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

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Summary

In this episode of the Sprint Zero podcast, we welcome Meg Smith, a prominent figure in the tech industry and co-founder of the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge. Meg shares her journey from advertising to tech, her advocacy for indigenous representation, and her insights on the role of AI in business. The conversation delves into the challenges of implementing AI solutions, the importance of security, and the need for organizations to focus on user experience. Meg also emphasizes the significance of defining personal success and aligning values in both personal and professional life. In this engaging conversation, Meg Smith, Mike Gowland, and Jon Russell explore various themes including societal expectations, work-life integration, the importance of humility and curiosity, intergenerational impact, authenticity in representation, and the value of embracing uncomfortable conversations. They discuss how personal values shape professional lives and the significance of being a good ancestor for future generations. The dialogue emphasizes the need for diverse voices in technology and the power of self-awareness in navigating complex discussions.

Takeaways

• The 90 Day Mentoring Challenge emphasizes personal investment for maximum benefit.
• Career transitions can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth.
• Indigenous representation in tech is crucial for economic cooperation.
• AI implementation requires a focus on user experience and security.
• Organizations must adapt to the changing landscape of technology.
• Defining personal values is essential for authentic success.
• Empowering individuals with AI tools can drive innovation.
• Listening to users is key to successful technology adoption.
• Freedom can take many forms in personal and professional life.
• Understanding one's values can guide decision-making and career paths. People often project their expectations onto others.
• Work-life integration allows for a more fulfilling life.
• Humility and curiosity can lead to better outcomes.
• Understanding intergenerational impact is crucial.
• Authenticity fosters value in representation.
• It's important to support diverse perspectives.
• Self-awareness can enhance group dynamics.
• Embracing discomfort can lead to growth.
• Curiosity can alleviate fear of irrelevance.
• Legacy is about being a good ancestor.

Special thanks to:

Meg Smith:

LinkedIn 

Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

====================

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

We're on Substack: Sprint-Zero’s Substack | Sprint-Zero Podcast | Substack
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In this episode of the Sprint Zero podcast, we welcome Suhail Sayed, a freelance principal consultant specialising in Microsoft 365 migrations. Suhail shares his diverse career journey, from working in retail and IT help desks to becoming a successful freelancer. He discusses the cultural nuances of career paths in India, the challenges of freelancing, and the importance of focusing on sales for business growth. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of IT consulting and the significance of personal development through coaching.

Takeaways

• Suhail transitioned from retail to IT help desk roles.
• He emphasises the importance of aligning passion with financial stability.
• Cultural differences impact career opportunities in India.
• Freelancing allows for flexibility but comes with challenges.
• Sales activities yield the highest return on investment for business.
• Suhail's journey took about a decade to reach his current role.
• He started offering Microsoft Teams training as a side gig.
• The Indian market has a different approach to consulting compared to Western countries.
• Suhail's business model includes fractional consultants for specialised work.
• Coaching has been instrumental in Suhail's personal and professional growth.

Thanks to Suhail Sayed for joining us on this episode

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suhail-powerflow/

Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

====================

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

We're on Substack: Sprint-Zero’s Substack | Sprint-Zero Podcast | Substack
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Summary

In this episode of the Sprint Zero podcast, we welcome Andy Wingate, Business Central Practice Director at Venture. The conversation explores Andy's journey from an end-user role to consultancy, the significance of community in the Microsoft ecosystem, and the importance of soft skills in professional services. They discuss the features and growth of Microsoft Business Central, the challenges faced during implementations, and the value of continuous learning and networking in the tech industry. Andy shares insights on transitioning careers, the importance of embracing discomfort, and the future of AI in consultancy.

Takeaways

• Andy Wingate emphasizes the importance of community in the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Business Central is a growing ERP solution for SMBs, gaining traction in the market.
• Transitioning from an end-user role to consultancy can be a rewarding career move.
• Soft skills are crucial for success in consultancy and project management.
• Continuous learning through platforms like Microsoft Learn is essential for career growth.
• Networking and building relationships in the industry can open new opportunities.
• AI can be a valuable tool for productivity but should not replace human insight.
• Engaging in mini projects can enhance practical knowledge and interview readiness.
• The D365 space is experiencing a skill shortage, creating opportunities for new talent.
• Embracing discomfort can lead to personal and professional growth.

Special thanks to:

Andy Wingate

LinkedIn: Andrew Wingate | LinkedIn

Blog: Wingate365.com | MVP

Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

====================

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

We're on Substack: Sprint-Zero’s Substack | Sprint-Zero Podcast | Substack
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Summary
In this episode of the Sprint Zero podcast, we welcome Ulrikke Akerbæk, a Microsoft Business Applications MVP, to discuss her journey in the Power Platform space, particularly focusing on Power Pages. Ulrikke shares her experiences transitioning from web development to Power Pages, emphasizing the importance of understanding the product's capabilities and the need for effective marketing. The conversation also touches on the challenges of adoption, the significance of community support, and the recent availability of Power Pages in Norway. In this conversation, Ulrikke discusses the challenges of data center availability in Norway, emphasizing the importance of ROI for companies like Microsoft. She shares insights on navigating data security regulations and the necessity of having local data centers. The discussion shifts to the spirit of hackathons, highlighting their focus on learning and collaboration rather than competition. Ulrikke also reflects on her experiences with public speaking, addressing the discomfort that can arise and the importance of preparation to mitigate anxiety.

Takeaways:
+ Ulrikke Akerbæk has a background in multimedia and web development.
+ Power Pages appeals to Ulrikke's skills in front-end development.
+ The marketing of Power Pages is not effective enough.
+ Team collaboration is essential for successful Power Platform projects.
+ The Power Pages community is growing, but still niche.
+ Adoption of new tools is challenging for users.
+ Ulrikke emphasizes the importance of understanding the product's capabilities.
+ The new Power Pages designer has limitations compared to previous versions.
+ Power Pages is now available in Norway, expanding its accessibility.
+ Ulrikke advocates for a more comprehensive approach to low-code development. Data center investments are driven by customer demand and ROI.
+ Norwegian data security regulations necessitate local data centers.
+ Hackathons are about learning and collaboration, not just winning.
+ Public speaking discomfort often stems from lack of preparation.
+ Embracing nervousness can enhance public speaking performance.
+ Networking at hackathons can lead to valuable connections.
+ The atmosphere at hackathons fosters creativity and innovation.
+ Data security rules are evolving to keep pace with technology.
+ Cognitive services require significant investment and clear ROI.
+ The importance of being well-prepared for presentations.

Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

====================

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

We're on Substack: Sprint-Zero’s Substack | Sprint-Zero Podcast | Substack
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In this episode of the Sprint Zero podcast, we welcome Sean Astrakhan, a seasoned solutions architect and the creator of Untethered 365 and the Solution Architect Accelerator Course. The conversation delves into Sean's journey from working in a Mexican restaurant to becoming a tech expert, emphasising the importance of communication and learning from mistakes. They discuss the significance of advanced training in the Power Platform, the pitfalls of over-engineering, and the necessity of understanding the problem before selecting the right tools. Sean shares insights on innovative solutions within the Power Platform and offers a candid discussion about the challenges of using Power Automate Desktop. We discuss the intricacies of working with the Power Platform, discussing the challenges faced by solution architects, the importance of best practices, and the necessity of thorough testing. They explore the future of work in the context of AI's growing influence and emphasise the significance of effective communication in the workplace.

Takeaways

- Sean Astrakhan emphasizes the importance of communication in tech.
- Learning from mistakes is crucial for growth in software architecture.
- Over-engineering can lead to unnecessary complications in projects.
- Understanding the problem is key to choosing the right tools.
- Advanced training is lacking in the Power Platform space.
- Creating an environment for learning from mistakes is essential.
- Sean's journey highlights the value of efficiency in tech solutions.
- Innovative thinking can lead to creative solutions in enterprise settings.
- Power Automate Desktop has a steep learning curve and unique challenges.
- The importance of delivering value over simply migrating tools. A slight UI tweak can disrupt functionality.
- Solution architects must navigate tool limitations.
- Best practices should not be rigidly followed.
- Writing test cases can significantly enhance project outcomes.
- Finding a fulfilling job is a complex challenge.
- AI is transforming the landscape of software development.
- Effective communication is crucial in the workplace.
- Understanding power dynamics is essential in professional settings.
- Confronting workplace challenges can lead to personal growth.
- The future of work will require adaptability and creativity.


Special Thanks to:

Sean Astrakhan
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-astrakhan/
Untethered365 - https://www.untethered365.com/

Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

====================

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

We're on Substack: Sprint-Zero’s Substack | Sprint-Zero Podcast | Substack
Come and Join the Sprint Zero podcast on our very own Discord server!.

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Summary
In this episode of the Sprint Zero podcast, we meet with Mike Blair, who shares his journey through various career transitions. The conversation explores the importance of embracing change, overcoming career stagnation, and the value of diverse perspectives in the workplace. Mike discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome and emphasizes the significance of building confidence and asking for help. The episode concludes with reflections on personal growth and the evolving nature of career paths.

Takeaways

• Sometimes you need to shake things up to get ahead.
• Career paths are not linear; they are often squiggly with bumps.
• It's important to take risks in your career.
• Diverse perspectives can enhance your approach to work.
• Confidence can be built through feedback and support.
• Asking for help should never be seen as a weakness.
• Recognizing when to move on is crucial for personal development.
• Imposter syndrome is a common feeling in new roles.
• Building relationships is key in consultancy roles.
• You work to live, not live to work.

Special thanks to Mike Blair for joining us this week:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-blair-37243025/

Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

====================

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

We're on Substack: Sprint-Zero’s Substack | Sprint-Zero Podcast | Substack
Come and Join the Sprint Zero podcast on our very own Discord server!.

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Summary
In this episode of the Sprint Zero podcast, we welcome Shabana Khatau, a tech professional and football coach. Shabana shares her inspiring journey from a strict upbringing in Sweden to pursuing a career in technology, overcoming cultural barriers, and her passion for empowering young girls through football. The conversation explores her transition back into tech, the impact of automation at Network Rail, and the parallels between coaching and tech development. Shabana also discusses her experiences in the 'Uncomfortable Corner', reflecting on challenges faced in her coaching journey.

Takeaways

• Shabana overcame cultural barriers to pursue a tech career.
• She initiated a local girls' football team to empower young athletes.
• Returning to tech required significant upskilling and adaptation.
• Coding knowledge facilitated her transition to the Power Platform.
• Automation at Network Rail saved time and improved efficiency.
• AI has the potential to enhance tech solutions in the future.
• Coaching principles can be applied to tech development processes.
• Two-way communication with users is crucial for effective solutions.
• Feeling out of place can lead to personal growth and empathy.
• Enjoying the learning process is essential for development.

Special thanks to Shabana Khatau for joining us this week
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shabana-govani-khatau-7b0122222/

Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

====================

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

We're on Substack: Sprint-Zero’s Substack | Sprint-Zero Podcast | Substack
Come and Join the Sprint Zero podcast on our very own Discord server!.

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Summary
In this episode of the Sprint Zero podcast, hosts Jon Russell and Mike Gowland welcome Carl Cookson, head of professional services at Power 365 Solutions. The conversation covers Carl's journey in IT, his contributions to the XrmToolBox, and the importance of community engagement in the tech industry. They discuss the impact of community tools on development, the dynamics of the Power Platform Dev Weekly team, and personal reflections on comfort zones and professional growth. The episode concludes with light-hearted banter and insights into the future of tech communities.

Takeaways

• The XrmToolBox is a vital resource for developers in the Power Platform space.
• Community tools often fill gaps that Microsoft products may not address.
• Engaging in online communities can help shy individuals build their presence.
• The Power Platform Dev Weekly is a collaborative effort with diverse contributors.
• Understanding the art of the possible is crucial for architects in tech.
• Personal comfort zones can be challenged through community interactions.
• Networking can be easier with a few drinks, but it's not necessary.
• Carl emphasizes the importance of documentation in the development process.

Special Thanks to Carl Cookson for joining us!
LinkedIn: Carl Cookson | LinkedIn

Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

====================

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

We're on Substack: Sprint-Zero’s Substack | Sprint-Zero Podcast | Substack
Come and Join the Sprint Zero podcast on our very own Discord server!.

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Summary
In this episode of the Sprint Zero podcast, we welcome Lucy Elliott, a recruitment consultant at Conspicuous. Lucy shares her journey from being a qualified sports therapist to entering the recruitment industry, driven by the need for financial stability. The conversation delves into the importance of communication in recruitment, the challenges faced in the industry, and the significance of building genuine relationships with clients and candidates. Lucy also discusses her experiences with imposter syndrome, her involvement in the Dynamics 365 community, and her journey in podcasting. The episode concludes with insights on facing uncomfortable situations and the collaborative effort behind successful podcasting.

Takeaways

• Communication is key in building relationships in recruitment.
• Imposter syndrome is common and can be overcome by sharing experiences.
• Building a network is essential for success in recruitment.
• Quality over quantity is crucial in recruitment efforts.
• Lucy emphasizes the importance of honesty in recruitment.
• Networking events can help overcome feelings of isolation.
• The Dynamics 365 community is welcoming and supportive.
• Podcasting provides a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences.
• Facing uncomfortable situations can lead to personal growth.

Special thanks to Lucy Elliot for joining us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-elliott-d365/
Podcast (Keeping up with conspicuous): https://conspicuous.com/podcast-keeping-up-with-conspicuous/

Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

====================

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

We're on Substack: Sprint-Zero’s Substack | Sprint-Zero Podcast | Substack
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Summary
In this episode we welcome Sunil Kumar, a seasoned expert in the Power Platform space. Sunil shares his journey into the Power Platform, his experiences with AI prompts, and how they have been implemented in real-world client scenarios. The conversation also delves into the complexities of Power Platform licensing, the importance of community engagement, and the challenges consultants face when navigating client expectations. Sunil emphasizes the value of both generalists and specialists in the Power Platform ecosystem and concludes with insights on the role of consultants in driving innovation and efficiency.

Takeaways

• AI prompts have proven to be a valuable tool in client projects.
• Licensing for Power Platform can be complex and often misunderstood.
• Community engagement provides immense satisfaction and knowledge sharing.
• Consultants play a crucial role in helping clients clarify their needs.
• Generalists and specialists both have important roles in the Power Platform ecosystem.
• Power Platform simplifies the process of building applications and automations.
• Clients often lack clarity on their requirements, creating challenges for consultants.
• AI can be effectively utilized in various client scenarios.
• Continuous learning is essential in navigating the complexities of licensing.

Special Thanks to:
Sunil Kumar:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/powertrainer
LinkTr.ee: Sunil Kumar | @powertrainer | Twitter, Instagram | Linktree

Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

====================

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

We're on Substack: Sprint-Zero’s Substack | Sprint-Zero Podcast | Substack
Come and Join the Sprint Zero podcast on our very own Discord server!.