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/666  

We explore whether AI is overhyped or dangerously underhyped, examining the disconnect between those creating AI technology and those selling it without adequately addressing trustworthy AI concerns.

TAKEAWAYS
• The Microsoft AI Tour event demonstrated excellent technical content with a strong focus on trustworthy AI
• There's a dangerous disconnect between people who make AI technology and those who sell it regarding responsible AI implementation
• Trustworthy AI doesn't mean stopping innovation but preventing potential calamities
• The scale of AI's impact may be drastically underestimated, similar to our inability to truly comprehend "65 million years since dinosaurs"
• AI enables processing information at unprecedented scale, creating extraordinary risks in surveillance and human rights contexts
• Corporate discussions about completely replacing customer service departments with AI raise serious socioeconomic concerns
• Shadow AI applications being developed without proper governance represent significant risks
• Containing AI's risks while harnessing its benefits requires education, curiosity, and political wisdom

Get educated and don't rely on echo chambers or news articles - read in-depth material from experts to form your own opinions about AI's trajectory and implications.

 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
👉 The Coming Waveby Mustafa Suleiman
👉 Origin by Dan Brown

OTHER RESOURCES
👉90 Day Mentoring Challenge - https://www.90daymc.com/ 
👉Support the show - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nz365guy 

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/665

Stevie Sims shares his journey from chemical plant operator to lead Power Platform developer at Shell, demonstrating how business expertise combined with low-code tools can transform organizations.

TAKEAWAYS
• Started career in operations, climbing towers and turning valves before discovering Excel
• Hurricane Ida became a pivotal moment when he built a Power BI dashboard to manage recovery
• Transitioned from citizen developer to fusion team member building complex apps and automations
• Believes companies should encourage operational experts to upskill with technical tools
• Emphasizes the importance of business knowledge when developing technical solutions
• Advocates for "ring-fencing" talented citizen developers for focused development periods
• Prevents duplicate development efforts through idea triage and solution sharing
• Featured in new book "All Hands on Tech: AI-Powered Citizen Developer Revolution"

Check out "All Hands on Tech" by Ian Barkin and Tom Davenport, featuring Steve's story and other inspiring examples from the low-code no-code space.

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/664
 
In this engaging episode, we connect with Sriram Balaji, an inspiring leader and MVP who shares his journey within the tech universe. From his early days coding alongside his son, who claims the title of one of the youngest Power Platform certified individuals, Sriram showcases the incredible fusion of family, passion, and career. He discusses the Age of Copilot newsletter, a valuable resource crafted to keep the community informed about OpenAI's advancements. 
 
This episode takes an enlightening turn as we explore the differences between Copilot and ChatGPT, emphasizing how organizations can leverage these tools for tailored solutions. Sriram’s expertise shines through, offering insights into A.I.'s practical applications and how professionals can utilize these technologies for growth. 
 
Join us for this captivating exploration of tech, family, and resilience! Don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this enlightening episode with your network! 
 
TAKEAWAYS 
• Introduction of Sriram and his role as Solution Director at Curve Digital 
• The fascinating story of Sriram's son and his custom GPT tool 
• Overview of the Age of Copilot newsletter and its significance 
• Discussion on Copilot versus ChatGPT and their unique functionalities 
• Insight into balancing family life with tech innovations 
• Sriram's reflections on becoming an MVP and community engagement  

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/663   

Step into the world of AI with our latest episode, where Dewain Robinson from Microsoft unpacks the transformative power of Copilot Studio and intelligent agents in 2025. As organizations gear up to integrate advanced AI solutions, the discussion delves into what this shift means for everyday tasks and overall productivity. From understanding the distinction between copilots and agents to exploring real-life case studies demonstrating innovation in action and unexpected value, listeners will gain actionable insights into the future of AI. 
 
This vibrant discussion is not just about technology; it’s about shaping the future of work—witnessing AI evolve from a mere tool to an essential colleague. Grab your headphones and join us to prepare for the AI revolutions that lie ahead. Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode! 

TAKEAWAYS 
• Understanding Copilot Studio and its capabilities  
• The rise of autonomous agents in 2025  
• User-friendly AI systems boosting creativity over simplicity  
• Case studies demonstrating the transformational value of AI  
• Preparing for the future: AI as an enabler, not a replacement  

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/662 

María del Mar Pedroche Adán shares her inspiring journey through the tech world, from engineering to becoming a Power Platform MVP. Her story emphasizes the importance of community, family, and resilience in navigating challenges.

Mar's story is not just about personal achievement but also about her incredible journey to give back.  Don't miss out on a conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and a compelling call to action for all those looking to make their mark in the tech world!

TAKEAWAYS
• Introduction to Maria del Mar and her journey in tech
• Impact of floods in Valencia and the importance of family
• Mar's contribution to the MVP community and knowledge sharing
• Organizing tech events like the BIS Summit
• Thoughts on AI and its future in technology
• Advice for aspiring professionals in tech and the Power Platform

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP 
90 Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.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/661  

Step into the ever-evolving world of technology with this episode focused on the Microsoft Power Platform and Business Central. Brad Prendergast shares his journey from being a senior developer to a mentor, providing rich insights into the significance of practical training and the profound effects of mentorship in one's career. Discover how commonly successful practitioners emphasize hands-on learning experiences that build emotional resilience and understanding—a necessity as the tech landscape consistently morphs with new challenges such as AI. 

Join us for enlightening discussions, personal stories, and expert insights that aim to elevate your understanding of the Microsoft landscape. Ready to enhance your career? Subscribe now and be part of exploring the future of business and technology! 

TAKEAWAYS
• Understanding training's profound impact on tech careers  
• Exploring the importance of mentorship in personal growth  
• Insight into the rapid evolution of Microsoft Business Central  
• Leveraging AI for productivity in the workplace  
• The ever-changing landscape of technology-focused learning  
• Engaging anecdotes from the guest's career journey

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/660  

Zeeshan Saeed's journey from a website designer to a dynamic MVP leader emphasizes the transformative power of community and the importance of adapting to technological evolution. He discusses his career transitions, the current job market in Sydney, and the necessity of best practices in tech implementations. Our conversation also uncovers the shifting trend of tech professionals gravitating towards freelancing, driven by technological advancements outpacing corporate adoption. Gain valuable perspectives on the challenges of AI integration in businesses and how nimble startups are seizing these tech opportunities.

TAKEAWAYS
• Emphasizes the impact of community on professional growth
• Discusses the transition from traditional coding to low-code platforms
• Zeeshan shares his insights on the job market for Power Platform professionals
• Highlights the importance of best practices in tech implementations
• Reflects on his major projects, including government data initiatives
• Explores the rise of freelancing in the tech industry

OTHER RESOURCES:
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/659  

What if AI could transform the way we navigate our professional and personal lives? This episode addresses the pressing challenges of balancing AI innovation with the regulatory frameworks emerging worldwide. We explore the differences between the EU and U.S. approaches to AI regulation, the importance of human rights considerations, and the responsibility organizations have in navigating ethical implications.

TAKEAWAYS
• Highlighting advancements in AI tools 
• Discussion of Grok 3 and its capabilities 
• Exploring the EU AI Act versus U.S. regulatory approaches 
• Complexity of navigating international AI regulations 
• The risk of human rights violations with AI algorithms 
• Emphasizing educational needs for organizations 
• Importance of a responsible culture in AI implementation

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/658

Steve Jeffery from Microsoft’s PowerCat team unveils the Business Value Kit, a revolutionary tool aimed at quantifying the value of Power Platform applications within organizations. This episode explores how the toolkit captures user stories, aligns value with organizational goals, and empowers companies to communicate their successes effectively. 
 
TAKEAWAYS 
• The Business Value Kit helps organizations assess the value of their applications  
• Importance of storytelling in measuring tech impact  
• Flexibility in aligning value with departmental goals  
• Achievements and feedback from early users of the kit  
• Encouragement of a culture of success through shared narratives  
• Continuous improvement based on user insights and needs 

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/657

What happens when a seasoned ERP advisor with over two decades of experience achieves MVP status? Join us as we explore the intriguing journey of Robb Delprado from CPA to a leader in Dynamics 365 and discuss the vibrant user community supporting Business Central. His insights highlight the importance of community, the evolution of accounting software, and the future of ERP solutions. This episode sheds light on how platforms like Microsoft Business Central and innovative ISVs are revolutionizing business productivity. 

 TAKEAWAYS
• Rob shares his journey from CPA to ERP advisor
• The significance of community in Dynamics 365
• Exploring advancements in accounting processes
• Challenges with electronic invoicing in the current landscape
• The role of ISVs in enhancing ERP solutions
• Insights into hardware integration in ERP systems
• Rob’s path to becoming an MVP and its impact

OTHER RESOURCES:
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