The Intelligence Age

FULL SHOW NOTES 
https://podcast.nz365guy.com/506

Ever wonder what it's like to transition from IT to Power Apps and the Power Platform? Join us as we sit down with Ahmed, a seasoned Microsoft Power Platform solution architect, to unlock the secret behind his journey. Ahmed, who's been in the field since 2013, opens up about his life’s journey, from growing up in the United Arab Emirates and Sudan to becoming a recent MVP awardee. He shares his enthusiasm for Dataverse, his recent ventures with Dynamics 365 FNO, and even his current diet! It's not just about code, but also about the person behind it, and we promise you're going to love this intimate conversation with Ahmed.

We then shift gears to delve into the nitty-gritty of Power Apps and the Power Platform. Whether you're a newbie or an experienced developer looking to broaden your knowledge, this episode is a treasure trove. Listen in as we discuss Ahmed's transition from the world of IT, his passion for Dataverse, and his hands-on experience with Dynamics 365 FNO. Ahmed also recommends some indispensable resources for those starting out, including the Microsoft Learn program and community forum. Get ready to be inspired, learn, and be part of our ever-growing 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/505 

• How would you feel if you could make your interactions with technology more human-like, more interactive, and more efficient? Hop on as we journey with Sarah Critchley, an accomplished principal program manager at Microsoft, into the fascinating world of Power Virtual Agents (PVA). This episode is a treasure trove as Sarah Critchley narrates her inspiring life journey, from her relocation to Canada to her rewarding career at Microsoft, and her labour of love – writing tech books in an era of rapid technological change.  
• What if there is a playbook that could guide you from start to finish for a successful PVA implementation? As we dig deeper, we uncover the secrets of PVA with the PowerCat PVA playbook, discovering the PVA in a Day feature and Microsoft's Conversational UX Guide. Sarah enlightens us on the game-changing Generative Actions feature which makes the user experience more natural by inferring context from user queries. We also delve into the very foundation of PVA – the large language models and generative AI. 
• Now, imagine integrating Azure Open AI service with PVA – the possibilities seem endless! We dissect this integration process and shed light on the deployment of adaptive cards in PVA. We also have Mark Smith, the nz365guy, who shares his valuable insights on creating with the Power Platform. He sparks a conversation on the potential role of voice technology in PVA in the near future. So tune in and join us in this exploration of AI, PVA, and the Power Platform – you'll be amazed by the things you'll learn! 

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/504 

• Imagine sharing a meal with a friend who not only understands the nuances of rich Indian cuisine but also the complexities of the tech world. That's our guest Rachit Garg for you, a Principal Technical Architect from Melbourne, and Microsoft MVP awardee in 2023. He brings a unique blend of flavours to the table - from his favourite spicy dishes of Uttar Pradesh, India, to the technological conundrums he tackles daily. You'll feel the heat of his passion for food and the spark of his technological insights while discovering the diverse taste preferences within his family.  
• Our conversation takes a twist as we explore the tech world with Rachit, another Microsoft MVP. His journey is lined with invaluable advice for aspiring MVPs, emphasizing the need for a unique contribution, a clear focus, and a well-crafted plan. He makes the concept of AI in Dynamics 365 sound as easy as pie, presenting various practical use cases. So, whether you're a food enthusiast navigating the tech world or a tech aficionado with a penchant for spicy food, this conversation promises to serve you a buffet of insights and experiences. 

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

BOOKS & OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED :
F&O applications and gearing up for MVP application: 

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/get-started-financial-management-dyn365-finance/?WT.mc_id=DX-MVP-5005277 
• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/get-started-financial-management-dyn365-finance/?WT.mc_id=DX-MVP-5005277 
• https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-US/search?target=Profile&program=MVPWT&mc_id=DX-MVP-5005277 
• https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-US/faq?section=mvp,WT&mc_id=DX-MVP-5005277 

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/503 

• Ever wondered how a social psychologist ended up in IT? Join us for an engaging conversation with our guest, Nils Gooijer, a product owner from the Netherlands who has seamlessly meshed his academic background with his professional expertise. Nils, who has worked with major clients like Heineken, enlightens us on how his path from psychology led him to a pivotal role in IT. He takes us through his fascinating journey, highlighting the integral role of adoption and change management in crafting solutions. 
• In the second part of our discussion, Nils delves deeper into the nuances of adoption and change management. He draws intriguing parallels between these concepts and marketing strategies, shedding light on a marketing template that can be utilized in power platform implementations. If you're seeking tips on creating a fun and inclusive team culture, Nils has got you covered. He emphasizes the power of fun in fostering an inclusive environment, also acknowledging how the Microsoft community encourages individuals to express themselves through the Power Platform. Expect a wealth of insights from this captivating chat! 

OTHER RESOURCES: 

• Miro board - https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVMTYbxPw=/?share_link_id=955746465988 
• European Power Platform European Power Platform Conference: https://www.sharepointeurope.com/conference/speakers/nils-gooijer/ 

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/502 

• What happens when a tech enthusiast from Ecuador finds his calling in the vibrant city of Amsterdam? Join us as we chat with Wilmer Alcivar, an MVP from the Netherlands who is passionate about everything CRM, social media integration and adding value to CRM projects. From his early days in Ecuador to his current involvement in the Dynamics sales model and his shift towards the Power Platform, Wilmer’s journey is not only intriguing but also inspiring.  
• Picture this – a laid-back conversation about tech, culture, and personal anecdotes, all while navigating through the maze of Microsoft Business Applications. Learn from Wilmer as he regales us with his experience with model-driven apps, canvas apps, and custom pages using the Greater Kit. He also takes us through his pioneering work with Power Pages, Power Automate Desktop, and the challenges he sees in the Power Platform. From his initial rejection to finally becoming an MVP, Wilmer's candid recount of his journey offers valuable insights. This episode promises a unique blend of personal wisdom and professional insight, all delivered with a dash of Wilmer's signature charm. 

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP 
90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/
Power 365 Academy - https://www.power365academy.com/
GitHub - https://github.com/walcivar

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/501 

• Are you eager to get under the hood of Microsoft's FastTrack team? Join us as we converse with Paul Mare, an experienced manager from Microsoft, who shares invaluable insights about the design, architecture, and governance of Microsoft's customer solutions. From his intriguing career trajectory, starting at the Atomic Energy Corporation, to his adventurous safari in Botswana, Paul's anecdotes make for an absorbing listen, while offering a unique viewpoint on balancing professional and personal life. 
• FastTrack is more than just a team - it's an evolution of proactive architects shaping customer solutions. Once an escalation team, FastTrack now handles the complexities of projects with license revenue above 300,000K and delivers value to all projects. Hear how they gather feedback from projects and use it to inform their engineering decisions. Decoding the dynamics of this team, Paul enlightens us about the importance of working closely with partners and customers for successful project delivery. 
• When implementing Dynamics 365, where do you start? With the Total Success by Design Framework. Paul provides a comprehensive guide to using this book for successful project implementation. Understand the significance of early discussions during the implementation process and how the Dynamics 365 implementation portal can provide visibility and context for your project. With the right strategies and tools, creating visibility for your project and effectively onboarding projects is achievable. So sit back, enjoy the insights, and discover how you too can navigate the world of Dynamics 365 with confidence. 

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/500 

• Rise and shine, folks! Welcome to a riveting conversation with none other than Sudeep Ghatak, an exemplary principal architect at Theta, an Ivy League member of the Microsoft MVP club, and a celebrated author. We will be navigating through his journey to becoming an MVP, spiced up with his passion for AI, and her exceptional contributions to the Power Automate forums. You won't want to miss Sudeep's insights on his highly acclaimed book, Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Online Cookbook, which has garnered a throng of followers, and an upcoming second edition that promises to transport you into the world of Viva and AI. 
• Turn up the volume as we dive into the second part of our chat, where Sudeep unveils the magic of chat GPT for SPFX components, a tool transforming his work life, and making him more efficient and productive. Sudeep not only shares his technical prowess but also gives us a glimpse into his personal life, his rhythms with music, and his fascination with the cosmos. So, buckle up for an episode brimming with thrilling experiences, nuggets of wisdom from a Microsoft MVP, and an exhilarating journey to the stars. Get set and let's roll!

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP 
90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/
Sudeep Ghatak’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-365-SharePoint-Online-Cookbook/dp/1838646671 

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/499 

Ever wonder how tech leaders make their way to top companies like Microsoft? Join us on a fascinating journey with Dipti Jaiswal, principal group engineering manager at Microsoft, who takes us through her remarkable career path, and lets us in on the world of Power Pages. You'll be captivated by her experiences in Bangalore, India, the tech talent hub known for its rich culture and delightful cuisine. Not only is Dipti a tech whiz, but she's also a passionate leader and mentor, committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow. 

Interaction with Power Pages will never be the same again after you uncover the brilliant features it affords, like the Maker Co-Pilot that expedites website creation. It's not just about speed though, it's about skill enhancement for Pro Developers through the Co-Pilot feature, inspired by GitHub's Co-Pilot. Hold your breath as you learn about the End-User Co-Pilot, which lets you add chatbots to your site with ease. To top it all off, we delve into the Governance and Security features that ensure smooth administration of your website inventory and data. Lastly, we extend a heartfelt thanks to the Power Platform and Dynamics community for their invaluable contributions. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be enlightened on tech, leadership, and the vibrant Indian tech scene.

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/498 

• Ever wondered how creativity and technology collide? Keith Atherton, a senior developer with a background in physics, unveils his unique journey into the tech world in this episode. We explore his unconventional path into technology, stemming from his love for art and illustration that led him to illustrate a business book. Keith shares intriguing stories about his interaction with Wacom and Surfaces tablets and how these tools have contributed to his creative journey in tech. 
• As we delve deeper, Keith sheds light on his experience as an instructor with LinkedIn Learning, revealing the intricate process of creating, producing, and monetizing courses. He provides valuable insights on the potential income from self-publishing courses and the significance of good reviews. Additionally, we take a deep dive into the world of the Power Platform; discussing from code-first development to the intricacies of PowerApps formula coding studio and the potential of PowerFX as a coding language. Whether you're contemplating a career in tech or considering becoming an instructor, this is an episode you don't want to miss. 

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

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

• Ever wondered about the vast universe of Power Virtual Agents and AI? Brace yourselves for an enlightening conversation with our guest, Dewain Robinson, straight from Nashville, Tennessee, the Principal Program Manager for Power, Virtual Agents, and Conversational AI at Microsoft. We dive into the intricate workings of Power Virtual Agents and how Azure OpenAI service can revolutionize data accessibility by creating an easy-to-navigate knowledge base. 
• Our discourse traverses the democratization of data science and AI, revealing how co-pilot is opening new doors for people without coding backgrounds, and how large language models can extract knowledge from data. We navigate through the multifaceted world of Azure OpenAI, its significance and the necessity of recognizing the loopholes when training a model. Dwayne also shares insights on how Azure OpenAI in Microsoft Teams can make data access more efficient. 
• As we advance, we tackle the challenges of using large language models and search engine optimization to help customers identify data issues. The importance of starting with public data before using internal data is emphasized, alongside the benefits of publishing content on a web page. We wind up with a sneak peek into the upcoming innovations with Azure Cognitive Services and their potential to create more powerful virtual agents and conversation AI. Prepare to be amazed by the technological advances that are just around the corner! 

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith