The Intelligence Age

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://podcast.nz365guy.com/486

You're in for a treat as we invite you to listen to our special guest Tchesco Ayih's fascinating transformation from dabbling in a computer repair shop to becoming an MVP in Ghana. With our fireside chat, we delve into Tchesco's inspiring journey that's marked by his love for cooking and gaming, his self-taught graphic design and C-Sharp skills, and his unexpected MVP award. He'll let you in on his approach to learning new skills, staying updated with the latest trends, and the significance of being part of tech communities.

Moving on, we'll traverse the evolving landscape of the Power Platform community in Ghana, its inception, growth, and the key role MVP Abu played in shaping it. We'll also draw parallels with the community growth in Nigeria and shed light on Tchesco's efforts to bolster the French community's involvement in this tech revolution. Join us and get captivated by Tchesco's story of perseverance, thirst for knowledge, and the influence of tech communities in transforming lives. It's an insightful ride you wouldn't want to miss.

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP 
90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/
Microsoft User Group Lome (French sessions): https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Microsoft-User-Group-Lome/gh-p/MicrosoftUserGroupLome
Microsoft User Group Ghana (English sessions): https://www.meetup.com/Microsoft-User-Group-Ghana/ 

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/485 

Ever reflected on how video games can affect our productivity in the digital workspace? That's a thought-provoking question we tackle with our accomplished guest, Joris de Gruyter, a seasoned program manager at Microsoft. As we journey through his intriguing career path from Belgium to the US, we find out how his hobbies like gaming, skiing, and sailing, have shaped his perspective on making business applications more engaging.

You'll surely get hooked as we move into the heart of our conversation – PowerApps and PowerFX. Learn first-hand from Joe about the creative alliance between the Excel and PowerApps teams that have helped in shaping Microsoft's robust Power Platform. As he breaks down the ins and outs of PowerFX, especially how its strongly typed nature offers a unique advantage when sending data to databases, you'll gain valuable insights into the realm of coding.

Brace yourself for a refreshing discussion on the complexities of UX design in PowerApps, the need for a universal formula bar, and the mammoth task of balancing the needs of ProDevs and new makers. As we venture into the challenges of code reuse in PowerFX, and the importance of user-defined functions, you'll start to see the art behind the science of coding. Finally, get a glimpse into the minds of MVPs in our vibrant discussion on customer requests, recognizing low-hanging fruit, and much more. This episode is your golden ticket to dive deep into the world of PowerApps, PowerFX, and the magic of Microsoft's 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/484

What happens when you combine multicultural experiences, love for food, family, fun, and a passion for Microsoft Dynamics ERP? You get Parag Chapre, our guest on today's show. A senior consultant at DXC Technology, Parag's journey has spanned continents - from the streets of India to the hustle of Europe, and now the shores of Australia. He shares his experiences of transitioning from different languages during his engineering to choosing Dynamics, the continuous evolution it offers, and the immense learning opportunities it provides.

Parag doesn't merely work in IT; he lives it. His career started at SA Global, where he delved into Microsoft Dynamics ERP and never looked back. But how does he keep track of the ever-evolving landscape of Microsoft's features and functionalities? He shares his secret - being a part of community events and discussions. But Parag didn't stop at just being part of the community; he took his knowledge-sharing a step further and became an MVP, sharing unique content with the community. Listen in as he talks about his experiences and the pivotal role of continuous learning in his personal and professional journey.

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP 
90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/
Dynamics Community - https://community.dynamics.com/members/parag-chapre 

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/483 

What if you could leverage technology to outsmart the escalating cost of living? Join us on this riveting adventure as we talk with Mike Carlton, a director at PWC and a dedicated family man from South Wales. Living with his wife, four children, and an assortment of pets, Mike's life is as colourful as it is engaging! His non-tech lifestyle at home provides a refreshing juxtaposition to his impactful work with the Power Platform at PWC.

Our conversation ventures into the transformative capabilities of the Power Platform, a low-code solution that's revolutionizing businesses grappling with increasing living costs. We reveal how PWC is harnessing this innovation on an enterprise-wide scale, navigating complexities, and fostering the growth of consultants. Get ready to learn about the Power Platform, its business-centric approach, and its implications in the real world.

Yet, we don't simply stop at the technology. Mike, being a leader in system integration, shares the importance of technical skills in the consulting arena. Hear his insights on the approaches of big four companies and system integrators, the need to comprehend the client's problem domain, and the invaluable art of making business-oriented decisions. As we wrap up, we take a moment to appreciate our listeners and supporters. Who knows? You might be our next guest! So, tune in, learn, and remember to shoot for the stars!

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/482

What if you could transform your organization into a digital native? Join us as we converse with Ayotunde Ayoola, a Principal Consultant and Product Lead hailing from Nigeria who is leading this digital revolution. With his team at Stringify, Ayo assists organizations in undergoing crucial digital transformations, introducing the power of technology to multiple sectors. Ayo also offers a glimpse into his life outside the tech world, sharing his love for reading, sports, and church. We also explore the burgeoning Nigerian tech and MVP community and their ever-growing interest in BizApps and Power Platform careers.

But this episode isn't all tech and transformations. Has he ever wondered about the charitable side of the tech industry? Mark Smith, an MVP recognized as the NZ365 guy, shares his experiences of giving back to the community. He firmly believes that contributing isn't always about money but creating opportunities. Mark shares his experiences running a boot camp for high school students, introducing them to low code and other technologies. He believes in the transformative power of giving back and how it creates more opportunities for digital transformation. This episode is filled with insights, experiences, and heartwarming stories from the tech community. So, gear up for a compelling conversation with Ayo and Mark!

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP 
90-Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/
Azure Community Portal: https://azure.styava.dev/apac/id/user/organizer?userId=5b7eceb2-6b9c-43df-9937-a02856d1da2c
GitHub: https://github.com/officialAY
Microsoft Power Apps Community: https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Power-Apps-Community/ct-p/PowerApps1 

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/481 

Picture this: You're a customer service admin needing a modernized approach. What if there were improvements in customer service administration, security role management, and agent productivity features, all at your fingertips? This episode with our guest, Tina Ding, Senior Program Manager at Microsoft, brings this transformation to life! Tina takes us on a personal journey from China to Seattle, sharing her passion for food, family, and fun while also giving us a glimpse into her career beginnings and her work in admin modernization of the customer service product. We explore the essential tasks and roles of customer service admins and the exciting progress her team has made in reshaping the customer service experience.

Shifting gears, we spotlight the October Release Wave 2 2023 and the significant enhancements to contact centre and user management. Tina enlightens us on the potential of the Power Platform in creating powerful and versatile applications. We discuss how this platform could be a game-changer for your organization's productivity and delve deep into its features and capabilities. As a bonus, Tina generously shares her top tips on how to get started with the Power Platform. So, if you're all about optimizing your customer service game and leveraging the power of the Power Platform, this episode is an absolute must-listen!

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/480

Get ready for a journey from the humble town of Barnveld in the Netherlands to the forefront of technology and industry innovation with our esteemed guest, Bert Verbeek. Admired for his path from economics to becoming a technical solution architect and an MVP in 2023, Bert also opens up about his personal life, his love for renovating his home and his recommendation for Burkel, a traditional Dutch dish.

We also explore the Netherlands' significant strides in renewable energy, the innovative concepts of vertical plant growth and solar-powered roads, and the ambitious goal of having only electric cars by 2030. Bert's insights on his work with NavVision and his creation of a vertical overlay for the construction sector in Business Central offer a unique perspective on the integration of Power Platform and the increasing demand for automation. We also delve deep into the role of AI in the ERP system, its potential impact on the construction industry and how it may revolutionize the future. So join us as we traverse various topics from the personal to the technological and gain invaluable insights from our guest, Bert.

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/479 

Are you ready to master the Power Platform and take your digital literacy to new heights? Join us as our special guests, Antti Pajunen and Jukka Niiranen from Forward Forever, take you on a journey of exploration and discovery, sharing insights from their personal and professional lives and their work with the Power Platform. From Antti’s tales of balancing busy family life with her love for Salomon and craft beer to anecdotes of chasing after his three-year-old, you’re in for an engaging and entertaining conversation!

Want a deep dive into Power Platform governance? Let's explore together! Our guests stress the importance of customer involvement and digital literacy, offering tips on conducting career state analysis and benchmarking, while also ensuring customer success. They also take us under the hood of the tenant, with an exploration of capacity, license utilization, custom connectors, and much more. We also delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) and how cultural norms and organizational maturity can influence its implementation.

As we wrap up this enlightening episode, we take a detour into the exciting realm of artificial intelligence. Jukka and Antti share how they use AI to accelerate their workflows and craft meaningful marketing content. You'll hear about their experiments with tools such as Wombo AI, GPT-3, and the potential of applications like Stable Diffusion. Whether it's creating abstract art or crafting accurate tweets from podcast transcripts, the power of AI is all around us. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Power Platform and the practical applications of AI.

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/478

Get set for a lively chat with our very special guest, Kerry Peters, the passionate CEO and co-founder of New View Strategies. Not just your traditional tech leader, Kerry enthralls us with tales from her hobby farm in Indiana, where she nurtures a fascinating assortment of honeybees, cats, chickens, and an array of wildlife. Join us as we plunge into the captivating world of beekeeping, explore the potential of IoT in monitoring honey production, and share anecdotes about backyard gardens and the gratifying experience of nurturing our own food.

Transitioning from the bucolic to the digital world, we navigate the trails of Business Central's metamorphosis from NAV to BC. As we unravel the reasons behind BC's burgeoning popularity, you'll gain a deeper understanding of its subscription-based, cloud-based structure, and why this approach has resonated with its user community. Kerry shares her thoughts on the role of Power Automate, Power Apps, and Power Platform within Business Central, and divulges her journey to becoming an MVP. Whether you're an aspiring MVP or intrigued by sustainable farming, this episode promises to be a thrilling ride!

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/477 

Get ready to unlock the secrets of scaling and standardizing Power Platform Apps with our guest, Ryan Jones, a Partner Director of Product Management at Microsoft. Imagine managing thousands of apps like a farmer tending to a herd of cattle, instead of doting on them like beloved pets - that's what we unravelled in our enlightening chat with Ryan. We navigated through the transition from Dynamics CRM to the Power Platform, underlining the increasing necessity for Power Platform to be the go-to for building apps. 
 
We dug into the world of managed environments and how these can transform the way tasks are automated across various environments. From the unique needs of production, development, and citizen development environments to the invaluable role of the COE starter kit and managed environments in meeting these needs - it's all about streamlining processes and boosting efficiency. Moreover, we highlighted how the Power Platform community offers invaluable tools that make managing the Power Platform a breeze. 
 
We didn't stop there! We ventured into the realm of Artificial Intelligence and its role in governance within Microsoft. Ryan shared fascinating insights into how AI assists administrators in understanding the apps, workflows, and releases being built within their environment. Plus, we touched on an important aspect - data security and how Microsoft ensures responsible and compliant use of AI. Tune in to discover the Power Platform's potential and how investing in managed environments can result in a significant return on investment for your organization. 

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith