The Intelligence Age

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

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/696  

When AI stops being a buzzword and starts saving you 15 hours a month, something shifts. In this episode, Microsoft MVP and Practice Director Chris Hinch shares how he turned curiosity into capability—leading Copilot enablement across his organization and beyond. From overcoming AI skepticism to building secure, scalable adoption strategies, Chris reveals how professionals can move from survival mode to thriving with AI. If you're navigating the fast-changing world of enterprise tech, this conversation is your roadmap to real-world impact.
 
🔑KEYTAKEAWAYS
AI is only valuable when it solves real problems—don’t deploy it for hype’s sake.
Copilot can reclaim hours of productivity by streamlining tasks like email, meetings, and presentations. 
Security and data protection are critical to building trust in AI adoption. 
Enablement starts with empathy—showing small, iterative wins builds momentum. 
“Surviving to thriving” is the new productivity metric—AI should help you finish work, not just do more of it. 

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft Copilot – AI assistant integrated across M365 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot
👉 Copilot Notebooks - A new way to work with persistent context in AI - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/get-started-with-microsoft-365-copilot-notebooks-0775e693-11c6-4d80-8aba-fcc81a737a06 
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP -

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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

🎙️FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/695

Imagine navigating a multi-million-pound business acquisition without flipping through a 700-page PDF. In this episode, Ian Fishwick, a veteran of 43 tech M&As, and Sam Godfrey, Director at Evolution Capital, reveal how they’re transforming the financial due diligence process using Microsoft Power BI. From real-time insights to interactive dashboards, they share how data visualization and automation are reshaping how deals are evaluated, negotiated, and closed. Whether you're buying, selling, or advising, this conversation offers a masterclass in using technology to make smarter, faster decisions.

🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
Power BI is replacing static PDFs in M&A: Interactive dashboards allow buyers to ask real-time questions of the data, eliminating the need to sift through hundreds of pages. 
Granular transaction-level analysis: By mapping raw financial data directly into custom charts of accounts, buyers gain a clearer, unbiased view of a target company’s performance. 
Speed and efficiency gains: API integrations and automated updates mean due diligence can be completed in weeks, not months—crucial for both buyers and sellers.
Trust through transparency: Sellers who provide access to raw data build credibility, while buyers gain confidence in the integrity of the deal.
Portfolio-level decision-making: Serial acquirers can now overlay multiple acquisition targets onto their own financials to assess strategic fit and impact. 

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft Power BI – https://powerbi.microsoft.com/
👉Power Query & Power Pivot – Built-in tools within Excel and Power BI for data transformation and modeling.
👉 Evolution Capital – https://www.evolutioncapital.com/ 

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/694

What happens when a failed attempt at a cleaning job leads to a lifelong career in tech? Aki Antman, President of AI and Copilot at Digital Neighborhood, shares his remarkable journey from teenage coder to AI leader. In this episode, Aki unpacks how organizations—from European enterprises to the Abu Dhabi government—are embracing AI, and why hands-on experimentation is the key to Copilot adoption. Whether you're leading digital transformation or just getting started with AI, this conversation offers practical insights and real-world strategies to help you thrive in the age of intelligent tools.
 
🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
Adoption Starts with Action: Aki emphasizes that AI adoption isn’t about watching demos—it’s about using the tools. Like building muscle, you only grow by doing.
Copilot as a Cultural Shift: Successful AI integration requires leadership buy-in and a shift in mindset. Organizations that lead by example see faster, more meaningful results.
From Experimentation to Impact: Real transformation begins when users apply Copilot to their own data and workflows—unlocking time savings, creativity, and even four-day workweeks.
Low-Code is the Future of AI Agents: 90% of enterprise AI agents will be built using low-code/no-code platforms like Copilot Studio, democratizing development across teams.
AI as a Personal Learning Partner: Aki uses AI daily—from preparing keynotes on unfamiliar topics to co-authoring books—proving that AI can be a powerful tool for continuous learning.
 
🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft Copilot Studio – Low-code platform for building AI agents: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio
👉 ChatGPT Voice Mode – Used by Aki for real-time learning while driving: https://openai.com/chatgpt
👉 AI Foundry – https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/ai-foundry 

OTHER RESOURCES:
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7
👉 Aki Antman’s Book: From Copilot to Commander – https://www.amazon.com/Copilot-Commander-Redefining-Business-Generative-ebook/dp/B0DWNBXXBM?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LWSjdjTsrRQPKIbDc_eN1g.hGH1sKs6RIEulhjgqciiPgzJ7W8eQyON4rcGNTNq66o&dib_tag=AUTHOR 

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/693

What happens when two Microsoft experts from different corners of Europe come together to bridge the gap between DevOps and low-code development? In this episode, Jozsef Vadkerti and Uros Kastelic share the story behind their new book, Mastering DevOps on Power Platform. From real-world enterprise challenges to the evolving role of AI and Copilot Studio, they unpack how professionals can bring rigor, governance, and agility to low-code environments—without sacrificing speed or innovation.
 
🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
DevOps Meets Low-Code: The Power Platform isn’t just for citizen developers. Jozsef and Uros explain how DevOps principles—like CI/CD pipelines and ALM—can and should be applied to low-code environments for enterprise-grade scalability and governance.
A Book Born from the Field: Their book, Mastering DevOps on Power Platform, was inspired by real customer needs and gaps in understanding. It’s a hands-on, GitHub-backed guide that takes readers from foundational concepts to advanced DevSecOps practices.
Copilot Studio in the ALM Ecosystem: As Copilot Studio evolves, it’s becoming a key player in enterprise AI strategy. The duo discusses how to manage Copilot agents with the same rigor as apps and workflows—integrating governance, security, and deployment pipelines.
AI as a Daily Companion: From helping with kids’ homework to accelerating demo creation, both guests use AI tools like GitHub Copilot and Copilot Studio to streamline their personal and professional lives.
Writing a Tech Book While Parenting: Balancing full-time roles, family life, and authorship, Jozsef and Uros reflect on the discipline and clarity that writing brought to their thinking—and how it helped them better communicate complex ideas to business audiences. 

🧰RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-DevOps-Microsoft-Power-Platform-ebook/dp/B0D9W762VH 
👉 Packt: https://www.packtpub.com/en-us/product/mastering-devops-on-microsoft-power-platform-9781835880845

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/692

When organizations rush to adopt AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, they often overlook a critical prerequisite: a secure, well-structured data environment. In this episode, Åsne Holtklimpen—Cloud Solution Architect at Crayon and Microsoft MVP—shares how her journey from SharePoint veteran to Copilot expert revealed a hard truth: without strong information governance, AI can do more harm than good. Åsne walks us through real-world challenges, practical frameworks, and the mindset shift needed to make AI adoption safe, scalable, and truly transformative.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Security Before AI: Successful Copilot implementation starts with robust information security—classification, labeling, and governance must come first.
Start Small, Scale Smart: Åsne recommends a phased approach using Microsoft Purview, beginning with basic data classification before layering on policies and automation.
Expose the Risks: Demonstrating real data exposure—like personal identity numbers or health info—helps organizations understand the urgency of securing their environments.
AI Readiness ≠ Cloud Presence: Many companies assume they’re ready for AI because they use Teams or SharePoint, but Åsne stresses the need for deeper structural alignment.
Public Sector Pressure: Norway’s public sector faces a mandate to adopt AI by 2030, but Åsne warns that without guidance and foundational readiness, this push could backfire.
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft Purview – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/information-protection/microsoft-purview
👉 Microsoft Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Microsoft Entra – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access/microsoft-entra
👉 Microsoft Intune – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/enterprise-mobility-security/microsoft-intune
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/691   

What happens when cybercrime becomes as organized—and profitable—as a Fortune 500 company? In this episode, Louis Arthur-Brown, a cybersecurity leader and solutions partner at CodeStone, pulls back the curtain on the evolving threat landscape. From ransomware-as-a-service to deepfake deception, Louis shares real-world insights and practical strategies for defending your organization in an AI-accelerated world. Whether you're a tech leader or a curious professional, this conversation will sharpen your security instincts and help you build resilience where it matters most.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Cybercrime is industrialized: Ransomware-as-a-service and affiliate models make it easy for anyone—even non-technical actors—to launch attacks for as little as $50.
AI is amplifying threats: A 1,300% rise in phishing emails last year is just the beginning. Deepfakes and voice cloning are reshaping social engineering tactics.
MFA and basic hygiene go a long way: Implementing multi-factor authentication and conditional access can block up to 92% of cyberattacks.
Zero Trust is essential: Organizations must move beyond the “walled garden” mindset and adopt a “never trust, always verify” approach to access and data.
Data strategy is security strategy: Tools like Microsoft Purview and Windows 365 help classify, protect, and monitor sensitive data—especially in AI-enabled environments.
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉Microsoft Purview – https://www.microsoft.com/security/business/information-protection/purview
👉Windows 365 –  https://www.microsoft.com/windows-365
👉Microsoft Sentinel – https://azure.microsoft.com/products/microsoft-sentinel 

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/690   
 
What does it take to rise from limited access to tech resources to becoming a globally recognized Microsoft MVP? In this episode, Pascal Burume shares his remarkable journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the global tech stage. With grit, community leadership, and a passion for Microsoft technologies, Pascal reveals how he overcame language barriers, built impactful solutions with Power Platform, and inspired a new generation of tech professionals. If you're looking for a roadmap to grow your skills and make a difference—no matter where you start—this episode is for you. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Persistence Pays Off: Pascal failed multiple times before becoming a Microsoft Student Ambassador—but each setback sharpened his strategy and resilience.
Power Platform in Action: He used Power Apps and Power BI to build real-world solutions that improved decision-making at the UNDP.
Community as a Catalyst: Building and leading tech communities helped Pascal grow his skills, visibility, and impact.
Learning Without Limits: Despite infrastructure challenges, Pascal leveraged blogs, Microsoft Learn, and open-source tools to stay ahead.
From Local to Global: His story proves that with the right mindset and tools, you can build a global tech career from anywhere. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors: https://studentambassadors.microsoft.com
👉 Microsoft Learn: https://learn.microsoft.com
👉 Power Platform: https://powerplatform.microsoft.com 

