett, Sean Astrakhan, Scott Durow, April Dunnam

Useful links

Use the Plan designer to create a business solution with Copilot (preview) - Power Apps | Microsoft Learn https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/plan-designer/plan-designer 

April Dunnam - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AprilDunnam

Scott Durow - Games Development https://youtu.be/2gbsvuotjOc?si=ZXeKjYjegb7gphi1

Gestalt Principles for app design

Gestalt principles: How to apply them to a mobile app design | by Mariana WA | Bootcamp | Medium https://medium.com/design-bootcamp/gestalt-principles-how-to-apply-them-to-a-mobile-app-design-f36dbaeb5372

Timeline

00:00 Introduction and Meeting Story  
03:35 Journey into Power Platform  
08:31 Understanding Dynamics and Model Driven Apps  
13:49 Responsive Design in Apps  
18:39 Gestalt Principles in UI/UX  
23:41 Something Old, Something New in Power Platform  
28:41 The Future of Power Platform with AI  
33:58 Choosing Influencers in the Power Platform Community  
36:44 Community Engagement and User Groups  
39:45 Frustrations with Power Platform Features  
50:54 Diverse Backgrounds in the Power Platform Community  
53:14 Musical Reflections and Personal Growth  

In this episode of the Power Platform podcast, Rory Neary is joined by Ulrikke Akerbæk, a seasoned member of the Power Platform community and discuss Ulrika's journey into the Power Platform. The conversation delves into Power Pages, its functionalities, and how to get started with it. They also touch on licensing, the impact of AI on creativity, and share personal anecdotes, including a fun segment on favorite songs.

Honourable mentions for Will Dorrington, Chris Huntingford, Sean Asktrakan, Franco Musso, Sarah Guest, Nick Doelman, Nikita Polyakov

Takeaways
Power Pages allows users to interact with Dataverse data securely.
Licensing for Power Pages can be more cost-effective than model-driven apps.
AI is changing the landscape of creativity and coding.
Ulrikke wasn't sure if she preferred Agent 007 to AI Agents. 
HTML and CSS are foundational skills for web development.
The Power Platform community is supportive and collaborative.
Use the designer that was made for the Power Platform product you are using.
titles

Links
Robert Miles - Children - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvyCbevQbtI
Jimmy Durante - Smile - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUHj3piO0yM
Nikita Polyakov - Tech Talks series https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/discussions/powerplatform-partners/tech-talks-presents-kicking-off-the-power-pages-architect-series-from-power-cat-/4396746

Creating a developer environment - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/developer/plan

Power Platform Boost Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@powerplatformboost

Chapters
00:00 — Introductions
02:49 — The Unique Approach of Rory's Podcast
05:50 — Ulrika's Journey into Power Platform
08:44 — Understanding HTML and CSS in Power Pages
11:39 — Power Pages Overview and Use Cases
14:42 — Transitioning from Dataverse to Power Pages
17:34 — Styling and Designing Power Pages
20:43 — Licensing Considerations for Power Pages
23:47 — Something Old, Something New
26:45 — Insights on Power Pages Management App
29:45 — New Features in Power Platform
37:58 — Exploring New Technologies and AI Agents
39:48 — Power Platform Insights and User Experience
43:19 — Navigating Power Platform Tools Effectively
44:13 — Innovative Tools for Power Pages
46:10 — The Impact of AI on Creativity
51:15 — Finding Joy in Creative Expression
52:59 — The Role of Personal Connection in Conversations
55:55 — Musical Memories and Personal Significance

Summary

In this pilot episode of the Power Platform podcast, Rory Neary and Sarah Guest discuss the motivations behind starting the podcast, Rory's career journey, and the features of the Power Platform. They explore both old and new functionalities, share community recommendations, and express frustrations with certain aspects of the platform. The conversation concludes with personal reflections and a light-hearted discussion about music.

Takeaways

• The podcast aims to connect with friends and the community.
• Rory's career transitioned from accountancy to the Power Platform.
• The Podcast is for people new to Power Platform as well as community friends
• Community contributions are vital for learning and sharing knowledge.
• Old features of the Power Platform still hold significant value and Rory still loves the Image column in Dataverse
• New features in preview can enhance user experience.  Rory cheats a little on this on and thinks that using modern controls in Power Apps is the way to go
• Recommendations from community members can guide new users.
• Frustrations with the platform highlight areas for improvement.
• The Power Platform is constantly evolving, offering new learning opportunities.

Name drops and people that should have been named

Power Platform Boost with Nick Doelman and Ulrikke Akerbæk

(4) Power Platform BOOST Podcast: Posts | LinkedIn

Sprint Zero with Jon Russell and Mike Gowlands

Sprint-Zero Podcast - Power Platform, AI, Low Code, Consultancy & Neurodiversity - YouTube

On air in the Cloud with Keith Atherton, Matt Boyd, Gregor Suttie

On Air in the Cloud Podcast

Lisa Crosbie and her super content

Lisa Crosbie - YouTube

Matt Devaney - and I'll leave his content for a future guest to big up

Microsoft Power Up Program

Dimpi, Luis, Geemon, April, Charlie and Renee

Microsoft Power Up Program for career switchers

Sound Bites

• "I didn't want to do accountancy."
• "It's completely free."
• "I still haven't found what I'm looking for."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:10 Why Start a Podcast?

04:00 Rory's Career Journey

09:26 Hobbies and Interests

11:54 Exploring Power Platform: Something Old - Image Columns

15:34 Exploring Power Platform: Something New - Modern Controls

18:14 Exploring Power Platform: Something Borrowed - Lisa Crosbie

22:03 Exploring Power Platform: Something Blue - Environment Variable

25:37 Power Up Program Overview

28:17 Desert Island Discs

30:35 Final comments