View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

AI adoption fails when it stops at access to tools. This episode introduces a practical model that bridges the gap between AI tools like Copilot and measurable business outcomes. The focus shifts from technology to people, addressing key blockers such as time, confidence, and relevance. By grounding AI in real workflows, tailoring role-specific use cases, and measuring outcomes, organisations can move from low usage to meaningful impact fast.

🎙 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/837

👉 What you’ll learn

• Identify the real blockers stopping AI adoption in teams
• Shift from tool access to measurable business outcomes
• Design role-specific AI use cases that drive daily value
• Build AI training that fits real work, not theory
• Measure AI adoption with practical KPIs and usage data

✅ Highlights

• "These two things are very, very different"
• "Some things really need to happen in between those two places"
• "This is not about the tech. This is about the people"
• "They didn't know how to use the tool"
• "They didn't know what they were allowed to do"
• "When would they sit and just learn a link"
• "To actually tailor use cases that are relevant"
• "We have to measure how they are moving"
• "We moved a department from 15% to 83%"
• "It shifts how you are working"

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot (https://copilot.microsoft.com/)
• Copilot Notebooks (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/get-started-with-microsoft-365-copilot-notebooks-0775e693-11c6-4d80-8aba-fcc81a737a06)
• ChatGPT (https://chatgpt.com/)
• AI Boost Academy (https://hannabergstrom.com/) [
• Vattenfall (https://group.vattenfall.com/)
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
ai adoption, copilot, generative ai, ai training, business transformation, ai use cases, digital productivity, ai skills, organisational change, ai strategy, workplace efficiency, ai literacy

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode dives into why large CRM and ERP projects keep failing and how AI is reshaping consulting, software delivery, and platform decisions. The core insight is simple. Organisations fail when they buy software instead of outcomes. With AI, experienced teams can move faster, strip away legacy complexity, and build only what the business actually needs. The conversation explores outcome-based thinking, flawed RFP processes, and why AI is accelerating the gap between great and average practitioners.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/836

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to frame technology decisions around outcomes, not vendors or features
• Why traditional RFP processes drive cost blowouts and failed projects
• The four core business problems most systems are really trying to solve
• How AI tools are changing the speed and shape of consulting work
• When building custom solutions now beats buying off-the-shelf software

✅ Highlights

• “So many people are still buying software like it’s a software decision rather than a business decision.”
• “You’re really only trying to solve one of four business problems.”
• “Most organizations aren’t even thinking in terms of what is the root of what I’m trying to solve.”
• “Your highest qualified people are not even in the game because you’ve already excluded quality.”
• “AI is now to the developer what Visual Studio was in the 90s.”
• “It made the good developers really good and the bad developers a lot faster.”
• “Low code was developed because we couldn’t get enough developers.”
• “There’s a third option now, and that is vibe code your own add-on.”
• “I think we’re less than 18 months away from this changing enterprise software.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Power Platform: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM (Dynamics 365 CRM):
  https://www.microsoft.com/dynamics-365/solutions/crm
• Microsoft Business Central:
  https://www.microsoft.com/dynamics-365/products/business-central
• Microsoft Finance and Operations (Dynamics 365 Finance):
  https://www.microsoft.com/dynamics-365/products/finance
• Notebook LM: https://notebooklm.google
• LinkedIn Sales Navigator: https://business.linkedin.com/sales-solutions/sales-navigator
• DynamicConsultantsGroup.com: https://dynamicconsultantsgroup.com

✅Keywords
ai in consulting, outcome-based software, crm failures, erp projects, power platform, low code vs pro code, vibe coding, rfp process, enterprise software, applied ai skills, digital transformation, consulting strategy

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

AI is shifting from a tool to an operating system, enabling individuals to move faster, build bespoke solutions, and dramatically increase productivity. The biggest advantage now comes from curiosity, not technical depth. Those who experiment, learn a few tools deeply, and treat AI as a collaborator can compress hours into minutes and unlock new business models. Meanwhile, large organisations risk falling behind due to governance, inertia, and slow decision-making.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/835

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Use AI as an operating system to replace and create software
• Move from idea to working solution in minutes, not hours
• Build capability by mastering a few tools, not chasing every new model
• Apply curiosity-driven workflows to unlock better AI outcomes
• Avoid common enterprise pitfalls around governance and tool sprawl

✅ Highlights

• "This software rewards the patient and the curious."
• "Learn two or three of these tools really well."
• "Are you using these tools to improve your quality of life or aren’t you?"
• "This is the last software that I’ll ever train."
• "We can create bespoke applications through any of these tools."
• "It’s eating other software."
• "People who choose to be left behind."
• "From idea to iteration in 30 minutes."
• "I feel like I’m becoming a bionic person."
• "The barriers to entry are just gone."

🧰 Mentioned

• ChatGPT – https://chatgpt.com/
• Bing (Copilot Search) – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/bing/copilot-search
• Google – https://www.google.com
• Gemini – https://gemini.google.com/
• Claude – https://claude.ai/
• Copilot – https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• Perplexity – https://www.perplexity.ai/
• Stability AI (Stable Diffusion) – https://stability.ai/
• Ethan Mollick (Wharton profile) – https://mgmt.wharton.upenn.edu/profile/emollick/
• Co-Intelligence (book) – https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/741805/co-intelligence-by-ethan-mollick/
• Suno (AI music generator) – https://suno.com/

✅Keywords
ai tools, generative ai, chatgpt, ai productivity, solopreneur ai, ai governance, llm workflows, ai operating system, automation, business ai, ai adoption, digital transformation

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores why data governance must come before enabling Microsoft 365 Copilot, with insights from Khurram Hafeez. It breaks down how sensitivity labels, data loss prevention, and Microsoft Purview reduce the risk of unintended data exposure. You will hear practical guidance on preparing your environment, protecting sensitive information, and managing AI use across Microsoft tools and third‑party AI sites. The focus is on real‑world decisions organisations must make to safely adopt Copilot at scale.

🎙 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/834

👉 What you’ll learn

• Why Copilot increases the impact of poor data governance
• How sensitivity labels affect what Copilot can access and summarise
• When to use DLP versus inline DLP for AI risk management
• How organisations can limit data sharing with third‑party AI tools
• What licensing choices matter for Copilot and Purview governance

✅ Highlights

• “With the intro of the AI, the importance of the data governance compliance has much increased.”
• “The first defense layer that you should be apply, that is the sensitivity label.”
• “If a user doesn’t have permission, Copilot can’t actually extract the data.”
• “Standard policy actually is not sufficient these days.”
• “Users copy and paste or upload a sensitive file to third‑party AI sites.”
• “Inline DLP policy is one step ahead of endpoint DLP policy.”
• “Microsoft focus not to block something, to protect something.”
• “Before enabling the copilot, they ensure that their environment is ready.”
• “Copilot certainly honors the permissions the user have.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft 365 Copilot: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/copilot/
• Microsoft Entra Suite: https://www.microsoft.com/security/business/microsoft-entra-suite
• E5 licence: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/enterprise/e5
• Pay‑as‑you‑go Purview licensing: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/purview-billing-models
• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/
• Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/
• DeepSeek: https://www.deepseek.com/
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
microsoft copilot, microsoft purview, data governance, sensitivity labels, data loss prevention, inline dlp, endpoint dlp, ai security, m365 e5, third party ai, information protection, enterprise ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

A practical rethink of how teams use Power Platform and Dynamics 365 to reduce technical debt, improve governance, and build sustainable solutions. The discussion centres on shifting from tech-first thinking to business outcomes, balancing low-code and pro-code principles, and preparing for AI and Copilot. The key insight is that long-term success comes from disciplined governance, reuse, and choosing when to adopt versus adapt.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/833

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Shift from technology-first to outcome-first solution design
• Decide when to adopt vs adapt to reduce complexity
• Apply coding principles inside low-code environments
• Manage technical debt through governance and architecture
• Evaluate where AI and Copilot add real value today

✅ Highlights

• "taking a step back and looking at business need and use a process rather than technology first."
• "a term we're using in the department more and more is kind of adopt versus adapt."
• "the more you’re restricting yourself off from these possibilities."
• "it's treating it as a tool, a set of tools we can use rather than the default."
• "governance to me means more preventative."
• "it's really difficult to then stay on top of things like the Wave releases."
• "it’s more a matter of time than anything."
• "it's not the same thing as code, but it's not meant to be."
• "there's still a level of maturity that we need to get to."
• "what does Power Platform mean really and what is it there for?"

🧰 Mentioned

• Power Virtual Agents (now part of Copilot Studio): https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/blog/copilot-studio/microsoft-power-virtual-agents-now-part-of-microsoft-copilot-studio/
• AI Builder: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/ai-builder/overview
• Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores how AI is accelerating both productivity and cyber risk. As attacks become faster and more automated, traditional perimeter security no longer holds. The conversation focuses on why organisations must assume compromise, adopt zero trust thinking, and build visibility before scaling AI. It highlights practical steps to govern AI use, reduce insider risk, and modernise access models beyond legacy VPNs. The core message is clear: embracing AI without security foundations can move your business backwards.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/832

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Why AI has shortened breach timelines from days to minutes
• How to shift from perimeter defence to a zero trust mindset
• Practical ways to gain visibility over AI tools and data use
• Where unplanned AI adoption creates insider risk
• Why VPN-only security models struggle in cloud-first work

✅ Highlights

• “From the time of compromise to data exfiltration, we’re seeing 30 minutes.”
• “Cybercrime is doing the same thing with AI that businesses are.”
• “You can’t protect what you can’t see.”
• “You can’t govern what you don’t know about.”
• “We almost have to assume we’re going to get hit.”
• “Security by obscurity doesn’t work anymore.”
• “AI is introducing far more risk when there’s no planning.”
• “Once you’re in with a VPN, there’s zero control on the inside.”
• “The volume and scale and speed is what really concerns me.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Zero trust: https://learn.microsoft.com/security/zero-trust/zero-trust-overview
• VPN (virtual private network): https://www.cisco.com/learn/topics/security/what-is-a-virtual-private-network-vpn.html
• SASE (secure access service edge): https://www.microsoft.com/security/business/security-101/what-is-sase
• Booz Allen: https://www.boozallen.com/
• Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/en
• Anthropic Claude: https://claude.ai/

✅Keywords
ai security, cybersecurity, zero trust, ai risk, data governance, cybercrime, vpn security, sase, insider risk, cloud security, ai adoption, threat landscape

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores how business leaders are actually using AI inside organisations, and why adoption of tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot remains low. Chris shares practical insight from the frontline, covering Copilot strategy, Work IQ, agentic thinking, and how AI now enables teams to build internal tools faster than buying SaaS. The focus is not hype, but how to reimagine business models, reduce cost, and unlock new value with applied AI capability.

🎙️For full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/831

👉 What you’ll learn

• Why low Copilot adoption is an opportunity, not a failure
• How to think beyond productivity to AI-enabled business models
• When building internal AI tools beats buying SaaS
• What Work IQ enables that other AI systems cannot
• How agentic systems change OKRs, dashboards, and execution

✅ Highlights

• “AI is transformative, it is expensive, and it requires several years of exposure to capital budgets”
• “It’s not just about doing things better, but doing things you never could do before”
• “Microsoft is the largest commercial AI company on the planet”
• “Copilot can orchestrate over your information in a way that other AI can’t”
• “Work IQ would be a little bit better than the word graph”
• “I love the term vibe coding”
• “It would have been a couple of hundred thousand dollars two years ago”
• “I’ve taken over two thousand dollars of subscription costs out of my business”
• “They do exactly what I needed to do and no more”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft 365 Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot
• Host - Polaris podcast: https://polaris.synozur.com
• Co-Host Microsoft’s Intrazone podcast: https://aka.ms/TheIntrazone
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
ai adoption, microsoft copilot, work iq, agentic ai, internal tools, ai strategy, okrs, vibe coding, business transformation, saas replacement, applied ai, enterprise ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode with Christian Segurado explores how agentic AI is reshaping ERP and enterprise delivery. The discussion covers deploying Copilot Studio agents in Teams, reducing ERP UI friction, accelerating fit gap and requirements work, and why multi agent orchestration matters. It focuses on where AI delivers real operational value today, the foundations required to unlock it, and what this shift means for people, process, and technology decisions in 2026.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/830

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How agentic AI changes how users interact with ERP systems
• Where Copilot Studio and Azure Foundry fit in real implementations
• How AI accelerates requirements gathering and fit gap analysis
• Why clean data foundations are critical for agentic scenarios
• What multi agent, multi model AI means for enterprise teams

✅ Highlights

• “ERP being actually more the layer on the back where the agent inquires knowledge”
• “It is probabilistic, not deterministic”
• “We are deploying is on Teams”
• “It will fundamental change how we interact with the ERP”
• “You cannot start with the roof if you don’t have the foundation”
• “We have an agentic driven methodology”
• “Consistency creates predictability”
• “It does have a soul”
• “Multi agent, multi model will be the norm”

🧰 Mentioned

• Dynamics 365: https://www.microsoft.com/dynamics-365
• Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-copilot
• Copilot Studio: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio
• Azure Foundry (Microsoft Foundry): https://ai.azure.com
• Microsoft Fabric: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-fabric
• Medallion architecture: https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/databricks/lakehouse/medallion
• Azure DevOps: https://azure.microsoft.com/products/devops
• Microsoft Learn: https://learn.microsoft.com
• Microsoft Mesh: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-mesh

✅Keywords
agentic ai, erp, dynamics 365, copilot studio, microsoft teams, multi agent systems, enterprise ai, ai governance, fit gap analysis, microsoft power platform, azure foundry, digital transformation

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/829

This episode explores why AI and innovation fail without culture change. Drawing on decades of innovation experience, the discussion breaks down common myths around productivity, frameworks, and lone heroes. The core insight is simple but hard to execute. Sustainable AI adoption starts with leadership alignment, psychological safety, and recognising that everyone is creative. Real change happens bottom‑up, reinforced by long‑term discipline, not hype or short‑term fixes.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Why AI does not automatically improve productivity or innovation
• How leadership behaviour shapes innovation culture
• What psychological safety enables in teams and organisations
• Why every employee is creative in practical, everyday ways
• How to build long‑term innovation habits that actually stick

✅ Highlights

• “If it’s that easy, everyone will be doing it.”
• “Sometimes I think AI makes me more unproductive.”
• “There is no lone hero that is going to save the company.”
• “Everyone knows at least one thing how they can improve something.”
• “Innovation is much more complex than one framework.”
• “Psychological safety is a property of a group, not an organisation.”
• “Everyone is creative, not just artistic people.”
• “Changing behaviour is one of the most difficult things.”
• “You cannot trick people, they will see if you walk the talk.”

🧰 Mentioned

• AI adoption: https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/cloud-adoption-framework/ai/
• Innovation frameworks: https://www.deloittedigital.com/us/en/offerings/customer-led-marketing/customer-strategy-and-applied-design/applied-design-and-innovation/ten-types.html
• Design thinking: https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/what-is-design-thinking
• Business Model Canvas: https://www.strategyzer.com/library/the-business-model-canvas

✅Keywords
ai adoption, innovation culture, psychological safety, creativity at work, leadership, organisational change, productivity myths, design thinking, innovation frameworks, applied ai, business innovation, technology change

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores how Microsoft Planner is evolving into a practical, AI-assisted project management tool for modern teams. Cindy Lewis explains how Planner fits into daily work through Microsoft Teams, how AI agents support planning, reporting, and risk assessment, and why small usability improvements matter. The discussion also covers Copilot, Dataverse, Power BI, and the shift from automation to agent-style AI that actively helps manage work.

🎙 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/828

👉 What you’ll learn

• How Microsoft Planner fits into modern, collaborative project management
• Where AI adds value in planning, reporting, and risk management
• Differences between Planner basic and premium plans and why they are merging
• How Copilot supports everyday productivity beyond automation
• Why data, feedback, and adoption timing matter for real-world AI impact

✅ Highlights

• “Everybody starts with a plan, whether or not you’re trained in project management.”
• “The future is collaboration and artificial intelligence, not desktop-only tools.”
• “We need to be able to ask a question of my plan and get the answer back.”
• “AI is doing a really nice status report that used to take hours of work.”
• “The average person doesn’t even know enough to know what it could do.”
• “They’ve made it so you can’t make the most common project management mistakes.”
• “Power BI is the winner if you want resource capacity across portfolios.”
• “Most companies are not ready, even though the future is already here.”
• “A lot of what people call AI is really automation.”
• “It’s the little annoying things that Microsoft is fixing that people don’t notice.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Planner: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/planner
• Microsoft Teams: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams
• Microsoft Project: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/project/project-management
• Microsoft To Do: https://to-do.microsoft.com
• Microsoft Copilot: https://www.copilot.com
• Planner Agent: https://support.microsoft.com/office/access-planner-agent-86bf60a1-239d-4c37-b7b6-9a4111e1cc02
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
microsoft planner, project management, ai agents, copilot, microsoft teams, dataverse, power bi, task management, productivity, automation, collaboration, planning

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

In this episode, Ricky Lawson explains why Copilot adoption is not a technology problem but a cultural one. He shares how enterprise value comes from governance, security, and meeting people where they are, not from forcing tools. From leadership led behaviour change to agents, licensing, and Copilot as core infrastructure, the conversation reframes AI as everyday electricity for modern work.

👉️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/827

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to drive Copilot adoption through culture, not training courses
• Why Copilot works best as the enterprise interface for AI
• How governance and data protection change AI adoption decisions
• Why agent creation is moving from technical to accessible
• How to introduce AI through small, habit forming use cases

✅ Highlights

• “It got me maybe 60% there, right?”
• “Things are getting so much more natural.”
• “Copilot really does well that other tools don’t is that it’s agile.”
• “You’re not training the model.”
• “It’s a perfect enterprise work solution.”
• “Copilot adoption is not necessarily a technical motion.”
• “It’s almost a habitual motion, a cultural motion.”
• “Why do you need to see ROI on electricity?”
• “This is exactly the type of thinking of a frontier firm.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• Microsoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365
• Copilot Studio: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio/
• Agent 365: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-agent-365
• Microsoft Cowork (Copilot Cowork): https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/blog/2026/03/09/copilot-cowork-a-new-way-of-getting-work-done/
• Microsoft Teams: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams
• Slack: https://slack.com/
• OpenAI: https://openai.com/
• Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.com/
• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/

✅Keywords
copilot, microsoft copilot, ai adoption, enterprise ai, ai governance, copilot studio, ai agents, microsoft 365, frontier firm, generative ai, ai culture, agent 365

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Jeff Mahony joins AI Unfiltered to explore why AI adoption has not yet hit its consolidation point, and how blockchain’s immutability can restore trust at scale. The conversation connects AI agents, bias, regulation, and distributed systems, arguing that transparency, not speed alone, is the real unlock. Jeff explains how larger, collaborative teams can mitigate bias, why current AI agents often reduce productivity, and where AI plus blockchain can create real-world value across finance, supply chains, and public systems.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/826

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Why the AI market has not yet reached its S-curve consolidation phase
• How bias enters AI systems and how team design can reduce its impact
• Where AI agents help productivity, and where they quietly reduce it
• Why blockchain creates authenticity through transparency
• How AI and blockchain together can enable scalable audits and pattern detection

✅ Highlights

• “Each of us has built-in flaws, but our flaws don’t touch too many people.”
• “If I’ve somehow biased that model, now my flaw could touch millions.”
• “The fix is going to be those collaborative, larger teams.”
• “Blockchain is authenticity born through transparency.”
• “On a blockchain, it would be very clear what the anomaly was.”
• “The intermediary is the source of virtually all corruption.”
• “We’re seeing a reduction in productivity by those people using agents.”
• “You wouldn’t let that person give you the synopsis and then act from it.”
• “Layer that on top of a blockchain, and now you can do data analysis.”

🧰 Mentioned

• AI agents: https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/ai-agents
• Blockchain: https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/blockchain
• Distributed data warehousing: https://www.educative.io/answers/what-is-a-distributed-data-warehouse-dwh
• Sovereign entities: https://fiveable.me/ap-hug/key-terms/sovereign-entity
• Voting systems: https://electionlab.mit.edu/research/voting-technology
• FinTech: https://www.britannica.com/money/financial-technology-fintech
• right.io (RYT.io): https://right.io/

✅Keywords
ai agents, blockchain, s-curve adoption, ai bias, transparency, immutability, fintech, regulation, productivity, distributed systems, supply chain, sovereign solutions

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores how AI agents are reshaping modern marketing workflows, drawing on the hands-on experience of Ramón Rautenstrauch. Using Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, and Microsoft Foundry, the discussion shows how marketers can automate campaigns, experiment faster, and reduce low-value work while keeping humans in the loop. The core insight is not replacing marketers with AI, but using agents to unlock creativity, speed, and continuous optimisation that were previously impractical.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/825

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How Copilot and generative AI change creative and campaign planning
• Where AI agents add the most value in marketing workflows
• Practical differences between Copilot Studio and Microsoft Foundry
• Why experimentation becomes easier with agent-driven automation
• How to reduce repetitive work without losing human judgement

✅ Highlights

• “From one day to another, we had a whole new world of ideas.”
• “I’ve been fully into agents to try to automate all the marketing work.”
• “Not to replace me, but to assist me.”
• “Before I spent more or less half of the day doing things that didn’t add value.”
• “Now I can try to do things differently.”
• “This helps us to do different things that we would never have tried.”
• “With Copilot Studio, it took me half an hour.”
• “With Foundry, it took me one week.”
• “With Foundry, you have to sit down and think.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot: https://www.copilot.com
• Copilot Studio: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio/
• Microsoft Foundry: https://ai.azure.com/
• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/
• OpenAI: https://openai.com/
• Google Ads: https://ads.google.com/
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
ai agents, microsoft copilot, copilot studio, microsoft foundry, marketing automation, generative ai, campaign automation, ai workflows, experimentation, productivity, marketing strategy, human in the loop

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode with Balazs Horvath explores how AI is shifting from hype to practical value in business applications. The core insight is that models are now good enough, but value comes from context, not tools. CRM is becoming a database, interfaces are disappearing, and skills like problem framing, signal detection, and prompting matter more than building apps. AI works best as a colleague when organisations invest in shared language, data foundations, and human judgement.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/824

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Why context, not models, is the real limiter of AI value
• How CRM is shifting from interfaces to signal-driven systems
• Where ERP and data platforms still have defensible moats
• How reverse prompting improves thinking and outcomes
• Why consulting skills matter more than coding in the AI era

✅ Highlights

• "It’s been more hype than actual value."
• "Models are good enough. It’s about the context that you give them."
• "I haven’t logged into my CRM for the past two weeks."
• "CRM will just become a database."
• "Finance is audited, legislated, and hard to replicate."
• "The way we interact with apps is changing."
• "I flipped our academic program upside down."
• "AI understands intent."
• "Ask me 20 questions, one at a time."

🧰 Mentioned

• Dynamics 365: https://www.microsoft.com/dynamics-365
• Microsoft Power Platform: https://www.microsoft.com/power-platform
• Business Central: https://www.microsoft.com/dynamics-365/business-central
• Finance and Operations (Dynamics 365 Finance): https://www.microsoft.com/dynamics-365/finance
• Power BI: https://www.microsoft.com/power-platform/products/power-bi
• Microsoft Fabric: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-fabric
• Dataverse: https://www.microsoft.com/power-platform/dataverse
• Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com
• Claude: https://claude.ai
• Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.com
• Microsoft Graph: https://learn.microsoft.com/graph
• Vibe.powerapps.com: https://vibe.powerapps.com

✅Keywords
ai context, crm future, power platform, dynamics 365, copilot, anthropic, claude, reverse prompting, vibe coding, business central, microsoft fabric, applied ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode breaks down why AI governance must evolve alongside agentic AI, drawing on the insights of Matthias Darblade. The conversation explores the EU AI Act, continuous compliance, and why the biggest business value often sits in high‑risk AI use cases. For organisations adopting agents, governance becomes a live system, not a one‑time checkbox, balancing innovation, responsibility, and trust at scale.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/823

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Why agentic AI turns governance into a continuous process
• How the EU AI Act affects organisations inside and outside Europe
• Where the real business value lies in high‑risk AI systems
• Why static compliance models fail for AI and agents
• How organisations can govern AI without slowing innovation

✅ Highlights

• “With this black box that needs to be governed and controlled.”
• “It gives you a certain sense of being safe regarding the regulators.”
• “It starts to become a lot, even for a company as big as Airbus.”
• “It’s definitely a live system.”
• “For AI, it will be a bit more complex.”
• “High risk is where most of the value lies for companies.”
• “You’re leaving a lot of money on the table.”
• “It needs to be running and monitoring in real time.”
• “You need to be respecting the law and proceed in a certain way.”

🧰 Mentioned

• ISO 24001: https://www.iso.org/standard/81230.html
• AI governance: https://www.oecd.org/ai/governance/
• Agentic AI: https://www.ibm.com/topics/agentic-ai
• Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-copilot
• OpenAI: https://openai.com/
• Gemini: https://ai.google/gemini/

✅Keywords
ai governance, eu ai act, agentic ai, ai compliance, high risk ai, ai regulation, autonomous agents, responsible ai, continuous monitoring, enterprise ai, ai oversight, ai strategy

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Cas de Morree and Mark Smith unpack why applied AI skills now matter more than prompts. They explore Copilot’s real strength inside work data, the rapid shift towards agents and outcome‑driven systems, and how low‑cost tooling is reshaping productivity. The conversation challenges привычные workflows, highlights why more output does not equal better work, and shows how professionals can rethink email, meetings, automation, and software building using AI that actually integrates into daily work.

👉 For full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/822

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How Copilot’s value changes when it is connected to your work data
• Why outcome engineering is replacing prompt engineering
• When AI automation increases noise instead of productivity
• How agents can replace SaaS tools and reduce recurring costs
• What applied AI skills look like for consultants and knowledge workers

✅ Highlights

• “They forgot about the entire plugged into your work data, and that’s what Copilot is good at.”
• “It was a rough start using Copilot.”
• “It will keep iterating on a task till it gets to the destination.”
• “I think this is the start of outcomes engineering rather than prompt engineering.”
• “We expect all this magic from these new tools.”
• “Why would you send out meeting notes to everyone?”
• “It’s insanity.”
• “I’ve taken over $2,000 of annual cost out of my business SaaS expenses.”
• “The only limitation is your own creativity at this point.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot: https://www.copilot.com/
• Microsoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365
• Microsoft Graph: https://learn.microsoft.com/graph/overview
• Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.com/
• Claude (by Anthropic): https://claude.com/
• Bitly: https://bitly.com/
• RAG systems (Retrieval‑Augmented Generation): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retrieval-augmented_generation
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
ai productivity, microsoft copilot, applied ai skills, outcome engineering, ai agents, automation, microsoft 365, anthropic, claude, openai, knowledge work, business ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode with Joris de Gruyter explores how advanced AI agents are reshaping individual productivity and technical work. The conversation covers coding agents, personal agent systems, automation beyond code, and the risks of burnout, privacy, and memory misuse. Real-world examples show how AI can turn notes into workflows, handle testing and reporting, and operate as a team of specialised agents. The key message is clear: applied AI skills now combine technical fluency with strong boundaries around focus, context, and trust.

👉️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/821

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How coding agents are expanding into everyday knowledge work
• Practical ways to turn notes into repeatable automation
• When to use multiple AI agents and when to limit them
• How memory features can introduce risk and bias
• Why APIs matter for an AI-driven future of work

✅ Highlights

• “I realised that I had incredible power to create anything my mind can conceive digitally.”
• “Tokens have become my money.”
• “The productivity gains is causing this tremendous burnout for some reason.”
• “I’ve put the guardrails in place so they’re not allowed to talk to me after 9pm.”
• “It started with notes, and it’s turning into automation.”
• “The internet is a very hostile place to AI.”
• “Memory is the first thing I turn off everywhere.”
• “I don’t want anybody else’s code in my mix.”
• “It allows you to become almost like superhuman in a weird way.”

🧰 Mentioned

• AI Brain Fry: https://hbr.org/2026/03/when-using-ai-leads-to-brain-fry
• GitHub Copilot: https://github.com/features/copilot
• Work IQ: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/copilot/extensibility/workiq-overview
• Claude:https://claude.ai/

✅Keywords
ai agents, github copilot, coding agents, automation, productivity, ai burnout, ai memory, privacy, workflows, devops, markdown, applied ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores the shift from prompt driven AI tools to personal AI assistants that act like always on teammates, with Volodymyr Panchenko sharing real examples of non technical users building tools, publishing content, analysing data, and generating income simply by talking. The core idea is lowering friction so anyone can apply AI without learning complex systems. The conversation focuses on practical empowerment, skill shifts in the intelligence age, and why belief, curiosity, and iteration matter more than technical mastery.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/820

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How personal AI assistants differ from traditional chat based tools
• Why one click and voice first interfaces unlock broader AI adoption
• How users are building and sharing tools without technical knowledge
• What skills matter most as AI accelerates workplace change
• How AI can propagate innovation across teams automatically

✅ Highlights

• “We’re doing a very personal AI assistant, like you’re a multi tool employee, 24 7.”
• “My thing is one click solutions.”
• “The last person knows about how AI works, they’re more like gold.”
• “It’s an OpenClaw for my mum.”
• “The less people know, they don’t know it doesn’t work this way.”
• “It’s small blocks like in Minecraft.”
• “Overnight she made a few thousand dollars.”
• “Everything else AI will do.”
• “It’s never going to be perfect.”

🧰 Mentioned

• OpenClaw: https://openclaw.ai/
• Portal: https://portal.ai/
• Telegram: https://telegram.org/
• Apple App Store: https://www.apple.com/app-store/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/
• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/
• Google: https://www.google.com/
• Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.com/
• OpenAI: https://www.openai.com/
• Minecraft: https://www.minecraft.net/
• Codemasters: https://www.codemasters.com/

✅Keywords
personal ai assistant, applied ai, openclaw, portal ai, telegram bots, voice first ai, ai productivity, ai skills, automation tools, innovation propagation, ai adoption, human ai collaboration

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Pieter Kops shares practical lessons from the front lines of Copilot adoption. He explains why organisations must fix security and data quality before switching AI on, how oversharing and duplication damage AI outcomes, and where Copilot delivers real value beyond basic automation. The conversation focuses on SharePoint, metadata, governance, and helping people move from search and automation towards research and higher value AI use.

🎙 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/819

👉 What you’ll learn

• How to prepare your data estate before enabling Copilot
• Why oversharing creates real security and quality risks for AI
• Practical approaches to cleaning up SharePoint and file sprawl
• How metadata improves findability and Copilot results
• Where Copilot adoption stalls and how to push past basic automation

✅ Highlights

• “Don’t switch it on yet. Do stuff first.”
• “If your security is not in place, then God knows what information you’re surfacing.”
• “Rubbish in, rubbish out.”
• “Human error is littered through the landscape of corporate data.”
• “Stop sharing.”
• “Deduplication is a tough process to do.”
• “People tend to have the folder structure on top of mind.”
• “That’s why we need Copilot.”
• “Most people just use Copilot as the new search agent.”
• “More than 90% of the ideas were just automation.”

🧰 Mentioned

• SharePoint: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration
• Microsoft Copilot: https://www.copilot.com/
• Microsoft Graph API: https://learn.microsoft.com/graph/
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
copilot adoption, sharepoint governance, data quality, oversharing, metadata, ai readiness, security, automation, microsoft copilot, document management, information architecture, enterprise ai

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores how AI, agents, and prompting are reshaping how software and business solutions are built. Mark Smith and Keith Atherton discuss the shift beyond traditional low-code towards natural language, agent-driven development, where context, outcomes, and governance matter more than interfaces. They examine why developer fundamentals still matter, how generative AI accelerates delivery, and what new makers should focus on as Microsoft investment, tooling, and certifications pivot towards agentic and AI-first approaches.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/818

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How agent-based development changes the way applications and systems are designed
• Why context engineering and outcomes engineering matter more than short prompts
• When low-code tools help and when direct code or CLI is faster
• How experienced developers gain leverage in an agent-driven world
• Where new makers should focus their learning as platforms and certifications evolve

✅ Highlights

• “Beyond that hype, now organizations and customers, I can see them getting more mature and ready to actually adopt.”
• “We’re designing for API efficiency for AIs, not just human interfaces anymore.”
• “You wouldn’t have to put anything in your system that isn’t explicitly needed.”
• “If you can build something in a few minutes, why spend hours dragging and dropping?”
• “Context engineering is the next step beyond prompt engineering.”
• “My prompts are not one or two sentences, they’re hundreds of lines of data.”
• “It’s almost cumbersome today to go through visual steps when CLI is just speed.”
• “It could be seen as a bit of a superpower having that developer background.”
• “You need to know what good looks like to hold agents to account.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Power Platform: https://www.microsoft.com/power-platform
• Copilot Studio: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio
• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com
• Visual Studio Code: https://code.visualstudio.com
• Power Automate: https://www.microsoft.com/power-platform/products/power-automate
• Dataverse: https://www.microsoft.com/power-platform/dataverse

✅Keywords
ai agents, power platform, low code, generative ai, prompt engineering, context engineering, outcomes engineering, dataverse, power automate, software development, cli, microsoft ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores why emotional resilience is becoming a core leadership skill in the age of AI. Jennifer Selby Long explains how a leader’s emotional state shapes team performance, why calm and consistency now matter more than constant disruption, and how grounded leadership enables effective change. Drawing on real client examples, she shares practical frameworks leaders can use to build self awareness, manage stress, and lead transformation without burning themselves or their teams out.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/817

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Why a leader’s emotional state is contagious and shapes team outcomes
• The difference between change management and change leadership in practice
• How calm, consistency, and grounding build trust during rapid change
• Frameworks leaders use to recognise stress triggers and manage reactions
• Why emotional intelligence is a competitive advantage in AI driven workplaces

✅ Highlights

• “The emotional state of the leader is highly contagious to the team.”
• “You really need to understand those stakeholders and get those folks aligned.”
• “Change management is about ensuring completion to a standard.”
• “Change leadership is keeping people hopeful, inspired, and focused on the future.”
• “The leadership element is what the human brings.”
• “Calm, consistency, and stability in leaders has been really underemphasised.”
• “Even when you think you’re hiding your emotions, you’re not.”
• “Cultivating inner calm is a surprisingly vital foundational skill for leaders today.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Shirzad Chamine: https://positiveintelligence.com/about/
• Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine: https://books.google.com/books/about/Positive_Intelligence.html?id=ziSoxw_ACSwC
• The Problem with Change by Ashley Goodall: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203578496-the-problem-with-change
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: https://www.themyersbriggs.com/en-US/Explore-Solutions/MBTI

✅Keywords
emotional intelligence, change leadership, change management, leadership resilience, grounded leadership, stakeholder alignment, organisational change, ai leadership, inner calm, self awareness, saboteur mindset, positive intelligence

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Ragnar Heil shares hands-on lessons from building and running autonomous agents with OpenClaw. He compares conversational, agent-first workflows with traditional automation tools, highlights real infrastructure and security trade-offs, and explains why this kind of experimentation accelerates deep understanding of agent architecture. The conversation explores where Copilot fits today, what breaks in early-stage agents, and why learning Linux, scripting, and model plumbing is becoming a core AI skill for practitioners.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/816

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How conversational interfaces like Telegram change the way agents are built and operated
• Where traditional automation adds friction compared to autonomous agents
• Practical infrastructure choices for running experimental agents safely
• Real-world security and governance risks when working with agentic AI
• Why hands-on agent maintenance accelerates architectural understanding

✅ Highlights

• “I literally talk into the microphone and then it builds it overnight without any effort for me.”
• “They’re not really autonomous, most of them are retrieval agents.”
• “Please don’t install OpenClaw on your PC or MacBook.”
• “It could literally delete your whole C drive without your command.”
• “I never learned so much around Linux scripts than in my whole life.”
• “I’m losing my fascination because I have to fix it every single day.”
• “It’s taken me further into understanding agents than I have ever been.”
• “We are in a very, very early stage here.”
• “The interface as we know it is going to go away.”

🧰 Mentioned

• OpenClaw: https://openclaw.ai/ [openclaw.ai]
• Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• Microsoft responsible AI standards: https://www.microsoft.com/ai/responsible-ai
• Copilot Studio: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio/
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
openclaw, autonomous agents, agentic ai, copilot, copilot studio, power automate, telegram interface, linux scripting, ai security, governance, mcp servers, infrastructure

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode features Martin Miller and explores the practical reality of using AI inside organisations. The conversation cuts through hype to focus on where AI genuinely adds leverage, where it breaks down, and why subject matter expertise, data quality, and critical thinking still matter. From AI‑generated code and agent teams to data governance, outages, and deepfakes, the discussion frames AI as a powerful amplifier rather than a replacement. The core message is clear: AI rewards clarity of intent, strong foundations, and human judgement.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/815

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How AI‑generated code fails without clear problem definition
• Why data quality and governance are prerequisites for AI success
• When AI amplifies expertise versus creating costly mistakes
• How organisations misuse AI by chasing headcount reduction
• Why critical thinking weakens when AI replaces core learning

✅ Highlights

• “It’s not about can you write a for loop. It’s about can you define what you’re trying to accomplish.”
• “The more you know, the more you can use this tool.”
• “Nothing like making a decision off of bad data.”
• “AI is a power tool in the box of tools, and it’s a super tool.”
• “It will confidently deliver you results that may or may not be what you need.”
• “Headcount reduction and creating solutions are mutually exclusive.”
• “If you can’t manage your data with or without humans, you need to know that.”
• “You can generate the anomaly of the moment using AI all day long.”
• “There’s no Brent to call when your AI isn’t working.”
• “People that used AI couldn’t remember anything about the paper.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Claude: https://claude.ai/
• OpenAI: https://openai.com/
• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/
• Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/
• DevOps: https://www.atlassian.com/devops
• The Phoenix Project: https://itrevolution.com/product/the-phoenix-project/
• Foursquare: https://foursquare.com/
• Book: AI in a Weekend: An Executive’s Guide: https://www.amazon.com/Weekend-Executives-Guide-Martin-Miller-ebook/dp/B0D4JPSRH2

✅Keywords
ai strategy, ai coding, data governance, critical thinking, ai agents, devops, site reliability engineering, ai outages, deepfakes, prompt engineering, subject matter expertise, enterprise ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Simon Doy and Mark Smith explore the rapid shift from experimentation to production use of AI agents. The conversation focuses on practical agent design, Copilot Studio, RAG quality, and where automation fits better than full agents. Simon shares real client work in the NHS, small business realities, and how partners deliver Copilot adoption and agent-led transformation. A recurring theme is choosing the right level of AI, from automation with AI sprinkles to long running agent workflows, while staying pragmatic about cost, governance, and user experience.

🎙 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/814

👉 What you’ll learn

• How agentic workflows are moving from demos into real production use
• When simple SharePoint grounding is enough and when Azure AI Search is required
• How to combine automation and agents to avoid slow, interactive AI experiences
• Practical approaches to Copilot adoption for leaders and teams
• Why token usage, orchestration, and model choice are becoming operational concerns

✅ Highlights

• “On Friday, I let Claude Opus go and build me a Teams agent overnight.”
• “The agentic side and being able to have these long running tasks is really shifting things.”
• “Customers are now getting much more open to trying things out.”
• “Copilot Studio is the first port of call.”
• “You don’t get the quality back from the agent that you need with complex content.”
• “How you chunk it is so important for RAG.”
• “Not everything needs to be a full on agent.”
• “Automation with AI sprinkles is sometimes the better option.”
• “My world is fast becoming measured by tokens.”
• “You don’t have to use the most expensive model on everything.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Copilot Studio - https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio
• Azure AI Search - https://azure.microsoft.com/products/ai-services/ai-search
• EmpowerM365 - https://empowerm365.com
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
ai agents, copilot studio, microsoft 365, automation, rag, azure ai search, sharepoint, claude opus, agentic workflows, copilot adoption, power automate, tokens

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Dani Kahil breaks down the growing complexity of Copilot and AI agents in the Microsoft ecosystem and how practitioners can make sense of it. The conversation focuses on practical mental models, minimum viable agents, and real-world use cases, including document-heavy processes in higher education. The core insight is that successful AI adoption depends less on tools and more on clear roles, scoped responsibilities, feedback loops, and realistic expectations of non-deterministic systems.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/813

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to distinguish between Copilot experiences, products, and build tools across Microsoft platforms
• Why diagrams and visual models help reduce AI and Copilot confusion for teams and leaders
• How to define a minimum viable agent to prevent scope creep
• Why treating agents like junior co-workers improves outcomes
• How feedback loops and incremental task expansion make agents useful in production

✅ Highlights

• “It took me a lot of time to kind of process the information.”
• “I always like visuals and kind of diagrams.”
• “There are so many different versions of the different copilots.”
• “These are completely separate products.”
• “I started looking at them as roles and job functions.”
• “Treat your agent like a co-worker.”
• “In two minutes, you can build an agent, and it’s useless.”
• “Start with a very simple instruction at the beginning.”
• “It will never be 100%. That’s the nature of generative AI.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Diagram to download: https://danikahil.com/microsoft-copilots-and-ai-agents-ecosystem-diagram/
• Youtube video of my walkthrough of the diagram: https://youtu.be/nZ8g11YthYI
• Microsoft Power Platform: https://www.microsoft.com/power-platform
• Azure AI Foundry: https://azure.microsoft.com/products/ai-foundry
• Windows Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11?wincampaign=Copilot

✅Keywords
copilot, ai agents, power platform, microsoft 365, copilot studio, agent builder, azure foundry, power apps, automation, generative ai, minimum viable agent, ai adoption

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

In this episode of AI Unfiltered, Kristen Perdue explains why AI adoption fails when leaders treat it like standard software instead of a fundamental shift in how organisations operate. The conversation focuses on executive mindset, cultural alignment, and communication gaps that quietly derail AI initiatives. Kristen shares how to prioritise the right use cases, close AI literacy gaps, and re‑engineer processes so AI drives growth rather than amplifying broken workflows.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/812

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Why AI adoption is a leadership and culture challenge, not an IT rollout
• How executive misalignment undermines AI strategy and execution
• How to prioritise AI use cases based on real operational bottlenecks
• Why overconfidence in AI skills creates risk across organisations
• When process re‑engineering must happen before automation

✅ Highlights

• “AI is a different way of doing business. It’s not really a tool.”
• “It doesn’t work like software. It is a completely new way of doing business.”
• “Most approached it going, well, should I roll out AI?”
• “We started throwing darts at a dart board anywhere it landed.”
• “AI multiplies good and it multiplies bad.”
• “Only 21% of the companies deploying AI even touched re‑engineering their processes.”
• “That lack of communication is the reason initiatives fail.”
• “People are confident, but they score 40 out of 100.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Generative AI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generative_artificial_intelligence
• Process re‑engineering: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_process_reengineering
• McKinsey study on AI and process re‑engineering: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai-how-organizations-are-rewiring-to-capture-value
• Section AI literacy report: https://www.sectionai.com/ai/the-ai-proficiency-report

✅Keywords
ai adoption, executive alignment, ai strategy, generative ai, ai literacy, change management, process re-engineering, business transformation, leadership mindset, ai governance, organisational culture, applied ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/811

This episode explores how organisations can move from AI curiosity to real, everyday value through the practical adoption work of Carina de Vries. Drawing on hands-on experience, it reframes AI from a tool conversation to a problem-first mindset. The focus is on building trust, improving quality, and creating small habits that stick. Listeners will learn why one-off training fails, how behaviour change really happens, and how to design an AI adoption journey that fits daily work rather than disrupting it.

👉 What you’ll learn

• How to shift AI conversations from tools to real user problems
• Why small, repeatable habits matter more than broad AI training
• How to design an adoption journey that builds trust and confidence
• Ways AI can improve both productivity and quality of work
• How to help people move from experimentation to daily AI use

✅ Highlights

• “I discovered ChatGPT and it helped me get back to work in just an hour a day.”
• “It’s just another tool in the toolbox, so what do you want it to deliver to you?”
• “We talk too much about the tool instead of a daily problem a user can relate to.”
• “People are already in a mindset that the current tool they’re using is better.”
• “It’s about building the habit, not just doing a one-off training.”
• “Make it small, because we tend to tell everything about the product all at once.”
• “If you can continue it another 30 days, then it’s going to be a habit.”
• “I wouldn’t know what to do without it because it’s saving me so many hours a week.”

🧰 Mentioned

• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com
• Microsoft Copilot:https://copilot.microsoft.com
• M365 Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot
• Copilot Chat: https://copilot.cloud.microsoft
• Copilot Studio: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio
• Gamma.app: https://gamma.app
• Microsoft Teams: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams
• Tech Community: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com
• Ignite: https://ignite.microsoft.com
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
ai adoption, copilot, chatgpt, user adoption, habit building, productivity, ai literacy, change management, microsoft 365, prompts, workplace ai, digital transformation

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

In this episode, Mark Smith speaks with Caleb Mattingly about how startups and enterprises should approach AI governance, compliance, and risk as AI adoption accelerates. The conversation focuses on ISO 42001, common misconceptions about AI security, and why compliance is less about badges and more about trust, data quality, and long term viability. You will hear practical perspectives on when compliance becomes essential, how it functions as a sales enabler, and why human oversight still matters more than autonomous agents in high risk environments.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/810

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How ISO 42001 differs from traditional security standards like ISO 27001
• Why AI compliance is primarily about data quality, bias, and risk anticipation
• When compliance becomes a sales lever rather than a legal checkbox
• Why most organisations are not ready for autonomous compliance agents
• How startups should time compliance investments without killing runway

✅ Highlights

• “ISO 42001 does not prove that your AI system is secure at all.”
• “Most of it is not security related, it’s about data quality and bias.”
• “AI is only as good as the data that you give it.”
• “Compliance acts as a sales lever before it acts as a security guarantee.”
• “AI can make a lot of mistakes very quickly.”
• “Most companies are not ready for AI agents with admin access.”
• “SOC 2 in two weeks is not a thing.”
• “Compliance and security are not one to one.”
• “Enterprises care about whether you handle their data securely.”
• “It takes a minimum of five months to get SOC 2 done properly.”

🧰 Mentioned

• International Standards Organization: https://www.iso.org/
• ISO 42001: https://www.iso.org/standard/42001
• ISO 27001: https://www.iso.org/standard/27001
• SOC 2: https://www.aicpa-cima.com/topic/audit-assurance/audit-and-assurance-greater-than-soc-2
• EU AI Act: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj/eng

✅Keywords
ai governance, iso 42001, ai compliance, startup compliance, data privacy, soc 2, iso certification, ai risk management, enterprise sales, ai regulation, security and privacy, responsible ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores how AI coding agents are reshaping how software is built, through the practical experience of Vardhaman Deshpande. The core insight is that pro-code developers using natural language with modern AI models can now build features and agents faster than many low-code tools. The conversation examines velocity gains, trade-offs between pro-code and low-code, and what this shift means for professionals building AI-powered solutions.

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/809

👉 What you’ll learn

• When pro-code plus AI is faster than low-code tools
• How natural language is becoming a new interface for software development
• Where Copilot Studio fits, and where it may slow teams down
• How AI agents accelerate feature delivery and testing
• What skills matter as AI-driven development matures

✅ Highlights

• “My workflow is actually faster than doing something in a low-code, no-code environment.”
• “Pro-code plus AI coding agents might actually be faster to build than low-code.”
• “Recent models are amazing at translating natural language to code.”
• “Earlier something that took weeks I can probably do in a couple of days now.”
• “The velocity of creating features for products is going to explode.”
• “Why do you need that middleware?”
• “Prompting rather than configuring is the transition we’re starting to see.”
• “How much of pro-code versus low-code is realistic remains to be seen.”
• “Things which were prohibitively time-consuming have become possible now.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Foundry: https://azure.microsoft.com/products/ai-foundry/
• Azure AI Services: https://ai.azure.com/explore/aiservices
• Copilot Studio: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio/
• GitHub Copilot: https://github.com/features/copilot
• Power Virtual Agents: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-copilot/blog/copilot-studio/microsoft-power-virtual-agents-now-part-of-microsoft-copilot-studio/
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
ai agents, pro-code, low-code, github copilot, copilot studio, microsoft foundry, azure ai, natural language coding, software velocity, ai development, microsoft ecosystem, automation

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

In this episode, Esther Angell shares a grounded approach to adopting AI without hype or overwhelm. The conversation focuses on starting with real business problems, using the tools you already have, and improving efficiency without losing trust or human connection. Esther explains where AI delivers real value for small teams, the risks of misuse, and why culture matters as much as capability. The core message is simple: solve the work nobody wants to do, move fast, and stay purposeful as AI adoption accelerates.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/808

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to identify the right problems before introducing AI
• Where small businesses can gain real efficiency with AI
• Why overusing AI can damage trust and customer experience
• How to reduce risk when using free and built-in AI tools
• Practical ways to start small and fail fast with AI initiatives

✅ Highlights

• “You can't be in a state of curiosity and judgment at the same time.”
• “AI shouldn’t be your decision-making platform.”
• “We still have people making those buying decisions.”
• “Most folks are using it, but at a preference level.”
• “What tools do you own, and are you using them?”
• “Content is great, but it can get you into trouble.”
• “People are doing business with a small business because they feel connected.”
• “Most AI projects are not successful.”
• “Start with the thing nobody really wants to do.”
• “Small businesses can be more nimble.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Power Platform: https://www.microsoft.com/power-platform
• Dynamics: https://www.microsoft.com/dynamics-365
• Salesforce: https://www.salesforce.com
• HubSpot: https://www.hubspot.com
• Google Workspace: https://workspace.google.com
• Gemini: https://gemini.google.com

✅Keywords
ai adoption, small business ai, automation, efficiency, digital transformation, crm, power platform, entrepreneurship, ai risk, ai culture, process improvement, human centred ai

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode features a conversation with Daniel Cohen‑Dumani on why many organisations feel stuck on AI despite rapid advances. The discussion focuses on agentic AI, the growing gap between consumer and business adoption, and why strategy matters more than experimentation. You will hear practical guidance on narrowing AI efforts to real business problems, building organisational memory for reliable agents, and avoiding paralysis caused by hype and fear. The conversation also challenges traditional systems like CRM and reframes AI as a tool to learn, not shortcut, building sustainable capability inside organisations.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/807

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How agentic AI is shifting from demos to real work execution
• Why many businesses are still years behind practical AI adoption
• How to identify one business problem where AI can move the needle
• What organisational memory is and why agents depend on it
• How to use AI to learn skills rather than replace thinking

✅ Highlights

• “There’s not going to be a slowdown. I think this is just a new normal.”
• “I think business are more lost than ever.”
• “We live in a bubble, but businesses are still two years back.”
• “2026 is really the year where we’re going to see business start knocking off things using agentic AI.”
• “Every business today have to be driving a bus on the highway and changing the wheels.”
• “AI is going to disrupt your business. That is a fact.”
• “Context is the key to having reliable agents.”
• “An agent without memory is nothing.”
• “Innovation has to come from the bottom up.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Agentic AI: https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/agentic-ai
• OpenClaw: https://openclaw.ai/
• Snowflake: https://www.snowflake.com/
• Knowledge graph technology: https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/knowledge-graph
• Artificial general intelligence (AGI): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_general_intelligence

✅Keywords
agentic ai, ai adoption, organisational memory, business strategy, ai agents, knowledge graph, crm systems, enterprise ai, ai learning, automation, digital transformation, ai disruption

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Simon Hudson explores how organisations can build real AI capability by grounding Copilot and AI tools in strong information architecture, governance, and canonical knowledge. He discusses using SharePoint as the brain of the business, the limits of today’s agent hype, and why AI should be treated like essential infrastructure rather than a bolt-on. The conversation highlights practical patterns for reducing hallucinations, improving productivity, and using AI to support executive and ethical decision-making.

🎙 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/806

👉 What you’ll learn

• How to use SharePoint and metadata to create a canonical source of truth for AI
• Why good governance and information architecture are prerequisites for effective AI
• Practical ways to reduce AI hallucinations through grounding and authoritative records
• How role-based AI assistants differ from narrow task-based agents
• Why AI adoption should be treated as core business infrastructure, not optional add-ons

✅ Highlights

• “If you haven’t got good governance and good information architecture, you cannot have good AI.”
• “I came up with this concept using SharePoint to create the brain of the business.”
• “It’s the authoritative record, and in it, it is fully human legible.”
• “We’re really doing is creating virtual employees or virtual staff.”
• “I don’t like the word agent. I think it’s too tech.”
• “AI is more like electricity.”
• “People think they’re using Copilot, but they’re not talking about the same thing.”
• “Most organisations don’t really know what their ethical position is.”
• “The AI is completely impartial. It goes, yeah, but you said.”
• “That knowledge bank enables people to be much more productive.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Copilot Chat: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/overview
• Copilot Studio:https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio/
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7
• Microsoft Ignite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s315Ms2nWr4&list=PLlrxD0HtieHi5KXOFyeMkZbq226jkxRzh

✅ Keywords
ai governance, microsoft copilot, sharepoint, information architecture, metadata, business productivity, ai agents, canonical data, digital workplace, executive decision making, ethics in ai, knowledge management

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Sam Fankuchen shares how organisations can move beyond AI hype to build real capability. The discussion focuses on creating an AI-ready culture, using AI agents with human oversight, and adopting AI responsibly in regulated environments. Sam explains why transparency, ethics, and experimentation matter, and why delaying adoption carries its own risks. The conversation is grounded in practical experience, showing how AI can scale human impact while keeping people, trust, and quality of life at the centre.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/805

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to build an AI-ready culture without waiting for perfect certainty
• Where AI agents deliver value beyond chatbots in day-to-day work
• How human-in-the-loop design reduces risk while increasing speed
• Ways regulated industries can innovate responsibly with AI
• Why slow AI adoption can be more dangerous than thoughtful experimentation

✅ Highlights

• “We have more AI agents than we do employees.”
• “Ethics means understanding where we are in the curve of possibilities.”
• “We are not going to turn back the clock.”
• “Companies that do not figure this out will not be around.”
• “There is no such thing as total comfort with AI.”
• “You need a safe place where people can share what they are learning.”
• “AI is an extension of culture, but also something new.”
• “Every minute that we wait diminishes value.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Teams: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams
• AI agents: https://cloud.google.com/discover/what-are-ai-agents
• Sam’s powerful 9/11 story and what catalyzed his civic journey [06:18]: https://tobijohnson.com/167-keeping-civic-engagement-alive-despite-funding-cuts-with-sam-fankuchen/
• Nonprofit Leadership Podcast: https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/can-ai-enhance-rather-than-replace-empathy/

✅Keywords
artificial intelligence, ai agents, ai culture, responsible ai, human in the loop, regulated industries, ai adoption, business transformation, ethics, productivity, collaboration, ai strategy

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Danny Burlage joins The MVP Show to explore why AI adoption in organisations is stalling and what actually moves it forward. The conversation moves beyond personal productivity to focus on AI as infrastructure, process transformation, and organisational capability. Danny shares what he sees in European enterprises, why Copilot adoption has lagged, and how companies can move from isolated pilots to real business impact by redesigning end to end processes and building AI literacy at scale.

🎙 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/804

👉 What you’ll learn

• Why personal productivity gains rarely convince executives to invest in AI
• How to reframe Copilot and AI as organisational infrastructure, not a tool
• What separates AI proof of concepts that fail from those that reach production
• How gamified training can accelerate AI and Copilot adoption
• Where real AI value emerges through cross functional, end to end processes

✅ Highlights

• “We see adoption of end user or bring your own AI going through the roof”
• “The whole Copilot experience when they hit the market was not that great”
• “At this moment, if I compare ChatGPT towards a Copilot, Copilot is better”
• “Nobody’s interested in saving half an hour per employee per day”
• “They’re all interested in how can we improve organisational wide processes”
• “AI has been seen as a nice bit of new tech rather than infrastructure”
• “Most software developers are becoming prompt engineers on steroids”
• “That’s where the actual proof of the pudding is”
• “We’re slowly getting there but we’re not there yet”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot: https://www.copilot.com/
• Microsoft Teams: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams
• SharePoint: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration
• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/
• Azure AI Foundry: https://azure.microsoft.com/products/ai-foundry/
• Facilitator app in Microsoft Teams: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/facilitator-teams
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
ai adoption, microsoft copilot, enterprise ai, ai literacy, digital transformation, agentic ai, process automation, copilot training, ai governance, business processes, generative ai, productivity

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores how organisations can move from AI curiosity to real value using Microsoft Copilot and agents, drawing on practical insights from Yves Habersaat. The conversation focuses on adoption that starts where people already work, keeps early use cases simple, and scales only when the need is clear. It also covers real-world agent scenarios, model choice, and why low-code tools are often enough to deliver results quickly.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/803

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to introduce Copilot in tools teams already use every day
• Why Teams is often the fastest way to see AI value
• When simple agents are enough and when custom builds make sense
• How to approach agent design without overengineering
• Why understanding the use case matters more than the tool choice

🔴 Highlights

• “A lot of customers want to try concretely what is AI.”
• “They want to use AI in the day-to-day basis.”
• “Teams is a really good entry point.”
• “You can have concrete results without spending a lot of time.”
• “Keep it simple at the beginning.”
• “After, you add more complexity and more logic.”
• “Copilot Studio has evolved a lot.”
• “You need to understand the use case first.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• Agent SDK (Microsoft 365 Agents SDK) - https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/agents-sdk/
• Azure AI Foundry - https://ai.azure.com/
• Azure - https://azure.microsoft.com/
• ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com/
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
microsoft copilot, ai agents, copilot studio, microsoft teams, azure ai, agent sdk, ai adoption, prompting, enterprise ai, ai workflows, low code ai, applied ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode reframes how leaders should approach generative AI, with insights from Justin Trombold. Instead of chasing use cases or tools, the focus is on fixing processes, incentives, and operating models. The conversation explores why many AI pilots fail, how ROI thinking can mislead, and why AI should be treated as a new way of working rather than a software upgrade. Practical examples show how small, disciplined changes can unlock productivity, innovation, and meaningful business impact without overinvesting or freezing in fear.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/802

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to identify AI opportunities by examining business processes, not tools
• Why most AI pilots stall before delivering real value
• How incentives and operating models determine AI ROI
• When ROI metrics help and when they get in the way
• How productivity gains can unlock business model innovation

✅ Highlights

• “Let’s not talk about use cases. Let’s talk about your processes.”
• “If you don’t have to mow your lawn, why would you do it?”
• “You’re just going to shift the bottleneck to another place.”
• “There’s a very high level of maturity in the potential.”
• “There’s generally a very low level of maturity in the willingness.”
• “People are talking a lot about the drill.”
• “Generative AI is transformation.”
• “It’s a change in the way that you’re working.”
• “AI gives people permission to innovate.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Start your own value-creating GenAI Journey with our "rapid" diagnostic here:
  Survey Page | AnteSyn Advisors - https://www.antesynadvisors.com/blank-3
• "How to Flourish" with guest Daniel Coyle - EconTalk Podcast Archive - Econlib - https://www.econtalk.org/
• Generative AI - https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/generative-ai
• MIT study on AI ROI - https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/28/1126693/finding-return-on-ai-investments-across-industries/
• Proofs of concept (POCs) - https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/proof-of-concept-definition
• Design thinking viability and feasibility concepts https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/blog/desirability-viability-and-feasibility/

✅Keywords
generative ai, ai roi, operating model, business processes, productivity, innovation, incentives, ai pilots, digital transformation, leadership, applied ai, enterprise ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

AI enablement is a change problem, not a tech problem. In this episode, Molly Rupert-Sullivan breaks down how to support three groups at once: people who do not get AI yet, people who want to opt out, and champions who want more. You will hear practical ways to set expectations, avoid over‑teaching “all AI”, and build momentum by giving champions the right access, platforms, and repeatable wins that can scale across an organisation.

👉️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/801

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Map AI adoption into segments and tailor support levels to each group.
• Respond to “no thanks” with clear expectations and a path to re-engage.
• Build champions by focusing on domain expertise, not technical depth.
• Scale internal wins by giving champions access to enterprise tools and visibility.
• Decide when to use personal AI tools versus enterprise copilots for data separation.

🔴Highlights

• “My entire role is about AI enablement.”
• “There’s such a spectrum of where people are.”
• “I think that there will be a place for some people to opt out.”
• “It will become very difficult for people not to use it because they will fall behind.”
• “We don’t all need to be AI experts.”
• “You’re already an expert in whatever your domain is.”
• “Access is, a big one.”
• “Showcasing those wins and successes, giving them platforms.”
• “I use Pi on my phone a lot.”
• “I don’t want answers tied to my corporate data.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Pi - https://pi.ai/
• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/
• Change management: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Change_management
• MVP Summit:https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-US/Summit [mvp.microsoft.com]
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅Keywords
ai enablement, ai adoption, change management, champions, resistance, opt out, productivity, enterprise access, copilot, chatgpt, professional services, agents

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode tracks how Manbhawan Prasad and the Word team are evolving Copilot from simple prompt-based help to goal-based “agent mode” that can plan and edit documents directly. You will hear practical, enterprise-focused examples: using SharePoint knowledge as authoritative context, reducing blank-page inertia, mirroring customer language from emails and meeting transcripts, and using AI as an always-on reviewer for structure, clarity, and accuracy.

👉️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/800

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Shift from instruction prompts to goal-based document creation with “agent mode” in Word.
• Build a SharePoint “knowledge vault” so Copilot can draft with authoritative business context.
• Use retrieval (RAG-style grounding) to write specs and proposals from internal files, emails, chats, decks, and meetings.
• Improve proposals by mirroring a customer’s terminology pulled from email threads and meeting transcripts.
• Apply Copilot as a reviewer to spot gaps, inconsistencies, and missed requirements across long documents.

✅ Highlights

• “Creation and comprehension, that's all.”
• “We are going beyond that and we are making it unable to solve your goal.”
• “We are calling agent mode inside Word.”
• “Most of the customers' data is in either Microsoft files or SharePoint, et cetera.”
• “Use those as RAG in RAG model to kind of generate or even answer accurately.”
• “First of all, inertia is gone because it gives you a starting point right away in seconds.”
• It also sometimes brings information which you and I may not have thought of.”
• “Do you see any gaps in my communication?”
• “It can directly edit the document and it can directly, you know, create a document.”
• “The interface for every app will become natural language.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• Microsoft Word: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/word
• SharePoint: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration
• PowerPoint: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/powerpoint
• Visio: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/visio

✅Keywords
copilot, microsoft word, agent mode, generative ai, sharepoint, rag, chatgpt, proposal, rfp, natural language, microsoft editor, visio

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode challenges goal-driven thinking in an AI-enabled world through a conversation with Radhika Dutt. The discussion explores why OKRs and vanity metrics often fail, especially when AI accelerates optimisation without understanding. The core insight is a shift from goal setting to puzzle setting. By framing problems clearly, staying in the discomfort, and learning through small experiments, teams can build products that create long-term value. Practical examples show how this mindset helped recover stalled growth, improve trust, and reduce churn while keeping humans central to AI-driven decisions.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/799

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Why AI makes weak metrics and OKRs more dangerous, not more effective
• How to shift from goal setting to puzzle setting in product and AI work
• A practical framework for defining problems before jumping to solutions
• How to measure learning and narrative, not just numbers
• How puzzle solving supports sustainable innovation and growth

✅ Highlights

• “We measured success by the logos of companies on our website.”
• “Are we all just doomed to learn from trial and error?”
• “Everything that we humans can do in terms of optimizing numbers, AI can do it even better.”
• “What is the puzzle is the question we should have been asking.”
• “The more intimacy was gamified, the more it created a toxic dating environment.”
• “You kind of need to stay with the discomfort.”
• “Don’t just spit out numbers at me.”
• “They hated magic and they did not trust technology.”
• “This approach was more like putting your ears on the tracks.”
• “It is the biggest illusion that OKRs work.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Radical Product Thinking
  https://www.radicalproduct.com/
• OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)
  https://www.atlassian.com/agile/agile-at-scale/okr
• Puzzle setting and puzzle solving framework
  https://www.radicalproduct.com/toolkit/
• Design thinking
  https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/design-thinking
• Toyota 5 Whys
  https://www.learnleansigma.com/guides/5-whys/

✅Keywords
artificial intelligence, ai innovation, okrs, product thinking, puzzle setting, metrics, innovation culture, design thinking, product strategy, ai metrics, business transformation, experimentation

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Amelia Hernandez Osorio explores practical ways organisations can build lasting Copilot habits, strengthen internal communities and drive effective AI adoption. Amelia shares her journey through web technologies, SharePoint, cloud transformation and Microsoft 365 adoption, offering guidance on behaviour change, team enablement and identifying meaningful Copilot use cases that improve daily work.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/798

🎙️What you’ll learn

• How to help teams build sustainable Copilot habits
• How internal communities strengthen adoption
• How to identify high value Copilot use cases
• How to support behavioural change during AI transformation
• How to structure training and sponsorship for successful rollout

✅ Highlights

• “Take a step at a time really to use Copilot.”
• “How can I translate this into my daily work.”
• “The idea is really to help people to stick with Copilot.”
• “It is hard to stay on track of all the changes.”
• “This internal community is amazingly important.”
• “Find use cases that can be improved with Copilot.”
• “You have the perfect unit when you work with teams.”
• “Look for executive sponsor, but real executive sponsor.”
• “Try to work not only down to top but also top to down.”
• “Help people really embrace the tools in ways that make sense for them.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft 365 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365
• Microsoft Teams - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app
• Copilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• Copilot Studio - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio/
• Dynamics 365 Customer Service - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics-365/products/customer-service
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
microsoft 365, copilot, adoption, teams, sharepoint, serviceNow, dynamics 365, training, community, cloud, automation, behaviour change

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Craig Taylor shares practical, real‑world guidance on cybersecurity, AI risks, and behaviour change inside organisations. He explains why positive reinforcement outperforms punishment, how biases appear in AI systems, and why zero‑trust matters for companies of all sizes. The conversation offers pragmatic, people‑centred steps to strengthen cyber literacy, reduce insider risk, and navigate emerging threats such as deepfakes and social engineering.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/797

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to strengthen cyber hygiene using behaviour‑based training
• How AI bias emerges and why validation and critical thinking matter
• How to reduce insider‑risk through access control and observation
• How zero‑trust improves resilience beyond the legacy walled‑garden model
• How to help staff recognise social engineering and emotional manipulation

✅ Highlights

• “We're using it to produce videos, to produce scripts for the videos, ideas”
• “AI lies to you with very convincing falsehoods”
• “Rewarded behaviours are repeated”
• “Leaderboards… got leaders within companies to actually participate”
• “It's not rocket science. It's a lot of common sense”
• “Accidents happen and not malicious, not intentional, but boy can they have tragic consequences”
• “We have to try in some way”
• “The world is flat… our front doors are logically open to the world”
• “If you ever get an e‑mail that makes you want to take an immediate action, pause”
• “Anyone that wants a little free awareness training… cyberhoot.com slash individuals”

🧰 Mentioned

• Main Website: https://cyberhoot.com/
• Individual Registration (Free Personal Training for Life): https://cyberhoot.com/individuals/
• Businesses & MSP Registration Signup: https://nest.cyberhoot.com/autopilot-signup/?
• Newsletter Registration: https://cyberhoot.com/newsletters/
• Blog Articles: https://cyberhoot.com/blog/
• Cybrary (Library of 1000+ Cybersecurity Terms in non-technical language): https://cyberhoot.com/cybrary/

🎯 Special Podcast Offer:

• 20% off CyberHoot for 1 year using the podcast’s unique coupon code: "AI Unfiltered"

✅Keywords
cybersecurity, ai bias, zero trust, social engineering, cyber literacy, behaviour change, phishing, deepfakes, access control, insider risk, data protection, training

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

In this episode, Edine Olijve-Watkinson explores practical ways Microsoft 365 Copilot, Loop, Planner and emerging AI agents improve daily productivity, collaboration and decision making. It highlights real use cases, evolving tools and the shift toward AI supported workflows across organisations.

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/796

👉 What you’ll learn

• How Microsoft 365 Copilot supports personal efficiency
• How AI agents extend productivity across meetings and workflows
• How Loop, Copilot pages and notebooks support flexible collaboration
• How metadata and information architecture improve Copilot performance
• How professionals can upskill across Copilot Studio, agents and Azure AI Foundry

✅ Highlights

• “My area of specialty is Microsoft 365 and then especially the collaboration and the productivity side of things.”
• “We see a lot of shifts towards agents.”
• “Using Microsoft 365 Copilot for personal efficiency, just as your little personal intern.”
• “The facilitator agent… joins your meeting and keeps track and then takes your meeting notes for you.”
• “The knowledge agent is also very good at adding metadata columns to your SharePoint sites.”
• “I completely started to learn where Loop stores something, how you can retain it, how you can save it.”
• “I use Loop in your daily work, and not just Loop, but also Copilot pages and Copilot notebooks.”
• “You can make some really nice infographics with it.”
• “Everything you create gets created in your company’s style.”
• “I definitely want to learn how to use agents more in my workflow.”
• “I also want to dive deeper into Azure AI Foundry.”
• “It was completely new to me… I never really touched Azure in any way.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft 365 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365
• SharePoint - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration
• Microsoft Copilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• Microsoft Copilot Studio - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio/
• Azure AI Foundry - https://ai.azure.com/
• Microsoft Loop - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-loop
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
microsoft 365, copilot, agents, loop, planner, sharepoint, metadata, productivity, azure ai foundry, collaboration, meetings, workflows

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

A focused conversation on why AI agents will define 2026, how governance must evolve, and the practical skills business and tech professionals need to stay relevant. The episode explores the shift from Power Platform governance to AI‑first governance, the rise of agent orchestration, and the critical importance of data security, testing, and prompt engineering. Listeners gain clear guidance on adapting their roles, scaling responsibly, and preparing for an agent‑driven future.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/795

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How AI agents are reshaping governance expectations across organisations
• Practical steps to evolve your skills for an AI‑centred workflow
• How to balance innovation with safe, secure agent deployment
• Why data security and red‑team style testing matter more than ever
• How to identify when to use Copilot Studio versus Foundry

✅ Highlights

• “2026 feels like when people actually start doubling down and taking it seriously.”
• “AI will not take your job. AI will just change your job.”
• “How do I become an agent boss?”
• “Governance does not have to slow innovation.”
• “You can’t ignore this big thing called AI because you’re going to lose competitive advantage.”
• “Testing an agent is completely different.”
• “Prompt engineering is a big one.”
• “There are now more moving parts… you can’t just get away with building an app anymore.”
• “My mindset needs to shift from doing things manually to validating what AI gives me.”
• “Next year is going to be doubling down a lot of that… it’s here, let’s embrace it.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Power Platform: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform
• Copilot Studio: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio/ [microsoft.com]
• Foundry: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/ai-foundry/
• Microsoft Entra: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/fundamentals/what-is-entra
• Microsoft Purview: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/purview/purview

✅Keywords
ai agents, governance, power platform, copilot studio, foundry, data security, prompt engineering, red teaming, power automate, power fx, entra, microsoft purview

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores how AI can transform leadership by analysing real conversational behaviour, reducing bias and giving leaders immediate insight into their communication style. The discussion covers how leadership differs from management, why early‑career support is often missing, and how continuous feedback can shorten the development gap for new leaders. Listeners gain a practical view of how leadership intelligence works and what it means for team clarity, alignment and growth.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/794

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How AI analyses everyday conversations to reveal leadership patterns
• How to identify gaps between perceived and actual leadership behaviour
• How real‑time feedback improves clarity, alignment and team dynamics
• How to shorten the long development gap for early‑career leaders
• How psycholinguistics and trend data support better leadership decisions

✅ Highlights

• “We explore real‑world AI applications, share practical insights, and discuss how businesses are implementing responsible, ethical, and trustworthy AI.”
• “Parafoil analyses how you lead in the work.”
• “By measuring pronouns and prepositions you can work out all sorts of things.”
• “It gives you an analysis of how each conversation’s gone after the fact.”
• “You don’t have to recount what happened to a chatbot.”
• “A problem never gets better with time.”
• “Leadership can only really be learned through the doing of the do.”
• “Most managers consider themselves to be accidental.”
• “How do we help people earlier in their career and not have a ten year delta”
• “His communication style really shifted over the course of the next two to three weeks.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Parafoil - https://parafoil.co/
• Microsoft AI - https://microsoft.ai/
• Google – www.google.com

✅Keywords
ai, leadership, management, psycholinguistics, feedback, teams, communication, alignment, leadership development, leadership intelligence, product, coaching

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode with Michael Plettner explores how organisations move from AI curiosity to practical, business focused implementation. You will learn why user adoption and leadership support matter, how teams shift from generic Copilot use to targeted process improvement, and how the EU AI Act is pushing companies toward more mature and responsible AI practices.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/793

🎙️What you’ll learn

• How to evaluate AI opportunities based on real business value
• How to move from Copilot centric thinking to case driven AI strategy
• How leadership buy in affects adoption and trust
• How to align AI projects with the EU AI Act
• How agents and agent communication can streamline work

✅ Highlights

• “User adoption is not training.”
• “There is often a lack of trust in the business.”
• “Get off the AI hype and talk about what is really good for the business.”
• “Sometimes an expectation from customers where they think they understood which tool is the best.”
• “If someone is not convinced then it is not working.”
• “We have some railguards to protect how we want to use AI for better good.”
• “Now we have a more mature thinking about AI.”
• “Agents are the future from my point of view.”
• “They can really solve some steps in your daily work.”
• “The technology in this area is on light speed.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365
• Microsoft Teams: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app
• SharePoint: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration
• Power Platform: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
ai, copilot, user adoption, business processes, microsoft 365, teams, sharepoint, power platform, dynamics, eu ai act, agents, change management

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

John Rood shares how organisations can unlock real value from AI by balancing innovation, governance, and compliance. Learn why robust frameworks, practical training, and a bottom-up approach are key to sustainable AI adoption and risk management.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/792

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to implement effective AI governance without stifling innovation
• Practical steps for building an AI management system
• The role of ISO 42001 and the EU AI Act in compliance
• Strategies to drive AI adoption and avoid shadow AI
• How to design ongoing AI literacy programmes for all staff

✅ Highlights

• “A poorly designed policy, I think, does stifle innovation. I think a well-conceived policy manages that trade-off.”
• “Shadow AI happens because organisations go buy an AI product and then lock it down.”
• “Our first recommendation… is that you’ve got to have someone to champion AI initiatives.”
• “Most organisations will start either from ISO 42001, or… the NIST AI risk management framework.”
• “The idea is we’re not just trying to put together a set of policies… What we’re trying to create is a living process.”
• “A great AI management system defines who has to get trained in what, and then make sure that actually happens on a regular basis.”
• “If your customers knew how you treat their data, they might not be your customers anymore.”
• “The top-down programmes tend to go poorly, whereas the… bottom-up programmes tend to do much better.”
• “When we are able to empower more people… we start to build the organisation’s muscle.”
• “The first step… is always regulatory.”
• “EU AI Act is written… to be extraordinarily broad.”
• “At the top of the pyramid, there’s a certain set of fairly robust training or literacy requirements that should be for whoever’s actually making the AI.”

🧰 Mentioned

• ISO 42001: https://www.iso.org/standard/42001
• EU AI Act: https://artificialintelligenceact.eu/the-act/
• NIST AI risk management framework: https://www.nist.gov/itl/ai-risk-management-framework
• GDPR: https://gdpr.eu/

✅Keywords
ai governance, iso 42001, eu ai act, compliance, shadow ai, risk management, ai management system, ai literacy, bottom-up adoption, regulatory, data privacy, nist framework

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores practical ways to drive Copilot adoption across an organisation. Heather Severino shares clear guidance on identifying early champions, building cross functional readiness, reducing resistance, and designing effective training. She explains how tools such as Loop, Teams, Clipchamp and Copilot features support collaboration, productivity and engagement. The conversation provides a grounded look at how to help teams build confidence with AI and create sustained, secure and well supported usage.

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/791

👉 What you’ll learn

• How to identify early adopters who accelerate Copilot uptake
• How to design training that builds confidence and practical skills
• How to prepare IT and support teams for Copilot readiness
• How to use questioning techniques to uncover high value use cases
• How to support teams with tools like Loop, Teams and Clipchamp

✅ Highlights

• “You want to find the people that are curious about it.”
• “Success to me is that they’re using it, looking at those reports.”
• “We want to come up with a policy for usage and have some of those guardrails in place.”
• “They wanted to have everything in place before they did it.”
• “Find the people that are curious about anything that is cutting edge.”
• “Those are usually the people that are going to want to dig in and learn.”
• “I am getting more questions about agents recently.”
• “The facilitator agent is also great about keeping you on track.”
• “There is some confusion about OneNote and Loop.”
• “I would love to see more crossover and uniformity.”
• “Create was one of those aha moments.”
• “Clipchamp has a lot of the AI capabilities built into it.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft 365 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365
• Copilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• LinkedIn Learning - https://www.linkedin.com/learning/
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
copilot, adoption, microsoft 365, loop, onenote, teams, clipchamp, training, ai skills, power platform, productivity, change management

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Discover practical strategies with Dan Barber for overcoming imposter syndrome, building resilient tech teams, and leveraging AI as an ally. Learn how consulting skills, clear goals, and supportive cultures drive success in technology and AI-driven environments.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/790

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Apply actionable tools to overcome imposter syndrome
• Build and retain high-performing technology teams
• Use AI to boost confidence and productivity
• Strengthen consulting skills for business impact
• Foster cultures of trust, feedback, and continuous improvement

✅ Highlights

• “AI can help you with a blank canvas and turn a blank canvas into a starter for 10th, and get you moving, get you motivating, break that blank page sort of fear and anxiety that gets built up.”
• “Brag list is something I do myself and I also encourage others to do.”
• “You develop this network where you don’t have to be the font of all knowledge.”
• “Having that sensible conversation, I think we are losing that.”
• “You’re not just a developer. You are a consultant.”
• “If you don’t feel, if you feel like you’re just being managed, again, that just becomes you being a number again.”
• “Build the right culture, you have that mentality from everyone.”
• “If you have them all, it’s not going to make you motivated. It’s just going to bring you to break even, if you like.”
• “You’ve got to look at some of these other variables and they are, they’re so important, you know, and yes, they take time.”
• “Let’s rebuild your vision. Let’s realign to your vision.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Power Platform: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform
• Azure: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us
• Dynamics: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us
• Business Central: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics-365/products/business-central
• Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/

✅Keywords
ai, imposter syndrome, consulting skills, tech teams, power platform, business central, azure, dynamics, copilot, culture, feedback, continuous improvement

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Explore how Andy Sitison uses AI-powered storytelling to uncover hidden patterns, build trust, and drive meaningful engagement. Learn why human connection, agility, and intent are essential for businesses navigating rapid technological change. Gain practical insights from Andy on leveraging AI as a creative tool and fostering a culture of trust and adaptability.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/789

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Identify actionable ways to use AI for analysing customer stories
• Build trust and engagement through authentic storytelling
• Apply agility and intent to stay ahead in tech-driven markets
• Develop internal AI skills and centres of excellence
• Move beyond traditional advertising to foster genuine community connection

✅ Highlights

• “We explore real-world AI applications, share practical insights, and discuss how businesses are implementing responsible, ethical, and trustworthy AI.”
• “We help them find the signal in the noise… AI allows us to find those unique patterns.”
• “Giving them the voice itself is important.”
• “Stories are more primitive… there’s a natural imprinting on us that does that.”
• “Telling a human, bringing a story to the table is going to naturally connect with humans.”
• “Tech is one of those things we need to ride like a surfboard.”
• “Companies should consider… planet, society, economy.”
• “Trust is a heck of a sales tool. If you can find a way to help people trust you and your brand, genuinely trust it, it’s gold.”
• “First thing for companies to do to tell a better story of their customers is look internal with these technologies to make their team better.”
• “People are tired of ads. Your ads don’t work.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Machine learning - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/create-machine-learn-models/
• Generative AI - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/playbook/technology-guidance/generative-ai/
• Center of excellence model - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/guidance/coe/overview

✅Keywords
ai, storytelling, business, technology, trust, agility, customer engagement, centre of excellence, community, human connection, brand, creative tool

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Discover how organisations are building practical AI capability with Microsoft Copilot, Zero Trust, and robust data security. Learn actionable strategies for readiness, compliance, and continuous professional development in a rapidly evolving tech landscape featuring insights from Sam Brazier-Hollins.

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/788

👉 What you’ll learn

• Assess Copilot readiness and secure sensitive data before deployment
• Apply Zero Trust principles and simplify data labelling for real-world use
• Use Copilot to streamline meetings, notes, and executive summaries
• Identify and address over-shared information risks in M365
• Build a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing in tech teams

✅ Highlights

• “We call it a M365 Copilot readiness assessment, where we go and look at your data.”
• “Zero Trust is a great one. It spikes up every sort of year.”
• “Data labelling is really key. Keep it simple so users don’t overthink.”
• “Copilot is so powerful at finding information that’s been lost somewhere.”
• “Mandatory labelling: before you can hit save, you have to enforce it there.”
• “Meeting recordings and Teams notes - Copilot can summarise, give action items, and minutes.”
• “The value of having this licence is we’ve saved 2 man hours of this consultant.”
• “Security Copilot is really good at certain use cases. Some predefined ones work exactly as they say on the tin.”
• “Continuous professional development - can’t just rely on what you knew last month or last year.”
• “The best person in the team isn’t the person who’s got the most information. It’s the person who’s best at sharing.”
• “Microsoft’s changing those things, they’re now disabling basic authentication, great.”
• “It’s constantly changing and there’s a bit of that sort of almost gamification of it.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft 365 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365
• Microsoft Copilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• Purview - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/microsoft-purview
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
copilot, zero trust, data labelling, security, microsoft 365, purview, compliance, teams, sharepoint online, professional development, knowledge sharing, australian government

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

A practical discussion with Mary Pantelopoulou on quantifying and realising business value from AI and low code, using the Business Value Assessment to tie Power Platform, M365 Copilot, and autonomous agents to top‑line growth, cost reduction, risk mitigation, and redesigned processes that free people to focus on higher‑value work.

👉️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/787

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Frame AI investments with a clear business value model tied to strategic objectives
• Identify and quantify use cases using benchmarks and customer scenarios
• Move beyond time savings to decisions on how freed time is used
• Rethink processes for AI, not just automate existing steps
• Apply autonomous agents to transform CRM/ERP into intelligent platforms

✅ Highlights

• “It feels like when the internet was introduced… a big disruptive thing.”
• “Our focus is business applications, Power Platform, and recently M365 Copilot.”
• “We help customers quantify: if I’m spending $1, how much am I getting in return?”
• “We use our own technology—customer zero—to benchmark and quantify value.”
• “What do you actually do with this time… that’s the most interesting.”
• “Think about your processes, but rethink them.”
• “AI is becoming the backbone of our modern business applications.”
• “We’ve brought modern work and business applications together in a team called ABS.”
• “Pre‑built autonomous agents in sales, service, finance, supply chain, and customer insights.”
• “Traditional CRM and ERP are transformed into intelligent platforms.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Business Value Assessment (BVA) tool - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/guidance/coe/business-value-toolkit
• Power Platform - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform
• M365 Copilot - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot
• Agents / autonomous agents - https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2024/10/21/new-autonomous-agents-scale-your-team-like-never-before/
• Customer zero - https://www.microsoft.com/insidetrack/blog/inside-microsoft-being-customer-zero-in-an-ai-powered-world/
• Contact center productivity - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics-365/products/contact-center

✅Keywords
ai, power platform, business value assessment, m365 copilot, autonomous agents, crm, erp, productivity, one microsoft, finance, contact center, low‑code

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores how AI is transforming hiring, reducing bias, and helping businesses reliably identify A players. Fletcher Wimbush shares practical steps for using AI to streamline job analysis, screening, assessments, and onboarding, giving small and mid sized businesses access to talent strategies once reserved for large enterprises.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/786

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How AI accelerates fact driven hiring
• How CEOs can attract top talent through direct outreach
• How to design effective screener questions with AI
• How assessments surface high potential candidates
• How AI enabled systems cut time to offer

✅ Highlights

• "It starts with having a great team."
• "AI came along and we were able to take that entire process and accelerate the timeframe."
• "A lot of hiring can be done almost completely on automatic using AI."
• "AI is way less biased than the human."
• "Ask some really well worded multiple choice questions that AI created for us."
• "It eliminated 90 percent of those applicants right off the bat because they've self selected."
• "Assessments do a phenomenal job of bringing the people with the right integrity and behavioural makeup to the surface."
• "I almost never hire anybody with direct experience."
• "We built the system from an AI lens."
• "We onboard folks and get them up and running almost instantly."
• "Hiring is mostly going to be automated in the next five years."
• "The people who really embrace that are going to be the architects driving results."

🧰 Mentioned

• The FACT Driven Hiring System eLearning Course - https://discovered.ai/hiring-academy/
• Discovered - https://www.discovered.ai
• Y Combinator - https://www.ycombinator.com
• Hiring Expert GPT - https://chatgpt.com/g/g-ves0BxHrx-hiring-expert

✅Keywords
ai hiring, recruitment, assessments, a players, smb hiring, job analysis, screening, onboarding, bias reduction, automation, talent strategy, ceo outreach

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores practical ways to lift the quality of hybrid work through better tools, clearer communication, and smarter use of AI. Neil Fluester shares insights from years in unified communications, including how Copilot is evolving from a task engine to an enhancement engine, why peripheral design matters for productivity, and how thoughtful setups, from webcams to lighting to teleprompters, shape human connection in meetings.

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/785

👉 What you’ll learn

• How to move from basic Copilot prompts to agentic, enhancement-focused workflows
• How hardware design influences productivity and meeting presence
• How speaker attribution, transcription and translation are reshaping collaboration
• How to improve video quality with simple upgrades to lighting, cameras and placement
• How home automation and monitoring can streamline daily routines

✅ Highlights

• “I use it as a bit of a do engine. Copilot, do this for me, Copilot, do that for me.” “I’m trying to cross the chasm to where we move from that just getting it to do stuff to enhance me.”
• “The translation stuff is just blows my mind.”
• “You can kind of opt in and train it and teach it your linguistic style and your tone.”
• “It’s garbage in, garbage out.”
• “You wouldn’t leave the house looking terrible, so why would you turn up to the meeting looking terrible?”
• “Stop sucking on the way you look.”
• “Any free power is free power at the end of the day.”
• “Lithium iron phosphate is the new chemistry that everyone sort of loves because it’s super safe.”
• “You can knock up a large amount of kilowatt storage now.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Teams - https://teams.microsoft.com
• Copilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
copilot, teams, logitech, webcams, teleprompter, ai, video quality, home assistant, automation, translation, transcription, unified communications

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores how professionals in the Power Platform and Dynamics space can future‑proof their careers. Sarah Jones and Franco Musso share practical guidance on contracting, freelancing, niching, personal brand development, and navigating rapid change driven by AI. Their insights focus on building career security, creating flexibility, and designing work that supports long‑term growth.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/784

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to transition from permanent roles to contracting and freelancing
• How to design a flexible work model that supports income and lifestyle goals
• How to build a personal brand that attracts clients
• How to niche effectively to strengthen positioning
• How AI and market shifts are reshaping job security and opportunity

✅ Highlights

• “You're expected to be with the same customer Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.”
• “I designed my work year. I can dictate what my day looks like.”
• “That freedom is quite special.”
• “It's about the value that you put on walking the kids to school together.”
• “It's whatever you choose it to be.”
• “People in permanent jobs are scared to leave their permanent job that they feel is secure.”
• “If you've got the chance now to get involved with the change, then do it.”
• “There's a powerful but limited window now for people in the business that are interested in the tech.”
• “You could be the absolute superstar in accounting AI.”
• “Selling to an existing customer is said to be 7 times cheaper.”
• “This gives 6 to 12 months runway for those people who might be thinking about it.”
• “The phenomenon of AI is coming.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Power Platform https://powerplatform.microsoft.com/
• Dynamics 365 https://dynamics.microsoft.com/
• Power Pages https://powerpages.microsoft.com/
• Scottish Summit https://scottishsummit.com/

✅Keywords
power platform, dynamics 365, freelancing, contracting, ai, job security, personal brand, niching, career change, Microsoft, power pages, mentoring

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores how organisations can advance AI capability by shifting from siloed, linear thinking to ecosystem thinking. Barbara Wittmann outlines why many AI initiatives fail, how mindset transformation enables responsible adoption and where real innovation begins inside an organisation. She explains the role of the middle, why data foundations matter and how ethical leadership can guide sustainable AI-driven change.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/783

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to identify AI use cases that align with real business strategy
• How mindset training supports sustainable AI transformation
• How to build cross departmental ecosystems that accelerate innovation
• How to move proofs of concept into production with stronger data baselines
• How to lead ethically during AI driven organisational change

✅ Highlights

• “What in the world are we doing with AI?”
• “Everyone is stuck on really making it work.”
• “We go in with a workshop called Mindset Before Machines.”
• “People want to fix their pressing issues without going to the root cause.”
• “We need to start thinking in constant innovation cycles.”
• “You cannot delegate complexity anymore.”
• “Technology is part of your DNA, not a side piece.”
• “AI implementation is essentially a very human problem.”
• “Values are grounding to us.”
• “Ethical transformation calls for wisdom in leadership.”
• “You have to understand the problem before you move to the next step.”
• “It is the miracle drug, the snake oil in the pioneer days.”

🧰 Mentioned

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawittmann/
• Digital Wisdom Collective: https://www.digitalwisdomcollective.com/mindset-before-machines
• Substack: https://digitalwisdomcollective.substack.com/
• Company Website: https://www.digitalwisdomcollective.com/

✅Keywords
ai adoption, leadership, organisational change, ecosystems, mindset, data quality, innovation, proofs of concept, ethical transformation, productivity, strategy, silos

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

The episode explores how Chris Stegh sees organisations balancing AI adoption with data security, governance and practical risk management. It covers the real barriers to scaling AI, why perfect data hygiene is unrealistic, and how leaders can use tools like Copilot, Purview and agentic AI to create safe, high‑value use cases while improving long‑term resilience.

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/782

👉 What you’ll learn

• How AI adoption is shaped by data security, quality and internal risk
• How to evaluate AI ROI beyond individual productivity gains
• How agentic AI supports secure, targeted use cases
• How Zero Trust thinking guides safer AI rollout
• How enterprise and SMB adoption patterns differ

✅ Highlights

• “Data security is top of everyone’s mind.”
• “There hasn’t been a front page news article about data overexposure.”
• “AI is a long journey and we are just getting started.”
• “They’ll try to clamp down on Shadow AI.”
• “No one wants to clean up their data.”
• “Agents can give the good, real content front page.”
• “Everyone wants to evaluate payback period.”
• “Look at the end to end business process.”
• “Small and mediums are going to lag in those spaces.”
• “Some customers said we don’t see the use.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• Microsoft Purview: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/microsoft-purview
• OpenAI: https://www.openai.com
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7
• Chris' book on GenAI in the enterprise - Elevate The Enterprise Using Microsoft 365 Copilot: A Guide for Power Users, CxOs, and IT Pros - https://www.amazon.com/Elevate-Enterprise-Using-Copilot-Microsoft/dp/B0D6PZ539W

✅ Keywords
ai adoption, data security, governance, copilot, purview, shadow ai, agentic ai, zero trust, productivity, smb, enterprise, risk management

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

How frontier firms rethink processes with AI, not bolt it on. Samuel Boulanger shares practical ways to drive Copilot adoption: educate, empower champions, and start from scratch to redesign workflows. He shows how agents and workflow automation unlock meaningful ROI, and why applied, hands‑on skill beats theory. Clear guidance for tech pros: use it everywhere, iterate fast, and let the people closest to the work surface the highest‑impact use cases.

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/781

👉 What you’ll learn

• Identify and prioritise AI use cases by empowering teams closest to the work
• Structure prompt‑a‑thons to accelerate applied skill and adoption
• Redesign processes for agents and automation rather than “bolting on” AI
• Build bottom‑up Copilot champions and top‑down executive support
• Integrate Copilot across daily workflows to lift quality, speed, and ROI

✅ Highlights

• “You need to really put your hands on it and understand how it works.”
• “The biggest blocker right now to adoption is education.”
• “Being a frontier firm is applying to any kind of organisation.”
• “Start from scratch and say, what’s your goal? Now let’s do it with AI.”
• “Agents can collaborate with your team as well.”
• “Let your people envision it… they know the bottlenecks.”
• “Use it everywhere you can and add new releases to your workflow.”
• “You won’t lose your job to an AI. You will lose your job to somebody using an AI.”
• “Workflow agent for M365 Copilot is very impressive.”
• “I built an architecture document… in less than a day using this method.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com
• Copilot Studio: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-copilot-studio
• Agent 365: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/blog/
• Samuel’s Personal Blog: https://samuelboulanger.com
• Samuel’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@samuelboulangerAI
• Samuel’s Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rKyALcqjbAIwN17eKzgtT?si=6AnQdAryR6uOLxllVlGOzg
• Samuel’s Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mastering-ai-with-the-experts/id1782919291

✅ Keywords
copilot, copilot studio, agents, prompt‑a‑thon, frontier firms, adoption, governance, purview, entra, m365, power automate, power platform

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/780

Discover how organisations can move beyond AI hype to real business value. In this episode, Jim Spignardo shares practical strategies for AI adoption, building digital literacy, and creating a culture where technology empowers every team. Learn how to start small, measure impact, and set up the right governance for sustainable, responsible AI transformation.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Identify business problems that AI can solve, not just technology for its own sake
• Build cross-functional teams and secure executive sponsorship for AI initiatives
• Develop practical use cases and measure real outcomes from AI adoption
• Establish effective governance, data risk analysis, and usage policies
• Foster digital and AI literacy across all levels of the organisation

✅ Highlights

• “If you can't inventory those challenges and struggles, then all the AI and all the technology in the world is really not going to get you off the dime.”
• “Start with something small. Don’t try to boil the ocean.”
• “We have to have executive sponsorship and buy-in.”
• “It’s not an IT initiative. If all we're doing is talking to the folks in IT, we pretty much know that's going to most likely fail.”
• “We run them through a data risk analysis with their M365 data state.”
• “We build a centre of excellence in SharePoint and fill it up with all types of educational materials.”
• “We also work with them to develop a good AI usage policy.”
• “Train them on how to measure the impact and keep things moving, developing a champion programme.”
• “Shadow AI is real and we can't just pretend it doesn't exist.”
• “Experimentation is critically important in a safe environment where they can fail and be comfortable with it.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft 365 Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot
• ProArch: https://www.proarch.com/
• Microsoft Fabric: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-fabric
• SharePoint: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration

✅Keywords
ai adoption, digital literacy, executive sponsorship, governance, data risk analysis, copilot, centre of excellence, use cases, champion programme, shadow ai, business transformation, responsible ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

This episode explores how Copilot supports innovation, decision making and practical AI adoption across organisations. Amal Hosni Viteri shares her journey from development and DevOps into innovation leadership, describing how AI enhances productivity, reduces operational effort and helps teams focus on their specialities. She highlights the value of context‑aware tools, ethical use of AI and making technology accessible in Spanish‑speaking communities.

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/779

👉 What you’ll learn

• How to position Copilot as a partner, not a replacement
• How AI supports faster decision making and operational efficiency
• How to introduce responsible and ethical AI practices
• How developers can use Copilot for ideation and code reviews
• How to support AI adoption in multilingual and emerging markets

✅ Highlights

• “Copilot is very nice in the context and knowledge about the context.”
• “Innovation is a goal for the organisations.”
• “Copilot is a partner for management, optimisation and automation.”
• “I changed my mind and work with the know about more for Copilot.”
• “The people is scared and oh my gosh in my first meet with Copilot.”
• “AI is only time you feel scared. I lost my work with AI.”
• “I try to review and double check because it’s not my mind.”
• “It prepares my day or organise my e‑mail and it’s a little work for me.”
• “I use Copilot with my team in GitHub for share many code lines.”
• “I think the innovation is not only technology. It is the process.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft 365 — https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365
• Copilot — https://www.microsoft.com/copilot
• Teams — https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams
• Microsoft communities in Colombia — https://techcommunity.microsoft.com
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
copilot, microsoft 365, innovation, devops, scrum, github, automation, spanish, teams, sharepoint, ai adoption, context aware ai

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/778

James Diekman explores how AI and automation are reshaping project management, compliance, and business innovation. Learn practical strategies for embedding AI in workflows, managing risk, and building future-ready teams. Gain insights from real-world government and enterprise projects, with a focus on responsible, efficient, and scalable technology adoption.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Identify where AI agents can streamline project management and reporting
• Apply responsible AI frameworks and assurance models in regulated sectors
• Build and test project-specific tools using low-code and AI platforms
• Integrate legal and compliance checks into AI solution delivery
• Develop a continuous improvement approach for AI adoption in your organisation

✅ Highlights

• “Roles like project coordinator will get transformed into AI agents or chat bots.”
• “Setting up a project brain for each project will transform quite a bit.”
• “We’re seeing a big appetite for AI, especially in New South Wales.”
• “Every AI solution for New South Wales government must go through an AI assurance framework assessment.”
• “You can ask the same question multiple times and get different answers.”
• “Legal teams are starting to use these technologies to enhance their workflows.”
• “There’s a real opportunity for cybersecurity firms to invest in red teaming for AI.”
• “If you don’t build AI into your processes, companies will get left behind.”
• “We use Copilot, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot for development and proposals.”
• “Don’t just build a chatbot for everything—map your organisation’s processes first.”
• “A dedicated team or working group should constantly prioritise and build AI capabilities.”
• “Government, you can’t really get wrong either. It can’t be hallucinating.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Azure: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us
• GitHub Copilot: https://github.com/features/copilot
• Cursor: https://cursor.com/
• Windsurf: https://windsurf.com/
• Microsoft Responsible AI Framework: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/responsible-ai

✅Keywords
ai, project management, automation, power platform, azure, dynamics 365, responsible ai, assurance framework, legal compliance, user acceptance testing, low-code, cybersecurity

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/777

AI is transforming business and society, but most professionals underestimate its impact. Oliver Hartwich explores how culture, education, and practical skills shape our ability to harness AI’s full potential. Learn why curiosity, deep knowledge, and adaptability matter more than ever.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to build practical AI skills for any profession
• Why cultural attitudes affect AI adoption and opportunity
• The importance of deep education in an AI-driven world
• How to experiment and prompt effectively with AI tools
• Strategies for thriving as technology evolves

✅ Highlights

• “Most people really don’t quite know, don’t quite understand what’s happening.”
• “The potential is enormous. We’re just at the beginning of this curve.”
• “Geography doesn’t matter anymore. What’s preventing us is culture.”
• “AI can just get a lot done and a lot faster done.”
• “General purpose technologies are quite rare.”
• “Technology has a wonderful potential to solve some of our problems.”
• “You need deep knowledge. The better educated you are, the more you will get out of AI.”
• “AI works really well for mid-career professionals who already know what they’re doing.”
• “Universities are almost giving up on fighting AI.”
• “Society will fracture between people who know how to use this for their own advantage and others who may not.”
• “AI amplifies what’s already there. It makes some punchier, perhaps it will make dumb people dumber and smart people smarter.”
• “Quantum computing will be completely different.”

🧰 Mentioned

• DeepMind: https://deepmind.google/
• Claude: https://claude.ai/
• Xero: https://www.xero.com/ca/

✅Keywords
ai, technology, productivity, education, culture, regulation, quantum computing, deepmind, chatgpt, xero, skills, opportunity

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Explore how Merethe Stave demonstrates that building a strong Teams culture is essential for successful AI and Copilot adoption in business. This episode unpacks practical strategies for overcoming resistance, integrating AI into daily workflows, and fostering trust and transparency. Gain actionable insights to help your organisation thrive in the evolving digital landscape.

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/776

👉 What you’ll learn

• How to create a collaborative Teams culture for AI success
• Steps to overcome resistance and guide teams through change
• Practical ways to integrate Copilot and AI into daily work
• The importance of trust and transparency in digital transformation
• How to use data and feedback to drive adoption and improvement

✅ Highlights

• “You need a Teams culture before you can succeed with Copilot.”
• “It is a skill that we need to gain and we need to mature in that skill.”
• “AI is helping you to get quicker from nothing to something.”
• “You have to put your voice on top of that.”
• “We go into Microsoft 365 and check how are they working.”
• “There’s nothing wrong or right in where you are. This is where you are right now.”
• “You have to listen to people and understand what the fear is about.”
• “Moving from private chat in Teams and email into channels and Teams, it challenged the power structure in our organisation.”
• “It’s about building trust and a culture of, yes, we are building each other good.”
• “If you have that in the ground, it’s not a problem with AI.”
• “You need to get order of your stuff, get your stuff in order to work well with Copilot.”
• “You have to start somewhere and then make a roadmap to what’s next.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft 365 Copilot - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot
• Copilot in Teams - https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot-in-teams/
• Copilot Studio - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio/
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
teams culture, ai adoption, copilot, digital transformation, microsoft 365, organisational change, trust, transparency, resistance, collaboration, viva insights, sharepoint

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Explore how Microsoft, through the expertise of Aisha Hasan, is evolving governance and agent management in the age of AI. Learn practical strategies for balancing innovation, risk, and compliance as Copilot Studio and Agent 365 reshape enterprise workflows. Discover actionable insights for building, governing, and upskilling in applied AI.

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/775

👉 What you’ll learn

• Define and apply core governance principles for AI and agents
• Shift from reactive to proactive governance in enterprise environments
• Empower users and IT admins to manage agent sprawl and compliance
• Leverage Agent 365 for holistic agent oversight and lifecycle management
• Build a three-pillar governance strategy: product, admin, and user education

✅ Highlights

• “Our principles have not changed, let's say that they have evolved to put more focus on certain things as compared to others.”
• “With AI, the need for proactive governance, I think, is far greater than ever before.”
• “Agent 365 is a starting point and it's a very good starting point in terms of the effort of consolidating that view for an IT admin.”
• “Governance itself is rooted into basic principles. So those principles do not change regardless of the portfolio.”
• “It takes a healthy balance of three pillars. One is what is available out-of-the-box and product.”
• “How are you empowering your admins to be able to fill in those gaps that are there in the product, but you need them now to secure and govern your enterprise?”
• “User education is quite important. Because if the product isn't self-governing, which means that you have gaps that the IT organization needs to fill, but there are some gaps maybe even the IT organization can't fill.”
• “Continue to educate your users through a centre of excellence or sort of a hub, and also use that hub to upskill on how to not just only build agents, but build meaningful, impactful agents and adopt good hygiene practices.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot Studio - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio/
• Agent 365 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-agent-365
• Microsoft Digital - https://www.microsoft.com/insidetrack/blog/digitally-transforming-microsoft-our-it-journey/

✅ Keywords
ai governance, agent 365, copilot studio, power platform, compliance, enterprise workflows, proactive governance, user education, admin empowerment, agent sprawl, microsoft digital, centre of excellence

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/774

Discover how open-source thinking, practical licensing solutions, and AI-powered development are reshaping the way business and tech professionals build, protect, and scale technology on the Power Platform. Gain actionable insights on responsible AI adoption, developer productivity, and building trust through transparency. Check out this episode of AI Unfiltered Show with Florian Krönert.

🎙️What you’ll learn

• How to protect intellectual property in Dataverse and Power Platform
• Practical approaches to offline licensing using JSON Web Tokens
• Strategies for using AI as a coding partner, not a replacement
• The value of open-source tools for trust and transparency
• Key differences between consulting and in-house tech roles

✅ Highlights

• “If you have an administrator who decides to mess with your logic to override your assemblies, there’s nothing to do against that.”
• “Licenses are JSON web tokens which are signed by you digitally so that they can be stored offline, validated offline, and will work as seamlessly as possible.”
• “I wanted to have a trust relationship with everyone who incorporates my solution.”
• “You just install the NPM package. You insert some data that you can generate on the Yanis Guard portal.”
• “I like it a lot for telling it ideas that I want to implement and how I want to implement it.”
• “What turned out the best for me personally was to use AI like as a partner programming peer.”
• “If I’m not able to really reliably reproduce what AI wrote for me, then I better not use it as much as I did before.”
• “You are very nearer to your end users. The feedback is very direct and you really see where the pain points are for the end users of your product and your platform.”
• “If you want to grind your way up fast, I can only recommend doing so. You can never learn as much in so little time as when doing it in big companies that have so many customers in parallel.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Power Platform: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform
• Dataverse: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/dataverse
• JSON Web Token (JWT): https://www.jwt.io/
• GitHub: https://github.com/
• React: https://react.dev/
• Fluent UI: https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/fluentui

✅Keywords
power platform, dataverse, licensing, open source, ai, json web token, developer productivity, trust, npm, react, chatgpt, consulting

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Kurt Rolland shares practical strategies and philosophical insights at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and AI adoption. This episode explores how business and tech professionals can optimise energy use, leverage Copilot and agentic AI, and make ethical decisions in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/773

🔑 What you’ll learn

• Reduce operational costs with sustainable energy solutions
• Evaluate the impact of AI agents on business productivity
• Build resilience in tech projects through local adaptation
• Balance automation with privacy and ethical considerations
• Apply practical frameworks for optimising personal and team workflows

👉 Highlights

• “We’re actually able to generate about 100% of our electricity.”
• “We dropped our energy about 60% annually just going to geothermal.”
• “Copilot used to be one thing. Now there’s many copilots.”
• “It still requires a heck of a lot of effort to get an agent tuned enough to my needs.”
• “We’re data radiators now as human beings.”
• “For every convenience, you’re giving up some level of freedom.”
• “Is that what we want? Can we, but should we?”
• “Human bodies thrive on some level of resistance or friction.”
• “Surveillance is… it seems like we don’t talk about it enough.”
• “We’ve got a facade of Brave New World, but the background behind it is 1984.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• SharePoint: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration
• Office 365: https://www.office.com/
• M365 Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot
• Copilot Studio: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio/
• Personal Agent Builder: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/agent-builder-build-agents
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅Keywords
ai, copilot, agents, automation, sustainability, energy independence, privacy, surveillance, workflow, geothermal, office 365, ethical technology

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/772

A practical conversation with data and AI manager Eickhel Mendoza about evolving from building Power Apps to architecting secure, mixed Power Platform and Azure solutions. He explains why a fast‑changing ecosystem suits a cookbook approach, how he curates real use‑case recipes, and what it takes to keep guidance current as UI and AI features ship rapidly. Clear takeaways on solution design, reviewer rigor, and creating applied examples that help teams ship performant apps.

👉 What you’ll learn

• How to architect Power Platform solutions that integrate Azure and customer APIs securely.
• Ways to infuse AI into existing business processes and automations.
• A repeatable “cookbook” method for producing practical, up‑to‑date guidance.
• Techniques for organising ideas into actionable recipes with real constraints.
• How to maintain performance, quality images, and clear instructions through review.

✅ Highlights

• “We are improving those solutions with the inflection of AI in their processes.”
• “Customers are focused on having everything secure in their infrastructure.”
• “I didn’t want to replicate Microsoft Learn.”
• “We want to do something like a cookbook.”
• “The book is filled with tips and tricks.”
• “Copilot is still in the early years.”
• “Stop the presses. I need to update the images.”
• “Power Apps Everywhere tries to include Power Apps everywhere.”
• “My best ideas come from the shower.”
• “Rebecca builds every actual recipe to see if it checks out.”
• “Use case scenarios, best practice and stuff like that.”
• “If that helped you in any way, it checks out.”

🧰Mentioned

• Power Apps: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/
• Dataverse: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/data-platform/data-platform-intro
• SharePoint Online: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration
• Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
• Microsoft Power Apps Cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Power-Apps-Cookbook-user-friendly-ebook/dp/B0DHDBLCCM?ref_=ast_author_mpb

👉KeyWords
power apps, canvas apps, model‑driven apps, power platform, azure, dataverse, sharepoint, power bi, copilot, dataflows, microsoft fabric, teams

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

AI adoption is accelerating, but compliance alone won’t protect your business. In this episode, Santosh Kaveti explores practical strategies for managing AI risk, securing data, and scaling responsibly while unlocking new revenue streams.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/771

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to move beyond compliance to build security-first AI systems
• Four stages of AI adoption and where your organisation should be now
• Why data quality and governance are critical for AI success
• How to manage cultural change and workforce fears around AI
• Practical steps to create agents and leverage multi-agent ecosystems

✅ Highlights

• “Compliance is a result of really good security hygiene.”
• “Organisations will lose more by not embracing AI than worrying about what it might do.”
• “Most companies are still illiterate when it comes to wrapping their head around AI risks.”
• “Regulation is not moving as fast as it should. And it won’t.”
• “Security has to be the foundation and basis for everything that happens in the AI world.”
• “Most organisations should be in the low-code, no-code phase by now.”
• “You cannot bolt on security after the fact in AI.”
• “Everybody in every organisation should have created at least one agent for themselves.”
• “AI is not going to work just because you have an AI team deployed.”
• “You have to become AI native and then you have a huge opportunity in front of you.”

🧰 Mentioned

• ProArc – https://www.proarch.com/
• RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) – https://open-rag.ai
• MCP servers – https://www.mcplist.ai
• AIExamine – https://www.proarch.com/services/aixamine
• Mondra – https://www.mondra.com
• Meta Llama – https://ai.meta.com/llama

✅Keywords
ai compliance, security hygiene, data governance, multi-agent systems, low-code platforms, ai risk management, responsible ai, enterprise ai, agentic frameworks, synthetic data, ai adoption, ai literacy

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Alax Cox shares how Microsoft Copilot is reshaping productivity, compliance, and workflow automation for business and tech professionals. Learn practical strategies for maximising ROI, overcoming adoption barriers, and building robust AI governance. This episode delivers actionable insights for leaders and teams integrating AI into daily operations.

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/770

🔑 What you’ll learn

• Evaluate Copilot’s ROI and time-saving potential for your organisation
• Implement a structured Copilot onboarding and training programme
• Address compliance and governance challenges in AI adoption
• Leverage agentic AI for workflow automation and business processes
• Build effective AI governance boards and policies

👉 Highlights

• “Copilot has completely transformed my entire direction as far as my focus around the 365 stack.”
• “Microsoft has a much bigger story to tell. As part of that evangelist for 365, we all now have a better story to tell.”
• “If a person is drawing a salary of 70,000 US dollars a year, they only have to save themselves 54 minutes a month in order to recoup that value.”
• “83% of their people see that it saves them about 29% of their day.”
• “We run a jumpstart programme for Copilot to help organisations keep going with Copilot.”
• “By the time they're done, they're like, that's going to save us so much time just in Teams, maybe just in Outlook, maybe in Excel.”
• “There's a side of Copilot that people don't even realise exists, and that's the whole agentic side of Copilot.”
• “A big question of compliance and governance, which is why I tell clients, you can use ChatGPT, but where does it go from there?”
• “Copilot is about the data. Copilot is not going to access anything that you don't already have access to.”
• “Start off with a pilot group. I always start off with executives that probably have access to everything anyway.”
• “Treat it as if it's an assistant. Give it very detailed instructions when you're working with it.”
• “You can't, you're not going to hurt anything. Just look Copilot, just do it.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• Microsoft 365 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365
• Teams - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app
• SharePoint - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration

✅Keywords
copilot, microsoft 365, ai, productivity, compliance, governance, workflow automation, agentic ai, roi, onboarding, training, purview, teams

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

🔴 For full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/769

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith

In this season finale, Meg and Mark explore how to future-ready your career before layoffs hit. They use Earl Nightingale’s “The Strangest Secret” as a springboard to talk about AI-driven disruption, the illusion of job security, and why side hustles, weak-tie networks, and daily learning matter. Meg shares her 10-minute podcast habit that reignited her career, while Mark unpacks planning A, B, and C, trimming fixed costs, and using StrengthsFinder and structured interview prep to translate your strengths into new opportunities.

👉Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

🎙️What you’ll learn

• Recognise the illusion of job security in an AI dominated world
• Design plan A, B, and C so a layoff does not put you in panic mode
• Start small, sustainable learning habits even when you only have 10 minutes
• Use StrengthsFinder and your strengths language to target better-fit roles
• Prepare interview stories with the SBI method to prove impact with evidence

✅Highlights

• “We become what we think about.”
• “There is a coming risk of us to bury our head in the sand and think that the way we work is going to be there forever.”
• “I honestly believe that there's going to be a scenario where entire companies that have been around for decades are going to disappear.”
• “Maybe you can find 10 minutes to start with. And then you might be able to set the ball rolling.”
• “The first time they were on LinkedIn was because they got laid off.”
• “Out of that becomes the ability to connect you to potentially your next opportunity.”
• “One of them was to look at our personal finances and cut the fat.”
• “For me, trying to figure out how to transfer my or translate my skills, the thing I started with was StrengthsFinder.”

🧰Mentioned

• The Strangest Secret - Earl Nightingale https://amzn.to/3Mb99GM
• 90 Day Mentoring Challenge https://www.90daymc.com/
• StrengthsFinder / CliftonStrengths
• SBI (Situation, Behaviour, Impact)

✅Connect with the hosts

Mark Smith:
Blog https://www.nz365guy.com
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Meg Smith:
Blog https://www.megsmith.nz
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

✅Keywords: ai, layoffs, job security, weak ties, linkedin, strengths finder, cliftonstrengths, digital literacy, side hustles, career resilience, interview prep, networking

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/768

Agentic AI is transforming enterprise technology by moving beyond content generation to autonomous actions. In this episode of Copilot Show, Mehrnoosh Sameki explores the risks, guardrails, and governance frameworks needed to deploy AI agents safely and effectively.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How agentic AI differs from generative AI and why it matters
• Key risks: task misalignment, prohibited actions, sensitive data leakage
• Practical guardrails and evaluation strategies for AI agents
• How to manage agent sprawl with Microsoft Foundry Control Plane
• Why red teaming and observability are critical for AI safety

✅ Highlights

• “Everything that I hear at work is about agentic AI.”
• “Agents don’t just output text or image. They take actions.”
• “Task alignment and staying on task is a huge one.”
• “Sensitive data leakage is more and more important.”
• “Bad actors could overwrite those information with different techniques.”
• “If you don’t know how many agents are out there, huge safety risk.”
• “We released something called Foundry Control Plane.”
• “Each agent gets a unique identity to suspend, quarantine, or stop.”
• “You can set org-wide policies against your agents.”
• “Red teaming is huge for identifying the risks.”
• “Our AI red teaming agent gives you a scorecard of vulnerabilities.”

🧰Mentioned

• Microsoft Foundry Control Plane: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-foundry/control-plane/overview
• Entra: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/microsoft-entra
• Azure AI Foundry: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/ai-foundry
• Pyrit (open-source toolkit): https://github.com/Azure/PyRIT
• AI red teaming agent: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-foundry/concepts/ai-red-teaming-agent
• OpenAI partnership: https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2025/01/21/microsoft-and-openai-evolve-partnership-to-drive-the-next-phase-of-ai
• Credo AI: https://www.credo.ai

✅Keywords
agentic ai, generative ai, responsible ai, guardrails, observability, task misalignment, sensitive data leakage, agent hijacking, foundry control plane, entra, red teaming, ai governance

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

AI is transforming identity security and giving cybercriminals superpowers. This episode explores the rise of deepfakes, social engineering, and why traditional MFA and recovery flows fail. Learn how businesses can protect digital trust and secure remote work in an AI-driven world.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/767

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Why generative AI accelerates identity theft and fraud
• How deepfakes undermine video verification and trust
• The hidden risks in MFA recovery and onboarding flows
• Practical steps to secure help desks and remote workers
• How mobile cryptographic attestation strengthens identity checks

✅ Highlights

• “Cybercrime now rivals the GDP of the world’s largest economies.”
• “Generative AI has given superpowers to bad actors.”
• “Deepfakes make it impossible to trust what’s on a video call.”
• “Half of IT help desk calls are locked-out employees.”
• “Recovery flows for MFA are fundamentally insecure.”
• “North Koreans are applying for remote jobs using live deepfakes.”
• “The camera on your laptop isn’t connected to the TPM chip.”
• “We realised identity verification had to move to mobile.”
• “HubSpot automated account recovery with high-assurance identity checks.”
• “Okta recommends visual verification—but it’s slow and fragile.”
• “Passkeys don’t eliminate passwords or provisioning risk.”
• “AI lets attackers mimic company language and values effortlessly.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Nametag: https://www.nametag.com
• Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com
• Okta: https://www.okta.com
• HubSpot: https://www.hubspot.com
• Azure: https://azure.microsoft.com
• Microsoft Entra ID: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access/microsoft-entra-id
• Cisco Duo: https://duo.com
• Beyond Identity: https://www.beyondidentity.com

✅Keywords
ai security, identity theft, deepfakes, mfa recovery, remote work risk, social engineering, cybercrime growth, mobile attestation, okta, entra id, passkeys, generative ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Practical insights on adopting Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI tools for real business impact. Learn how to identify quick wins, improve productivity, and master prompt engineering for better results.

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/766

🔑 What you’ll learn

• How AI is reshaping workflows and productivity tools
• Practical Copilot use cases for Outlook, Word, Teams, and PowerPoint
• Why adoption programs and training matter for AI success
• Techniques for effective prompt engineering
• How to document processes quickly using Teams and Copilot

👉 Highlights

• "We're seeing a lot more summarization, a lot more drafting."
• "Agentic is coming through with agents and agent-to-agent communication."
• "You don't need to deploy it to everybody."
• "It's really something that you need to have that adoption program in place."
• "Prompt engineering does play a big role in it."
• "How you use Copilot in Word is very different to how you use Copilot in Outlook."
• "My daily one probably starts off in Outlook, summarizing the emails overnight."
• "Create a presentation from a document."
• "Teams transcripts are great."
• "Copilot gives you that structure, that outline, and it's really quick."
• "The design aspect has improved, that's kind of cool."
• "Copilot for M365 is really aimed at the business user."

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft 365 Copilot - https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/copilot
• Grammarly - https://www.grammarly.com
• Cloudflare - https://www.cloudflare.com
• Danielbrown.id.au - https://danielbrown.id.au
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅Keywords
ai adoption, microsoft 365 copilot, outlook productivity, teams transcripts, prompt engineering, power bi, word summarization, powerpoint design, bizchat, azure hosting, process documentation, business workflows

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

🔴 For full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/765

Resilience, wellbeing, and lifelong learning are three levers for thriving in the Intelligence Age. Mark and Meg unpack how to reset after a hard year, design simple habits, and build confidence through practice. They explore personal stories of grief, burnout, and career uncertainty, and show how revisiting trusted books, building AI agents for health, money, and meaning, and turning learning into a weekly rhythm keep skills relevant for 2026 and beyond.

👉Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

🎙️What you’ll learn
How to treat resilience as a repeatable practice, not a fixed trait.
How to design simple habits to reset mindset, health, and wellbeing after a hard season.
How personal AI agents could support health, mental health, finances, and meaning, and where to be cautious.
How to shift from one-off training to a lifelong learning habit that fits your style.
How uniquely human skills like creativity and emotional intelligence grow your confidence in an AI-enabled workplace.

✅Highlights
"Every single one of them requires practice. And I need the mindset of practice to also take my tendency to try and get to perfection."
"How do you bounce back after hard times, after hard things happen?"
"I know I can do hard things because I've done them before."
"There is a sense of burnout and wellbeing is probably not on the forefront."

🧰Mentioned
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance https://amzn.to/3XJIxz5
Man's Search for Meaning https://amzn.to/47VuMDu
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones https://amzn.to/3MhA5EG
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It https://amzn.to/3K5cYN8
Machines of Love and Grace https://www.darioamodei.com/essay/machines-of-loving-grace
Microsoftinnovationpodcast.com https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/

✅Connect with the hosts

Mark Smith: Blog https://www.nz365guy.com, LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Meg Smith: Blog https://www.megsmith.nz, LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

Keywords: resilience, wellbeing, lifelong learning, ai agents, mental health, burnout, habits, meaning, skills, learning practice, teenagers, future skills

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/764

Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) in the Microsoft Power Platform is evolving rapidly, with new tools and automation capabilities making it more accessible—even for non-developers. In this episode, Benedikt Bergmann shares insights from authoring his book on ALM, navigating platform changes, and implementing DevOps pipelines for scalable governance. Learn how to streamline deployments, avoid common pitfalls, and build resilient ALM processes.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Set up automated ALM pipelines using Azure DevOps and GitHub
• Understand the role of ALM in Power Platform governance
• Navigate tooling updates and documentation gaps in Microsoft platforms
• Structure technical content for clarity and consistency
• Manage visual and code elements in professional publishing

✅ Highlights

• “Microsoft has invested a lot of money into improving everything around ALM.”
• “You can't enforce the automated deployment yet, but it is transparent.”
• “We use Azure DevOps pipelines in basically all of our projects.”
• “I had to explain why I don't have anything—because documentation was lacking.”
• “The first half is not very technical, the second half is really technical.”
• “We decided we won’t print YAML files in a book—that’s not going to work.”
• “I had to recreate images to avoid using official Microsoft visuals.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Power Platform - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform
• Azure DevOps - https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/devops/
• Packt Publishing - https://www.packtpub.com/
• Microsoft Documentation - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/docs/
• Microsoft MVP Summit - https://mvp.microsoft.com/MVPsummit
• Power Platform Pipelines Documentation - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/alm/pipelines
• Benedikt's Book: Application Lifecycle Management on Power Platform - https://www.amazon.com/Application-Lifecycle-Management-Microsoft-Platform-ebook/dp/B0DCW2RCTQ?ref_=ast_author_mpb

✅ Keywords
power platform, application lifecycle management, alm, azure devops, github, citizen developers, governance, automation, yaml, publishing, microsoft documentation, pipelines

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/763

Roy Lee shares how AI is reshaping productivity, education, and user interfaces. From redefining cheating to building ambient assistants, this episode explores the future of work, trust, and human creativity in an AI-driven world.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Reframe “cheating” as a productivity strategy in the AI era
• Apply ambient AI tools to meetings and workflows
• Rethink UI design for invisible, context-aware assistants
• Understand Gen Z’s algorithm-native mindset and its impact
• Evaluate output-based education and hiring models

✅ Highlights

• “Cluely is like a glass window that gives you exactly what you need.”
• “We launched Cluely, the cheat-on-everything app.”
• “Cheating will just be normal in tomorrow’s day.”
• “We aim to be polarising and we are indeed pretty polarising.”
• “Gen Z is algorithm-native, not just AI-native.”
• “Legacy media probably has maybe 10 years max.”
• “Human-guided thoughts, AI-generated output.”
• “Tests based on rote memorisation will be obsolete.”
• “Measure by output, not memorisation.”
• “In two years, we’ll have hyper-personal assistants.”
• “I’d rather be middle class now than a king in the 1600s.”
• “Robots will automate 90% of blue-collar jobs.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Cluely - https://cluely.com
• Interview Coder -https://www.interviewcoder.co
• Intercom Finn - https://fin.ai
• Cursor - https://cursor.com
• VO3 - https://vo3.art
• Google Flow - https://labs.google/flow/about

✅Keywords
ai productivity, ambient assistant, gen z tech, algorithm-native, ai ui design, cluely, interview coder, ai in education, output-based learning, ai truth, ai video generation, future of work

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Frederick Anaafi shares his journey from Excel trainer to Microsoft MVP, highlighting how AI - especially Microsoft Copilot - is transforming productivity and career paths in Africa and beyond. He offers practical insights on building AI fluency, driving community-led tech adoption, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

👉 ️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/762

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to build a tech career starting with Excel and Power BI
• Why AI fluency is essential for modern professionals
• Practical ways to adopt Microsoft Copilot without a subscription
• How to lead community-driven tech initiatives
• What it takes to become a Microsoft MVP in emerging markets

✅ Highlights

• “AI is the electricity of our era.”
• “If you don’t learn AI, then yes, you will be left out.”
• “Copilot helps you get results faster and be more efficient.”
• “Before entering the corporate world, you need to know Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.”
• “I failed the Excel Expert exam the first time, but I didn’t give up.”
• “We had close to 200 people attend the first DynamicsCon West Africa.”
• “AI engineering will be the ish—what people should really go into.”
• “Trust in Copilot comes from knowing it’s secure and responsible.”
• “We’re driving Copilot adoption through free virtual training.”
• “In Ghana, we have fewer than 15 MVPs, but we’re growing.”
• “The usefulness of Copilot is there—now we need to build trust.”
• “I see AI transforming every industry we work in.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Excel Expert Certification: learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/exams/mo-211
• Tableau: tableau.com
• Power BI: microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/products/power-bi
• Microsoft Copilot: copilot.microsoft.com
• DynamicsCon West Africa: eventbrite.com/e/dynamicscon-regional-west-africa-tickets-1249579418679
• MCT West Africa Summit: mctwestafrica.com
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series: How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅Keywords
ai fluency, microsoft copilot, power bi, excel expert, tableau, data analysis, mvp programme, tech community, ai adoption, microsoft 365, dynamics 365, west africa tech

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

🔴 For full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/761

Personal leadership with AI means using it as a tailored amplifier, not an overlord. Meg and Mark unpack generational strengths in AI use, from structured Gen X prompts to Gen Z experimentation. They show how to turn books into personalised action plans with AI, build health and financial literacy, and create safe spaces for younger people to sharpen critical thinking. Listeners leave with ways to pair their strengths with AI, design better prompts, and lead on their own terms.

👉Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

🎙️What you’ll learn

• How to use AI with leadership and habits books to create personalised questions, habits, and behaviour changes that fit your life.
• How to combine Kindle and Audible to read faster while staying focused on complex ideas.
• How Gen X, millennial, and Gen Z professionals tend to approach AI differently, and how to borrow strengths from each style.
• How to design prompt pipelines that move from exploration to refinement to final outputs you can put to work.

✅Highlights

• "The world is ending, AI is bad, the planet's burning, like up here and into the like, okay, actually, so what"
• "artificial intelligence will be just another helpful feature on the tech infrastructure that... serve our daily lives"
• "If we're not personally leading in our own lives with artificial intelligence, we are just going to be buffeted and swayed by other people's ideas."

🧰Mentioned

• Neil deGrasse Tyson https://amzn.to/485h2ot
• Seven habits of highly effective people https://amzn.to/49SK2lN
• The four hour work week https://amzn.to/49nMzEp
• Nix https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7z5lDsS6UP/?igsh=MXBzMXk4MDhlYjN6bQ%3D%3D AND https://www.tiktok.com/@cwknix
• Chris Huntingford https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishuntingford/

✅Connect with the hosts

Mark Smith:
Blog https://www.nz365guy.com
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Meg Smith:
Blog https://www.megsmith.nz
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

✅Keywords: personal leadership, ai, gen x, gen z, millennials, prompting, prompt pipelines, financial literacy, health literacy, ai literacy, vibe coding, strengthsfinder

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

AI in HR tech is evolving fast, but not always meaningfully. Emre Ok shares how to separate hype from real innovation, why context matters more than features, and how remote teams can stay connected in a world of AI-generated feedback. This episode explores practical ways leaders can use AI to enhance - not replace - human connection at work.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/760

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to evaluate AI tools for real business impact
• Ways to use AI to improve performance reviews and feedback
• Why context-aware AI agents are the future of HR tech
• How remote teams can build stronger connections
• What leaders should ask before adopting new AI solutions

✅ Highlights

• “Is the tech you're implementing making your employees lonelier?”
• “You might as well just go to ChatGPT on another browser.”
• “We didn’t want to do it just to put a sparkly AI icon on our website.”
• “Performance reviews get such a bad rep, especially when they're an Excel spreadsheet.”
• “If it has context, if it knows your people, that's when it's real.”
• “The talent pool is global now—and that’s both exciting and frightening.”
• “Checking for bias is always an option.”
• “Copilot didn’t live up to the hype—but it’s getting there.”
• “The office just isn’t a necessity anymore.”
• “You don’t want to force it, but you want to encourage it.”
• “The more AI adapts to how people work, the better it gets.”
• “It’s harder to detach from work when your bedroom is also your corner office.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Teams - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app
• TeamFlect - https://teamflect.com/
• Microsoft Copilot - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/for-individuals/
• ChatGPT by OpenAI - https://chatgpt.com/

✅Keywords
ai in hr tech, remote work, performance reviews, microsoft teams, copilot, employee engagement, feedback tools, bias detection, teamflect, chatgpt, hr software, workplace technology

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Tanja Wiehoff shares her journey from musical theatre to Microsoft 365 consulting, revealing how she helps organisations adopt Copilot and build an AI-first mindset. She outlines practical strategies for executive training, change management, and fostering AI fluency across teams.

👉 Full Show notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/759

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to guide organisations through Copilot adoption
• Ways to build an AI mindset across different roles
• Why executive buy-in is critical for AI success
• How to run effective Copilot workshops and labs
• What makes AI fun and engaging for everyday users

✅ Highlights

• “You have to build up an AI mindset with all the employees.”
• “Executives have to be a role model when it comes to AI usage.”
• “It doesn’t make any sense to train them and then leave them alone.”
• “Copilot isn’t always faster—it’s better quality and more creative.”
• “We enable users before they even get a Copilot licence.”
• “It’s not always about ROI—sometimes it’s just better work.”
• “I use Copilot nearly every hour.”
• “You need ongoing training and a knowledge platform.”
• “Fun use cases matter—even if they don’t save money.”
• “There’s no blueprint—it depends on company culture.”
• “Executive sessions must be fast-paced and interactive.”
• “The service agent even suggests when to publish the survey.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365
• Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot
• Viva Connections: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-viva/connections
• Viva Engage: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-viva/engage
• SharePoint Online: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration
• GPT-5 (OpenAI): https://openai.com/gpt-5
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
copilot, ai mindset, microsoft 365, executive training, change management, viva engage, sharepoint online, gpt-5, intranet, service agent, adoption strategy, business transformation

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/758

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith

Ethical AI starts with transparency, accountability, and clear values. Mark and Meg unpack responsible AI principles, why non-deterministic systems still need reliability, and how ‘human in the loop’ and logging keep people accountable. They share a simple way to judge tools: trust, data use, terms that change, and clarity on training. You’ll see how to set personal and organisational boundaries, choose vendors, and schedule reviews as risks evolve. They also consider a public call to pause superintelligence, and argue for critical thinking over fear.

Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

🎙️ What you’ll learn
- Build an ethics checklist around transparency, fairness, reliability, privacy, inclusiveness, and accountability.
- Evaluate tools for training stance, data use, privacy, and changing terms.
- Design human-in-the-loop workflows with unique credentials, logging, and audit trails.
- Set personal and organisational boundaries for acceptable AI use.
- Plan a review cadence to reassess risks, mitigations, and vendor changes.

✅Highlights“we're going to be squarely in the land of robotics very soon.”
“the intelligence age is so much more than just AI it is the age of intelligence”
“if you're an unethical individual, AI is probably going to amplify it.”
“there is no ethical AI without transparency.”
“people should be accountable for AI systems.”

🧰Mentioned
Microsoft Responsible AI principles https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/principles-and-approach#ai-principles
IBM AI course https://www.ibm.com/training/learning-paths
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nz365guy
Roomba https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roomba
Zoom TOS https://termly.io/resources/zoom-terms-of-service-controversy/

Connect with the hosts

Mark Smith:
Blog https://www.nz365guy.com
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Meg Smith:
Blog https://www.megsmith.nz
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

✅Keywords:
responsible ai, ethical decision-making, transparency, accountability, fairness, privacy and security, non-deterministic, human in the loop, audit trail, intra id, superintelligence, terms

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/757

Discover how automation and AI are reshaping enterprise operations through the Microsoft Power Platform. Joe Leo shares real-world use cases, lessons from scaling automation across 10,000+ users, and insights into integrating RPA, Power BI, and AI for smarter business processes.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Build scalable automation using Power Platform tools
• Replace manual checklists with real-time digital workflows
• Use canvas apps to improve data quality and reduce maintenance
• Integrate RPA with model-driven apps for centralised control
• Navigate career shifts and personal branding in a competitive tech market

✅ Highlights

• “Macros were the way to automate work before Power Platform.”
• “We had over 10,000 licenses… scaling to 100,000 users.”
• “Cleaning logs on a clipboard became a canvas app with photo uploads.”
• “200 Excel files emailed weekly—now replaced by a single app.”
• “We deployed to 1,000 users in two weeks during COVID.”
• “We created a model-driven app as a control station for automation.”
• “Instead of inbox triggers, we used canvas apps to cleanse data.”
• “Maintenance is the hidden cost—bots went offline mid-process.”
• “Power apps are agile—changes deployed during a single call.”
• “LinkedIn job posts get 100+ applicants in 15 minutes.”
• “You’ve got to articulate your brand in a few minutes.”
• “You can’t just build, deploy and forget—maintenance is ongoing.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Power Platform - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform
• UI Path - https://www.uipath.com/
• Excel Macros - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/quick-start-create-a-macro-741130ca-080d-49f5-9471-1e5fb3d581a8
• Canvas Apps - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/canvas-apps/

✅ Keywords
automation, power platform, canvas apps, model-driven apps, power automate, rpa, ai integration, business process, power bi, data quality, career branding, enterprise tech

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/756

AI is transforming how businesses use data, but most are still stuck with outdated models. In this episode, Brian Perks shares how to unlock high-impact insights by shifting from fragmented data to identity-driven ecosystems. Learn how to optimise your ideal customer profile, reduce waste, and build scalable, AI-powered sales strategies.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to eliminate low-value data and focus on high-conversion targets
• Why identity-based data is critical for fraud prevention and sales activation
• How to optimise your ICP for repeatable, scalable growth
• What LinkedIn advertising gets wrong—and how to fix it
• How startups can access enterprise-grade data tools

✅ Highlights

• “We are making the data available to the platform in its entirety.”
• “You only want the sales, the marketers, the people that are going to buy your products.”
• “Companies using 5x5 data have customers that essentially stay forever.”
• “AI cannot spontaneously generate your email address or mobile number.”
• “We act as the barometer to let you into the room and see the digital universe.”
• “LinkedIn has been your professional resume. It is not Facebook for business.”
• “Most companies don’t run the kind of analytic to understand their soft costs.”
• “IP-based ABM marketing hits every device on that IP—you’re paying for all of them.”
• “Small companies no longer have to be in the data business first to build data-enabled products.”
• “AI models still depend on human journalistic research.”
• “Publishers are getting scraped 1000 times per visitor under fair use.”
• “We’re going to need AI shepherds to verify and validate output.”

🧰 Mentioned

• LinkedIn Sales Navigator: https://business.linkedin.com/sales-solutions/sales-navigator
• CloudFlare - https://www.cloudflare.com
• Claude - https://claude.ai
• Xandr (Microsoft Advertising): https://www.xandr.com

✅Keywords
ai sales, identity data, fraud prevention, data licensing, linkedin advertising, b2b marketing, ideal customer profile, sales activation, publishing models, audience extension, data utility, generative ai

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

Amanda Sterner shares practical insights on how Microsoft Loop and Copilot are reshaping collaboration, productivity, and digital adoption. From overcoming tool resistance to driving change through Champions programs, this episode offers actionable strategies for tech professionals navigating modern workplace transformation.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/755

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How Loop enhances personal and collaborative workflows
• Ways Copilot unlocks value in underused Microsoft 365 apps
• Why fast, iterative cloud innovation beats slow release cycles
• How to build effective Champions programs for tech adoption
• What blocks Copilot adoption—and how to overcome it

✅ Highlights

• “Loop came. It looks beautiful. I was hooked immediately.”
• “I want to be able to use it when I don’t have Wi-Fi.”
• “Copilot can help us in apps we’re not used to working with.”
• “I hate Excel. But now I’m a very average user of Excel.”
• “Copilot fixes it for me, or at least points me in a direction.”
• “Copilot makes so ugly things.”
• “Champions is the most flexible, price-worthy way of driving change.”
• “You don’t need lurkers. You need people who want to be champions.”
• “Change doesn’t magically happen by itself.”
• “It’s not just saving your files in the cloud—it’s how you work.”
• “If people don’t want to put the time on it, remove their licence.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Loop - Microsoft Loop: Collaborative App | Microsoft 365
• Microsoft Copilot - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot
• Microsoft 365 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series: How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
copilot, loop, microsoft 365, champions program, productivity, collaboration, excel, powerpoint, cloud, digital adoption, employee experience, ai tools

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/754

How to use AI to structure thinking, surface blind spots, and move through complex problems. Meg and Mark show practical patterns: building mental models, running thinking-hat challenges to cut confirmation bias, using AI as a thought partner, debugging code and page issues, automating inbox and workflows, role-playing hard conversations, and rapid research. They share personal wins from branding decisions to rescuing a bee swarm. The episode closes by flagging next week’s focus on ethical decision making and safety.

Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Use AI to build and test mental models that expose blind spots.
• Run thinking-hat challenges to counter confirmation bias.
• Treat AI as a thought partner to frame better questions and choices.
• Diagnose code and page layout issues fast, then move to fixes.
• Design inbox and workflow automations with Copilot and Power Automate.

✅Highlights

• “How can we use AI to help us solve problems.”
• “AI is not gonna take our jobs, but greedy capitalist will.”
• “We are living in this world that is trying to polarize us all the time.”
• “I like the concept of mental models.”
• “I’m going to ask my dumbest question.”
• “I’m waking up and within three minutes of inbox, it’s empty again.”
• “I’ve got AI. I don’t need to call anybody.”

🧰Mentioned

• Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Thinking_Hats
• Zenler https://www.newzenler.com/invite/aeLVdH
• Recipetineats https://www.recipetineats.com/

Connect with the hosts

Mark Smith:
Blog https://www.nz365guy.com
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Meg Smith:
Blog https://www.megsmith.nz
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz

Support the show

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

✅Keywords:
ai, mental models, problem solving, strategic thinking, copilot, power automate, code reviewing, confirmation bias, six thinking hats, ethical decision making, chatgpt, beekeeping

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/753

AI adoption starts with data readiness. Yatindra Ranpura shares a practical framework for deploying Copilot successfully, including how to clean legacy systems, measure adoption, and align with regulations like GDPR and the EU AI Act. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and build a resilient, scalable AI strategy.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to prepare your data for Copilot and AI tools
• A 3-step framework for successful AI adoption
• Ways to identify and remove ROT (redundant, obsolete, trivial) data
• How to align AI rollouts with GDPR and the EU AI Act
• Techniques for measuring sentiment and adoption across teams

✅ Highlights

• “Data quality is a super important topic.”
• “Establishing the correct guardrails of any Copilot release is fundamental.”
• “If you don’t need it, you should get rid of it.”
• “ROT data means you can really focus on what is the key thing.”
• “We discovered the most popular file was the restaurant menu.”
• “You want to get something done rapidly, but pull in the right parts of the business.”
• “GDPR and the EU AI Act are super important.”
• “You can measure sentiment without needing a formal survey.”
• “We realised there were three copies of the same information going around.”
• “Some organisations aren’t even prepared.”
• “You’ve got to make sure you’ve packed properly.”
• “We help restructure and break down huge icebergs into smaller ones.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot - Enjoy an AI Assistant Anywhere with Copilot for PC, Mac, Mobile, and More | Microsoft Copilot
• Office 365 - Microsoft 365 - Subscription for Productivity Apps | Microsoft 365
• SharePoint - Safely Collaborate and Share Content | Microsoft SharePoint

✅Keywords
copilot, ai adoption, data quality, office 365, sharepoint, gdpr, eu ai act, rot data, sentiment analysis, power platform, data governance, legacy systems

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/752

Jared Matfess shares his journey from aerospace to Microsoft MVP, navigating burnout, rediscovering purpose, and diving deep into Microsoft Copilot Studio. With a passion for simplifying complex tech, Jared explains how he helps professionals understand and apply AI tools in real-world enterprise settings.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to simplify complex AI tools for business users
• Lessons from implementing SharePoint under strict compliance
• Strategies for recovering from professional burnout
• How to approach writing and publishing a tech book
• Practical use cases for Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Studio

✅ Highlights

• “I found myself having to become a pseudo data security expert really fast.”
• “Anybody can share their story.”
• “It felt so good helping other people that I kind of got like that little high.”
• “I hit the wall hard. I had a hard time getting out of bed.”
• “Copilot to me was actually a huge catalyst for that.”
• “They're literally attacking us with Copilots.”
• “How do you keep up with the Copilots?”
• “I like to say I’m a Jared of all trades.”
• “I wrote chapter 14 with having no Copilot Studio experience.”
• “Microsoft pushed an update, broke everything.”
• “It was a fun and stressful time being a solo author on an ever-changing book.”
• “The village kind of lifted me up, which was a pretty cool feeling.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• Microsoft Copilot Studio - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio/
• M365 Copilot at Work (Book on Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-365-Copilot-At-Work/dp/1394258372
• Sharepoint 2010 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/previous-versions/microsoft-sharepoint-2010
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
microsoft copilot, copilot studio, sharepoint, ai skills, burnout recovery, enterprise tech, mvp program, data security, power automate, crm integration, tech storytelling, book writing

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

👉Full Show notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/751

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith

Humans need sharper collaboration and delegation to work with AI agents as digital labour. The episode maps how to brief agents with clear goals, definition of done, checkpoints, and feedback loops, and when to keep humans in the loop by risk. Expect interfaces like Microsoft Teams surfacing agent actions while BPM and process mining reshape workflows. The hosts weigh responsibility, repeatability, and trust, noting variability in large language models and law such as the EU AI Act. Practical exercises and consumer examples show how to build these skills now.

Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Define goals, constraints, and a clear definition of done for agent tasks.
• Set feedback loops, checkpoints, and timeframes to prevent rework.
• Calibrate human-in-the-loop oversight by risk tier and impact.
• Use BPM and process mining to prepare and optimise workflows for agents.
• Practise explicit, testable instructions to improve delegation and collaboration.

✅Highlights

• “what are the human skills that we need to learn to work with AI better.”
• “software-based labor that partners with humans on specific processes.”
• “We can't be future-proofed anymore. The best we can hope for is future ready.”
• “delegation being an important skill for people who are going to be working with and instructing agents to do tasks.”
• “I think that the human to human collaboration is going to be such an important part.”
• “What does the definition of done look like?”
• “Parkinson's Law states that you will stretch out the completion of your task until they fill the time available to complete them.”
• “how should responsibility be managed when these agents make mistakes?”
• “communication happens at the listener's ear, not at the speaker's mouth.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Business Process Management (BPM) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_process_management
• Bon Appétit YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbpMy0Fg74eXXkvxJrtEn3w
• Lisa Crosbie YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/lisacrosbie
• Parkinson's Law https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinson%27s_law
• The Four Hour Work Week https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_4-Hour_Workweek

Connect with the hosts

Mark Smith:
Blog https://www.nz365guy.com
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Meg Smith:
Blog https://www.megsmith.nz
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/750

Andrew Wingate shares practical insights on building applied AI capability, managing change, and leveraging the Microsoft Power Platform, especially Business Central, for scalable, efficient business solutions. From blogging and video editing to ISV ecosystems and AI agents, this episode is packed with real-world strategies for tech professionals.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Use AI to accelerate research, writing, and data analysis
• Build scalable content workflows with tools like Clipchamp and CapCut
• Evaluate and integrate ISV solutions for Business Central
• Apply change management strategies in tech projects
• Optimise cloud storage and backup for business continuity

✅ Highlights

• “I use AI every day to start, support, or finish tasks.”
• “Clipchamp lets me edit fast with templates and assets.”
• “CapCut created a polished video in 30 seconds.”
• “Business Central has nearly 7,000 apps on AppSource.”
• “Successful ISVs make partners look good.”
• “You’ve got to build trust—honesty is essential.”
• “I’ve Googled a problem and found my own blog post.”
• “AI helps me find market share data and visualise it.”
• “The real go-live should be boring—everything’s tested.”
• “If it’s not backed up in two places, it doesn’t exist.”
• “I use Audible on walks to recharge and learn.”
• “AI is starting to influence how I speak in real life.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft AppSource (Business Central apps): appsource.microsoft.com
• Clipchamp (Microsoft video editor): clipchamp.com
• CapCut (AI-powered video editor): capcut.com
• Synology NAS (cloud storage solutions): synology.com

✅ Keywords
ai productivity, business central, microsoft power platform, isv ecosystem, clipchamp, capcut, automation tools, copilot studio, appsource, change management, synology nas, oneDrive

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/749

Founder Colin McIntosh shares how he built a consumer brand from scratch and launched a free AI-powered resume builder helping thousands navigate a shifting job market. This episode explores the future of work, the rise of solopreneurs, and how AI is reshaping hiring, branding, and business strategy.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Use AI to optimise resumes and improve job search outcomes
• Build a brand identity map to guide consistent messaging
• Navigate AI-driven hiring systems with human-first strategies
• Scale impressions and conversions in consumer marketing
• Prepare for a solopreneur future with AI as leverage

✅ Highlights

• “I give it away for free to anyone who can't afford it.”
• “AI won’t take your job, but a capitalist will.”
• “I realised I’m building a company for people like me.”
• “We sold $300,000 of pre-orders before shipping a single unit.”
• “You can’t fake a different brand voice.”
• “I used to pay $250,000 a year for customer care. Now it’s $26,000.”
• “People are stuck in stasis—six, nine, 12-month job searches.”
• “300,000 government workers laid off with no warning.”
• “Capital can now unlock creativity, scale, and product development.”
• “I created landing pages that spoke in the voice of the podcast.”
• “My free resume template’s been used a few million times.”
• “I think it’ll be a golden era for solopreneurs.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Sheets and Giggles - https://sheetsgiggles.com/en-ca
• Sheets Resume - https://sheetsresume.com/
• Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/
• Techstars - https://www.techstars.com/

✅Keywords
ai resume builder, tech layoffs, solopreneur, brand identity, consumer marketing, job search, sustainable business, lyocell sheets, recruiting tools, impressions strategy, resume optimization, startup growth

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/748

Joy Apple shares practical insights on Copilot adoption, governance, and information architecture. She explains how foundational data practices directly impact AI effectiveness, and why adoption must be intentional to succeed. A warm, expert conversation on making AI work in real-world business environments.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to structure information for effective Copilot use
• Why governance is critical for successful AI adoption
• The risks of oversharing and undersharing in data environments
• How metadata improves findability and automation
• Why IT-business relationships shape technology success

✅ Highlights

• “It’s governance rebranded.”
• “The M365 world is built to be flat- that’s where all the goodness happens.”
• “Copilot was like, sorry about you, no.”
• “You only get one chance to make a good first impression.”
• “Under sharing means I’m not getting all the data I need.”
• “Productivity means less friction for the employee.”
• “I never met a data I didn’t like.”
• “Copilot will catch up.”
• “Thank you Microsoft for including SharePoint Advanced Management with the Copilot license.”
• “Adoption means the needs of my employees are being met.”
• “Brenda is amazing at Excel - it’s not her job to be a Microsoft 365 expert.”
• “The relationship between IT and the business is critical.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Viva Suite: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-viva
• Viva Learn: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-viva/learning
• Purview: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/microsoft-purview
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series: How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords
copilot, governance, sharepoint, metadata, microsoft 365, adoption, information architecture, purview, teams, viva, oversharing, productivity

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

🔴 For full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/747

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith

Personal automation that works now. Real examples beat agent hype: observe tasks, optimise setup, and automate recurring work. Scheduling with ICS, daily briefs, shopping lists, and one-off searches show clear time savings and control.

Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Spot hype and choose automations that save setup time.
• Use observation and RPA-style recording to find repeatable tasks.
• Build simple, personal apps for health and routines.
• Auto-schedule learning, news, and entertainment with ICS and prompts.
• Aggregate niche purchases and compare options without bias.

✅Highlights

• "we're in agent slop land"
• "they require me to do a whole bunch of work to save myself a whole bunch of time."
• "It should save me time and that's the time to set it up as well."
• "an alongside helper that's always looking at how it can make my life more friction free"
• "that requires you to give over a lot of control"
• "I built an app that allows me to carry out my fasting"
• "AI is going to allow people to build the TikTok themselves"
• "created ICS files for three to four sessions a week"

🧰 Mentioned

• Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
• Signal https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signal_Foundation
• Meredith Whitaker https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meredith_Whittaker
• Rebel Finance School https://rebeldonegans.com/finance/rfs/
• Kimi https://www.kimi.com/en/

👉 Connect with the hosts

Mark Smith:
Blog: https://www.nz365guy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Meg Smith:
Blog: https://www.megsmith.nz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

✅Keywords:
personal automation, agents, rpa, observation, fasting app, kimi, gemini, ics files, camper van search, news brief, scheduling, privacy, perplexity, whatsapp

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/746

Microsoft’s Brian Shaw shares how AI and Microsoft 365 Copilot are transforming the way professionals work. From unlocking hidden features in familiar tools to managing digital agents, this episode explores how to scale productivity, delegate effectively, and build applied AI capability across your organisation.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to unlock 100% of Microsoft 365’s features using Copilot
• Ways to integrate AI agents into daily workflows
• How to delegate effectively to digital workers
• Strategies to drive Copilot adoption beyond first impressions
• Practical use cases for Copilot in Excel, Word, Forms, and Whiteboard

✅ Highlights

• “Copilot can use 100% of the features if it needs to do something.”
• “We put Copilot where you do work.”
• “You click a button, you get a result — no prompt needed.”
• “The M365 Copilot chat is the Copilot to rule them all.”
• “Researcher and Analyst are like having two new team members.”
• “I’ve got a data scientist working for me now.”
• “I didn’t know Copilot could do that — I didn’t know Excel could do that.”
• “The Copilot you’re using today is the dumbest you’ll ever use.”
• “You’ll be managing a digital workforce.”
• “Use it for a few weeks and you’ll see how it saves you time.”
• “Copilot is doing things we used to do manually.”
• “People who don’t embrace it are the ones saying AI is taking their job.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft 365 Copilot - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot
• Microsoft Graph - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/overview
• Microsoft Forms - https://forms.office.com
• Microsoft Whiteboard - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/microsoft-whiteboard/online-whiteboard
• Outlook with Copilot - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-life-hacks/everyday-ai/how-to-use-copilot-in-outlook
• Excel with Copilot - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/get-started-with-copilot-in-excel-d7110502-0334-4b4f-a175-a73abdfc118a

✅Keywords
microsoft 365, copilot, ai agents, digital workforce, productivity, outlook, excel, word, whiteboard, researcher, analyst, microsoft graph

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

AI is transforming business processes, but without strong foundations, organisations risk failure. In this first episode of AI Unfiltered Show, BJ Biernatowski and Jim Sinur explore how process modelling, business architecture, and digital transformation frameworks can guide responsible AI adoption. Learn how to build scalable, trustworthy systems that deliver real value.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/745

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Apply process modelling to guide AI implementation
• Distinguish workflows from broader business processes
• Use BPM to validate and supervise AI decisions
• Align transformation efforts across business units
• Build foundational pillars for successful DTX initiatives

👉 The Packt product - https://packt.link/zAMCU

• 15% discount on print - use code 'NZ365BPMP'
• 25% discount on eBook - use code 'NZ365BPME'

✅ Highlights

• “AI needs adult supervision.”
• “Process modelling is exceptionally good at understanding the customer journey.”
• “The triple crown of process is increased revenue, decreased cost, and happy customers.”
• “You’re going to start going fast—and if the culture isn’t ready, you’ll hit a curb.”
• “Process is a lot about action.”
• “How do you know your AI agents are doing what they’re supposed to?”
• “Situational analysis used to take months—now it’s done in under an hour.”
• “The metaphor of a business process doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone.”
• “Throwing in BPM, Lean Six Sigma, and AI is a lot for people to absorb.”
• “Use savings from automation to invest in innovation.”
• “Microsoft went faster than any company I’ve seen.”
• “You need stability before you scale transformation.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft - https://www.microsoft.com
• Gartner - https://www.gartner.com/en
• Copilot - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot
• Process Advisor - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-automate/process-advisor-overview
• Lean Six Sigma - https://www.learnleansigma.com/guides/fundamentals-of-lean-six-sigma
• The Packt product - https://packt.link/zAMCU
  15% discount on print - use code 'NZ365BPMP'
  25% discount on eBook - use code 'NZ365BPME'

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/744

David Fortin shares his journey from CPA to LinkedIn Learning instructor and Microsoft MVP, offering practical insights into creating professional learning content and mastering Microsoft 365 Copilot. Learn how to prompt effectively, stay current with AI tools, and apply Copilot in real-world business scenarios.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to design and deliver a LinkedIn Learning course from concept to studio
• Practical Excel tips for professionals, drawn from 10 years of experience
• How to use Microsoft 365 Copilot for productivity across Teams, OneNote, and To Do
• Why prompt engineering is essential for effective AI use
• Strategies to stay current with fast-evolving AI tools and features

✅ Highlights

• “I packaged my best Excel tips from 10 years into an hour and 15 minutes.”
• “You hit record and it shows ‘recording’ in red at the top.”
• “I teach busy professionals how to make the most out of Microsoft 365 Copilot.”
• “It’s a machine to forecast the next word.”
• “I always ask—who are we helping and how?”
• “I comment on everyone personally—LinkedIn even blocked me once for typing too fast.”
• “You need to refill AI courses every time—three times now.”
• “Use it every day. You’ll get better by using it.”
• “I scroll Instagram and read the AI report newsletter daily.”
• “I show people how to build an agent to be more productive.”
• “If you say ‘help me’ instead of ‘do this,’ it’ll do two completely different things.”

🧰 Mentioned

• LinkedIn Learning - Excel Quick Tips - https://courses.davidpba.com/
• Microsoft To Do - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/microsoft-to-do-list-app
• AI Report newsletter - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/microsoft-to-do-list-app
• ChatGPT - https://openai.com/index/introducing-gpt-5/
• ChatGPT Tricks - https://techpp.com/2025/08/21/chatgpt-for-instagram-growth/
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅Keywords
linkedin learning, microsoft 365 copilot, excel tips, prompt engineering, ai productivity, gpt-5, chatgpt, onenote, teams, microsoft to do, training, content creation

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

🔴 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/743

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith

Creativity is not replaced by AI. It is amplified. Meg and Mark unpack how AI frees time, widens ideas, and supports practice. They argue for redefining wealth as time to create, building human-AI teams, and using tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Claude to move from blank page to applied output. They ground it in gardening, branding, writing, and “vibe coding,” and echo Neil deGrasse Tyson’s call to out-create the machine.

Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

🎙️ What you’ll learn
Reframe “will AI take jobs?” into “how will I create more value?”
Build daily creative habits that AI accelerates, not replaces.
Turn fuzzy ideas into drafts, designs, and prototypes fast.
Use “vibe coding” to ship simple sites without a CMS.
Work as human-AI teams that respect customer needs and mana.

✅Highlights
“Everything is gonna change.”
“It’s going to allow us to step into a level of creativity like we’ve never known”
“What are we going to do with all this free time”
“Why don’t I bring the creativity forward into my day now”
“Can we create in a different way?”
“I think we will enter an era where creativity will be the golden age.”

🧰 Mentioned
Nyssa Waters https://www.linkedin.com/in/nyssawaters/
Possible AI https://www.possibl.ai/
PAX 8 https://www.pax8.com/
Neil deGrasse Tyson https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-degrasse-tyson-680a35357/

Connect with the hosts

Mark Smith:
Blog: https://www.nz365guy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Meg Smith:
Blog: https://www.megsmith.nz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

✅ Keywords:
ai, creativity, human ai teams, vibe coding, chatgpt, copilot, claude, mid journey, vs code, azure, te ao māori, mana

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/742

Michael De Abreu shares his journey from IT infrastructure to building enterprise-grade solutions on the Microsoft Power Platform. He discusses the evolution of his consulting firm, Third Floor Solutions, and dives into large-scale implementations, including a 65,000-user deployment for a Canadian bank. The episode explores practical frameworks, offline capabilities, and the transformative potential of Copilot in form design.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to architect scalable Power Platform solutions for enterprise use
• Ways to rethink form design using Copilot and dynamic logic
• Strategies for building reusable frameworks with Dataverse
• Approaches to offline capability in Canvas and Model-driven apps
• How to position yourself with FastTrack credentials and PL-600 certification

✅ Highlights

• “I got addicted to the Power Platform… building so many apps.”
• “We went from no Power Apps to close to 70 apps in 8–9 months.”
• “We built a reusable framework that runs 350 forms off 4 tables.”
• “Offline capability was key - we saved collections locally to the device.”
• “FastTrack helps credential yourself and shows real enterprise experience.”
• “We built a mining app for underground drill logging with offline sync.”
• “Copilot can prompt users with missing info and SME knowledge.”
• “I hate seeing a gallery trying to look like a table - grids are essential.”
• “Plugins are powerful - many forget they run even on imported data.”
• “We’re transferring problems from PDFs to Power Apps without rethinking.”
• “Copilot is more than a chatbot - it can perform tasks and visualise data.”
• “The biggest thing is building so users can maintain without white-glove support.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Power Platform - https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/power-platform/
• FastTrack for Power Platform - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/guidance/fasttrack/overview
• Dataverse - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/data-platform/data-platform-intro
• Power Apps - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/

✅Keywords
power platform, canvas apps, dataverse, fasttrack, copilot, offline capability, enterprise architecture, reusable frameworks, fusion developer, model-driven apps, PL-600, form design

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/741

Josefin Stenmark shares her journey from adult education to becoming a Copilot expert, helping organisations embrace AI through practical tools, change management, and prompt engineering. Her insights reveal how crafting, collaboration, and culture shape successful AI adoption. practical strategies to make technology work for people—not the other way around.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to run effective prompt-a-thons for departmental AI adoption
• Ways to reduce AI-related fear through education and transparency
• Practical uses of Copilot for meeting recaps and daily workflows
• The difference between training and change management in digital transformation
• How to build personalised AI agents aligned with organisational needs

✅ Highlights

• “You need to wind down.”
• “We are still in charge of it. We as people.”
• “You are still the expert in your field.”
• “We start to craft scenarios.”
• “They learn how to craft these more powerful prompts.”
• “It’s not that everybody shares with their colleagues.”
• “We build a lot of simple agents and more advanced agents.”
• “We have to do more about agents.”
• “I think I can call myself a Copilot expert.”
• “It’s not the scary person who will replace me.”
• “You get the opportunity to learn together with your colleagues.”
• “It’s a really great way to dive into their organisation and their needs.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot
• Copilot Studio: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/microsoft-copilot-studio Microsoft Power Platform: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform
• West Swedish Chamber of Commerce: https://www.handelskammaren.net
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series: How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords

copilot, ai agents, microsoft 365, change management, prompt engineering, power platform, copilot studio, power automate, digital transformation, organisational culture, prompt-a-thon, hybrid work

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith

🔴 For full Show Notes: https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/740

Communication and storytelling turn information into meaning. The episode shows how to frame data as a clear message, tailor to specific audiences, interrupt fear-driven narratives, and use concise stories and quotes to create action. It covers a practical “find the story” prompt, the role of humanities, decision frameworks for tech use, and a simple champions model for scaling change. It closes with community invites and a learning series.

Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

🎙️ What you’ll learn
- Extract a single, audience-ready message from messy data.
- Tailor the same insight for executives, managers, and interns.
- Detect and interrupt fear cycles in media and feeds.
- Use sticky story structures and quotes to drive recall.
- Build champions with simple, memorable selection criteria.

✅Highlights
“What is the single most important story that emerges from this data?”
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
“Play the ball, not the player.”
“I'm getting rid of apps off my phone.”
“Be really intentional and engaged about how you're using technology.”
“Do you think that people are generally doing the best they can with what they have?”

🧰 Mentioned
Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption
SLB (Schlumberger) https://www.slb.com/
Made to Stick (Chip and Dan Heath)https://amzn.to/42q3fqA
Lost Heart Found (book)https://amzn.to/4pRAH3r

Connect with the hosts

Mark Smith:
Blog: https://www.nz365guy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Meg Smith:
Blog: https://www.megsmith.nz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

Keywords: communication, storytelling, ai, google, mission, yoda, fear, champions program, power platform, whatsapp, meta, linkedin

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/739

AI is reshaping enterprise tech, but success depends on more than tools, it requires clear use cases, strategic adoption, and continuous learning. Tina Van Heerden and Tomas Gold share hard-won insights from Microsoft’s internal AI programs and customer engagements, revealing what drives real transformation and what stalls it.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to move AI projects from pilot to production
• Why clear use cases drive adoption and ROI
• How to experiment with AI tools to boost productivity
• What roles AI won’t replace and how to lean into them
• How to build personal workflows with agents and automation

✅ Highlights:

• “A magic wand is just a stick if you don’t have a good spell.”
• “Your biggest competitor is someone better at using AI.”
• “Keeping up with change is now a core part of everyone’s job.”
• “We realised it’s not an AI problem, it’s a Power Automate solution.”
• “AI is very good at specific tasks, but not at trust or ethics.”
• “The number one lesson: identify the value of your use case.”
• “Experimenting with AI teaches you what not to automate.”
• “We interviewed architects after 1000 customer conversations.”
• “AI doesn’t care if it hurts you, it gives honest feedback.”
• “The most adaptable to change will be the winners.”
• “Speaking to Copilot instead of typing changed my workflow.”
• “Customers get stuck in pilot land due to lack of planning.”

🧰 Mentioned:

• Adoption and dragons: The Alchemy of AI Adoption - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/adoption-dragons-alchemy-ai-tina-van-heerden-h4xue?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via
• Microsoft Copilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• Power Automate - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/products/power-automate/

✅ Keywords:
copilot, ai adoption, power platform, automation, business process, microsoft, agents, experimentation, productivity, governance, enterprise tech, change management

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/738

Kevin McDonnell, Director of Modern Workplace at Avanade, shares practical insights from the frontlines of AI adoption in enterprise environments. From building habits around Copilot to leveraging agents and notebooks for real productivity gains, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for tech professionals driving applied AI.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Build lasting habits for Copilot adoption across teams
• Use Copilot Notebooks to centralise and query project knowledge
• Apply researcher agents for deep context handovers and task tracking
• Improve document quality with Copilot’s QA and formatting tools
• Drive change through value measurement and targeted training

✅ Highlights

• “Companies were paying to be on the preview for Copilot.”
• “You have that initial excitement… if you don’t build the habit, that will tail off.”
• “We’ve seen between 45 minutes and an hour a day of time saving.”
• “People are reinvesting that time into quality.”
• “I use Copilot to rewrite it, then spend longer on the real minutiae.”
• “The researcher agent gave me a list of tasks I need to hand over.”
• “Whiteboard can group ideas into common themes in minutes.”
• “Copilot Notebooks let me store chats and documents in one place.”
• “I can ask questions grounded on that notebook’s content.”
• “Before meetings, I get an audio summary to refresh key points.”
• “Measure what matters by John Doerr—absolutely fantastic.”
• “If you bury your head in the sand, you’re going to be left behind.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
• Home Assistant – https://www.home-assistant.io
• Measure What Matters by John Doerr – https://www.whatmatters.com
• Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

✅ Keywords

copilot, microsoft 365, avanade, ai adoption, researcher agent, copilot notebooks, whiteboard, viva topics, productivity, document qa, home assistant, inkbird

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith👉For full Show Notes: https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/737

A practical conversation on critical thinking in a noisy news cycle. The hosts unpack bias, truth detection, and source triangulation, then show how to set personal inputs, tune ad preferences, and use AI as a questioning coach. You get simple checks for risk, bias, and truth, plus resources to build daily habits that protect focus and decision quality.

Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• Apply a low, medium, high risk check before trusting information
• Use source triangulation for travel, policy, and high-impact decisions
• Reduce algorithmic pull by auditing and adjusting ad interests
• Spot common biases and set prompts that challenge your view
• Build a daily news routine that filters noise and highlights impact

✅ Highlights

• “It’s really important… identifying and understanding how we measure or apply critical thinking.”
• “Who wants me to believe this? … Why do they want me to believe this?”
• “Control and even limit what you consume.”
• “Decide, is this a low, medium or high risk of me getting this wrong.”
• “We need to develop our truth sense.”
• “Act as my critical thinking coach… challenge my thinking one question at a time.”
• “Go one step further and ask it to explain it.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Nexus (book) https://amzn.to/3Ks2ffq
• Blink (book) https://amzn.to/3VZFr9z
• TED Talks by Hans and Ola Rosling https://youtu.be/Sm5xF-UYgdg?si=CPEOyZ_lzzwJI3dX
• Jacinda Ardern Video https://youtu.be/xJg1McSvgo8?si=8RdIG6g2oxA2rDNk

Connect with the hosts

Mark Smith:Blog: https://www.nz365guy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Meg Smith:Blog: https://www.megsmith.nz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

✅ Keywords:critical thinking, bias, confirmation bias, selective attention, frequency illusion, baader-meinhof, triangulation, truth, amygdala, advertising preferences, perplexity, whatsapp

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/736

Adeline Ee Leow shares her journey from finance to tech, highlighting her deep expertise in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. She discusses the evolution of ERP systems, the strategic role of Business Central in SMBs and large enterprises, and how successful partners leverage innovation and collaboration with Microsoft to win major projects.

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to assess ERP fit for SMBs vs enterprise needs
• Why Business Central is ideal for scalable operations
• How to engage Microsoft’s concierge service to win deals
• What successful partners do to stay competitive
• When to use ISV add-ons to extend Business Central

✅ Highlights

• “I had to learn SQL query language to get all the reports you need out of it.”
• “NAV sat really nicely there… a nice ERP that kicked in to a business that's growing.”
• “Microsoft investing so much in this product, and it's evergreen.”
• “We won it from SAP.”
• “Microsoft does have what we call concierge service.”
• “Business Central is based on per country.”
• “You would not want to buy 20 Business Central solutions in different countries.”
• “When you start getting into complex finance, you will need to add on ISVs.”
• “Successful partners invest in people, technology, and innovation.”
• “Creating AI extensions that enhance Business Central.”
• “Putting it on AppSource and marketing it successfully.”
• “It’s about the people, really.”

🧰 Mentioned

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: https://dynamics.microsoft.com/en-us/business-central/
• Microsoft Copilot & AI Agents: https://copilot.microsoft.com
• AppSource for ISV Extensions: https://appsource.microsoft.com

✅ Keywordsbusiness central, dynamics 365, microsoft, erp, navision, sap, oracle, sql, isv, appsource, concierge service, smb

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/735

What if your next teammate wasn’t human - but an AI agent? In this episode, Stephanie Donahue, Modern Workplace Practice Lead at Avanade, unpacks how AI is reshaping the way we work, lead, and innovate. From the rise of digital coworkers to the resistance from IT and legal teams, Stephanie shares hard-won insights from the front lines of Microsoft 365 Copilot rollouts. Whether you're a tech leader or a curious professional, this conversation will challenge how you think about delegation, governance, and the future of your role.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- AI agents are the new coworkers: Learn how agentic AI is transforming roles, workflows, and expectations across organizations.
- Delegation is evolving: Managing AI requires a shift from output-based tasks to outcome-driven thinking - and new skills in digital delegation.
- IT isn’t the enabler - it’s the blocker: Discover why risk, legal, and IT departments are often the biggest hurdles to AI adoption.
- Shadow AI is already happening: Employees are using public AI tools to get work done, even when official tools are blocked.
- Change enablement is non-negotiable: Successful AI rollouts depend on communities, champions, and continuous learning - not just licenses and training.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft 365 Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Viva Engage – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-viva/engage
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith

🔴 For full Show Notes: https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/734

AI augments, it doesn’t replace. The hosts show how to pair human judgment with practical workflows: Copilot’s Researcher to gather sources, branching chats to explore options, and Markdown for efficient prompting. They debunk “AI makes you dumber” headlines, emphasise critical thinking, and share personal use cases from learning to health. The message is simple: bring your seed idea, use AI to scale it, and validate claims beyond headlines.

Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

🎙️ What you’ll learn
- Use Copilot Researcher to compile internal and external sources fast
- When to branch a chat to explore alternatives without losing context
- Why Markdown outperforms JSON for most prompting tasks
- How to combine personal data and medical advice more intelligently
- Tactics to spot sensational headlines and verify claims

✅ Highlights
“it’s not about AI replacing us”
“bring the seed of our own human intellect”
“we need to have our bullshit radars on all the time”
“Calling Bullshit. And it’s the art of skepticism in a data-driven world.”

🧰 Mentioned
MIT study “Your Brain on Chat GPT”: https://www.media.mit.edu/projects/your-brain-on-chatgpt/overview/
Microsoft Research Podcast: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/podcast/
Book: “Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World” https://callingbullshit.org/

Connect with the hosts

Mark Smith:
Blog: https://www.nz365guy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Meg Smith:
Blog: https://www.megsmith.nz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

Keywords: ai augmentation, critical thinking, markdown, json, microsoft copilot, researcher, branching chats, mit study, calling bullshit, alphafold, whatsapp, intelligence age

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/733

What does it take to move from AI experimentation to enterprise-scale impact? In this episode, Yina Arenas—VP at Microsoft—shares how Azure AI Foundry is helping developers and organizations build, customize, and deploy intelligent agents at scale. From the power of Microsoft Graph to the rise of agentic architectures, Yina reveals the tools, trends, and transformations shaping the future of AI development. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or a curious innovator, this conversation offers a clear roadmap for building AI that delivers real business value.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Microsoft Graph is the backbone of Copilot’s intelligence, enabling deep integration with organizational data across Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and more.
- Azure AI Foundry empowers developers to build agentic systems, offering tools for model customization, observability, and multi-agent orchestration.
- AI is democratizing development, allowing non-traditional coders to create powerful applications without deep technical expertise.
- Enterprise adoption is shifting from prototypes to production, with organizations like BMW, EY, and Providence deploying AI to automate workflows and enhance human capabilities.
- Curiosity is the most critical skill for the AI era, as understanding and leveraging AI tools becomes essential across all professions.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Azure AI Foundry – Platform for building and scaling AI agents: https://ai.azure.com
👉 Microsoft Graph – Unified data model powering Microsoft 365 experiences: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/overview
👉 Copilot Studio – No-code tool for building custom AI agents: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio
👉 Microsoft Fabric – Unified data platform integrating structured and unstructured data: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/732

What happens when AI meets the classroom, the boardroom, and the whiteboard? In this episode, Joshua Jones—Director of Training at Voltage Learning—shares how he’s helping professionals and educators unlock the full potential of Microsoft Copilot across M365. From overlooked features in Loop and Whiteboard to the evolving power of AI-generated files, Joshua offers a front-row seat to the real-world wins, challenges, and transformations happening at the intersection of tech and learning.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Copilot’s evolution: Early adopters faced limitations, but today’s Copilot delivers more reliable results—especially in Excel and Loop.
- Whiteboard + Copilot = Idea Engine: Learn how Copilot can kickstart planning sessions with sticky-note prompts that spark collaboration.
- Loop’s hidden power: Discover how Copilot in Loop streamlines project setup with smart templates and real-time collaboration.
- Microsoft Graph demystified: Understand how Graph powers Copilot’s data access—securely and contextually.
- Why formatting still frustrates: Hear why PowerPoint’s Copilot lags behind and what that reveals about AI’s current limitations.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft Loop – Collaborative workspace with Copilot integration: https://loop.microsoft.com
👉 Microsoft Whiteboard – Digital whiteboard with Copilot support: https://whiteboard.microsoft.com
👉 Microsoft Graph – Data connectivity framework powering Copilot: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/overview
👉 Perchance – AI character generator and storytelling tool: https://perchance.org
👉 Microsoft Designer – AI-powered graphic design tool: https://designer.microsoft.com
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7
👉Joshua's Speaking Engagement: https://namctsummit.com/speakers-1
👉Joshua's GitHub: https://github.com/joshjones-jp

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/731

Most people treat AI like a search box, then complain when the answers feel thin. In this episode, Meg and Mark reframe AI as a conversation you practise on purpose. From a “five prompts a day” habit to stronger Custom Instructions, they show how intention, examples, and pushback turn generic outputs into useful work. You’ll also hear a practical te reo Māori learning story, why the word “should” is a red flag in voice interactions, and a calm way to choose tools without FOMO.

Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

What you’ll learn
- How to build prompting skill through small, daily reps, not one-off hacks.
- How to use conversation structure (goal, audience, examples, iteration) for higher-quality outputs.
- How to set effective Custom Instructions and ask the tool to interview you first.
- How to spot weak guidance in voice mode and push back for evidence.
- How to compare models sensibly and choose depth over distraction.

Highlights
“Five prompts a day is what you should be doing.”
“They don’t come to AI with a ‘let’s have a conversation.’”
“Instead of approaching it like a one-shot conversation or a search, I thought about approaching it as a conversation with a friend.”
“AI is a mirror of who you are.”
“If you’re a lazy prompter, you’ll get lazy answers.”
“Ask me all the questions that you think you need to ask before I’m ready to create that output.”
“The word ‘should’ is what’s important here.”
“It’s very easy to say a tool sucks when you don’t use it.”
“Different tools do different things.”
“It’s still on me to make a decision with the information that I have.”
“I’m going to do one a day.”
“How lucky are we to be able to take that approach?”

Mentioned
ChatGPT Custom Instructions / “Customize GPT”
Microsoft Copilot (Custom Instructions)
Claude (Anthropic)
Gemini (Google; on-device models referenced as “Nano Banana” in the episode)
Grok (xAI)
Toastmasters
ISO standards; ANZ standards (Australia/New Zealand)
“AI: The Mirror and the Tower,” Dr Oliver Hartwich (Aug 2025) https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/opinion/ai-the-mirror-and-the-tower/
kahu.code (te reo Māori learning tools) https://chatgpt.com/g/g-wXVoS6B3c-whakawhiti-reo-kahu-code?model=gpt-4o
Show WhatsApp community (listener Q&A) https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz
Video versions available on Spotify and YouTube

Connect with the hosts
Mark Smith:
Blog: https://www.nz365guy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/730

What happens when low-code platforms promise speed but deliver complexity? In this episode, Dovydas Grigaitis—a seasoned consultant and self-proclaimed Power Platform skeptic—pulls back the curtain on the hidden costs of low-code development. From technical debt to the blurred lines between developers and consultants, Dovydas shares hard-earned lessons and practical insights that challenge conventional wisdom. If you're building with Power Platform or exploring AI-driven automation, this episode will sharpen your perspective and help you build smarter, more scalable solutions.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Low-code isn’t always low-maintenance: Many canvas apps are built without scalable architecture, leading to costly rebuilds and technical debt.
- The developer-consultant hybrid is rising: In low-code environments, technical professionals must also be customer-facing to deliver real value.
- PCF controls unlock serious potential: From keyboard shortcuts to AI-powered OCR, custom controls can bridge gaps in Power Platform’s native capabilities.
- Model-driven apps as backend-as-a-service: With the right setup, developers can build custom React frontends while leveraging Dataverse for security, logic, and hosting.
- Flutter Flow vs. Power Platform: Dovydas highlights how other platforms better support transitions from low-code to pro-code development.

🧰RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 PCF Gallery – A community-driven library of Power Platform component framework controls - https://pcf.gallery
👉 Flutter Flow – A visual app builder with exportable code for pro-code development
- https://flutterflow.io
👉Dataverse – Microsoft’s scalable data platform for model-driven apps - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/data-platform/data-platform-intro

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/729

What happens when curiosity meets courage in the tech world? In this episode, Edit Kapcari shares how she transformed imposter syndrome into innovation—leading solution development at ORBUS and mentoring rising tech talent. From building AI-powered apps at hackathons to fostering internal communities that thrive on experimentation, Edit reveals how being a “sponge” for learning can reshape careers and company culture. If you're navigating the fast-moving world of AI, leadership, or Power Platform, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Hackathons as Launchpads: How Edit used hackathons to validate ideas, build confidence, and drive real business value with AI and Power Platform.
- Mentorship That Moves People: Why creating space for experimentation and failure is essential to growing tech talent.
- Building Learning Cultures: The importance of hiring “sponges” and fostering internal communities that share knowledge weekly.
- Balancing Tech with Mental Health: How Edit integrates meditation, conscious eating, and psychology to lead with empathy and clarity.
- Navigating the AI Landscape: Insights on staying current with AI trends, from generative interfaces to agentic systems, even when it’s not part of your day job.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft's low-code development platform: https://powerplatform.microsoft.com
👉 Tools for integrating AI models: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-automate/custom-connectors
👉Lisa Crosbie’s YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@LisaCrosbie
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith

🎙️ Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/728

Digital fluency isn’t about hoarding tips or binge-watching tutorials. It’s the applied, confident use of tools to achieve outcomes. In this episode, we unpack why “skills over knowledge” matters, how to build a learn-it-all mindset, and what one level deeper looks like in daily work. You’ll hear practical ways to handle change, reduce digital risk, and use AI productively without losing your judgement. Expect clear examples, from identity scams to proposal workflows, and a simple path to turn theory into practice.

Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

What you’ll learn
Digital fluency = applied, confident use of tools; you can’t binge 25 years of skills in a weekend.
Shift from know-it-all to learn-it-all: use curiosity, small daily changes, and personal wins to beat change fatigue.
Trust is the organising principle: adopt a Zero Trust posture, and pressure-test decisions against your values.
Practical AI workflow: research context, constrain scope, write section-specific prompts, export structured outputs, and read aloud to check tone and accuracy.
Cybersecurity hygiene: limit oversharing, enable MFA and passkeys, review platform defaults, and sense-check content with a second pair of eyes.

Highlights
“You can't live life on somebody else's knowledge.”
“We can't binge watch 25 years of digital skills in a weekend.”
“Applied confident use of digital tools.”
“Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.”

Mentioned
Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Graph
“Learn-it-all” mindset (Satya Nadella)
Zero Trust security model
ProSci change management (ADKAR)
Microsoft Teams Administrator certification
Speechify (text-to-speech)
Passkeys and multifactor authentication
Instagram privacy/settings, Facebook data policies
Oura Ring, 23andMe (data and vendor trust considerations)
Dynamics Minds keynote reference (Donna Sarkar)

Connect with the hosts

Mark Smith:
Blog: https://www.nz365guy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Meg Smith:
Blog: https://www.megsmith.nz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz

Support the show

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

Keywords: digital fluency, digital literacy, The Intelligence Age, skills over knowledge, learn-it-all mindset, AI skills, AI productivity, prompt engineering, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot prompts, Zero Trust, cybersecurity hygiene, data privacy, social engineering, identity theft prevention

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/727

What if you could pivot into AI and low-code development—without a technical background or a hefty tuition bill? In this episode, Luis Camino shares how Microsoft’s Power Up program is helping over 120,000 professionals worldwide build real-world AI skills through hands-on, no-cost learning. Whether you're looking to automate workflows, generate insights, or lead digital transformation in your organization, this conversation reveals how Power Up is reshaping the future of work—one cohort at a time.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Power Up is a free, hands-on learning academy designed to help professionals build practical AI and low-code skills, regardless of technical background.
- Applied learning is central—participants work on real projects and can showcase their work to earn badges and recognition.
- Mentorship and community support play a key role in learner success, with live Q&A sessions and volunteer mentors across time zones.
- Enterprise teams are adopting Power Up to upskill employees and drive internal innovation, with tailored onboarding and governance support.
- The curriculum is expanding to include Copilot Studio and conversational AI, with future tracks potentially covering advanced AI topics.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉Sign up: aka.ms/PowerUp/nz365guy
👉 Power Up Program Website: aka.ms/powerup
👉 Microsoft Power Platform: powerplatform.microsoft.com
👉 Copilot Studio: learn.microsoft.com/copilot-studio

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/726

What happens when a company goes all-in on AI at scale? In this episode, Christoffer Besler Hansen shares how Atea rolled out Microsoft 365 Copilot across thousands of employees—and what they learned along the way. From surprising use cases to measurable time savings, Christoffer reveals the real-world impact of generative AI in the workplace, and why user adoption is the true key to transformation.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Copilot saves time fast: Most users report saving 30–40 minutes daily, with 20% saving over an hour.
- Adoption beats access: Licenses alone don’t drive value—structured onboarding and communication are essential.
- Project leaders and consultants benefit most: These roles see major gains in productivity and quality.
- Copilot Research Agent is a game-changer: It dramatically reduces time spent on complex tasks like architectural design and meeting prep.
- Executive buy-in matters: Atea’s C-suite drove early adoption and shifted the mindset from cost to value.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft 365 Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Copilot Research Agent – Part of Microsoft 365 Copilot (no separate URL mentioned)
👉 GitHub Copilot – https://github.com/features/copilot
👉 Cursor IDE – https://www.cursor.so
👉 ChatGPT – https://chat.openai.com
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/725

Feeling behind on AI? You’re not too late. In this kickoff to the AI Advantage Show, Meg and Mark unpack the myth that “everyone is already ahead,” share why only a small group are true power users, and show how to turn fear into curiosity, then into practical skills. You will learn how to use AI as a thought partner, build adaptability in the Intelligence Age, and plug into a community that learns and teaches together, ako-style.

Join the private WhatsApp group for Q&A and community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E0iyXcUVhpl9um7DuKLYEz

What you’ll learn
- Why the “everyone is ahead” idea is a myth, and what the 10 percent power-user cliff really means for you
- How to shift from knowledge to applied skill through iteration, not one-shot prompts
- Ways to use AI as a thought partner so your ideas lead, and the model supports
- How adaptability, curiosity, and practice compound your results over time
- A simple “20 Questions” exercise that keeps outputs in your true voice
- Why community matters for confidence, accountability, and momentum

Highlights

“It is not a ramp, it is a cliff.”

“Skill beats hype. Practice, iterate, and ask better follow-up prompts.”

“AI is becoming an extension of us, like the phone in your pocket.”

“Ako means we learn and teach together.”

Mentioned

Brad Smith, Tools and Weapons: https://amzn.to/45H16sD

Mark’s Tech Trailblazer 2-Minute Tuesday Read: https://pages.nz365guy.com/linkedin

Connect with the hosts

Mark Smith:
Blog: https://www.nz365guy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nz365guy

Meg Smith:
Blog: https://www.megsmith.nz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsmithnz

Support the show

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who wants to be future ready. Drop your questions in the comments or the WhatsApp group, and we may feature them in an upcoming episode.

Keywords: AI skills, generative AI, Copilot, prompting, Intelligence Age, digital fluency, adaptability, productivity, AI thought partner, learning community

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/724

What if your AI adoption strategy could actually stick—and scale? In this episode, Dan Boyles, Head of AI at First AI Group, shares how his team helps businesses move beyond hype to real, measurable impact with Microsoft Copilot. From building prompt libraries to empowering champions, Dan reveals the frameworks and tactics that turn AI from a buzzword into a business advantage. Whether you're leading transformation or just getting started, this conversation is packed with insights to help you drive adoption that lasts.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Adoption must be intentional: Successful AI rollouts start with leadership buy-in, clear goals, and a phased strategy—not just flipping the switch.
- Champion programs drive momentum: Identifying and empowering internal advocates is key to scaling Copilot across departments.
- Prompt engineering is a skill: Effective prompts can reduce hours of work to minutes—some of Dan’s best are over 1,000 words long.
- Data hygiene matters: Poor data leads to poor AI outcomes. Clean, curated content is essential to avoid hallucinations and misinformation.
- Business-first mindset wins: AI should align with real business goals—whether it’s saving time, increasing revenue, or enabling new capabilities.

🧰RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 GitHub Prompt Buddy - https://github.com/stuartridout/promptbuddy
👉 Microsoft Copilot Overview - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/for-individuals
👉 TextExpander – https://textexpander.com

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/723

When Copilot went down for half a day, Bo Fischer Carlsen realized just how deeply embedded AI had become in his daily workflow. In this episode, Bo—an AI strategist from Copenhagen—shares how he's helping organizations move beyond the hype and into real-world implementation of Microsoft Copilot. From compliance challenges to training programs and maturity assessments, Bo offers a practical roadmap for integrating AI into business operations. Whether you're just starting with generative AI or scaling across departments, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t find in a product demo.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Copilot is becoming indispensable: Bo shares how Copilot is quietly becoming as essential as Outlook or Teams for productivity—especially once users realize how much they rely on it.
- Training is critical for adoption: Successful AI integration starts with tailored training, beginning with Copilot Chat to build foundational understanding before moving into apps like Word and PowerPoint.
- Compliance is a major blocker: Many organizations lack the data governance needed to safely deploy AI tools. Bo emphasizes the importance of preparing legal and compliance teams early.
- Maturity assessments drive success: Bo uses multi-level assessments—individual, departmental, and organizational—to tailor AI rollouts and avoid one-size-fits-all approaches.
- Expectation management matters: Users often expect Copilot to do everything. Bo advises setting realistic expectations, especially around what Copilot can and can’t do in tools like PowerPoint.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉Microsoft Copilot for M365: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Microsoft Purview (Compliance Platform): https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/compliance/microsoft-purview
👉 EU AI Act Overview: https://artificialintelligenceact.eu
👉 Microsoft Loop: https://loop.microsoft.com
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/722

What happens when one person reimagines enterprise AI adoption from the ground up? In this episode, Cadie Kneip shares how she built Microsoft’s Copilot Champs community—an 8,000-strong grassroots movement—without a budget, formal mandate, or traditional training. Discover how she turned digital marketing tactics, gamification, and storytelling into a scalable model for human-first AI enablement. If you're leading tech transformation or struggling with adoption, this conversation is packed with practical inspiration.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Peer influence scales faster than policy: Cadie reveals why authentic, peer-led storytelling drives deeper AI adoption than top-down training.
- Gamification works—even without a budget: Learn how badges, leaderboards, and playful incentives created momentum across Microsoft.
- Short-form content beats polished production: Bite-sized GIFs and clips proved more effective than high-production training videos in a fast-changing tech landscape.
- Digital marketing tactics apply to enterprise learning: Cadie adapted campaign strategies to build a thriving internal community.
- You don’t need a big team to make a big impact: With just one person and smart automation, Microsoft scaled Copilot readiness to thousands.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉Learn more about Microsoft’s Copilot Champs CommunityDriving Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption with Our Copilot Champs Community
Return to Summer Camp: Making Microsoft 365 Copilot Fun with Camp Copilot
Unlock your productivity: Here's our Top 10 tips for using Microsoft 365 Copilot every day
👉 Clipchamp - https://www.clipchamp.com

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/721

What happens when AI stops being hype and starts reshaping how professionals work? In this episode, Frank Falvey shares a front-line view of how Microsoft Copilot and AI agents are transforming real-world workflows—from coding and debugging to office productivity. Whether you're a developer, an information worker, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, Frank offers practical insights into how AI is being adopted, what’s slowing it down, and how to future-proof your tech career.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- AI agents are evolving fast—but enterprise adoption remains cautious, with pilot projects leading the way.
- Copilot is changing how developers code, debug, and ship software, with tools like GitHub Copilot streamlining workflows.
- Information workers are starting to use AI tools, but licensing costs are a major barrier to widespread corporate rollout.
- Keeping your skills sharp is essential, especially with foundational certifications like AI-900 becoming more relevant.
- Junior tech roles may disappear, so alternative pathways and fast-track programs are key to building future senior professionals.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 GitHub Copilot – AI-powered coding assistant: https://github.com/features/copilot
👉 AI-900 Certification – Microsoft’s AI Fundamentals exam: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/ai-fundamentals/
👉 Microsoft Learn – Free training platform with practice exams: https://learn.microsoft.com
👉 StreamYard – Live streaming platform used for Frank’s Azure & AI Show: https://streamyard.com
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/720

What happens when a platform known for low-code simplicity powers mission-critical systems for governments and global banks? In this episode, solution architect Eric Regnier shares firsthand insights from mega-scale Power Platform implementations across continents. From passport systems to banking infrastructure, Eric reveals how the platform is quietly redefining enterprise-grade technology—and why many architects are still missing the memo.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Power Platform is powering global-scale systems — including national passport services and major banking operations, proving its enterprise-grade capabilities.
- Enterprise architects often misjudge low-code tools — due to Microsoft’s positioning, many overlook the platform’s robustness and scalability.
- Strategic platform decisions favor Microsoft ecosystems — organizations already invested in Azure and Microsoft 365 benefit from tighter integration and cost efficiency.
- Salesforce is a frequent competitor — but Power Platform often wins due to flexibility, speed, and alignment with existing infrastructure.
- Generative AI is on the horizon — while not yet widely adopted in production, its potential to reshape solution development is significant.

🧰RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft Power Platform – https://powerplatform.microsoft.com

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/719

What happens when AI tools like Microsoft Copilot don’t live up to the hype? Fabio Bonolo has made it his mission to turn that disappointment into transformation. In this episode, he shares how companies can move from confusion to clarity—by structuring their Microsoft 365 environments, embracing strategic adoption, and unlocking real productivity with AI. Whether you're leading change or navigating it, this conversation offers practical insights into making Copilot work for your business.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Copilot is not autopilot: Success with AI requires human input, clear prompting, and realistic expectations.
- Strategic adoption beats technical deployment: Copilot projects thrive when treated as business transformation, not just IT rollouts.
- Compliance is critical: Tools like Microsoft Purview help organizations audit AI usage and protect sensitive data.
- Copilot drives better M365 architecture: The push to adopt AI is forcing companies to rethink permissions, governance, and collaboration models.
- PowerPoint’s hidden AI features: Connecting Copilot with the Organization Asset Library unlocks dynamic, brand-consistent presentations.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot
👉 Microsoft Purview – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/compliance/microsoft-purview
👉 EU AI Act – https://artificialintelligenceact.eu
👉 Copilot Studio & Agents – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot-studio
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series – How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/718

What happens when global policymakers, technologists, and lawyers converge to shape the future of AI? In this episode, Andrew Welch shares insights from the UN’s AI for Good Summit in Geneva, where 15,000 thought leaders tackled the ethical, legal, and cultural challenges of artificial intelligence. From the EU AI Act to the dominance of English in training data, this conversation explores how regulation can drive—not hinder—innovation, and why trust in AI starts with understanding its global impact.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- AI regulation isn’t a blocker—it’s a catalyst for innovation. Like electricity, AI needs guardrails to scale safely and effectively.
- Law and tech must collaborate from the start. The EU AI Act is reshaping how companies approach compliance, ethics, and product development.
- Global AI capacity is dangerously concentrated. 90% of AI infrastructure is controlled by just two countries, raising sovereignty concerns.
- Language bias in AI is real and consequential. With 50% of the internet in English, cultural perspectives risk being lost in model training.
- Open-source AI tools empower—but also endanger. Democratized access means individuals can build powerful systems, for better or worse.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 AI for Good Global Summit – https://aiforgood.itu.int
👉 EU AI Act Overview – https://artificialintelligenceact.eu
👉 Centre for Trustworthy AI (Microsoft) – No direct URL mentioned, but referenced throughout
Book: Calling Bullsht: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World* – by Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West
👉 Song: “Boy in the Bubble” by Paul Simon – Inspiration for Andrew’s upcoming article

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/717

What if your AI agent could not only retrieve facts but reason with them—just like a human? In this episode, Farzad Sunavala, Principal Product Manager at Microsoft, takes us inside the world of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), the architecture powering the next wave of intelligent agents. From solving hallucinations to building memory into AI systems, Farzad shares practical insights for professionals looking to build scalable, high-quality AI solutions that actually work in the real world.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- RAG is foundational for AI agents: Retrieval-Augmented Generation solves key limitations of LLMs by grounding them in real-time, private data.
- Metadata is your best friend: Rich metadata and filtering techniques dramatically improve retrieval quality and reduce noise in enterprise AI systems.
- Memory is the next frontier: Embedding memory into agents—via tools like Semantic Kernel—enables learning, unlearning, and contextual recall.
- AI engineering is evolving fast: Developers must move beyond conventional software practices and embrace ML Ops, vector databases, and open-source frameworks.
- Start small, iterate smart: Building ground-truth datasets and synthetic Q&A pairs is a high-ROI strategy for evaluating and improving AI agent performance.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Azure AI - https://ai.azure.com/
👉 Azure AI Search – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/search/search-what-is-azure-search or https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/ai-services/ai-search/
👉 Microsoft Fabric – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-fabric
👉 Semantic Kernel (Open Source) – https://github.com/microsoft/semantic-kernel
👉 LangChain – https://www.langchain.com/
👉 LlamaIndex – https://www.llamaindex.ai/
👉 CrewAI – https://www.crewai.com/

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/716

What if your company’s AI journey didn’t start with data or tech—but with vision? In this episode, Erik David Johnson, Chief AI Officer at Delegate, shares how he’s helping organizations across Europe move from AI curiosity to concrete, production-ready solutions. With over 5,000 professionals trained and a hands-on workshop model that’s reshaping how businesses think about AI, Erik offers a rare blend of technical depth, strategic clarity, and regulatory insight. Whether you're building your first AI use case or navigating the EU AI Act, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- AI Strategy Starts with Vision, Not Data: Erik emphasizes that companies should define where they want to go before looking at the data they have—flipping the common “data-first” approach on its head.
- The 3-Day AI Ideation Workshop: A structured yet flexible sprint that helps organizations identify, qualify, and prioritize AI use cases—culminating in a roadmap and candidate architecture.
- Avoiding the “Tech-First” Trap: Erik warns against jumping straight to tools like ChatGPT or Azure AI without first addressing organizational, cultural, and user adoption barriers.
- AI Literacy is a Legal Requirement: Under the EU AI Act, companies must educate staff on AI. Erik shares how he's helping organizations meet this challenge through hands-on training and advisory roles.
- Legal and Regulatory Readiness: From advising Danish politicians to shaping national AI policy, Erik offers a unique perspective on how legal frameworks like the EU AI Act and ISO 42001 are reshaping the AI landscape.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Delegate’s 3-Day AI Ideation Workshop – https://delegate.dk
👉 EU AI Act – https://artificialintelligenceact.eu
👉 ISO/IEC 42001 (AI Management Systems) – https://www.iso.org/standard/81230.html
👉 Erik’s Research and Writings – Available via his Computerworld Denmark column
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/715

What happens when a mobile app becomes the only tool a field worker has to do their job—no manuals, no backup, just the device? In this episode, Jakub Bajla shares lessons from years of building mobile-first solutions for frontline workers. From offline-first design to modular tools like Forms+, Docs+, and Steps+, Jakub explores what it takes to deliver tech that performs in the toughest environments. Whether you're designing for remote teams, field service, or mission-critical operations, this episode is a masterclass in building for reliability, usability, and scale.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- ffline-first design is critical for field operations where connectivity is unreliable—Resco’s mobile solutions thrive in these environments.
- Resco’s evolution mirrors the Power Platform’s growth, transitioning from Dynamics-focused mobility to modular components for broader use cases.
- Forms+, Docs+, and Steps+ are powerful tools extracted from Resco’s platform, now available as standalone solutions for dynamic forms, PDF generation, and field knowledge sharing.
- ISV partnerships with Microsoft are complex, often misunderstood, and require strategic clarity to navigate shifting structures and limited support.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉Resco – https://www.resco.net
👉 Microsoft Power Platform – https://powerplatform.microsoft.com
👉 Forms+, Docs+, Steps+ by Resco – Available via Resco’s Power Platform offerings

Note: Since the recording of this episode, there have been leadership changes at Resco, and the PCF component strategy discussed is no longer active. The conversation remains valuable for its broader insights into mobile-first design and field technology. For the latest updates, please check Resco’s official website.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/714

What if mastering Excel could unlock superhuman productivity? In this episode, Aleksandar Grasic—founder of Outliers and a three-time Microsoft MVP—shares how he helped over 300,000 professionals transform their workflows using AI-powered tools and structured data literacy. From slashing 8-hour tasks to 1-hour wins, Aleksandar reveals how combining Excel, Power BI, and Copilot can revolutionize how we work. Whether you're a tech leader or a data enthusiast, this conversation offers a roadmap to smarter, faster decision-making in the age of AI.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
Excel is still a powerhouse: Aleksandar explains how structured learning and tools like Power Query and Power Pivot can dramatically reduce time spent on data tasks.
AI as a productivity partner: Tools like Copilot and ChatGPT should be used to enhance—not replace—human expertise, especially in presentation and data analysis workflows.
Data literacy is essential: Increasing data literacy by even 30% across teams can significantly improve decision-making and adaptability in AI-driven environments.
Localized impact, global relevance: Outliers has educated over 300,000 professionals in the Balkan region, proving that regional language content can drive massive engagement.
Bridging users and developers: Aleksandar acts as a feedback conduit between Microsoft’s development teams and real-world users, influencing tools like Copilot in Word and Excel.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Outliers Education Platform – https://outliers.rs
👉 Microsoft MVP Program – https://mvp.microsoft.com
👉 Microsoft Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Power BI – https://powerbi.microsoft.com
👉 Power Query & Power Pivot in Excel – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/excel
👉Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/713

What happens when agile breaks down and AI steps in? In this episode, the hosts explore how traditional delivery models are being replaced by high-impact lab cycles, where elite engineering teams solve complex problems in just two weeks. From modernizing legacy systems to navigating the rise of autonomous developers, this conversation dives deep into the evolving tech landscape—and how AI is reshaping productivity, pricing models, and the future of work.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Lab Cycles vs. Agile: Agile is losing effectiveness in enterprise environments. Lab cycles offer a faster, outcome-driven alternative with production-ready results in two weeks.
- AI in App Modernization: AI is now capable of refactoring legacy codebases, even without full documentation—opening doors to modernizing systems like COBOL.
- M365 Copilot in Action: Real-world use cases show how Copilot dramatically reduces proposal creation time while improving accuracy and collaboration.
- The Rise of Autonomous Developers: Top-tier engineers are expected to own the full product lifecycle—from ideation to pricing—driven by soft skills and strategic thinking.
- AI’s Impact on Pricing Models: Professional services are rethinking pricing as AI slashes delivery time, creating new revenue opportunities and client value.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft Power Platform – https://powerplatform.microsoft.com
👉 M365 Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Microsoft Graph – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/overview
👉 AI for Good Conference – https://aiforgood.itu.int

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/712

What if the future of work isn’t just faster—but fundamentally different? In this episode, Ryan Cunningham, Corporate VP of Microsoft Power Platform, returns to reflect on a decade of low-code evolution and the seismic shift AI is bringing to business applications. From the early days of Power Apps to the rise of intelligent agents, Ryan shares how organizations can rethink software, scale innovation, and prepare for a world where humans and AI build together. If you're leading digital transformation or shaping the future of enterprise tech, this conversation is your blueprint.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- AI is Reshaping Business Software: The next generation of apps won’t just be built faster—they’ll be co-created with AI agents, transforming how work gets done and who (or what) does it.
- From SaaS Sprawl to Platform Consolidation: Many companies are drowning in disconnected tools. Power Platform offers a path to simplify, consolidate, and reduce costs—while increasing agility.
- Digital Coworkers Are Here: AI agents are already taking on repetitive, low-value tasks. The future lies in designing systems where humans and agents collaborate seamlessly.
- Licensing and Value Are Evolving: As AI agents take on more work, traditional per-user licensing models are giving way to consumption-based models—mirroring Azure’s evolution.
- Iterate or Fall Behind: In a world of rapid change, being early and imperfect beats being late. Organizations must adopt a mindset of continuous experimentation and learning.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Build Keynote featuring Ryan - Ryan Cunningham: (8) Post | Feed | LinkedIn
👉 Unpacking the tech - https://youtu.be/PYZgUj8iTC4?feature=shared&t=4332
👉 Forrester Wave - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/blog/power-apps/microsoft-is-a-leader-in-2025-forrester-wave-low-code-platforms-for-professional-developers/
👉EPPC Keynote - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9mbhrcq-wQ
👉 Project Siena – The original internal name for what became Power Apps: https://devblogs.microsoft.com/premier-developer/microsoft-project-siena-create-a-windows-8-1-app-with-zero-lines-of-code/

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/711

What if your AI assistant didn’t just answer questions—but built you an interactive tool to explore the answer yourself? In this episode, Alex Pearce, Chief Strategist at Softcat and long-time Microsoft MVP, shares how he’s pushing the boundaries of AI in the enterprise. From HTML-based learning tools to agentic AI and ISO standards, Alex offers a grounded yet forward-thinking look at how organizations can move beyond hype and start building meaningful, effective AI strategies.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
Interactive AI as a Learning Tool: Alex uses Claude to generate interactive HTML pages for exploring complex topics—transforming AI from a passive assistant into an active teaching tool.
Agentic AI for Real Productivity: True productivity gains come from building AI agents that can autonomously assist with tasks like compliance checks or document analysis—not just summarizing meetings.
Governance and Standards Matter: As AI adoption accelerates, organizations must understand what models are being used, where data is processed, and how to align with emerging standards like ISO 42001 and the EU AI Act.
Copilot Confusion: Many businesses underutilize Microsoft 365 Copilot because they’re unaware of included tools like Copilot Studio, Notebooks, and custom agents—despite paying for them.
AI Maturity is Uneven: While some organizations are innovating fast, others are still unsure how to extract value from AI tools. Education and architectural thinking are key to bridging the gap.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Claude by Anthropic – Alex’s preferred AI model for generating interactive content: https://www.anthropic.com
👉 Where’s Wes (YouTube) – A creator who demonstrates AI coding and visualization techniques.
👉 Microsoft 365 Copilot Studio – Tool for building custom AI agents within Microsoft 365: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio
👉 Azure AI Studio / Foundry – For building and hosting custom AI models with full control: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/ai-services
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/710

What if your future teammates weren’t human? In this episode, the Ecosystems crew dives into the seismic shifts reshaping the AI landscape—from the rise of world models to the surprising salaries behind prompt engineering. You’ll hear how businesses are adapting (or falling behind), why red teaming is becoming a psychological minefield, and what skills will truly future-proof your career. Whether you're a developer, architect, or strategist, this episode will challenge your assumptions and help you navigate the next wave of intelligent systems.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- World Models Are Coming: Large Language Models (LLMs) may soon be replaced by “world models” that integrate multiple senses and mimic human cognition more closely.
- AI Salaries Are Surging: Roles like Prompt Engineer and AI Ethicist are commanding higher salaries than traditional data scientists—sometimes by £20K or more.
- Red Teaming Is Not Just Technical: The emotional toll of reviewing harmful AI outputs is real, and the field may soon require psychological support.
- Agents Aren’t There Yet: Despite the hype, most AI “agents” lack true orchestration, planning, and memory—making them far from autonomous.
- Future-Proof Skills Matter: Being an AI augmenter—someone who integrates AI into daily workflows—is now a must-have capability across roles.

📚 RESOURCESMENTIONED
👉 YouTube Red Teaming Course by Ioana – Free 10-episode series on red teaming fundamentals - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwFVhFdD2fs
👉 Book: Range by David Epstein – Why generalists thrive in a specialized world - https://www.davidepstein.com/the-range/
👉 Ezra Klein’s Book: Abundance – Recommended reading on future-focused thinking - https://www.amazon.ca/Abundance-Progress-Takes-Ezra-Klein/dp/1668023482

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/709

What happens when you roll out cutting-edge AI tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot—only to watch them gather dust? In this episode, Vicki Holman, Ecosystem Architect at ANS, shares what really drives successful Copilot adoption. From cultural shifts to AI literacy, she unpacks the human side of AI transformation. Whether you're leading a rollout or just trying to get more from your license, this conversation is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons from the trenches.

🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Adoption is everything: Without a clear change management strategy, even the best AI tools will go unused.
- Copilot is a mindset shift: Superusers think “Copilot first,” using it as a sparring partner to ideate, create, and refine.
- AI boosts accessibility: Copilot has been life-changing for neurodivergent users, leveling the playing field in meetings and collaboration.
- Guardrails matter: Data governance, permissions, and tools like Microsoft Purview must be in place before rollout.
- Prompt-a-thons work: Hands-on, collaborative workshops are a powerful way to build AI literacy and confidence across teams.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft 365 Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Microsoft Purview – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/information-protection/microsoft-purview
👉 ProSci Change Management Model – https://www.prosci.com/methodology/adkar
👉 Microsoft Loop – https://loop.microsoft.com/

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/708

When Danilo Nogueira first saw the potential of AI, he spent days immersed in videos, convinced it would reshape the world. Now, as Head of Modern Work at Cloud Target and a newly minted Microsoft MVP, he’s leading global transformations with Microsoft Copilot. In this episode, Danilo shares how AI is revolutionizing productivity, why Excel might be the next big frontier, and how he teaches teams to speak the language of Copilot. If you're navigating AI adoption in your organization, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
AI as the New Electricity: Danilo compares AI’s transformative power to electricity and the internet—predicting it will become embedded in every aspect of work.
Practical Prompting Framework: He developed a four-part method (KPCO) to help users ask Copilot the right questions—covering what, for whom, where, and how.
Excel’s Untapped Potential: Danilo sees Excel as a future powerhouse for AI integration, enabling data transformation without leaving the app.
Real-Time Translation in Teams: Teams Premium’s live translation is breaking language barriers in global workplaces, enhancing collaboration.
Overcoming AI Resistance: Danilo focuses on showing results—like faster HR interviews and improved productivity—to win over skeptics.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Teams Premium – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/premium
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/707

What if your next pull request was written by an AI agent—while you were in a meeting? In this episode, Microsoft’s Scott Hunter pulls back the curtain on how AI is transforming software development from the inside out. From GitHub Copilot’s new agent mode to the rise of site reliability AI, Scott shares what’s real, what’s hype, and what’s coming next. Whether you're a developer, product leader, or tech strategist, this conversation will reshape how you think about productivity, skill-building, and the future of engineering teams.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
Agent Mode is Here: AI agents can now autonomously fix bugs, open pull requests, and iterate on code—freeing developers from tedious tasks.
The Developer Role is Evolving: Prompt engineering and code review are becoming core skills, while traditional junior roles may fade.
AI in Site Reliability: New SRE agents can detect, diagnose, and even resolve infrastructure issues—cutting pager alerts by 30%.
Training the Next Generation: As AI handles more entry-level work, companies must rethink how they grow senior engineering talent.
Prototyping at Warp Speed: With tools like Copilot and Next.js, developers can build full-stack apps in minutes—if they know what to ask.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 GitHub Copilot Agent Mode – https://github.com/features/preview/copilot-workspace
👉Java Migration Tools –https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/migrate/
👉 Microsoft Build Conference – Announcements on AI agents and developer tools: https://build.microsoft.com

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/706

What happens when a seasoned tech leader steps away from Microsoft, only to return stronger and more AI-savvy than ever? In this episode, Nikkia Carter shares her journey from early programming days to becoming a Microsoft MVP—twice. She dives deep into how AI, especially Microsoft Copilot, is transforming business operations, leveling the playing field for small companies, and reshaping how professionals work. If you're curious about practical AI adoption, ethical considerations, and how to stay ahead in tech, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Plus, Nikkia shares a powerful AI tip from JP O’Donnell of ProActive BDA that’s changing how professionals prepare for meetings.

🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
AI is a tool, not a replacement: Businesses should integrate AI to enhance human work—not eliminate it.
Copilot use cases are expanding: From proposal writing to HR and accounting agents, AI is streamlining workflows.
Privacy matters: Free AI tools may compromise data security—invest in trusted platforms like Microsoft Copilot.
Small businesses benefit most: AI democratizes access to enterprise-level capabilities, much like the cloud did.
MVP advice: Consistent monthly contributions (blogs, user groups, videos) are key to earning and maintaining MVP status.

🧰RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 JP O’Donnell of ProActive BDA - He gave the AI tip to Nikkia Carter.
👉 Microsoft Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 ChatGPT – https://chat.openai.com
👉 Perplexity AI – https://www.perplexity.ai
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/705

What if the biggest barrier to AI success isn’t the model—but your data? In this episode, Sedarius Tekara Perrotta, CEO of Shelf, reveals why unstructured data is sabotaging enterprise AI efforts and how to fix it. From SharePoint chaos to hallucinating copilots, Sedarius shares a practical framework for transforming messy data into clean, actionable fuel for generative AI. If you're a business or tech leader navigating AI adoption, this conversation is your roadmap to clarity, control, and competitive edge.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
Unstructured data is the silent killer of AI accuracy. Most organizations have millions of files riddled with micro-errors that confuse AI models and lead to hallucinations.
A successful AI strategy starts with a data strategy. Clean, enriched, and refined data is essential before plugging into any AI system.
Use the “Reduce, Enhance, Refine” framework. Focus on a specific use case, eliminate irrelevant data, enrich with metadata, and refine to a trusted set of documents.
Automation is key—but not enough. Human oversight and iterative monitoring are still critical to ensure AI outputs remain accurate and relevant.
AI agents will transform job roles incrementally. Expect gradual automation of tasks, with agents augmenting—not replacing—human expertise.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Shelf – AI-powered unstructured data management platform: https://www.shelf.io
👉 Microsoft Copilot Studio – Customizable AI interface for enterprise use: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/copilot-studio
👉 Gartner Research – Identified poor data quality as the #1 barrier to scaling GenAI - Read the full Gartner press release

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/704

What happens when enterprise tech projects go off course—and how do you fix them? In this episode, Gary Blunden shares hard-earned insights from years of rescuing failed digital transformations. From diagnosing platform misalignment to exploring the future of AI-driven development, Gary offers a grounded yet forward-looking perspective on what it takes to build resilient, scalable solutions in today’s fast-evolving tech landscape.

🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
Recovery projects reveal deep tech-business disconnects: Success hinges on understanding user pain points, not just deploying shiny tools.
AI is reshaping software engineering: Tools like GitHub Copilot and agent-based systems are accelerating development—but human oversight remains critical.
Low-code is evolving into “vibe code”: Expect a shift from manual UI building to orchestrating intelligent, autonomous agents.
Documentation is becoming executable: Emerging tools may soon turn solution design docs into deployable systems.
Mentorship and legacy knowledge matter: As AI abstracts complexity, retaining foundational engineering wisdom is more important than ever.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Power Platform – Microsoft’s low-code development suite
https://powerplatform.microsoft.com
👉 Power Automate – Workflow automation tool
https://powerautomate.microsoft.com
👉 GitHub Copilot – AI pair programmer for developers
https://github.com/features/copilot
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/703

What happens when AI becomes your most insightful team member? In this episode, the team dives into a real-world case where a custom-built AI copilot transformed 7,000+ DevOps work items into a 120-page strategic report—without a single meeting. From surfacing hidden productivity patterns to reshaping how teams collaborate, this conversation explores how AI is no longer just a tool—it’s a force multiplier. Whether you're an AI optimist, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge how you think about intelligence, creativity, and the future of work.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
AI as a Knowledge Synthesizer: Learn how a custom copilot built on DevOps data enabled full project, code, and tech reviews—without needing every stakeholder on a call.
The 80/20 Insight: Discover how AI surfaced that 20% of a team was doing 80% of the work, revealing critical knowledge silos and opportunities for upskilling.
From Fear to Fluency: Understand the psychology behind AI resistance—fear, change aversion, and the myth of being “too special to be replaced.”
AI for Accessibility: Hear how AI empowers professionals with dyslexia and other challenges to communicate more clearly and confidently.
The New Baseline: Why using AI isn’t cheating—it’s the new standard for productivity, clarity, and competitive edge.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft 365 Copilot – AI assistant integrated into Microsoft tools
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Azure DevOps – Project management and code repository platform
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/devops
👉 Microsoft Fabric – Unified data analytics platform
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-fabric
👉 Gallup AI Adoption Report – Referenced for workplace AI usage trends
https://www.gallup.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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/702

What if the future of AI isn’t bigger—but smaller, smarter, and more specialized? In this episode, Microsoft’s Ilya Venger pulls back the curtain on the rise of small language models (SLMs), the evolution of intelligent agents, and why clean, governed data is the real fuel behind AI success. From industry-specific copilots to the power of Microsoft Fabric, this conversation is packed with practical insights for business and tech leaders navigating the AI revolution.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
SLMs vs. LLMs: Small language models are leaner, more efficient, and better suited for domain-specific tasks—offering lower hallucination rates and higher cost-performance ratios.
Data Quality Matters: AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on. Microsoft Fabric and Purview help unify, clean, and govern enterprise data for more reliable AI outcomes.
Industry Agents Are Coming: Microsoft is enabling partners to build industry-specific agents—like healthcare assistants or retail copilots—using modular skills and tools.
Copilot Studio’s Role: This low-code platform empowers teams to build, test, and deploy AI agents across Teams, Slack, and custom environments.
The Future of AI Interfaces: Expect dynamic, on-the-fly UI generation tailored to user intent—blending visual and conversational interfaces for seamless interaction.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉Microsoft Fabric – Unified data platform for analytics and governance
https://www.microsoft.com/fabric\
👉 Microsoft Purview – Data governance and cataloguing solution
https://www.microsoft.com/purview
👉Azure Marketplace – Access to industry-specific AI skills like financial document analysis
https://azuremarketplace.microsoft.com
👉 Copilot Studio – Low-code platform for building and deploying AI agents
https://aka.ms/CopilotStudio

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/701

What happens when AI meets the messy, human world of organizational knowledge? In this episode, Rebecka Isaksson—Microsoft MVP and knowledge management strategist—unpacks how AI can finally unlock the elusive value of tacit knowledge. From SharePoint sprawl to the power of communities of practice, Rebecka shares hard-won insights on transforming content chaos into enterprise intelligence. Whether you're navigating Microsoft 365 or scaling AI in your organization, this conversation will change how you think about knowledge, governance, and impact.

🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
AI needs knowledge management: Without governance and lifecycle thinking, AI can’t deliver sustainable value in enterprise environments.
Tacit knowledge is the real gold: AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can now surface insights from informal conversations, chats, and communities—not just documents.
SharePoint’s hidden risks: Without role-based access control (RBAC), SharePoint can become a security and governance liability in AI-driven organizations.
Communities of practice scale expertise: Platforms like Microsoft Engage (not just Yammer) are critical for capturing and sharing real-time, experience-based knowledge.
Governance must evolve: Organizations need to move from content management to true knowledge management—governing not just files, but conversations, videos, and more.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft 365 Copilot – AI-powered productivity assistant: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Knowledge Fika - https://open.spotify.com/show/0X7STHKKiIEEj1nrd9hvQa?si=d6fd17b395f749ec
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/700

In this episode, Mark and Andrew dive deep into the shifting mindsets shaping the future of AI in business and tech. From building a personal AI-powered second brain to exploring the rise of “vibe coding,” they unpack the tools, tensions, and transformations redefining how professionals engage with technology. Whether you're an AI optimist, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation challenges assumptions and offers a grounded look at where innovation is headed—and how to stay ahead of it.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
The 3 AI Mindsets: Explore the “Optimists,” “Deniers,” and the “Angry Camp”—and how each group is reacting to the rapid evolution of AI.
Vibe Coding Explained: Why AI-assisted development is the new normal, and how tools like GitHub Copilot are changing the way we build software.
Building a Second Brain with AI: Mark shares a thought experiment on creating a multi-agent AI system to manage personal knowledge, security, and optimization.
The FrontPage to Squarespace Analogy: A compelling comparison of early web development tools to today’s AI-assisted platforms—and what it means for modern developers.
Why Familiarity Beats Flash: A case for investing time in mastering tools like Microsoft Copilot, even if they seem underwhelming at first.

🧰RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 GitHub Copilot – AI pair programming tool: https://github.com/features/copilot
👉 Microsoft 365 Copilot – Enterprise AI assistant: https://microsoft.cloud
👉 VS Code – Visual Studio Code editor: https://code.visualstudio.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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/699

What if the key to unlocking AI’s full potential isn’t more algorithms—but better data? In this episode, Harley Webster, founder of Amagi and Power BI lead, shares how his journey from geologist to data strategist shaped his obsession with clean, actionable data. From managing petabytes of oilfield data in Qatar to helping modern businesses unify fragmented systems, Harley reveals why data quality is the real foundation of AI success—and how Microsoft Fabric is changing the game. If you're navigating the intersection of business, AI, and data engineering, this conversation is a must-listen.

🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
Data Quality is Non-Negotiable for AI: Harley emphasizes that without clean, governed, and well-modeled data, AI outputs are unreliable—no matter how advanced the model.
Microsoft Fabric is a Game-Changer: Fabric’s unified platform simplifies data engineering, enabling real-time pipelines, medallion architecture (bronze, silver, gold layers), and seamless integration with Power BI.
Start with Business Outcomes, Not Data Inventory: Harley’s approach is to define the top KPIs first, then trace back to the data sources—ensuring focus and ROI from day one.
Common Language is Critical in M&A: When merging data from different systems or companies, aligning terminology and definitions is essential to avoid misinterpretation and ensure accurate reporting.
ROI from Data Projects is Tangible: From automating manual reporting to protecting market share, Harley outlines how to quantify the business value of data initiatives—even in complex environments.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft Fabric – Unified data platform for engineering, analytics, and visualization: https://fabric.microsoft.com
👉 Power BI – Business intelligence and data visualization tool: https://powerbi.microsoft.com
👉 Dataflow Gen2 – Web-based data transformation tool in Microsoft Fabric
👉 `Natasha’s Foundation – UK charity supporting food allergy awareness: https://www.narf.org.uk
👉 VWS Software – Waste management software provider in the UK: https://www.vwssoftware.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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/698

What happens when a cloud architect dives headfirst into the evolving world of AI and becomes one of the earliest adopters of Microsoft Copilot in Europe? In this episode, Daniel Rohregger shares how he turned early access into real-world impact—running transformative workshops, challenging AI limitations, and building multilingual agents for legacy industries. Whether you're leading digital transformation or just trying to keep up with Copilot’s rapid evolution, this conversation is packed with insights that will sharpen your strategy and expand your toolkit.

🔑 Key Takeaways
How to Run Effective Copilot Workshops: Daniel breaks down his approach to correcting misconceptions, tailoring demos to business roles, and aligning AI with compliance needs.
The Power of Multilingual AI Agents: Learn how legacy manufacturing teams are using Copilot to bridge language gaps and preserve expert knowledge.
Why Responsible AI Matters: A candid look at the trade-offs between user empowerment and ethical safeguards in enterprise AI.
What’s Coming in Copilot Wave 2: Daniel shares what features he’s most excited about, including GPT-4o image generation and the new “Create” experience.
Pro Tips for Power Users: From prompt engineering to backend transparency, hear what advanced users wish Copilot would let them control.

🧰 Resources Mentioned
👉 Microsoft Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot
👉 Microsoft Forms with Copilot – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/forms
👉 Azure AI Speech Services – https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/cognitive-services/speech-services/
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/697

What if you could prevent most software project failures before they even begin? In this episode, we dive into the origins and evolution of Microsoft’s FastTrack program and the Success by Design framework—a powerful approach that’s transforming how enterprise tech projects are delivered. Pedro Sacramento and Alok Singh, two principal program managers at Microsoft, share how a simple spreadsheet of lessons learned became a global standard for cloud implementation success. Whether you're leading a project or scaling a practice, this conversation is packed with insights to help you build smarter, faster, and with confidence.

🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
80% of project issues are preventable: Most failures stem from misalignment early in the project lifecycle—Success by Design addresses this head-on
Early engagement is critical: Projects that adopt the framework early see 2.2x higher user adoption and fewer escalations.
From firefighting to foresight: FastTrack evolved from solving crises to proactively guiding success through repeatable patterns and best practices.
Scalable success through partners: With over 120 partners trained, Microsoft has extended its reach to thousands of projects globally.
Recognition that matters: The FastTrack Recognized Solution Architect designation is earned through real-world impact—not theory.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉About Microsoft FastTrack for Dynamics 365 - Dynamics 365 | Microsoft Learn
👉https://aka.ms/D365FastTrackPortfolioPartners
👉What is the Dynamics 365 Implementation Portal? - Dynamics 365 | Microsoft Learn
👉What is the Dynamics 365 implementation guide? - Dynamics 365 | Microsoft Learn

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/696

When AI stops being a buzzword and starts saving you 15 hours a month, something shifts. In this episode, Microsoft MVP and Practice Director Chris Hinch shares how he turned curiosity into capability—leading Copilot enablement across his organization and beyond. From overcoming AI skepticism to building secure, scalable adoption strategies, Chris reveals how professionals can move from survival mode to thriving with AI. If you're navigating the fast-changing world of enterprise tech, this conversation is your roadmap to real-world impact.

🔑KEYTAKEAWAYS
AI is only valuable when it solves real problems—don’t deploy it for hype’s sake.
Copilot can reclaim hours of productivity by streamlining tasks like email, meetings, and presentations.
Security and data protection are critical to building trust in AI adoption.
Enablement starts with empathy—showing small, iterative wins builds momentum.
“Surviving to thriving” is the new productivity metric—AI should help you finish work, not just do more of it.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft Copilot – AI assistant integrated across M365 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot
👉 Copilot Notebooks - A new way to work with persistent context in AI - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/get-started-with-microsoft-365-copilot-notebooks-0775e693-11c6-4d80-8aba-fcc81a737a06
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP -

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/695

Imagine navigating a multi-million-pound business acquisition without flipping through a 700-page PDF. In this episode, Ian Fishwick, a veteran of 43 tech M&As, and Sam Godfrey, Director at Evolution Capital, reveal how they’re transforming the financial due diligence process using Microsoft Power BI. From real-time insights to interactive dashboards, they share how data visualization and automation are reshaping how deals are evaluated, negotiated, and closed. Whether you're buying, selling, or advising, this conversation offers a masterclass in using technology to make smarter, faster decisions.

🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
Power BI is replacing static PDFs in M&A: Interactive dashboards allow buyers to ask real-time questions of the data, eliminating the need to sift through hundreds of pages.
Granular transaction-level analysis: By mapping raw financial data directly into custom charts of accounts, buyers gain a clearer, unbiased view of a target company’s performance.
Speed and efficiency gains: API integrations and automated updates mean due diligence can be completed in weeks, not months—crucial for both buyers and sellers.
Trust through transparency: Sellers who provide access to raw data build credibility, while buyers gain confidence in the integrity of the deal.
Portfolio-level decision-making: Serial acquirers can now overlay multiple acquisition targets onto their own financials to assess strategic fit and impact.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft Power BI – https://powerbi.microsoft.com/
👉Power Query & Power Pivot – Built-in tools within Excel and Power BI for data transformation and modeling.
👉 Evolution Capital – https://www.evolutioncapital.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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/694

What happens when a failed attempt at a cleaning job leads to a lifelong career in tech? Aki Antman, President of AI and Copilot at Digital Neighborhood, shares his remarkable journey from teenage coder to AI leader. In this episode, Aki unpacks how organizations—from European enterprises to the Abu Dhabi government—are embracing AI, and why hands-on experimentation is the key to Copilot adoption. Whether you're leading digital transformation or just getting started with AI, this conversation offers practical insights and real-world strategies to help you thrive in the age of intelligent tools.

🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
Adoption Starts with Action: Aki emphasizes that AI adoption isn’t about watching demos—it’s about using the tools. Like building muscle, you only grow by doing.
Copilot as a Cultural Shift: Successful AI integration requires leadership buy-in and a shift in mindset. Organizations that lead by example see faster, more meaningful results.
From Experimentation to Impact: Real transformation begins when users apply Copilot to their own data and workflows—unlocking time savings, creativity, and even four-day workweeks.
Low-Code is the Future of AI Agents: 90% of enterprise AI agents will be built using low-code/no-code platforms like Copilot Studio, democratizing development across teams.
AI as a Personal Learning Partner: Aki uses AI daily—from preparing keynotes on unfamiliar topics to co-authoring books—proving that AI can be a powerful tool for continuous learning.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft Copilot Studio – Low-code platform for building AI agents: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio
👉 ChatGPT Voice Mode – Used by Aki for real-time learning while driving: https://openai.com/chatgpt
👉 AI Foundry – https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/ai-foundry

OTHER RESOURCES:
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7
👉 Aki Antman’s Book: From Copilot to Commander – https://www.amazon.com/Copilot-Commander-Redefining-Business-Generative-ebook/dp/B0DWNBXXBM?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LWSjdjTsrRQPKIbDc_eN1g.hGH1sKs6R

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/693

What happens when two Microsoft experts from different corners of Europe come together to bridge the gap between DevOps and low-code development? In this episode, Jozsef Vadkerti and Uros Kastelic share the story behind their new book, Mastering DevOps on Power Platform. From real-world enterprise challenges to the evolving role of AI and Copilot Studio, they unpack how professionals can bring rigor, governance, and agility to low-code environments—without sacrificing speed or innovation.

🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS
DevOps Meets Low-Code: The Power Platform isn’t just for citizen developers. Jozsef and Uros explain how DevOps principles—like CI/CD pipelines and ALM—can and should be applied to low-code environments for enterprise-grade scalability and governance.
A Book Born from the Field: Their book, Mastering DevOps on Power Platform, was inspired by real customer needs and gaps in understanding. It’s a hands-on, GitHub-backed guide that takes readers from foundational concepts to advanced DevSecOps practices.
Copilot Studio in the ALM Ecosystem: As Copilot Studio evolves, it’s becoming a key player in enterprise AI strategy. The duo discusses how to manage Copilot agents with the same rigor as apps and workflows—integrating governance, security, and deployment pipelines.
AI as a Daily Companion: From helping with kids’ homework to accelerating demo creation, both guests use AI tools like GitHub Copilot and Copilot Studio to streamline their personal and professional lives.
Writing a Tech Book While Parenting: Balancing full-time roles, family life, and authorship, Jozsef and Uros reflect on the discipline and clarity that writing brought to their thinking—and how it helped them better communicate complex ideas to business audiences.

🧰RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-DevOps-Microsoft-Power-Platform-ebook/dp/B0D9W762VH
👉 Packt: https://www.packtpub.com/en-us/product/mastering-devops-on-microsoft-power-platform-9781835880845

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/692

When organizations rush to adopt AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, they often overlook a critical prerequisite: a secure, well-structured data environment. In this episode, Åsne Holtklimpen—Cloud Solution Architect at Crayon and Microsoft MVP—shares how her journey from SharePoint veteran to Copilot expert revealed a hard truth: without strong information governance, AI can do more harm than good. Åsne walks us through real-world challenges, practical frameworks, and the mindset shift needed to make AI adoption safe, scalable, and truly transformative.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Security Before AI: Successful Copilot implementation starts with robust information security—classification, labeling, and governance must come first.
Start Small, Scale Smart: Åsne recommends a phased approach using Microsoft Purview, beginning with basic data classification before layering on policies and automation.
Expose the Risks: Demonstrating real data exposure—like personal identity numbers or health info—helps organizations understand the urgency of securing their environments.
AI Readiness ≠ Cloud Presence: Many companies assume they’re ready for AI because they use Teams or SharePoint, but Åsne stresses the need for deeper structural alignment.
Public Sector Pressure: Norway’s public sector faces a mandate to adopt AI by 2030, but Åsne warns that without guidance and foundational readiness, this push could backfire.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft Purview – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/information-protection/microsoft-purview
👉 Microsoft Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Microsoft Entra – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access/microsoft-entra
👉 Microsoft Intune – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/enterprise-mobility-security/microsoft-intune
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/691

What happens when cybercrime becomes as organized—and profitable—as a Fortune 500 company? In this episode, Louis Arthur-Brown, a cybersecurity leader and solutions partner at CodeStone, pulls back the curtain on the evolving threat landscape. From ransomware-as-a-service to deepfake deception, Louis shares real-world insights and practical strategies for defending your organization in an AI-accelerated world. Whether you're a tech leader or a curious professional, this conversation will sharpen your security instincts and help you build resilience where it matters most.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Cybercrime is industrialized: Ransomware-as-a-service and affiliate models make it easy for anyone—even non-technical actors—to launch attacks for as little as $50.
AI is amplifying threats: A 1,300% rise in phishing emails last year is just the beginning. Deepfakes and voice cloning are reshaping social engineering tactics.
MFA and basic hygiene go a long way: Implementing multi-factor authentication and conditional access can block up to 92% of cyberattacks.
Zero Trust is essential: Organizations must move beyond the “walled garden” mindset and adopt a “never trust, always verify” approach to access and data.
Data strategy is security strategy: Tools like Microsoft Purview and Windows 365 help classify, protect, and monitor sensitive data—especially in AI-enabled environments.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉Microsoft Purview – https://www.microsoft.com/security/business/information-protection/purview
👉Windows 365 – https://www.microsoft.com/windows-365
👉Microsoft Sentinel – https://azure.microsoft.com/products/microsoft-sentinel

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/690

What does it take to rise from limited access to tech resources to becoming a globally recognized Microsoft MVP? In this episode, Pascal Burume shares his remarkable journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the global tech stage. With grit, community leadership, and a passion for Microsoft technologies, Pascal reveals how he overcame language barriers, built impactful solutions with Power Platform, and inspired a new generation of tech professionals. If you're looking for a roadmap to grow your skills and make a difference—no matter where you start—this episode is for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Persistence Pays Off: Pascal failed multiple times before becoming a Microsoft Student Ambassador—but each setback sharpened his strategy and resilience.
Power Platform in Action: He used Power Apps and Power BI to build real-world solutions that improved decision-making at the UNDP.
Community as a Catalyst: Building and leading tech communities helped Pascal grow his skills, visibility, and impact.
Learning Without Limits: Despite infrastructure challenges, Pascal leveraged blogs, Microsoft Learn, and open-source tools to stay ahead.
From Local to Global: His story proves that with the right mindset and tools, you can build a global tech career from anywhere.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors: https://studentambassadors.microsoft.com
👉 Microsoft Learn: https://learn.microsoft.com
👉 Power Platform: https://powerplatform.microsoft.com

OTHER RESOURCES
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/689

In a world where AI is reshaping how we build, lead, and learn, standing still is no longer an option. In this episode, the Ecosystem Show team dives into the evolving role of Microsoft partners, the rise of “vibe coding,” and the critical mindsets needed to thrive in tech’s next chapter. Whether you're navigating AI adoption, rethinking your Power Platform strategy, or simply trying to stay relevant in a fast-changing landscape, this conversation offers clarity, challenge, and a roadmap forward.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
AI demands new mental models: Success in the AI era requires critical thinking, constant learning, and a willingness to challenge assumptions—even those served up by machines.
Power Platform is evolving fast: It’s no longer just low-code—it’s becoming the enterprise-grade “vibe coding” platform, integrating seamlessly with advanced tools and governance systems.
Trustworthy AI is non-negotiable: Leaders must embed safety, transparency, and validation into every AI practice. Microsoft’s internal frameworks offer a strong starting point.
The partner landscape is shifting: The best Microsoft partners are transforming their culture, offerings, and delivery models to meet the demands of AI-native enterprises.
Your career is your responsibility: In a time of layoffs and disruption, professionals must take ownership of their growth by developing adaptive, future-focused mindsets.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 Dynamics Minds Conference – https://dynamicsminds.com
👉 Forrester Wave Report – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/blog/power-apps/microsoft-is-a-leader-in-2025-forrester-wave-low-code-platforms-for-professional-developers/
👉 Microsoft's Trustworthy AI Framework – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-foundry/responsible-use-of-ai-overview

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/688

What happens when AI stops being a tool and starts becoming a teammate? In this episode, Ashish Bhatia, Principal Product Manager at Microsoft, unpacks the shift from traditional automation to intelligent agents—and what it means for the future of work. From the myth of “autonomous agents” to the real-world challenges of memory, trust, and productivity, this conversation dives deep into the evolving landscape of AI. Whether you're building with Copilot or planning your next AI strategy, this episode will sharpen your perspective on where the tech is headed—and what’s still missing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Agentification is the next evolution of apps: We're moving from reactive chatbots to proactive assistants that can take meaningful action—but we’re still early in that journey.
Memory is the missing link: Long-term context retention is essential for agents to become truly useful. Expect major strides in this area by 2025.
Autonomous agents are still a myth: Most current “agents” are glorified automations. True autonomy requires reasoning, adaptability, and trust.
Model selection will soon be invisible: Expect model routing to become standard, optimizing for cost and performance without user intervention.
AI isn’t saving time—yet: While AI boosts output quality, it still requires human oversight. The next leap is reducing the need for constant review.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉 AI Podcasts
The Wes Roth Podcast – https://www.youtube.com/@WesRoth
AI Explained – https://aiexplainedopodcast.buzzsprout.com/2418777
Training Data – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOhHNjZItNnMm5tdW61JpnyxeYH5NDDx8

👉 Tools & Concepts:
Copilot Studio – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio/fundamentals-what-is-copilot-studio
Operator Model – https://openai.com/index/introducing-operator/

👉 Ashish Bhatia's GitHub: https://github.com/ashbhati

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/687

What happens when a finance professional clicks a mysterious purple icon in Excel and discovers a whole new world? For Mate Tóth, that moment sparked a journey from spreadsheets to becoming a Microsoft MVP. In this episode, Mate shares how curiosity, community, and a passion for learning transformed his career. From building his first Power App in production to leading Hungary’s Power Platform user group, Mate’s story is a masterclass in grassroots tech leadership and the power of showing up.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Start Small, Think Big: Mate’s Power Platform journey began with a single Excel task—proof that big transformations often start with small curiosities.
Community as a Catalyst: His involvement in Toastmasters and local tech groups helped him grow as a speaker and leader, eventually leading to his MVP nomination.
Localization Matters: Language barriers and cultural nuances shape tech adoption—Mate shares how he’s bridging gaps in Hungary’s tech scene.
AI with Purpose: While enthusiastic about AI, Mate emphasizes ethical considerations and the importance of understanding each model’s strengths.
From Goals to Impact: Ironically, Mate became an MVP the year he stopped chasing the title and focused solely on helping others.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
👉Microsoft Learn - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/
👉Toastmasters International - https://www.linkedin.com/company/sz%C3%B3da-toastmasters-klub-budapest/
👉Midjourney - https://www.midjourney.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:
👉Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/686

Simon Hudson shares his fascinating journey from medical device inventor to tech entrepreneur, exploring how information architecture transformed his approach to SharePoint, Teams, and AI ethics.

TAKEAWAYS
• Started his career in physics and medical devices, developing two patents for chronic wound dressings
• Founded Cloud2 and developed Hadron, possibly the first SharePoint-based "intranet in a box" solution
• Recognized that 90% of organizational information needs are the same across companies
• Initially skeptical about Teams but had a "road to Damascus moment" when realizing its potential for structuring collaboration
• Companies that adopted his Teams approach transitioned seamlessly during the pandemic
• Believes AI won't eliminate jobs overall but will disadvantage those who don't learn to use it
• Working on how to build ethics directly into AI rather than just creating guardrails around it
• Concerned about AI agents making autonomous decisions without proper moral frameworks
• Sees data quality as a critical challenge for effective AI implementation in organizations
• Envisions personal AI "doppelgangers" that can handle routine tasks while embodying our ethical frameworks

Listen now to explore how information architecture might just be the key to more ethical, efficient, and empowering technology.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/685

What happens when you've witnessed artificial intelligence evolve from academic skepticism to world-changing technology? Bill, Technical Director at Flow Simulation and Microsoft MVP since 2018, takes us through his remarkable 30-year journey working with computers and AI systems since the 1990s.

TAKEAWAYS
• First awarded MVP in 2018
• Regularly speaks at international conferences about Microsoft 365, AI and Azure
• Started with expert systems in the 1990s when neural networks temporarily fell out of favor
• Witnessed the breakthrough of transformer architecture that revolutionized language models
• Traces the evolution from GPT-2 through ChatGPT to today's multimodal models
• Discusses potential future directions including copyright concerns and AI self-improvement
• Values GitHub Copilot as a practical time-saving tool that amplifies productivity
• Appreciates MVP program benefits including direct access to Microsoft product teams
• Values the MVP community connections with technically-minded professionals worldwide

For anyone navigating today's AI-powered world, Bill's experienced voice offers invaluable context that connects past developments to our possible futures.

OTHER RESOURCES:
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/684

The technological landscape is shifting beneath our feet, and those who fail to adapt risk being left behind. This stark reality forms the backbone of our latest episode, where we explore the concept that "AI is coming for the unmotivated" - perhaps the most crucial wake-up call of our professional generation.

TAKEAWAYS
• Recent experiences at ColorCloud event in Hamburg and during Spain's massive power outage
• Chris announces his new role at Cloud Lighthouse and ANS
• Microsoft Build conference schedule reveals heavy emphasis on AI with minimal business apps content
• The rise of "digital workforce" as a concept at major tech companies
• "AI is coming for the unmotivated" - why continuous learning is crucial for survival
• How an entire app was built using only AI prompts during a recent prompt-a-thon
• The concept of "information communism" illustrated through a real-world translation service example
• How professionals resist technological change rather than adapting their business models
• The need for "tragic imagination" to honestly confront the challenges ahead
• Why mundane, repetitive jobs will be the first to be replaced by digital workers

Don't hesitate to share your perspective with us. Stay connected for more innovative ideas and strategies to enhance your software estate. Until next time, keep pushing the boundaries and creating value.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/683

Danielle Moon shares her journey founding Women in Power, a community that grew from noticing just eight women among 80 professionals at a Microsoft event to a thriving global network of 930+ members in less than a year.

TAKEAWAYS
• Starting with vulnerability and a "just start" mentality rather than waiting for perfect conditions
• Building a community focused on connecting women across geographical boundaries who often experience isolation in their tech teams
• Creating mentoring rings, skill-building opportunities, and networking events worldwide
• Addressing the tendency for women to operate as "lone wolves" rather than leveraging collective strength
• Evolving beyond the Power Platform to emphasize soft skills that remain valuable in an AI-centered world
• Encouraging cross-learning between technical experts and those with relationship-building strengths
• Celebrating small victories while aiming for world domination

Whether you're a Power Platform professional seeking community or someone interested in building more inclusive tech spaces, this conversation offers valuable insights on creating tables where everyone can thrive. How might you apply these community-building principles in your professional sphere?

OTHER RESOURCES:
👉Women in Power (Platform): https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14423833/

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/682

Microsoft MVP Tiffany Songvilay shares her perspective on embracing technological change and preparing for an AI-powered future in the workplace. She explains her philosophy that fighting against inevitable change drains energy while adapting to Microsoft's vision positions professionals for success.

TAKEAWAYS
• Tiffany focuses on "whatever's new with Microsoft," currently evangelizing for Copilot while maintaining expertise in SharePoint and Viva
• Building prompt engineering skills is essential for thriving in an AI world—crafting sophisticated prompts that improve quality rather than just saving time
• AI will likely make certain jobs irrelevant rather than "taking" them, particularly impacting white-collar professions like legal and consulting
• Corporate communications, legal, and risk management are seeing significant benefits from Copilot implementation
• AI helps overcome task procrastination by making challenging work less intimidating
• Future developments may eliminate the need for traditional data structures like lists, fundamentally changing information architecture
• The MVP program's value comes from building relationships with product teams and advocating for client needs

Ready to embrace AI rather than fight against it? Listen now to discover how you can position yourself for success in Microsoft's AI-powered future—and perhaps reclaim your work-life balance in the process.

OTHER RESOURCES:
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/681

The team explores the ethical implications of teaching AI jailbreaking techniques and conducting red team testing on large language models, balancing educational value against potential misuse. They dive into personal experiments with bypassing AI safeguards, revealing both creative workarounds and robust protections in modern systems.

TAKEAWAYS
• Debate on whether demonstrating AI vulnerabilities is responsible education or potentially dangerous knowledge sharing
• Psychological impact on security professionals who regularly simulate malicious behaviors to test AI safety
• Real examples of attempts to "jailbreak" AI systems through fantasy storytelling and other creative prompts
• Legal gray areas in AI security testing that require dedicated legal support for organizations
• Personal experiences with testing AI guardrails on different models and their varying levels of protection
• Future prediction that Microsoft's per-user licensing model may shift to consumption-based as AI agents replace human tasks
• Growth observations about Microsoft's Business Applications division reaching approximately $8 billion
• Discussion of how M365 Copilot is transforming productivity, particularly for analyzing sales calls and customer interactions

Check out this episode for more deep dives into AI safety, security, and the future of technology in business.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/680

Microsoft's AI landscape has evolved into three distinct categories: Copilot for Microsoft 365 (M365) applications, Copilot Studio for low-code chatbot development, and Azure AI Foundry (formerly AI Studio) for pro-code flexibility with AI models. Join Nanddeep Nachan on today's Power Platform Show to learn more.

TAKEAWAYs
• Declarative agents provide the simplest approach to extending Copilot functionality without complex licensing
• Teams toolkit in Visual Studio Code offers an easy way to create declarative agents using simple JSON configurations
• Copilot Studio gives business users a drag-and-drop interface for creating virtual assistants quickly
• Azure AI Foundry provides comprehensive tools for developers and data scientists building advanced AI solutions
• Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) pattern bridges the gap between LLMs and organization-specific data
• Contract management use cases demonstrate how AI can extract insights from millions of documents
• Graph RAG pattern enables "global queries" that deliver insights across entire document collections
• AI Foundry solutions can be deployed directly to websites, Teams apps, or Microsoft 365 Copilot
• Despite impressive personal productivity gains, many organizations still struggle to find compelling enterprise-level use cases for Copilot

🔴 Books:
➟ Mastering SharePoint Framework (BPB Publications), Amazon bestseller - https://www.amazon.ca/Mastering-Sharepoint-Framework-Easy-Follow/dp/938932887X
➟ Understanding Hybrid Environments in SharePoint 2019 (Apress) - https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4842-6050-0
➟ Up and Running on Microsoft Viva Connections (Apress) - https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4842-8606-7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/679

Caroline Kallin shares her journey from finance to becoming a Microsoft MVP, revealing how curiosity and a passion for efficiency led her to specialize in digital workspace adoption and change management strategies during the pandemic.

TAKEAWAYS
• Working as a change and adoption driver at XOBE in Sweden
• Started in finance but always gravitated toward technology and efficiency improvements
• Became the first to roll out Teams during the pandemic which sparked her career pivot
• First awarded MVP status in 2024 after speaking at and organizing a Teams conference
• Focuses on Microsoft 365 and Copilot adoption strategies
• Emphasizes both top-down and bottom-up approaches to successful technology adoption
• Creates custom champion programs by identifying existing power users through admin data
• Addresses fears about AI replacing jobs with a pragmatic perspective
• Believes not everyone needs advanced AI skills, but organizations need people who can drive the adoption
• Values the supportive MVP community as the best part of the experience

OTHER RESOURCES:
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/678

We dive deep into the journey of Wim Coorevits, Microsoft's Community Lead for Business Apps, exploring his evolution from Belgian developer to global Microsoft innovator and the changing landscape of business applications.

TAKEAWAYS
• Started career as a developer in a marketing agency, discovering his passion for bridging technology and business
• Became a .NET trainer surrounded by MVPs who inspired his community involvement
• Earned MVP status in the Dynamics CRM space through sharing knowledge and expertise
• Transitioned to pre-sales, leveraging broad Microsoft technology knowledge to solve business problems
• Joined Microsoft as a Partner Technology Strategist before making the leap to product marketing
• Relocated from Belgium to the US for a role with Office 365 before finding his way to Power Platform
• Became known for creating demos shown "on every single stage in the world" during Power Platform's early days
• Now leads the Business Apps community team overseeing evangelism, community forums, advocacy programs, and events
• Team builds demos for keynotes and major events, focusing on real customer scenarios rather than fictional companies
• Currently developing an event tiering strategy to objectively determine how to support the many community events worldwide

Today, Wim's team not only builds the demos you see in major keynotes and launch events but also manages the forums, advocacy programs, and community engagement that sustain the vibrant Business Apps ecosystem. His insights into how Microsoft determines which community events to support and the challenges of scaling community engagement provide a rare glimpse into the strategy behind Microsoft's community presence.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/677

Pavan Mani Deep Yaragani, a first-time Microsoft MVP from Singapore, shares his journey from blogging about Power Platform technologies to earning MVP recognition in 2024. His story reveals how finding your specialty and consistently creating high-quality technical content can lead to community recognition and MVP status.

TAKEAWAYS
• Started career at HCL Technologies as a Dynamics 365 professional directly after college
• Currently works as assistant lead engineer and manager in healthcare, focusing on model-driven Power Apps and Power BI
• Earned Microsoft's "Top 10 Bloggers" recognition for several consecutive months
• Blogs primarily about new Power Platform features, testing them in trial and preview accounts
• Recently organized an online AI boot camp in Singapore with 30-35 participants
• Recommends finding a niche skill where you can contribute consistently for 1-2 years
• Was nominated for MVP by Golokan Mishtan from Singapore
• Credits the 90-day mentoring challenge as boosting his MVP journey

OTHER RESOURCES:
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP
👉GitHub: https://github.com/pavanmanideep
👉Personal GitHub: https://pavanmanideep.github.io/

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/676

Andrew Welch, Chris Huntingford, and William Dorrington explore the gap between marketed AI capabilities and technical reality, highlighting how "autonomous agents" often lack true orchestration and memory needed for genuine autonomy.

TAKEAWAYS
• Home gym innovation with resistance training that uses AI to adjust to your goals and fatigue levels
• Analysis of the US AI policy focusing on "US-made AI" compared to more detailed EU and UK frameworks
• The increasing fracturing of the global technology landscape with nations prioritizing domestic innovation
• Calling out marketing hype around "autonomous agents" that are merely deterministic automation with fancy names
• The critical need for memory capabilities in AI to enable true contextual understanding
• How delegation skills will become essential as we move toward more capable AI systems
• Creative workflows using Copilot for structuring ideas while preserving unique voice

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/675

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore the future of meetings in a hybrid world. Jeff Hardison shares insights from Calendly's research showing growing excitement about AI's role in making meetings more effective, while also noting the pendulum swing between asynchronous communication and the irreplaceable value of human connection.

Scheduling software Calendly has evolved from a simple time-finding tool into a comprehensive platform for building meaningful business relationships with over 20 million users worldwide.

TAKEAWAYS
• Calendly was founded by Tope Awotona, who wanted to solve the problem of coordinating meetings across different schedules and time zones
• The platform has expanded beyond basic scheduling to offer team-based coordination, automated notifications, and integration with payment systems like Stripe
• Calendly positions itself as "neutral Switzerland" between different platforms, integrating with Microsoft, Google, Zoom, Teams, and various CRM systems
• 54% of people surveyed are excited about AI's potential role in making meetings more effective
• The future of meetings will balance asynchronous communication tools with synchronous human connection
• Video communication skills are increasingly essential as remote work and freelancing continue to grow
• Microsoft-specific integrations include Outlook, Teams, Dynamics CRM, and Power Automate

Check out the Calendly for Microsoft webinar and integration page to learn more about connecting your Microsoft ecosystem with Calendly's scheduling capabilities.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/674

Amber Bell shares her journey from receptionist at a GP partner to Microsoft MVP, discovering her passion for training and documentation along the way.

TAKEAWAYS
• Starting as a receptionist at a Microsoft Great Plains partner in San Diego
• Moving up through certifications and discovering a love for training instead of programming
• Founding Training Dynamo nine years ago to focus on empowering users through education
• Helping clients bridge from GP to Business Central through process review and data cleanup
• Finding value in community connections with mentors like Kim Peterson and Anya Jucherski
• Emphasizing the importance of involving accounting teams in system transitions
• Growing from imposter syndrome to recognizing the value of specialized training skills
• Living near the beach in Connecticut with a love for making Mexican food and gardening

If you have not checked it out already, I do a YouTube series called How to Become an MVP. The link is in the show notes.

OTHER RESOURCES:
👉Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/673

Microsoft appears to be settling into a more deliberate AI strategy with increasing focus on data governance, security, and Fabric as a central component for AI implementation. The recent clarity around Microsoft's vision suggests a transition from reactionary AI deployment to a more considered approach for long-term value.

TAKEAWAYS
• Microsoft Fabric and OneLake emerging as an "AI landing zone" for consolidating multi-cloud data
• Free mirroring technology for AWS and other platforms reduces barriers to cross-cloud data integration
• Business Applications division potentially facing reorganization within the next five years
• Dataverse likely moving to Fabric while Copilot Studio shifts to Microsoft 365
• Traditional UI paradigms may disappear as AI interfaces replace menus and navigation elements
• Legal involvement becoming critical in AI development for the first time in software history
• Increased focus needed on the social and governance aspects of ESG in AI implementation
• Serious concerns about AI's potential to facilitate cybercrime and human rights violations

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/672

We dive deep into the world of AI security with Microsoft's Senior Offensive Security Engineer, Joris De Gruyter, from the AI Red Team, who shares insights into how they test and break AI systems to ensure safety and trustworthiness.

TAKEAWAYS
• Microsoft requires all AI features to be thoroughly documented and approved by a central board
• The AI Red Team tests products adversarially and as regular users to identify vulnerabilities
• Red teaming originated in military exercises during the Cold War before being adapted for software security
• The team tests for jailbreaks, harmful content generation, data exfiltration, and bias
• Team members come from diverse backgrounds including PhDs in machine learning, traditional security, and military experience
• New AI modalities like audio, images, and video each present unique security challenges
• Mental health support is prioritized since team members regularly encounter disturbing content
• Working exclusively with failure modes creates a healthy skepticism about AI capabilities
• Hands-on experimentation is recommended for anyone wanting to develop AI skills
• Curating your own information sources rather than relying on algorithms helps discover new knowledge

Check out the Microsoft co-pilot and other AI tools to start experimenting and finding practical ways they can help in your daily work.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/671

Prashant Chaudhary shares his journey from automation engineering to Microsoft MVP, highlighting how a passion for programming and community support shaped his successful career in Power Platform.

TAKEAWAYS
• Working at EY as a technical lead with expertise in Power Apps, Power Automate, and Dataverse
• First awarded Microsoft MVP status in 2024
• Started in automation engineering before transitioning to IT through a programming aptitude test
• Specializes in Power Automate after about 5-6 years working with Power Platform
• Successfully implemented desktop automation projects for financial data processing
• Career influenced by a startup owner who taught him to think beyond a single domain
• Joined EY through networking connections made by helping others in the community
• Planning to expand community involvement through speaking engagements in 2025
• Values networking as a critical component of career growth

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP
90 Day Mentoring Challenge - https://www.90daymc.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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/670

Join us for a captivating conversation with Rahan Arif, the dynamic CEO and founder of Lowcodera, who pulls back the curtain on his inspiring journey through the tech world. From the early days of building websites in university to navigating the impactful realms of Microsoft technologies and SharePoint, Rahan shares how these experiences paved his path to entrepreneurship. He also reveals how he balances this high-stakes career with the joys of family, food, and travel, and how these personal passions keep him grounded. Learn from his insights on the increasing costs of travel due to inflation and his memorable family trips to Europe and Dubai.

TAKEAWAYS
• Rahan's background in website development and early IT experiences
• Transitioning from SharePoint to a focus on Power Platform
• Identifying gaps in the functionality and appearance of Power Apps
• Launching Low Code Era to address these challenges with PCF components
• Introduction of the generative AI app-building platform for faster development
• The concept of "App in an Hour" and collaborative prototyping
• Revolutionizing how businesses approach and envision app solutions
• The future potential of low-code integrations and democratizing 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.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/669

Peter Ruiter shares his journey from PHP developer to Microsoft MVP, highlighting his career transformation and expertise in Microsoft's contact center technology.

• Born in the Netherlands with a family that spans continents – wife from Argentina, two sons aged 14 and 10
• Started in Media Technology, working with PHP and marketing automation before transitioning to Microsoft technologies
• Currently serves as Principal Solution Architect and Cloud Domain Lead at Capgemini
• Leads Power Platform initiatives within Capgemini Netherlands, focusing on complex Dynamics projects
• Passionate about Microsoft's contact center capabilities which integrate Teams, Dynamics, and Azure Communication Services
• Explains how Microsoft's platform approach gives it advantages over competitors like Genesis and Amazon Connect
• Provides insight into the practical considerations of implementing contact center solutions, including cost comparisons
• Planning to speak at the BizApps Summit in Düsseldorf and attend the MVP Summit

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/668

Microsoft's digital technology specialist from Singapore shares insights on enterprise-scale Power Platform implementations and how AI is transforming business processes across industries. We explore the psychology behind enterprise architects' resistance to low-code platforms and examine real-world success stories from major banks and global organizations.

TAKEAWAYS
• The psychological barriers enterprise architects face when considering low-code platforms
• Parallels between historical resistance to .NET and today's hesitation about Power Platform
• Case study of a major bank that improved performance 12-fold by migrating from legacy ERP
• How a UK bank used Power Automate to fix a critical integration in hours instead of weeks
• The impact of agentic AI on eliminating "performance leaks" in organizational workflows
• Transforming contact centers with intelligent routing and AI-powered agent assistance
• Why smaller organizations without legacy data "baggage" are well-positioned for AI adoption
• How the Power Platform enables consolidation of business processes similar to data lakes

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/667

Join us for a captivating episode exploring the transformative journey of Soren, a senior consultant and MVP in the Power Platform community. From his humble beginnings to becoming a thought leader, Soren opens up about his experiences and insights. He emphasizes the user-friendly nature of the tools within the Power Platform, making it accessible to anyone looking to embark on a career in tech. Soren's stories reveal how curiosity and adaptation can turn obstacles into stepping stones toward success.

TAKEAWAYS
• Soren's introduction to the Power Platform and Projectum
• Importance of user-friendly tools for citizen developers
• Enhancing skills in the tech landscape with AI intersections
• Real-world examples of user empowerment through technology
• Insights into potential future trends in the industry
• Career advice for aspiring Power Platform developers

OTHER RESOURCES:
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/666

We explore whether AI is overhyped or dangerously underhyped, examining the disconnect between those creating AI technology and those selling it without adequately addressing trustworthy AI concerns.

TAKEAWAYS
• The Microsoft AI Tour event demonstrated excellent technical content with a strong focus on trustworthy AI
• There's a dangerous disconnect between people who make AI technology and those who sell it regarding responsible AI implementation
• Trustworthy AI doesn't mean stopping innovation but preventing potential calamities
• The scale of AI's impact may be drastically underestimated, similar to our inability to truly comprehend "65 million years since dinosaurs"
• AI enables processing information at unprecedented scale, creating extraordinary risks in surveillance and human rights contexts
• Corporate discussions about completely replacing customer service departments with AI raise serious socioeconomic concerns
• Shadow AI applications being developed without proper governance represent significant risks
• Containing AI's risks while harnessing its benefits requires education, curiosity, and political wisdom

Get educated and don't rely on echo chambers or news articles - read in-depth material from experts to form your own opinions about AI's trajectory and implications.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
👉 The Coming Waveby Mustafa Suleiman
👉 Origin by Dan Brown

OTHER RESOURCES
👉90 Day Mentoring Challenge - https://www.90daymc.com/
👉Support the show - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nz365guy

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/665

Stevie Sims shares his journey from chemical plant operator to lead Power Platform developer at Shell, demonstrating how business expertise combined with low-code tools can transform organizations.

TAKEAWAYS
• Started career in operations, climbing towers and turning valves before discovering Excel
• Hurricane Ida became a pivotal moment when he built a Power BI dashboard to manage recovery
• Transitioned from citizen developer to fusion team member building complex apps and automations
• Believes companies should encourage operational experts to upskill with technical tools
• Emphasizes the importance of business knowledge when developing technical solutions
• Advocates for "ring-fencing" talented citizen developers for focused development periods
• Prevents duplicate development efforts through idea triage and solution sharing
• Featured in new book "All Hands on Tech: AI-Powered Citizen Developer Revolution"

Check out "All Hands on Tech" by Ian Barkin and Tom Davenport, featuring Steve's story and other inspiring examples from the low-code no-code space.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/664

In this engaging episode, we connect with Sriram Balaji, an inspiring leader and MVP who shares his journey within the tech universe. From his early days coding alongside his son, who claims the title of one of the youngest Power Platform certified individuals, Sriram showcases the incredible fusion of family, passion, and career. He discusses the Age of Copilot newsletter, a valuable resource crafted to keep the community informed about OpenAI's advancements.

This episode takes an enlightening turn as we explore the differences between Copilot and ChatGPT, emphasizing how organizations can leverage these tools for tailored solutions. Sriram’s expertise shines through, offering insights into A.I.'s practical applications and how professionals can utilize these technologies for growth.

Join us for this captivating exploration of tech, family, and resilience! Don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this enlightening episode with your network!

TAKEAWAYS
• Introduction of Sriram and his role as Solution Director at Curve Digital
• The fascinating story of Sriram's son and his custom GPT tool
• Overview of the Age of Copilot newsletter and its significance
• Discussion on Copilot versus ChatGPT and their unique functionalities
• Insight into balancing family life with tech innovations
• Sriram's reflections on becoming an MVP and community engagement

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/663

Step into the world of AI with our latest episode, where Dewain Robinson from Microsoft unpacks the transformative power of Copilot Studio and intelligent agents in 2025. As organizations gear up to integrate advanced AI solutions, the discussion delves into what this shift means for everyday tasks and overall productivity. From understanding the distinction between copilots and agents to exploring real-life case studies demonstrating innovation in action and unexpected value, listeners will gain actionable insights into the future of AI.

This vibrant discussion is not just about technology; it’s about shaping the future of work—witnessing AI evolve from a mere tool to an essential colleague. Grab your headphones and join us to prepare for the AI revolutions that lie ahead. Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!

TAKEAWAYS
• Understanding Copilot Studio and its capabilities
• The rise of autonomous agents in 2025
• User-friendly AI systems boosting creativity over simplicity
• Case studies demonstrating the transformational value of AI
• Preparing for the future: AI as an enabler, not a replacement

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/662

María del Mar Pedroche Adán shares her inspiring journey through the tech world, from engineering to becoming a Power Platform MVP. Her story emphasizes the importance of community, family, and resilience in navigating challenges.

Mar's story is not just about personal achievement but also about her incredible journey to give back. Don't miss out on a conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and a compelling call to action for all those looking to make their mark in the tech world!

TAKEAWAYS
• Introduction to Maria del Mar and her journey in tech
• Impact of floods in Valencia and the importance of family
• Mar's contribution to the MVP community and knowledge sharing
• Organizing tech events like the BIS Summit
• Thoughts on AI and its future in technology
• Advice for aspiring professionals in tech and the Power Platform

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/661

Step into the ever-evolving world of technology with this episode focused on the Microsoft Power Platform and Business Central. Brad Prendergast shares his journey from being a senior developer to a mentor, providing rich insights into the significance of practical training and the profound effects of mentorship in one's career. Discover how commonly successful practitioners emphasize hands-on learning experiences that build emotional resilience and understanding—a necessity as the tech landscape consistently morphs with new challenges such as AI.

Join us for enlightening discussions, personal stories, and expert insights that aim to elevate your understanding of the Microsoft landscape. Ready to enhance your career? Subscribe now and be part of exploring the future of business and technology!

TAKEAWAYS
• Understanding training's profound impact on tech careers
• Exploring the importance of mentorship in personal growth
• Insight into the rapid evolution of Microsoft Business Central
• Leveraging AI for productivity in the workplace
• The ever-changing landscape of technology-focused learning
• Engaging anecdotes from the guest's career journey

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/660

Zeeshan Saeed's journey from a website designer to a dynamic MVP leader emphasizes the transformative power of community and the importance of adapting to technological evolution. He discusses his career transitions, the current job market in Sydney, and the necessity of best practices in tech implementations. Our conversation also uncovers the shifting trend of tech professionals gravitating towards freelancing, driven by technological advancements outpacing corporate adoption. Gain valuable perspectives on the challenges of AI integration in businesses and how nimble startups are seizing these tech opportunities.

TAKEAWAYS
• Emphasizes the impact of community on professional growth
• Discusses the transition from traditional coding to low-code platforms
• Zeeshan shares his insights on the job market for Power Platform professionals
• Highlights the importance of best practices in tech implementations
• Reflects on his major projects, including government data initiatives
• Explores the rise of freelancing in the tech industry

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/659

What if AI could transform the way we navigate our professional and personal lives? This episode addresses the pressing challenges of balancing AI innovation with the regulatory frameworks emerging worldwide. We explore the differences between the EU and U.S. approaches to AI regulation, the importance of human rights considerations, and the responsibility organizations have in navigating ethical implications.

TAKEAWAYS
• Highlighting advancements in AI tools
• Discussion of Grok 3 and its capabilities
• Exploring the EU AI Act versus U.S. regulatory approaches
• Complexity of navigating international AI regulations
• The risk of human rights violations with AI algorithms
• Emphasizing educational needs for organizations
• Importance of a responsible culture in AI implementation

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/658

Steve Jeffery from Microsoft’s PowerCat team unveils the Business Value Kit, a revolutionary tool aimed at quantifying the value of Power Platform applications within organizations. This episode explores how the toolkit captures user stories, aligns value with organizational goals, and empowers companies to communicate their successes effectively.

TAKEAWAYS
• The Business Value Kit helps organizations assess the value of their applications
• Importance of storytelling in measuring tech impact
• Flexibility in aligning value with departmental goals
• Achievements and feedback from early users of the kit
• Encouragement of a culture of success through shared narratives
• Continuous improvement based on user insights and needs

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/657

What happens when a seasoned ERP advisor with over two decades of experience achieves MVP status? Join us as we explore the intriguing journey of Robb Delprado from CPA to a leader in Dynamics 365 and discuss the vibrant user community supporting Business Central. His insights highlight the importance of community, the evolution of accounting software, and the future of ERP solutions. This episode sheds light on how platforms like Microsoft Business Central and innovative ISVs are revolutionizing business productivity.

TAKEAWAYS
• Rob shares his journey from CPA to ERP advisor
• The significance of community in Dynamics 365
• Exploring advancements in accounting processes
• Challenges with electronic invoicing in the current landscape
• The role of ISVs in enhancing ERP solutions
• Insights into hardware integration in ERP systems
• Rob’s path to becoming an MVP and its impact

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/656

The future of AI integration is rapidly evolving, bringing with it a new spectrum of legal responsibilities. From developing tools like a Power BI dashboard to analyze AI strategies to tackling the profound shifts in AI policy in the UK and EU, we explore the myriad opportunities and challenges this landscape presents.

This episode dives into the newly introduced AI laws across Europe, their implications for businesses, and the critical examination of thinking in technological contexts. Ana Welch and Chris Huntingford discuss the confluence of regulation, innovation, and ethical considerations in AI development while emphasizing the need for rigorous legal frameworks.

TAKEAWAYS
• Exploration of European AI laws and governance
• Importance of critical thinking in AI and technology
• Discussion on the implications of the UK's AI playbooks
• The evolving responsibility of developers in AI deployment
• Need for legal oversight and responsible data handling
• Emphasizing customer trust in the digital age

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/655

Explore the frontier of Mega Apps on Microsoft's Power Platform with our esteemed guest, Charlie Phipps-Bennett, the delivery director of Synapse, who brings invaluable insights from his journey of co-founding Zaptica to its transformative merger with Synapse. Learn how Charlie's strategic focus on the legal and construction sectors, paired with savvy marketing, quickly landed high-profile clients like one of the world’s largest construction companies. Beyond the boardroom, Charlie’s passion for cars and adventure adds a personal flair to our conversation, making this episode both enlightening and engaging.

TAKEAWAYS
• Exploring the concept of Mega Apps for enterprise solutions
• Importance of focusing on specific industries like legal and construction
• Strategies for quick growth through marketing efforts
• Case studies of a law firm and Skanska’s global implementation
• Addressing challenges in data management and accessibility
• Significance of UX/UI design in promoting user adoption
• Treating Power Apps projects as a standard software development lifecycle
• Learn about smart licensing and great user design with AI features.
• The key tools - SQL, Dataverse, and Figma are essential for powerful and well-designed apps.
• Building vital Power Platform apps requires strong disaster recovery and clear documentation.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/654

George Grammatikos’ journey as a cloud integrator and Microsoft MVP showcases the blend of technology and personal experiences. With a passion for the Power Platform and a leadership role in various Microsoft communities, George has not only influenced the tech world but also left a mark on those he mentors. His story is one of ambition, dedication, and a deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology, making him a beacon of inspiration for aspiring tech professionals. Join us for an enriching conversation that blends professional insights with a heartfelt celebration of life's simple pleasures.

TAKEAWAYS
• George's personal connection to family and Greek cuisine
• The transition from hardware to cloud technology
• Insights into remote work and its benefits
• Exploration of business applications and low-code tools
• Future aspirations in AI and technology trends

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP
George Grammatikos’ GitHub: https://github.com/gxgrammatikos

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

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 Topness 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.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

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.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

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.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/650

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.

TAKEAWAY
• 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://www.90daymc.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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/649

This episode combines personal stories and insights about establishing effective routines to enhance health, productivity, and well-being. Our hosts explore various approaches, such as the importance of morning rituals, understanding chronotypes, and leveraging technology to support personal health regimens.

TAKEAWAY
• Discussing the importance of morning routines
• Mark's regimen inclusive of Celtic Sea salt and AI health tracking
• Anna's exploration of her own healthy lifestyle adaptations
• The group discusses the significance of hydration and nutrition in daily routines.
• Will's strategies for digital detox and environmental management
• Emphasizing understanding individual circumstances for sustainability
• Encouraging adaptive routines reflecting personal needs and challenges
• The conversation touches on the role of technology in enhancing health routines.
• The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of environment on personal growth and productivity.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

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.

TAKEAWAYS
• 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.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

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.

TAKEAWAYS
• Magnus' 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.

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP
Magnus' GitHub: https://github.com/magesoe

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

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.

TAKEAWAYS
• 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.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

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.

TAKEAWAYS
• 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.

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/

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

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

TAKEAWAYS
• 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.

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/643

This episode explores the evolving landscape of recruitment within the Microsoft ecosystem, focusing on the growing trend of in-house talent acquisition over traditional partnerships. Bilal (Bill) Khan shares his personal journey, insights on the importance of AI skills, and the vital role of personal branding in securing opportunities in the tech industry.

TAKEAWAYS
• Discussion on the shift from Microsoft partners to in-house recruitment teams
• Importance of empathy and the human element in recruitment
• Emerging need for AI skills in the job market
• Insights on personal branding and its impact on careers
• Reflections on family, food, and fun as integral to work-life balance
• How can career development be self-initiated in partner organizations?
• Why is building in-house teams becoming a more cost-effective strategy for businesses?
• How can agencies adapt their approach to client relationships to stay competitive?
• How is AI expected to revolutionize recruitment by 2025?
• Why are empathy and effective communication essential in recruitment?

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!

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

View Details

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/642

This episode showcases Kristoffer Ruyeras, a new MVP, as he shares insights into his journey navigating the tech landscape, the importance of community engagement, and the blend of personal heritage with professional passion. His experiences highlight how storytelling and connection shape the road to becoming an MVP and the value of knowledge-sharing platforms like blogs and podcasts.

TAKEAWAYS
• Exploration of Kristoffer’s background and cultural heritage
• Insights into the Matalino blog and its mission
• Overview of the Dynamics Corner podcast and its organic style
• Discussion about community engagement and networking experiences
• Becoming an MVP is a journey of learning, sharing, and community involvement.
• Kristoffer's journey highlights the value of mentorship
• Reflections on the journey to becoming an MVP and the significance of sharing knowledge
• Learn the importance of education and continuous learning in his career.
• Kristoffer believes in the power of community to help individuals grow in their careers.