The Intelligence Age

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://podcast.nz365guy.com/526

When Silvester Akakpo's father sparked his curiosity with the enigmatic world of computers, little did he know it would propel his son toward becoming Ghana's shining star in Microsoft Technologies. In a narrative as rich and diverse as the African continent itself, we follow Silvester's journey from familial influences in Togo and Germany to becoming an MVP—a tale spiced with his affection for continental cuisine and the universal language of football. As Silvester opens up about his initial dreams of piloting and how they gave way to a thriving IT career, listeners are treated to an intimate account of the potent blend of family, culture, and mentorship that fuels his drive and success.

Embark on an exploratory voyage into the realm of Power Apps with our latest MVP, where canvas apps paint the picture of innovation and model-driven apps lay the foundation. Silvester debunks myths about the MVP accolade, revealing its true essence as a recognition of community leadership and expertise rather than just a title. He generously shares the playbook for fostering a vibrant Microsoft community in Ghana, offering a trove of wisdom for tech enthusiasts aiming to claim their own MVP status. Join us as we uncover the secrets of consistent community engagement and the altruistic sharing of knowledge that not only elevates others but cements one's mastery of technology.

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://podcast.nz365guy.com/525

Embark on a journey through the veins of business optimization with Rachel Profitt, Microsoft's principal program manager, as she brings her wealth of knowledge from Denver, Colorado, straight to your ears. From an honoured Microsoft MVP to the halls of Microsoft itself, Rachel's insights into Dynamics 365's newly unveiled business process catalogue promise to revolutionize your approach to finance, operations, and beyond. Our conversation peels back the layers of this powerful tool, crafted to enhance and expedite Dynamics 365 implementations. Revealing the synergies between community efforts and technological triumphs, Rachel highlights how this open-source gem on GitHub isn't just a Microsoft showpiece; it's a community-driven tour de force for partners and customers to elevate their business practices.

Today's digital landscape is a mosaic of collective wisdom, and our episode explores how community resources are the bedrock of successful Dynamics 365 and Power Platform implementations. Dive into the heart of this collaborative spirit with Rachel as we unravel a world where vanilla baseline business processes, AI advancements, and in-app guidance converge to chart a clear path through often treacherous implementation terrain. We don't just discuss the tools of the trade; we reveal the pulse of innovation beating within each community contribution, each flow diagram, and each step toward harnessing the transformative power of an efficiently deployed ERP or CRM system.

But the intrigue doesn't stop there. The finale of our discussion with Rachel takes us into the future of process mining, how telemetry data offers a crystal-clear reflection of business operations and the pivotal role of test suite automation in safeguarding system integrity. The symbiotic relationship between Dynamics 365 and Power Platform is not just discussed; it's celebrated as a testament to the dynamic interplay of documentation and community input. So, as you reach the end of this auditory voyage, the question that remains isn't just about creation on the Power Platform—it's about the mark you'll leave on the ever-evolving tapestry of technological progress.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Business Process Catalog - https://aka.ms/businessprocesscatalog
One Guidance -  https://aka.ms/oneguidance
Business Process Catalog - https://aka.ms/businessprocesscatalogrequests
D365 submit PNP -  https://aka.ms/d365submitpnp 
Business process feedback -  https://aka.ms/businessprocessfeedback 

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://podcast.nz365guy.com/524

Have you ever wondered if the road less travelled leads to unexpected success? Fernando Tudela, Spain's premier D365 FNO expert and senior technical consultant with Aluma Technology Solutions, is here to regale us with his tale. From the halls of physics academia to the forefront of international tech projects, Fernando's trajectory is anything but ordinary. Hailing from the picturesque city of Valencia, he's a testament to the fact that one can forge a global career while remaining anchored to their local roots. Tune in to hear about the challenges and triumphs of working across industries such as education and logistics, and how a deep-seated passion for technology can shape a uniquely fulfilling path.

Then, let's navigate the nuanced world of freelance consulting in the FNO sphere, where personal branding is more art than science. I'll share the ins and outs of positioning yourself as a go-to expert—a process that can open doors to exciting projects and clients, particularly when you have a knack for something as specialized as electronic reporting. Learn how I juggle freelancing with a full-time role, tackling time zone puzzles and intense project phases, all while managing the practicalities of international payments with savvy tools like WISE. Whether you're a budding freelancer or a tech enthusiast, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and personal experiences from the vibrant trenches of technical consulting.

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://podcast.nz365guy.com/523 

Discover how the virtual world is transforming our reality with Christian Segurado, a system integration manager from Microsoft who joins us from the bustling city of New York. With a treasure trove of 16 certifications and a history of more than 20 mixed-reality implementations, this episode is a deep dive into the potential of augmented and virtual reality. Christian offers invaluable insights from his experiences at the Dynamics Community Summit and provides a glimpse into the future of AR and VR technologies, including the exciting developments from Meta and the highly anticipated contributions of Apple in the realm of mixed reality.

The frontline workforce is on the brink of a revolution, thanks to the wonders of AR and VR. Christian illustrates how AR is not just a tool but a digital mentor for workers, enhancing their skills and ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Meanwhile, VR is redefining collaboration; picture a 3D world where remote meetings mimic the tangibility of being in the same room. Microsoft Mesh is just the beginning. We also touch upon the transformative use of AR in hands-on training, illuminating its potential to reshape learning and development across industries.

In this insightful exchange, we also explore Microsoft's Guides app and the burgeoning industrial metaverse, discussing how it's set to overhaul organizational processes. We then pivot to the future of AI as a co-pilot in various sectors and its symbiotic relationship with human expertise. And as your host, Mark Smith, the NZ365 Guy, I'm eager to hear from you! If you've got suggestions for future guests or topics, reach out on LinkedIn or show your support through my Buy Me a Coffee page. It's time to witness the future unfold—one episode at a time.

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://podcast.nz365guy.com/522

Have you ever pondered the intriguing intersection where professional expertise meets vibrant personal passions? That's precisely what we unpack with Dynamics 365 MVP Josh Knox, whose professional pivot to Co-Optimize captures the essence of collaboration within a cooperative business model. Josh's narrative is as rich and diverse as his love for Brazilian culture and his dedication to jiu-jitsu. He candidly shares his journey, seamlessly blending insights from his career in finance and operations solutions with colourful stories of raising a family entrenched in the warmth of Brazilian traditions – a lively and informative exploration of the harmony between work and life.

As we journey through the art of ERP consulting, I reflect on my path into the industry, underscoring how a medley of experiences crafts a well-rounded consultant. Our dialogue traverses the critical balance of soft and hard skills, and the invaluable role of mentorship, and serves up practical wisdom for those entering the field. We also dissect the strategy of verticalization, diving into how consultants can carve out their niche for heightened expertise. Throughout, I confront the complexities of earning an MVP title, sharing personal anecdotes about overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of specialized knowledge in specific domains, such as accounts receivable. Join us for a compelling conversation that stitches together the fabric of personal growth, professional evolution, and the subtle intricacies that make a consultant truly exceptional.

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP 
90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/
Josh's ERP Consultant training book - https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Young-ERP-Consultant-Beginning/dp/B0CSNRK3CZ/ 

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://podcast.nz365guy.com/521 

• Imagine unlocking the secrets of low-code success with Casey Burke, Microsoft's principal product manager, as your guide. You're in for a treat as we unravel the intricacies of enterprise adoption and the transformative power of application lifecycle management in Power Apps. Casey doesn't just talk shop; he invites us into his world outside the office, complete with tales of mastering the grill and balancing life's passions with professional pursuits. Our conversation is a testament to the vibrant persona behind the tech that's sculpting the future of application delivery.
• We jet-set to New Zealand, too, where the trailblazing folks at Indigen inspire us with their adventures in Dynamics and business applications. Picture crossing borders with robots—it's just a day in the life of a Microsoft partner shaking up the tech scene. As we navigate the evolving landscape of software development, you'll gain insight into the crucial roles of service principal accounts and managed identities, and understand how administrative control intersects with the empowerment of citizen developers. Casey expertly stitches together personal anecdotes and his profound professional expertise, offering you a front-row seat to the revolution unfolding within the Power Platform.

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://podcast.nz365guy.com/520 

• Have you ever wondered how an expert in SharePoint evolves into a Power Platform maestro? Paul Stork's story intertwines technology and the human spirit, as he shares his remarkable transition from a focus on SharePoint to conquering the Power Platform, all while juggling his dual roles as an IT professional and a Lutheran pastor. His tale unwraps the layers of a career that seamlessly blends passion and profession, providing rich insights into how he managed to navigate such diverse paths. Moreover, Paul opens up about the personal decisions that shaped his journey, including his full-time shift from ministry to IT, the heartfelt background behind his consulting company's name, and the familial ties that brought him to Minneapolis amidst a global pandemic.
• This episode isn't just about personal transitions, though. It's a deep dive into the nuances of the IT landscape, from the struggles of maintaining databases to the complexities of Microsoft licensing. We engage with Paul to unravel the real-world effects of these challenges on both users and developers, especially those entangled in the web of SharePoint's limitations and the prohibitive costs of premium Power Platform solutions. Through Paul's expertise, we shed light on the strategic decisions within Microsoft and how they echo through the corridors of Office 365 and the Power Platform ecosystem. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the intricate dance between technology and strategy, offering a lens into the lives of those who work daily to make sense of an ever-changing digital environment.
  
  BOOKS AND OTHER RESOURCES:
  Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP 
  90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/
  Link to the book that Paul just released on Power Automate.  Learning Microsoft Power Automate (oreilly.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://podcast.nz365guy.com/519 

• Ever wondered how spicy curry ties into the low-code revolution? Jason Earnshaw from Huddersfield, our Low Code Practice General Manager with a penchant for Dynamics 365, spices up our show with his rich stories from the IT landscape. His journey from the days of Lotus Notes to the cutting-edge Power Platform offers a delectable mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights, proving that technology and curries do get better with time.
• This episode is a time capsule, where we journey through the evolving world of IT, from the nostalgia of Microsoft CRM's transformation into Dynamics 365 to the emergence of solutions like Mendix. It's a narrative woven with reflections on the past and excitement for the future, as Jason walks us down memory lane, sharing how XRM's potential was overshadowed by internal politics and how customer needs drive the ever-changing tech ecosystem.
• Finally, the conversation shifts gears to the culture and aspirations driving A&S Group, where community involvement and diverse perspectives aren't just buzzwords—they're the very fabric of their success. We untangle the complex tube map of project management, stopping at critical stations like ALM and security, and discuss how these elements contribute to delivering tailored pathways to triumph for their clients. Join us for a session that marries the technical with the personal, the past with the present, and success with the community.

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://podcast.nz365guy.com/518 

• Embark on a captivating journey with Nanddeep Nachan, an esteemed Office 365 consultant from Pune and a Microsoft MVP since 2019. His tale is one of intriguing transformation, from harbouring a childhood fascination with trains to pioneering in the IT landscape. Ned reveals his trajectory, detailing the twists and turns from his early days as a Java developer to his adept navigation through the Microsoft ecosystem—embracing SharePoint and the dynamic Power Platform. The conversation illuminates his experiences across various SharePoint iterations and his seamless adaptation to cloud technologies. Witness Nanddeep's passion as he recounts the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his professional engagement with virtual communities, leading him to maximize his involvement in seminars, boot camps, and community events, and how this has fueled his journey and love for Microsoft technologies.
• Step into the world of a Microsoft MVP and uncover the countless benefits that stretch beyond the title. As the NZ365 guy, I take pride in sharing my four-year tenure with this prestigious accolade, reflecting on my contributions to the community. Drawing inspiration from Microsoft 365 mavens such as Valdic Mastikas and Garry Trinder, I've carved a niche for myself through keynote speeches, insightful articles, and prolific code sharing, especially within the realms of SharePoint and Power Platform. Join us as we discuss the pivotal role of the Patterns and Practices community and my experiences as an independent connector publisher, emphasizing the privilege of rubbing shoulders with Microsoft's product groups, keeping a finger on the pulse of rapid tech advancements, and savouring the global networking, knowledge exchange, and learning that comes hand-in-hand with being part of this vibrant community.

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://podcast.nz365guy.com/517 

• Discover the transformative power of AI as Gwenael Bego, Microsoft's Group Product Manager, takes us on a journey through the innovative landscapes of AI Builder and Power Automate. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone eager to harness AI's capabilities without needing to write a single line of code. Gwenael isn't all work, though; he also shares the rich tapestry of his life, weaving in stories from his Hong Kong roots to his current Parisian escapades. If you're itching for authentic Parisian culture, you're in luck! Gwenael divulges those tucked-away haunts and experiences that give the City of Lights its true luster, from its pulsing nightlife to its resplendent arts scene, with a splash of champagne wisdom for good measure.
• Step into the future with us as we explore the synergy between AI Builder and Syntex, peeling back the curtain to reveal how these platforms are revolutionizing business workflows. You'll be at the edge of your seat as we uncover the burgeoning world of Generative AI, spotlighting the exciting potential of GPT models and their integration within familiar business tools. And because no technological advance is complete without addressing the elephant in the room, we confront the issues of data privacy and security head-on, showcasing Microsoft's relentless commitment to responsible AI. This episode is not just about learning; it's about experiencing the vision of AI as it reshapes the digital terrain.

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith