Microsoft Innovation Podcast

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 Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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  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/CopilotAdoptionSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL 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/ Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL 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 journeyMicrosoft 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/CopilotAdoptionSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL 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 industryOTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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 implementationMicrosoft 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/CopilotAdoptionSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/658Steve 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 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/CopilotAdoptionSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/657What 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 MVPSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL 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 ageMicrosoft 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/CopilotAdoptionSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL 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. 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/CopilotAdoptionSupport the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith