🔽Sign up for this completely free, self-paced course: POWER PLATFORM 101🔽

Link: https://citizendeveloper365.com/payment-power-platform-101-course/

💥Use code: YOUTUBE at checkout to get the course for FREE

In this episode of Power Talks, Griffin talks with Danielle Estrada on how she has been able to grow her career and build her network in the big world of Technology. She has a passion for empowering newcomers and young professionals to go an be great at what they do. Check out the conversation for an encouragement on how you can build confidence, achieve "success" (whatever that means to you), and stay relevant as the industry changes over time.

✅ Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-estrada/

Who is Danielle?

Today, we’re joined by Danielle Estrada, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Hitachi Solutions Americas. With a diverse background spanning Microsoft, academia, and leadership in the tech industry, Danielle brings a wealth of experience in AI, digital transformation, and mentorship. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University, where she played a key role in developing and certifying the Artificial Intelligence Management (AIM) Master’s Program. A passionate DEI champion, speaker, and mentor, Danielle is dedicated to empowering new-in-career professionals and rising talent in the tech space.

💥 Listen to #PowerTalks on all platforms here: 💥

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/citizendeveloper365

✅ Connect with Griffin on

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-lickfeldt/

🔗 Check the Citizen Developer site here:

https://citizendeveloper365.com/

Is it really possible to build a successful tech career in today’s fast-changing, AI-driven world?

In this episode of #PowerTalks, we sit down with a tech leader whose journey spans Microsoft, academia, and executive leadership at a Microsoft Partner. From imposter syndrome to AI strategy, this conversation is full of insight for anyone trying to make it in tech today—whether you’re just starting out or leveling up.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

🔥 How pivotal moments at Microsoft and Georgetown University shaped a career in tech

🔥 The connection between academic AI strategy and real-world implementation using tools like Microsoft Copilot Studio

🔥 Confidence, resilience, and how to overcome imposter syndrome in competitive tech environments

🔥 What new-in-career professionals struggle with—and how to break through

🔥 The most underrated strategies for early-career professionals to stand out and grow

🔥 What building an AI Management Master’s program taught about the future of leadership and digital transformation

🔥 How organizations can prepare their workforce for AI’s impact with Copilot, Power Platform, and low-code tools

Whether you're interested in tech leadership, career development, or preparing for the rise of AI-powered workflows, this episode delivers actionable guidance and real talk from someone who's walked the path.

📌 Keywords: tech career advice, Microsoft Copilot Studio, how to make it in tech, imposter syndrome in tech, low-code Power Platform, AI in business, career growth strategies, digital transformation

💙Welcome to the Citizen Developer Channel💙

This channel's mission is to help guide, teach, discuss, and share valuable and meaningful content for Citizen (Non-technical) Developers around the world. With a current focus that will cover a broad range of Microsoft Dynamics 365 topics from Detailed How-To or Step-by-Step Guides, Best Practices for Builders, Certification Exams, and MORE! Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a thing!

Video Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

01:10 - Danielle's Journey

10:13 - The Challenges Today

19:54 - The Microsoft World

25:00 - Time as an AI Professor

31:26 - Organizational Strategy

40:21 - After Hours Happy Hour

46:00 - Connect with Danielle

🔽Sign up for this completely free, self-paced course: POWER PLATFORM 101🔽

Link: https://citizendeveloper365.com/payment-power-platform-101-course/

💥Use code: YOUTUBE at checkout to get the course for FREE

Want your Power App to scale, stay secure, and actually stand the test of time? In this #PowerTalks episode, we dive deep into the foundational step most makers overlook: setting up your data structure the right way from the very beginning.

Whether you're using Dataverse, building with Power Apps, or integrating with Microsoft Copilot Studio, the key to long-term success lies in data architecture. A solid backend means even a “bad” front-end app can still work beautifully—and your users will thank you for it.If you’re serious about building smart, scalable, AI-ready Power Apps, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

What You’ll Learn in this video:

1️⃣ Why Dataverse’s relational data model is your superpower

2️⃣ How spending more time on table structure can save you months later

3️⃣ How to future-proof your Power App to support growth and agentification

4️⃣ Tips to avoid technical debt and make your solutions truly evergreen

5️⃣ Why security setup isn’t optional—learn about user vs. organization-owned tables, column-level security, and Power Pages authentication

6️⃣ How Copilot Studio’s AI capabilities rely on a well-structured data foundation for maximum impact

Why Watch This Video?

If you want your Power App to scale efficiently, stay secure, and perform reliably over time, this #PowerTalks episode will uncover the critical but often skipped step: setting up your Dataverse data structure correctly from the start. Whether you're working in Power Apps, configuring Dataverse tables, or integrating with Microsoft Copilot Studio, a strong data model and backend architecture is key to long-term success. A well-structured Dataverse environment ensures even basic apps run smoothly and are future-ready. Learn best practices for Dataverse setup for Power Apps and build smarter from day one!

💥 Listen to #PowerTalks on all platforms here: 💥

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/citizendeveloper365

✅ Connect with Griffin on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-lickfeldt/

🔗 Check the Citizen Developer site here:

https://citizendeveloper365.com/

Setting up your Power App for success starts with designing the right data structure. In this step-by-step tutorial, we walk through how to set up your Dataverse tables and relationships to build scalable, secure, and high-performing Power Apps. Whether you're building an app from scratch or improving an existing one, you'll learn how to think about table relationships, data modeling, future-proofing your solution, and setting proper security roles.This video is perfect for makers who want to go beyond drag-and-drop and understand how to architect data the right way. We also touch on how a well-structured Dataverse setup can improve your experience when using Copilot in Power Apps or Copilot Studio agents, especially when working with connected data, AI-generated answers, and knowledge bases.

🚀 Key Takeaways:

💡 How to plan your Power Apps database

💡 Understanding Dataverse table relationships

💡 Best practices for long-term app maintenance

💡 How good data structure enhances AI and Copilot performance

💡 Security setup tips for enterprise-grade Power Apps

💡 Structuring data for use with Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Studio

Whether you searched for "how to structure data in Power Apps", "Dataverse tips", "Power Platform best practices", or “Copilot Studio data setup,” this video has you covered.

📌 Keywords: Power Apps data setup, Dataverse table design, Copilot Studio integration, Power Platform data structure, evergreen apps, Power Pages security, Power Apps technical debt, Power Platform architecture

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/wake-up

License code: 9YF3TMN8HECFDNCE

🔽Sign up for this completely free, self-paced course: POWER PLATFORM 101🔽

Link: https://citizendeveloper365.com/payment-power-platform-101-course/

💥Use code: YOUTUBE at checkout to get the course for FREE

In this episode of Power Talks, Griffin talks with Jon River on how he has grown his network in the Microsoft Dynamics and Power Platform industry over the last 20 years. Jon believes that a quality network is key to growing one's career to new heights and leaving a positive impact on those around you. Check out the conversation to see how you could grow your network in this masterclass of a conversation.

✅ Connect with Jon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonrivers/

Who is Jon?

Today we’re joined by Jon Rivers, COO of Marketeery and a deeply respected figure in the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem. With over 20 years of community involvement, Jon has played a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening the Dynamics space—not just through his work, but through his heart for people. He served on the Directions NA Conference Board for over 11 years, coaching and mentoring countless professionals along the way. Whether it’s uplifting new talent, guiding seasoned pros, or building marketing strategies for partners—Jon’s impact is rooted in his philosophy of giving over taking, and building community strength from the inside out.

💥 Listen to #PowerTalks on all platforms here: 💥https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/citizendeveloper365

✅ Connect with Griffin on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-lickfeldt/🔗

Check the Citizen Developer site here:https://citizendeveloper365.com/

In this PowerTalks Masterclass, we dive deep into the real-world strategies behind building your brand, expanding your network, and standing out in the Microsoft ecosystem—especially in the era of AI and Copilot Studio.In Episode 53, we sit down with a longtime community leader and COO of Marketeery to explore:

✅ How to overcome shyness and grow into a recognized voice in tech

✅ The mindset shifts that unlock long-term career growth

✅ Practical tips on using underutilized tools and platforms to grow your influence

✅ Why “if you have an itch, you should do something about it” is a game-changing philosophy

✅ The most common mistakes partners make in Microsoft marketing—and how to fix them

✅ The mission of Marketeery and how it supports the Power Platform and Copilot Studio community

✅ How mentorship, giving first, and community focus drive sustainable leadership in tech

Whether you're building apps in Power Platform, learning Copilot Studio, or trying to stand out in a crowded digital space, this episode will give you actionable insights to level up your presence—both online and offline.

📌 Keywords: Copilot Studio networking, build brand in tech, Microsoft ecosystem marketing, Marketeery, Power Platform community, Copilot for partners, Microsoft partner growth, tech branding strategy

💙Welcome to the Citizen Developer Channel💙

This channel's mission is to help guide, teach, discuss, and share valuable and meaningful content for Citizen (Non-technical) Developers around the world. With a current focus that will cover a broad range of Microsoft Dynamics 365 topics from Detailed How-To or Step-by-Step Guides, Best Practices for Builders, Certification Exams, and MORE! Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a thing!

Video Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

00:56 - Getting out your shell

08:05 - The first stepping stone

15:00 The value of a network

20:33 - Quantity over Quality

26:11 - Misconceptions about success

33:12 - Marketeery

44:16 - After Hours Happy Hour

47:00 - Connect with Jon

🔽Sign up for this completely free, self-paced course: POWER PLATFORM 101🔽

Link: https://citizendeveloper365.com/payment-power-platform-101-course/

💥Use code: YOUTUBE at checkout to get the course for FREE

In this episode of Power Talks, Griffin talks with Ben Cole on how he took a leap of faith into founding his own firm, ERP Connect, and the lessons this has taught him. We discuss the importance of balancing confidence vs. humility and discuss how he effectively leads those around him towards success. Check out the conversation to hear more of Ben's story, how he is helping organizations use Business Central, and pushing himself to continuously grow to new heights.

✅ Connect with Ben on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjcole/

Who is Ben?

Today we’re joined by Ben Cole, President of ERP Connect, a fast-growing firm in the Dynamics 365 Business Central space. Ben started his journey in consulting and has spent the last 10 years immersed in Business Central, helping clients optimize their ERP experience. Four years ago, Ben founded ERP Connect, and in that short time, the company has made a name for itself through innovative add-on apps—most notably, the Business Central Toolbox. His approach is grounded, practical, and laser-focused on helping businesses work more efficiently with their tech stack.Ben's success isn't just about technical skill—it's about being down to earth, putting the client first, and always staying hands-on. Whether it’s saying “no” when it matters or staying true to his values, Ben leads with authenticity and experience.

✅ Connect with Griffin on Linked

In:https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-lickfeldt/

🔗 Check the Citizen Developer site here:

https://citizendeveloper365.com/

Want to grow your tech career but struggle with confidence, clarity, or where to start?

In this episode of #PowerTalks, we sit down with the founder of ERP Connect, a 10-year veteran in the Dynamics 365 Business Central space, to unpack the mindset, tools, and strategies that drive real growth in tech—especially in today’s AI-powered world.

We cover:

How to balance confidence and humility as you grow and lead

The leap from consulting to launching ERP Connect—and what it taught him

Advice for starting your own thing (even if you feel unready)

How Business Central and the broader Microsoft ecosystem have evolved

Why the Business Central Toolbox is a must-have for modern ERP users

Lessons from family wisdom: “No one has time to do it right, but everyone has time to do it over”

Why authenticity builds trust—and how “just a normal dude who loves tech” became a trusted leader

His go-to advice for newcomers: show up, be a sponge, and own your career

We also connect this growth journey to today’s fast-moving tech landscape—with a special emphasis on Copilot Studio, generative AI, and the low-code tools that are reshaping how professionals deliver value. If you're navigating a tech career, working with Business Central, or building with Copilot, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight.

📌 Keywords: grow tech career, confidence in tech, Business Central ERP, Dynamics 365 Business Central, ERP Connect, Copilot Studio tools, low-code Microsoft ecosystem, Power Platform career growth

💙Welcome to the Citizen Developer Channel💙This channel's mission is to help guide, teach, discuss, and share valuable and meaningful content for Citizen (Non-technical) Developers around the world. With a current focus that will cover a broad range of Microsoft Dynamics 365 topics from Detailed How-To or Step-by-Step Guides, Best Practices for Builders, Certification Exams, and MORE! Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a thing!

Video Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

00:48 - Humility & Confidence

08:06 - Entrepreneurship

12:00 - How to Hustle

20:56 - Founding ERP Connect

30:20 - Business Central

38:30 - Doing Things Right

41:32 - After Hours Happy Hour

47:00 - Connect with Ben

🔽Sign up for this completely free, self-paced course: POWER PLATFORM 101🔽Link: https://citizendeveloper365.com/payment-power-platform-101-course/💥Use code: YOUTUBE at checkout to get the course for FREEIn this episode of Power Talks, Griffin talks with Damien Bird on his take on where the Power Platform is going and how consultants and architects can level up and prepare themselves for the future. As a SME in automation and AI, Damien shares the expertise he has gotten over his career. Check out the conversation to see how AI will continue to implement it's way into Microsoft Dynamics, the Power Platform, and how businesses operate as a whole.✅ Connect with Damien on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damobird365/Check out Damien's blog here:https://damobird365.com/Who is Damien?Today, we’re joined by Damien Bird, a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft. With over 16 years of experience in local government, a successful transition to consulting at Incremental, and now thriving at Microsoft, Damien brings a wealth of practical insights and technical expertise. A former Microsoft MVP and Power Platform Super User (2021/2022), he’s also the creator behind a thriving YouTube channel dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering the community.💥 Listen to #PowerTalks on all platforms here: 💥https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/citizendeveloper365✅ Connect with Griffin on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-lickfeldt/🔗 Check the Citizen Developer site here:https://citizendeveloper365.com/What does the future hold for Microsoft Power Platform, Copilot Studio, and the low-code revolution? In Episode 52 of #PowerTalks, we explore where the Power Platform is heading over the next five years—and what that means for developers, consultants, and businesses alike.In this deep-dive conversation with a Microsoft Cloud Solution Architect (CSA), we cover:✅ The growing role of AI and Microsoft Copilot Studio in Power Platform apps✅ How AI-powered copilots will reshape user experiences, business process automation, and data interaction✅ Career shifts from local government to Microsoft, and how each step built platform expertise✅ How to help clients embrace low-code tools like Power Apps, Power Automate, and Copilot integrations✅ Personal reflections on self-doubt, growth, and finding balance in tech careers✅ Advice for Power Platform professionals just a few years behind in their journey✅ The power of the community and content creation to uplift others in this spaceWhether you're a new maker, an advanced Power Platform pro, or just curious about where Copilot-driven low-code platforms are heading, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve.📌 Keywords: Microsoft Power Platform 2025, Copilot Studio future, low-code with AI, Microsoft CSA insights, power automate roadmap, power apps future trends, career in Power Platform, AI copilots Microsoft💙Welcome to the Citizen Developer Channel💙This channel's mission is to help guide, teach, discuss, and share valuable and meaningful content for Citizen (Non-technical) Developers around the world. With a current focus that will cover a broad range of Microsoft Dynamics 365 topics from Detailed How-To or Step-by-Step Guides, Best Practices for Builders, Certification Exams, and MORE! Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a thing!Video Chapters:00:00 - Intro00:51 - The Future of Power Platform06:16 - What to Focus on Learning11:50 - Vibe Coding16:09 - Damien's Journey29:30 - Empowering Organizations36:10 - The Power Platform Community41:55 - After Hours Happy Hour47:00 - Connect with Damien

🔽Sign up for this completely free, self-paced course: POWER PLATFORM 101🔽Link: https://citizendeveloper365.com/payment-power-platform-101-course/💥Use code: YOUTUBE at checkout to get the course for FREEIn this episode of Power Talks, Griffin talks with Nick Doelman on what keeps him going after 25 years in the industry. We dive into his journey as an entrepreneur in the Microsoft Dynamics and Power Platform space and hear the raw truth of what life was like during that time. Nick shares how he is able to stay curious in the ever-changing industry and his advice to others on how they can build sustainable careers they love.✅ Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickdoelman/Who is Nick?Today we’re joined by Nick Doelman, a Power Platform Specialist, Microsoft MVP, and Certified Trainer with a global footprint in tech education and delivery. Nick brings over 25 years of experience to the table and has worked across many roles—from building solutions, to training, to producing skilling content at Microsoft itself. Nick's passion lies especially in Power Pages and Model-driven Power Apps, where he’s known for making complex concepts approachable. He also co-hosts the Power Platform BOOST podcast and creates regular blog and video content for the community. But he’s not just lifting up knowledge—Nick is also a competitive powerlifter, representing Team Canada internationally, with medals at the World, Commonwealth, and North American Championships. His mindset of resilience, learning, and consistent progress is evident in both the gym and the tech world.💥 Listen to #PowerTalks on all platforms here: 💥https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/citizendeveloper365✅ Connect with Griffin on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-lickfeldt/🔗 Check the Citizen Developer site here:https://citizendeveloper365.com/We dive deep into a powerful conversation on burnout, balance, and sustainable success in the tech industry—especially for those working with Microsoft Power Platform and Copilot Studio. Nick shares firsthand experience from running a consulting business that led to burnout in 2013, and what they’ve learned since about maintaining long-term energy and passion for work. We explore what it takes to build a career in low-code platforms like Power Apps, Power Automate, and Microsoft Copilot Studio without burning out—especially in an industry that never stops moving.✅ Sustainable career growth in tech and low-code✅ How to stay curious without feeling overwhelmed by AI and Copilot tools✅ Why the Power Platform still excites veterans after 25+ years✅ Turning technical topics into accessible content for learners✅ Mentorship and community impact in the Microsoft ecosystem✅ The underestimated power of long-term consistencyWhether you're new to Power Platform or a seasoned professional integrating AI and Copilot Studio into your workflows, this episode is packed with wisdom on how to love your tech career without losing yourself.📌 Keywords: Microsoft Copilot Studio, avoid burnout in tech, power platform careers, low-code development, power apps mentorship, AI tools for tech professionals, tech podcast, sustainable growth in IT💙Welcome to the Citizen Developer Channel💙This channel's mission is to help guide, teach, discuss, and share valuable and meaningful content for Citizen (Non-technical) Developers around the world. With a current focus that will cover a broad range of Microsoft Dynamics 365 topics from Detailed How-To or Step-by-Step Guides, Best Practices for Builders, Certification Exams, and MORE! Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a thing!Video Chapters:00:00 - Intro00:46 - Nick Doelman02:20 - Entrepreneurship07:01 - Dealing with Burnout12:30 - Looking back at the Journey17:59 - Power Platform Course18:49 - Career Sustainability28:58 - Advice for Others41:15 - What Keeps Nick Going47:17 - After Hours Happy Hour01:00:04 - Connect with Nick

🔽Sign up for this completely free, self-paced course: POWER PLATFORM 101🔽Link: https://citizendeveloper365.com/payment-power-platform-101-course/💥Use code: YOUTUBE at checkout to get the course for FREEBuilding a strong personal brand isn’t about overnight success—it’s about consistency, strategy, and smart execution. We dive into the realities of personal branding, from managing expectations to leveraging content batching, idea organization, and workflow optimization. Learn how to streamline content creation, maximize engagement, and avoid common pitfalls that slow down growth. Discover why replicating successful strategies, analyzing performance metrics, and staying inspired by top creators is essential for long-term success. Whether you're growing a YouTube channel, LinkedIn presence, or online reputation, these insights will help you build a sustainable brand that stands out. What You’ll Learn in this video:1️⃣ Personal Brand Growth2️⃣ Microsoft Power Platform3️⃣ Social Media Branding4️⃣ Tech Career Growth5️⃣ AI for Content Creators6️⃣ Building an Online Presence7️⃣ Going Viral on Social MediaWhy Watch This Video?Building a personal brand takes time, patience, and consistency—forget chasing viral success. In this episode of #PowerTalks Ep. 50, we break down the harsh reality of personal branding, sharing real insights from a Copilot video success story and practical strategies to stay on track. Learn why you should double your time horizon, streamline content creation, batch-produce videos, and leverage proven strategies to grow your brand. Discover how to reduce friction, store ideas efficiently, and take inspiration from top creators without reinventing the wheel. Whether you're building a personal brand on YouTube, LinkedIn, or social media, this guide will help you stay consistent, optimize your workflow, and create content that works. Start building your brand the right way today!

💥 Listen to #PowerTalks on all platforms here: 💥https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/citizendeveloper365✅ Connect with Griffin on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-lickfeldt/🔗 Check the Citizen Developer site here:https://citizendeveloper365.com/Building a personal brand is not as easy as it looks. In this episode of #PowerTalks Ep. 50, I break down the harsh reality of growing your brand online—from the grind of content creation to the truth about going viral and staying consistent over the long run.

🚀 Key Takeaways:

💡 Don't chase virality—focus on providing value instead.

💡 Success takes longer than you think—double your time horizon.

💡 Make content creation easy—reduce friction, store ideas, and batch-produce.

💡 Use what works—analyze what’s performing, take inspiration, and repeat success.

💡 Commit to daily progress—even 1-2 hours per day makes a difference.

Whether you’re a content creator, entrepreneur, or building a tech career, this episode will help you navigate brand-building in the AI era—leveraging tools like Microsoft Copilot Studio, AI automation, and digital strategies to scale your presence efficiently.💙Welcome to the Citizen Developer Channel💙This channel's mission is to help guide, teach, discuss, and share valuable and meaningful content for Citizen (Non-technical) Developers around the world. With a current focus that will cover a broad range of Microsoft Dynamics 365 topics from Detailed How-To or Step-by-Step Guides, Best Practices for Builders, Certification Exams, and MORE! Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a thing!Video Chapters:00:00 - Two Types

01:24 - Creating Content

04:09 - Don't Go Viral

11:40 - Your Goal Timeline

13:40 - Make Creating Easy

23:27 - Use What is Working

30:17 - Spend Just 1 Hour

35:11 - SUBSCRIBEMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/turn-awayLicense code: 5MB4TLPQHHZURZHQ

🔽Sign up for this completely free, self-paced course: POWER PLATFORM 101🔽Link: https://citizendeveloper365.com/payment-power-platform-101-course/💥Use code: YOUTUBE at checkout to get the course for FREE

In this episode of Power Talks, Griffin talks with Jenny Cuevas on how she has transitioned her career from End User, to consultant, to architect. With decades of experience and an unmatched passion for mentoring others, we discuss the tangible skills that separate consultants from architects and how you can sharpen those skills. Check out the conversation as we dive deep into Microsoft Dynamics solution architecture, inspiring future talent to grow, and other tricks of the trade.✅ Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennycuevas/Who is Jenny?Today, we’re joined by Jenny Cuevas, Principal Functional Consultant at Argano. With nearly 25 years of experience spanning Operations leadership, healthcare, staffing, and financial services, Jenny has a unique background that blends deep industry expertise with a passion for technology-driven transformation. Her journey into tech started in 2010, when she participated as an SME in her organization’s Dynamics implementation. From there, she transitioned from end-user to consultant, eventually leading software delivery teams before moving into consulting in 2021. Today, she specializes in Microsoft CE, Power Platform, and Azure solutions, helping businesses optimize processes and drive innovation.Jenny is also an active community leader, having led the Dallas-Fort Worth CRM User Group, earning the prestigious CRMUG Sapphire Award for her contributions. She’s passionate about mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and solutioning complex business challenges.💥 Listen to #PowerTalks on all platforms here: 💥https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/citizendeveloper365✅ Connect with Griffin on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-lickfeldt/🔗 Check the Citizen Developer site here:https://citizendeveloper365.com/Thinking about a Solution Architect career or breaking into tech consulting? In this episode of #PowerTalks, we explore the key lessons from a seasoned Microsoft Business Applications consultant who transitioned from Operations leadership to technology. Learn why embracing your early years in consulting is crucial, the biggest challenges in moving from an end-user role to consulting, and the critical skills that separate great Solution Architects from the rest. We also dive into real-world customer service solutions, including enhanced record queues, custom assignment methods, prioritization rulesets, and skills matching—plus the challenges and solutions that come with them. Discover how to handle scope creep, misaligned expectations, and the one habit that contributes to long-term success. Whether you're just starting your tech career or looking to advance as a Solution Architect, this episode is packed with insights on mentorship, consulting success, and community building.💙Welcome to the Citizen Developer Channel💙This channel's mission is to help guide, teach, discuss, and share valuable and meaningful content for Citizen (Non-technical) Developers around the world. With a current focus that will cover a broad range of Microsoft Dynamics 365 topics from Detailed How-To or Step-by-Step Guides, Best Practices for Builders, Certification Exams, and MORE! Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a thing!Video Chapters:00:00 - Intro00:43 - Not Rushing to the Next Step06:25 - Jenny's Experience12:59 - Transitioning from User to Consultant16:06 - Documentation20:40 - Communicating No30:32 - Speaking Up32:40 - Mentoring and Community47:56 - After Hours Happy Hour52:20 - Connect with Jenny

🔽Sign up for this completely free, self-paced course: POWER PLATFORM 101🔽Link: https://citizendeveloper365.com/payment-power-platform-101-course/💥Use code: YOUTUBE at checkout to get the course for FREE

In this episode of Power Talks, Griffin talks with Stuart Baxter on how he is able to rescue poorly built apps, fix them, and make clients happy. We dive into the skills needed to be a great solution architect, what consultants need to learn before making the leap to solution architect, and ultimately why some projects fail. Check out the conversation to hear some of Stuart's MVP journey, career advice, and the skills that actually make a difference in your ability to drive client success.

✅ Connect with Stuart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbaxter86/

Who is Stuart?

Today, we’re joined by Stuart Baxter, a Senior Dynamics 365 & Power Platform Solution Architect at Capgemini and a Microsoft MVP since 2024. With 10 years of experience in Microsoft Business Applications, including four years as a Solution Architect, Stuart has worked across public sector, agriculture, financial services, healthcare, and defense—solving complex business problems with simplicity in mind. Beyond his technical expertise, Stuart is co-founder of the Scottish Power Platform User Group and has a unique background in journalism, comic writing, and reporting on British MMA. He’s also passionate about mentoring, rescue projects, and ensuring that technology delivers real value.

💥 Listen to #PowerTalks on all platforms here: 💥https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/citizendeveloper365

✅ Connect with Griffin on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-lickfeldt/

🔗 Check the Citizen Developer site here:https://citizendeveloper365.com/

What does it take to become a successful Solution Architect in the Power Platform and Dynamics 365 space? In this episode of #PowerTalks, we dive into the key lessons for Solution Architects, from transitioning out of consulting to mastering enterprise BizApps implementations. Learn why projects fail, how to rescue struggling implementations, and the critical skills that separate top-tier Power Platform Solution Architects from the rest. We also discuss the future of Dynamics 365, the evolving role of low-code solutions, and what professionals should be doing now to stay ahead. Plus, we explore the impact of mentorship, user communities, and the two most important sentences in tech: "I don’t know" and "I will research this and come back." Whether you're aspiring to be a Solution Architect or looking to level up your career, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you succeed.

💙Welcome to the Citizen Developer Channel💙This channel's mission is to help guide, teach, discuss, and share valuable and meaningful content for Citizen (Non-technical) Developers around the world. With a current focus that will cover a broad range of Microsoft Dynamics 365 topics from Detailed How-To or Step-by-Step Guides, Best Practices for Builders, Certification Exams, and MORE! Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a thing!

Video Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

00:47 - The Learning Curve

07:56 - Rescuing Projects

14:50 - Over Engineering Solutions

20:39 - How to Rescue Projects

24:33 - Solution Architect Skills

36:10 - Community Involvement

44:48 - After Hours Happy Hour

48:33 - Connect with Stuart

🔽Sign up for this completely free, self-paced course: POWER PLATFORM 101🔽Link: https://citizendeveloper365.com/payment-power-platform-101-course/💥Use code: YOUTUBE at checkout to get the course for FREE

Want to land one of the best tech jobs but don’t know where to start? In this episode of #PowerTalks, we break down exactly how to start a tech career, even if you have no experience. Learn why low-code development, Microsoft certifications, and building simple projects—like a grocery list app or tic-tac-toe game—can kickstart your journey. We also dive into what makes you truly valuable in tech, how to future-proof your career against AI, and why soft skills, business processes, and communication are your biggest assets. Finally, we discuss how to find purpose in your work, connect with others, and make an impact in the industry. If you're looking for high-paying, future-proof tech jobs, this episode gives you a 40-minute blueprint to get started today!

What You’ll Learn in this video:

1️⃣ Low-Code Software Development

2️⃣ Microsoft Power Platform

3️⃣ Microsoft Certifications

4️⃣ Tech Career Growth

5️⃣ AI Automation

6️⃣ No Code Jobs

7️⃣ Power Apps Development

Why Watch This Video?

With AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot Studio, the demand for low-code automation, AI-driven copilots, and workflow optimization is growing FAST. Now is the best time to learn, adapt, and thrive in tech!

💥 Listen to #PowerTalks on all platforms here: 💥https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/citizendeveloper365

✅ Connect with Griffin on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-lickfeldt/

🔗 Check the Citizen Developer site here:https://citizendeveloper365.com/

Want to break into tech?

Give me 40 minutes, and I’ll show you exactly how to start a high-paying tech career—no coding experience required! In this episode of #PowerTalks, I break down:

💡Point 1: How to Start a Tech CareerLearn Low-Code Software Development (Microsoft Power Platform, Mendix, OutSystems, Appian)Why you can start right now—no degree needed!Get Microsoft Certified (PL-900, PL-200, PL-400)Start building simple apps (Tic-Tac-Toe, Grocery List Apps) to gain experience

💡Point 2: How to Become ValuableNo income cap—your value determines your earning potential!AI is replacing technical skills—so focus on being more humanDevelop Meta Skills (Communication, Learning, Problem-Solving)Lean on Business Processes and your current experience

💡Point 3: How to Find PurposeLet your personality shine—be authentically YOUBuild connections & network with othersMake an impact—find someone to help and grow together

💙Welcome to the Citizen Developer Channel💙This channel's mission is to help guide, teach, discuss, and share valuable and meaningful content for Citizen (Non-technical) Developers around the world. With a current focus that will cover a broad range of Microsoft Dynamics 365 topics from Detailed How-To or Step-by-Step Guides, Best Practices for Builders, Certification Exams, and MORE! Make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a thing!

Video Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

01:24 - About Me

03:12 - Start Your Career

14:37 - Become Valuable

28:48 - Find Purpose

36:21 - After Hours Happy Hour

38:45 - SUBSCRIBE

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/discover-waveLicense code: KQTOTPVN6GL1Z7HM