OTHER RESOURCES
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/689 

In a world where AI is reshaping how we build, lead, and learn, standing still is no longer an option. In this episode, the Ecosystem Show team dives into the evolving role of Microsoft partners, the rise of “vibe coding,” and the critical mindsets needed to thrive in tech’s next chapter. Whether you're navigating AI adoption, rethinking your Power Platform strategy, or simply trying to stay relevant in a fast-changing landscape, this conversation offers clarity, challenge, and a roadmap forward.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
AI demands new mental models: Success in the AI era requires critical thinking, constant learning, and a willingness to challenge assumptions—even those served up by machines.
Power Platform is evolving fast: It’s no longer just low-code—it’s becoming the enterprise-grade “vibe coding” platform, integrating seamlessly with advanced tools and governance systems.
Trustworthy AI is non-negotiable: Leaders must embed safety, transparency, and validation into every AI practice. Microsoft’s internal frameworks offer a strong starting point.
The partner landscape is shifting: The best Microsoft partners are transforming their culture, offerings, and delivery models to meet the demands of AI-native enterprises.
Your career is your responsibility: In a time of layoffs and disruption, professionals must take ownership of their growth by developing adaptive, future-focused mindsets. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Dynamics Minds Conference – https://dynamicsminds.com
👉 Forrester Wave Report – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/blog/power-apps/microsoft-is-a-leader-in-2025-forrester-wave-low-code-platforms-for-professional-developers/
👉 Microsoft's Trustworthy AI Framework – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-foundry/responsible-use-of-ai-overview  

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/688

What happens when AI stops being a tool and starts becoming a teammate? In this episode, Ashish Bhatia, Principal Product Manager at Microsoft, unpacks the shift from traditional automation to intelligent agents—and what it means for the future of work. From the myth of “autonomous agents” to the real-world challenges of memory, trust, and productivity, this conversation dives deep into the evolving landscape of AI. Whether you're building with Copilot or planning your next AI strategy, this episode will sharpen your perspective on where the tech is headed—and what’s still missing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Agentification is the next evolution of apps: We're moving from reactive chatbots to proactive assistants that can take meaningful action—but we’re still early in that journey.
Memory is the missing link: Long-term context retention is essential for agents to become truly useful. Expect major strides in this area by 2025.
Autonomous agents are still a myth: Most current “agents” are glorified automations. True autonomy requires reasoning, adaptability, and trust.
Model selection will soon be invisible: Expect model routing to become standard, optimizing for cost and performance without user intervention.
AI isn’t saving time—yet: While AI boosts output quality, it still requires human oversight. The next leap is reducing the need for constant review. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 AI Podcasts  
The Wes Roth Podcast – https://www.youtube.com/@WesRoth
AI Explained – https://aiexplainedopodcast.buzzsprout.com/2418777 
Training Data – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOhHNjZItNnMm5tdW61JpnyxeYH5NDDx8 

👉 Tools & Concepts:
Copilot Studio – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio/fundamentals-what-is-copilot-studio 
Operator Model – https://openai.com/index/introducing-operator/

👉 Ashish Bhatia's GitHub: https://github.com/ashbhati

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/687
 
What happens when a finance professional clicks a mysterious purple icon in Excel and discovers a whole new world? For Mate Tóth, that moment sparked a journey from spreadsheets to becoming a Microsoft MVP. In this episode, Mate shares how curiosity, community, and a passion for learning transformed his career. From building his first Power App in production to leading Hungary’s Power Platform user group, Mate’s story is a masterclass in grassroots tech leadership and the power of showing up.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Start Small, Think Big: Mate’s Power Platform journey began with a single Excel task—proof that big transformations often start with small curiosities.
Community as a Catalyst: His involvement in Toastmasters and local tech groups helped him grow as a speaker and leader, eventually leading to his MVP nomination.
Localization Matters: Language barriers and cultural nuances shape tech adoption—Mate shares how he’s bridging gaps in Hungary’s tech scene.
AI with Purpose: While enthusiastic about AI, Mate emphasizes ethical considerations and the importance of understanding each model’s strengths.
From Goals to Impact: Ironically, Mate became an MVP the year he stopped chasing the title and focused solely on helping others. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉Microsoft Learn - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/
👉Toastmasters International -  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sz%C3%B3da-toastmasters-klub-budapest/
👉Midjourney - https://www.midjourney.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:
👉Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith