If you want to get your ideas or questions featured on an episode, please leave us a voicemail: https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/voicemail/</p><br></p><b>Dive into the future of work with the "Microsoft Innovation Podcast,"</b> <em>exploring the intersection of People, Business, Technology, and AI.&nbsp; </em> <br><br>Engage with expert guests—including thought leaders from Microsoft, industry innovators, and community specialists—who are redefining the world with advancements in <b>AI, Cloud technologies, the Power Platform, Dynamics 365</b>, and beyond.<br><br></p>Every episode delivers a blend of in-depth discussions, practical insights, and actionable strategies tailored for professionals driving <b>enablement and innovation</b>. <br><br><b>Join us across our five shows:</b></p><ol><li><b>The Power Platform Show</b></li><li><b>The MVP Show</b></li><li><b>The Copilot Show</b></li><li><b>The Ecosystems Show</b></li><li><b>The AI Show</b> <em>(coming soon)</em></li></ol>
FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/653
How can incorporating AI revolutionize the world of podcasting? Join us for an engaging discussion with Phil from the Microsoft Power Platform Customer Advisory Team and Simo Slaoui, founder of One Man Shot. Together, we peel back the layers of PowerCat Live, an innovative podcast that marries technology and storytelling. Phil Topness takes us on a journey through the creation of PowerCat Live, initiated by Saurabh Pant, while Simo reveals his creative techniques for elevating production quality using advanced equipment like DSLR cameras and teleprompters. Delve into the dynamic evolution of the show as it transitions into a multimedia experience, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
TAKEAWAYS
• Discussing the origin and vision of PowerCat Live
• Insights on technical setups and the role of Riverside
• Emphasizing the importance of dynamic audience engagement
• Overview of the episode planning and content strategy
• Exploring the post-production process and editing intricacies
• Highlighting the balance between information and entertainment
• Noteworthy comments on the future of podcasting with AI integrations
This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.
Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff
https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff
Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge
We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.
Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!
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/652
Join Parvez Ghumra as he explores his journey as a Microsoft MVP from Leicester, UK. His passion for the Power Platform and Dynamics 365 CE development is shaped by strong family values, a love for travel—especially his mini pilgrimage to Mecca—and a spicy hobby of chili growing. Parvez reflects on the evolution of CRM deployment tools, from manual XML to modern no-code solutions like Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions, while acknowledging challenges with tools like Package Deployer. Alongside his insights, Mark also shares his own path to MVP recognition, emphasizing the power of community support in driving personal and professional growth.
TAKEAWAYS
• The role of family in professional development
• Travel experiences influencing personal and professional growth
• Transition from bespoke development to Dynamics 365
• Importance of Application Lifecycle Management in software delivery
• Shift from SDK to low-code solutions in modern development
• The value of community support in achieving the MVP status
This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.
Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff
https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff
Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge
We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.
Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!
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/651
Sunil Kumar shares his journey as a lead architect in the Microsoft Power Platform space, discussing the unique tech landscape in the UAE, challenges with advisory roles, and the growing embrace of low-code solutions. The conversation delves into Sunil’s career transformation with Microsoft’s Power Platform, from SharePoint to Power Apps and Power Automate, highlighting key projects like a COVID tracking app. He also explores Power Platform integrations, licensing complexities, and innovative solutions using ServiceNow and DocuSign. Packed with insights for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike, this episode explores efficiency, innovation, and the evolving tech landscape.
TAKEAWAYS
• Exploring the opportunity landscape in the UAE tech sector
• Understanding community dynamics within the Power Platform in the UAE
• The growing importance of AI investment in the region
• Sunil’s transition from SharePoint to Power Platform solutions
• The significance of integration with third-party applications
• Providing clarity on licensing within Power Platform use cases
• Emphasizing security versus costs in solution planning
This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.
Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff
https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff
Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge
We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.
Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!
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/648
Discover the fascinating blend of tech expertise and personal passions with Brad Prendergast, an MVP from the USA who has left a lasting impact in the Microsoft Dynamics community. With over 20 years of experience, Brad not only shares insights into Dynamics NAV and D365 Business Central but also invites us into his world of culinary adventures and landscape photography. Listen in as he talks about mastering the art of smoking food using a Traeger grill, where everything from meats to pizza becomes a smoky masterpiece. Coupled with his love for capturing breathtaking landscapes through the lens of his Sony camera, Brad’s story is a testament to how hobbies enrich professional life.
• Brad has over 20 years of experience in the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem.
• Outlines his journey towards becoming an MVP - He became an MVP through active participation in the Business Central community.
• Brad highlights the importance of community engagement in his professional journey.
• Gives tips for preparing compelling presentations
• Explains the dynamics of co-presenting at events
• Reflects on his passion and its importance in success
• Photography is a significant hobby for Brad, focusing on landscape photography.
• Preparation for speaking engagements involves choosing topics he is passionate about.
• Co-presenting allows for a dynamic interaction and better audience engagement.
• Brad believes in the human factor in technology implementations.
• He enjoys the process of sharing knowledge and helping others succeed.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP
90 Day Mentoring Challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/
This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge
We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.
Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!
If you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.
Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith
This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.
Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff
https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff
Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge
We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.
Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!
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/648
Join us as BJ Biernatowski shares his extensive experience in business process management and automation, focusing on Nordstrom’s journey toward increased efficiency and value creation through technology. Key insights include the evolution of Nordstrom's automation strategy, the importance of aligning with business objectives for effective ROI measurements, and the transformative role of AI in the future of process management. This episode promises a blend of personal passion and professional mastery, offering listeners a fresh perspective on driving transformation through innovative process improvement.
• BJ's background and journey to Microsoft
• The significance of food and family in BJ's life
• Nordstrom’s vision for enterprise-scale automation
• The transition from K2 to Microsoft's Power Platform
• Understanding ROI in business process management
• The importance of Business Value Assessments in transformation
• Future trends in BPM and the role of AI
This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.
Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff
https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff
Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge
We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.
Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!
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/647
Prepare to be inspired by Magnus Gether Sørensen, the Managing Specialist from Denmark hailed as the "XRM Tooling Wizard." Hear his fascinating transition from finance to tech, sparked by an influential high school teacher who opened his eyes to the world of web development. Magnus shares personal tales from Denmark, his love for tailored suits, and a pivotal experience in Copenhagen that forever altered his life's course. You'll discover how his passion for model-driven apps and Dynamics has led to the creation of powerful developer tools that continue to make waves within the tech community.
• Magnus's background and journey into the tech industry
• Significance of merging academic knowledge with real-world applications
• Innovations in XRM tooling and the importance of testing environments
• Challenges presented by asynchronous systems in Power Automate
• Future of development with AI and low-code platforms
• Addressing collaboration challenges among multiple developers
• Enhancing community tooling and best practices
• Magnus believes that AI will change the way we interact with systems.
• Tools Magnus created to help developers test business logic on their machines.
• Community contributions and sharing knowledge.
• He believes environments should be treated as cattle, not pets, for better development.
• Magnus is excited about upcoming changes in Microsoft's development tools.
•The importance of version control in collaborative development.
This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.
Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff
https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff
Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge
We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.
Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!
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/646
What challenges await when you pack up your life and settle in a vibrant new city like Valencia, Spain? Our own Ana shares her personal adventure of embracing the local culture and the quirks of the Spanish education system, offering a glimpse into the exhilarating yet challenging landscape of 2025. Alongside this, Mark unpacks the burgeoning opportunities within the AI landscape, emphasizing a pivotal shift towards practical applications that promise to redefine the way organizations function. As we journey through this transformative year, we explore the concept of "trustworthy AI"—a vision that extends beyond mere compliance to encompass reliability and safety, inviting you to imagine a digital future where innovation and trust walk hand in hand.
Is AI truly a threat to our jobs, or could it be a catalyst for new opportunities? In this episode, we challenge the fear surrounding AI's potential to replace human roles, underscoring the irreplaceable value of critical thinking and creativity—skills only humans possess. Drawing parallels to the early days of the iPhone, we explore how AI's form and utility are still evolving, with trust in its systems being paramount. We unravel the intricacies of ensuring accuracy in AI outcomes by prioritizing relevant data and processes that correct errors. The conversation paints a hopeful picture of a future where AI models continue to improve through better data management, reminding us that while AI continues to evolve, so too will the opportunities for human growth and innovation.
• Exploring the pivotal concept of trustworthy AI
• Importance of data quality in AI implementations
• Evolving user experiences and the reducing importance of UI
• The necessity of filtering data sets for accurate insight
• Human roles in AI: critical thinking and creativity emphasized
• Anticipating future job roles in an AI-dominated landscape
• Navigating upcoming AI regulations and their implications
This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.
Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff
https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff
Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge
We’ve helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.
Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!
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/645
The episode shines a light on the transformative potential of Microsoft 365, particularly through its AI capabilities like Copilot. Simon Doy discusses integrating Copilot's custom solutions, highlights the importance of data security, and explains the Microsoft 365 Maturity Model's role in guiding organizations toward effective technology utilization.
• Simon cherishes time spent bouldering and engaging in meaningful family routines, such as sharing daily highlights during meals.
• A daily meditation routine helps Simon stay focused and manage a dynamic lifestyle.
• He emphasizes the importance of robust data management strategies to mitigate risks, prevent data oversharing, and maintain security.
• Simon co-developed a comprehensive framework to help businesses maximize Microsoft 365's potential for productivity and governance.
• The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing business productivity.
• Deep dives into Microsoft Copilot's functionality and real-world applications.
• Examination of data security risks and effective management strategies.
• Insights into the competencies and practical implementation of the Microsoft 365 Maturity Model.
If you're interested in exploring these themes further, feel free to reach out to us on social media!
OTHER RESOURCES
• Acquired Podcast - https://www.acquired.fm/
• Microsoft Research Podcast - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/podcast/ai-frontiers-rethinking-intelligence-with-ashley-llorens-and-ida-momennejad/
• Filter by the AI keyword - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/podcast/?msockid=0a0c194908e364fc326c0d4d09bb6531
• Maturity Model for Microsoft 365 - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/community/microsoft365-maturity-model--intro
• Article on some Gotchas with Copilot Studio and GPT-40 - https://simondoy.com/2024/08/01/gotchas-discovered-building-a-custom-engine-copilot-with-gpt-4o-and-copilot-studio/
DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.
Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff
https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff
90 Day Mentoring Challenge
Microsoft Business Applications Career Mentor for the Power Platform and Dynamics 365
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/644
In this episode, we dive into the exhilarating leap from MVP status to freelancing, as Angelo Gulisano unveils the freedom and creativity that self-employment affords. We offer listeners a roadmap for successfully marketing oneself as a freelancer, emphasizing the power of community engagement through conferences, blogging, and leveraging tools like the Creator Kit and Figma for Power Apps. Whether you're an aspiring freelancer or a seasoned tech professional, Angelo's insights promise a blend of inspiration and practical strategies to thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
• Introduction to Angelo and his life in Italy
• Journey in the IT field leading to MVP status
• Transitioning from corporate life to freelancing
• Overcoming fears associated with leaving job security
• Strategies for finding clients and self-promotion
• Discussion on the Creator Kit and its benefits
• Insights into public speaking and its impact on professional growth
• Preparation techniques for effective presentations
• The Power Platform community in Italy is supportive and collaborative
• Angelo emphasizes the importance of soft skills in marketing oneself
• Angelo uses the Creator Kit for application development
• Networking through conferences helps in finding clients
• Angelo's journey reflects a blend of personal passion and professional expertise.
In 2024, we celebrated seven years of the Microsoft Business Applications podcast. Now, we step into 2025 with a fresh new name.
Welcome to the Microsoft Innovation podcast! Our new name reflects a broader vision, exploring the intersection of people, business, technology, and AI.
90 Day Mentoring Challenge
Microsoft Business Applications Career Mentor for the Power Platform and Dynamics 365
Justin Welsh
Justin Welsh’s LinkedIn Operating System—the guide to finding your voice on LinkedIn.
If you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.
Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith
Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian.
A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest.
But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know.
She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and
captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world.
Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s
blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.
Award winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable and bizarre, but
all-too-real tale, of a woman from San Jose, California whose secret ripped a family apart and
left a community in shock.
Scamanda is the true story of a woman whose own words held the key to her secret.
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Scamanda on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Amanda’s blog posts are read by actor Kendall Horn.