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

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

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

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

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/

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