The Intelligence Age

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/586 

How do you navigate from a career in manufacturing to becoming a celebrated Microsoft Dynamics MVP? Join us as we chat with Alicia Keener, a director at RSM, whose remarkable journey in the tech industry is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days in the apparel and textiles industry to her impactful work with Frito-Lay and marketing firms, Alicia's story is a testament to resilience and innovation. You'll hear about her transition to the tech world in 2009, her passion for life sciences, and the freedom she found as an independent consultant. Discover how her team's groundbreaking project with Quanta Dialysis Technologies led them to win the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award.

Alicia also shares personal anecdotes, including balancing her professional life with raising twin daughters and her love for adventurous eating. We'll explore RSM's holistic "one Microsoft" strategy, which integrates various Microsoft tools and AI to offer comprehensive solutions for clients. Alicia’s dedication to leveraging technology to make a meaningful impact is palpable throughout our discussion. Whether you’re considering a career shift or looking for inspiration from a tech leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights and advice from someone who has truly walked the walk.

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

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/585  

Ever wondered how tequila and tech conferences mix? We kick things off with some post-tequila laughs and the amusing reality check of my daughter preferring Miss Rachel over our podcast. Get ready for a vivid comparison of the Dynamics Minds conference to both Burning Man and Davos, as we share personal stories and the electric atmosphere that only a gathering of brilliant minds can create. Trust us, you'll want to hear about the highs and lows, especially if you're debating whether to take leave for such an event in the future.

Ever endured a 24-hour Ryanair flight? We have, and we lived to tell the tale. Alongside sharing our travel woes, we dive into a powerful recommendation for the Apple TV Plus show "Masters of the Air," a must-watch for history buffs. But tech enthusiasts, rejoice! We break down the Dynamics Minds panel highlights, shedding light on the role of co-pilots in the cloud ecosystem. You'll learn that these co-pilots aren't just a singular entity but an integrated suite of over 101 features across Microsoft products.

Tune in as we explore AI's transformative power within cloud ecosystems, comparing Microsoft's Copilot to essential utilities like electricity. Our conversation extends to the nuances of building flexible, client-centric digital ecosystems, stressing the importance of diverse technology choices. The episode wraps up with insights into creating a robust ecosystem architecture training course, born from a successful workshop. We reflect on the positive feedback and the challenge of fostering diversity, while pointing eager learners toward resources at Cloud Lighthouse. Join us for a rich, informative journey that marries humor, personal anecdotes, and cutting-edge tech insights!

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/584

Discover the latest in AI-driven advancements and managed environments within Microsoft's Power Platform in our latest episode of the Copilot Show. We had an enlightening chat with Ryan Jones, a partner director of product management at Microsoft, who shared his incredible journey from the Common Data Service days to the robust Dataverse. Ryan's passion for enhancing enterprise-scale applications and integrating AI with Copilot shines through as he shares exciting updates on governance and security advancements made over the past year. Get an insider's look at the balance Ryan maintains between his professional life and personal time at his beach cabin or hosting large gatherings at home.

Unlock the secrets behind Microsoft's extensive IP security investments specifically designed for financial institutions and enterprises. Ryan takes us through the alignment of security controls with established models, policy-based configurations, and the innovative environment routing that offers developers personalized environments with tailored security policies. These advancements reduce dependence on default environments, elevating overall governance and security. We delve deep into the specific measures like customer-managed key vaults, HSMs, and virtual network connectivity to ensure comprehensive risk management.

In our discussion on licensing, we break down the tangible benefits of premium licenses over basic ones within managed environments. With examples ranging from historical hypervisor wars to modern tools like Power Automate Desktop, we illuminate the critical balance between fostering creativity and maintaining control. Ryan provides strategies for persuading organizations to adopt premium licenses, showcasing how they can harness richer security features and manage their environments more effectively. To wrap things up, Mark extends an invitation to listeners to suggest future guests from Microsoft, ensuring our content remains engaging and community-driven.

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/583   

What does it take to become an MVP in the dynamic world of Power Platform development? Join us as we host Mantas Umbrasas, Lithuania's first BizApps MVP, who illuminates his path to this prestigious title. From his early explorations in SharePoint configurations to his inspirational journey with Microsoft's Power Apps and Power Automate, Mantas shares the pivotal moments and community support that propelled him forward. He also offers a personal glimpse into his passions, from savouring the finest Indian cuisine to his excitement over Lithuania's recent Michelin reviews. Mantas paints a vivid picture of Lithuania's serene landscapes, making it a compelling travel destination for nature enthusiasts.

In this episode, we also dive into the heart of the MVP journey, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting the dedication needed to achieve this honour. Mantas recounts encouraging community events and discusses his significant contribution to a government project during the pandemic with a Power App prototype for online voting. As your host, Mark Smith, I express my gratitude for your continued support and invite you to engage further by supporting the show. Tune in for a compelling blend of professional insights and personal narratives that promise to inspire and inform.

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP
90 Day Mentoring Challenge 10% off code use MBAP at checkout 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

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/582  

Ever wondered how AI can revolutionize your daily tasks and business strategies? Join us live from the Dynamics Minds conference in Porto Roche, Slovenia, where we kick off with a deep dive into the vibrant energy of the event. You’ll hear all about the creative showcases by exhibitors and a hilarious recount of Chris Huntingford's unexpected travel escapades. Plus, get an inside look into the highly successful "Ecosystems 101" course by Andrew and Mark, complete with real stories of impressive participant engagement and the enriching group exercises.

Switching gears, we tackle the vital issue of AI data integration, outlining both the lucrative benefits and serious risks. Discover why investing in premium power platforms is essential, and the dangers of relying solely on basic Microsoft 365 capabilities. We delve into the critical importance of data hygiene and the pitfalls of security by obscurity, especially with AI's ability to exploit poorly managed data. Learn why advanced tools like Purview and Sentinel are indispensable, despite their costs, to sidestep potential regulatory nightmares like GDPR.

Finally, imagine a world where AI agents proficient in C++ code and testing can drastically speed up development cycles. We explore groundbreaking applications of AI across various sectors, from marketing to everyday life tasks like booking travel and concierge services. Hear our humorous critique of Microsoft Copilot and insights on the rapid advancements in machine learning. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how these AI innovations can transform both your business operations and personal life.

Join Ana Welch, Andrew Welch, Chris Huntingford and William Dorrington in this insightful episode of Ecosystems Show.

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/581  

How does a seemingly ordinary career transform into a technological odyssey? Join us on the Power Platform Show as we sit down with Ruben Ruiz, the dynamic Power Platform practice lead at International Workplace Group. From his charming family life and love for mountain biking to his passion for home automation and sweets, Ruben's multifaceted personality shines through. Find out how his journey from Malaga, Spain, to Lisbon, Portugal, and his deep appreciation for Portuguese culture and festivals like Saint-Jean and Saint-Antonio, have influenced both his personal and professional life.

Ruben's professional saga is equally compelling. He reveals the remarkable scale of Power Platform adoption within his company, uncovering a landscape of over 40 environments, 2,000 flows, 750+ power apps, and more. Learn how this discovery catalyzed the formation of a dedicated team to govern and optimize the platform, transforming simple apps into robust systems integrated with Dynamics F&O. Ruben shares invaluable insights on making these apps highly configurable, leveraging tools like Dataverse, SharePoint, Canvas Apps, Power Automate, and RPA, and the critical role of effective communication in managing large-scale implementations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about driving business transformation through technology.

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/580

Imagine discovering a whole new career path through unexpected turns and community support. That’s exactly what happened to our special guest, Heidi Jordan, an MVP from South Dakota and manager at Avanade. From an aspiring math teacher to a problem-solving business analyst and finally a tech leader in business intelligence and SharePoint, Heidi's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Listen in as she shares the pivotal moment in 2016 when she stumbled upon the Power Platform and how it propelled her into the tech world. Heidi’s personal anecdotes about her love for cooking, family time, and enduring South Dakota winters add a heartfelt touch to her remarkable story.

In this episode, Heidi also opens up about the challenges and triumphs she faced while transitioning to the Power Platform, including becoming a "Flowmaster" and dealing with complex migrations without prior experience. The importance of community support and mentorship becomes evident as she recounts how impactful mentors and opportunities like attending conferences helped shape her career. Heidi reveals why she moved from the customer side to the partner side of the tech industry, driven by a desire to stay dynamic and avoid repetitive projects. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about how unexpected career paths and community involvement can lead to extraordinary achievements.

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

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/579

Say goodbye to the traditional IT project! The tech industry's landscape is rapidly changing, pushing past long-term contracts to embrace agile and continuous collaborations. Join Anna, Mark, and Chris as they explore this transformation, sharing humorous and insightful anecdotes—like Chris's memorable Government Day laptop mishap—to illustrate the move from isolated projects to ongoing managed services. They're diving into the impact of rapid technological advancements, especially in AI and large language models, reshaping how businesses approach IT today. 

In the latter half of our episode, we tackle the evolving business models in IT, discussing the shift from traditional managed services to cloud-based solutions. Drawing from the DevOps Institute's insights, we highlight the challenges faced by partners and consultancies, including resistance to change. Finally, we examine the dynamics between customers and partners, particularly around Microsoft’s Dynamics and Power Platform. Is flexible budgeting better than fixed-price contracts? How can incremental investments in AI ensure real progress? Tune in to find out and arm yourself with the knowledge to navigate this ever-evolving tech landscape! 

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/578

Unlock the secrets to becoming a top-tier solutions architect with our special guest Sean Astrakhan, a team lead for solution architecture at Microsoft and a celebrated YouTuber course creator. Join us as Sean takes us through his fascinating career journey, from teaching to engineering, while sharing his love for Mexican cuisine and diverse dance genres like salsa, merengue, and hip hop. Discover how his international experiences in Mexico, Spain, and St. Petersburg, Russia have shaped his personal and professional life, and how his passion for coding has opened new doors for him.

Explore the world of platform architecture as we dive into the essential responsibilities of a solutions architect. Sean provides invaluable insights as he discusses user experience, the importance of integrating platforms like Power Platform, Azure, and M365, and the broader impacts of design choices on business solutions. Learn how to navigate the complexities of today's technology landscape and find fulfillment in balancing team leadership with managing your own projects.

Get ahead of the curve with our discussion on the newly announced well-architected framework, encompassing cost optimization, budgeting, and licensing. Sean shares his motivations behind his course creation and emphasizes the critical role of communication skills for developers transitioning into architectural roles. Finally, we delve into the evolving influence of AI in solutions architecture, with a focus on the limitations and potentials of tools like Copilot, and the importance of data structuring and Power BI for future-ready solutions architects. This episode is packed with valuable experiences and forward-thinking perspectives you won't want to miss.

OTHER RESOURCES:
Link to Sean's Course - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator
GitHub: https://github.com/sastrakhan  

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/577   

What role do food, family, and fun play in shaping an IT professional's life? Discover the captivating world of Saurabh Bharti, a seasoned Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations consultant hailing from the UK, as he takes us on a flavorful journey through his Indian heritage. From exploring London's diverse Indian food scene to unravelling the rich tapestry of Indian politics and culture, Saurabh's stories offer a mesmerizing blend of personal and professional experiences. Join us as we dream of future travels to India, sharing our own encounters with its vibrant culinary landscape and contemplating the idea of immersing ourselves in its unparalleled hospitality.

Our episode also charts Saurabh's fascinating career journey, from his roots in computer science engineering in Bangalore to his current role in the UK. Hear about the pivotal moments that shaped his path, including his introduction to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 and the invaluable mentorship that deepened his understanding of finance consulting. Finally, we wrap up with an enlightening conversation with Sir AB, a renowned business applications expert, who shares his profound insights on various topics. With gratitude and anticipation, we look forward to more enriching discussions in future episodes.

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