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https://podcast.nz365guy.com/638

Experience the inspiring journey of C R Bhargavi, a senior software engineer at Ford Motor Company, who blends her technological expertise with her rich cultural heritage. Sparked by her father's legacy as a software project manager, Bhargavi walks us through her path into the tech world, focusing her talents on the Power Platform to revolutionize business processes. As she shares her story, listeners are invited to explore how her early exposure to technology set the foundation for her career and how her Indian roots and artistic passions in fashion design and Bharatanatyam dance shape her personal and professional life.

Join us in this episode as we explore the intricacies of balancing a career with personal passions through Bhargavi's experiences. Discover her role at Ford, where she applies her Power Apps skills to tackle business challenges, reflecting the company's commitment to Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. Hear firsthand how community networking and familial guidance molded her journey, and find inspiration in her story of integrating technology with the arts. This conversation sheds light on the multifaceted nature of a career in tech, celebrating the fusion of cultural influences and professional accomplishments.

In 2024, we celebrated seven years of the Microsoft Business Applications podcast. Now, we step into 2025 with a fresh new name.

Welcome to the Microsoft Innovation podcast! Our new name reflects a broader vision, exploring the intersection of people, business, technology, and AI.

Justin Welsh
Justin Welsh’s LinkedIn Operating System—the guide to finding your voice on LinkedIn.

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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FULL SHOW NOTES
https://podcast.nz365guy.com/637

Discover the inspiring journey of Cat Schneider, a senior software engineer at Hitachi Solutions America, as she shares her remarkable career transformation from working in the public sector to becoming a passionate advocate for Power Platform tools. Through her engaging story, you'll learn how a mentoring relationship at the Florida Department of Transportation ignited her interest in Power BI, leading to the creation of a community with over 300 active users. Cat's enthusiasm for integrating these tools not only revolutionized her organization but also positioned her as a sought-after speaker at conferences and opened doors to multiple job offers, including one from Microsoft. This episode is filled with insights into how passion and community can drive innovation and success in both personal and professional realms.

We also tackle the significant topic of accessibility, particularly in the public sector, with a focus on making digital content and laws available to all. Cat sheds light on the challenges posed by Florida's sunshine laws and shares her experience forming a user group dedicated to UX, UI, and accessibility. Highlighting the fun yet exhausting world of conferences, she brings a sense of humor with tales of dressing up as a dinosaur, while also sharing her pet projects involving Power Apps and electronics with Arduino and Raspberry Pi. This episode promises to leave you inspired and motivated to explore the transformative potential of technology in creating inclusive and innovative solutions.

In 2024, we celebrated seven years of the Microsoft Business Applications podcast. Now, we step into 2025 with a fresh new name.

Welcome to the Microsoft Innovation podcast! Our new name reflects a broader vision, exploring the intersection of people, business, technology, and AI.

90 Day Mentoring Challenge
Microsoft Business Applications Career Mentor for the Power Platform and Dynamics 365

Justin Welsh
Justin Welsh’s LinkedIn Operating System—the guide to finding your voice on LinkedIn.

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Send me a Text Message here

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://podcast.nz365guy.com/636

Meet Villem Heinsalu, a seasoned Dynamics 365 Business Central developer from Estonia, who shares his journey from a traditional partner role to becoming a freelance MVP developer. With a newborn son and a passion for simple yet well-made food and paddle tennis, Villem offers a rich tapestry of personal insights intertwined with professional wisdom. This episode promises to unpack the nuances of freelancing, the art of self-promotion, and the delicate balance of managing freelance projects alongside a full-time job. Villem’s transition into entrepreneurship, spurred by opportunities on LinkedIn, provides an authentic narrative to anyone considering a similar path.

We also dive into the dynamics of customer relationships in the ERP sphere and explore long-term service models that extend beyond initial implementations. Villem candidly discusses pricing strategies, the challenges of overdue payments, and the immense value of community contributions on his journey to becoming a Microsoft MVP. Discover how achieving MVP status can enhance professional visibility, and get practical advice for aspiring MVPs who aim to impact the community with originality and generosity. Whether you're curious about freelancing or aiming for MVP recognition, Villem's story provides both inspiration and actionable guidance for navigating the evolving landscape of the tech industry.

In 2024, we celebrated seven years of the Microsoft Business Applications podcast. Now, we step into 2025 with a fresh new name.

Welcome to the Microsoft Innovation podcast! Our new name reflects a broader vision, exploring the intersection of people, business, technology, and AI.

Justin Welsh
Justin Welsh’s LinkedIn Operating System—the guide to finding your voice on LinkedIn.

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Send me a Text Message here

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://podcast.nz365guy.com/635

Unlock the secrets to navigating the dynamic world of software ecosystems with us as we reflect on an extraordinary year of innovation and transformation. Our journey has been nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by the launch of Cloud Lighthouse in January 2024 and the burgeoning influence of Dynamics Minds, an event like no other, merging the sophistication of Davos with the creativity of Burning Man for Microsoft's community. We explore Microsoft's evolution from a stalwart software company into a trailblazing AI-driven organization, reshaping the very nature of business applications and redefining tech events. Our experiences in building BizApps and Azure practices reveal the vital importance of adaptability in an ever-changing tech landscape.

Challenge the status quo with us as we advocate for a shift from traditional, siloed business practices to a comprehensive, global approach in cloud technology. The limitations of maintaining isolated, product-focused practices are laid bare as we champion a holistic cloud strategy that fosters cross-functional collaboration and integration. Drawing from a powerful example in Australia, we discuss how centralizing practices across regions can unlock significant growth potential and enhance customer service. As remote work continues to revolutionize the workforce, we highlight its societal benefits and caution against reverting to outdated office-centric models.

Gaze into the future as we anticipate the evolution of AI, predicting a transition from "co-pilots" to "agents" by 2025. Our discussion delves into how AI can become more intuitive and seamlessly integrate into our daily lives, enhancing productivity by adapting to individual user preferences. We celebrate these achievements in the software ecosystem with engaging and insightful discussions that have sparked laughter and growth. As we wrap up, we thank our audience for their invaluable feedback and encourage everyone to stay connected for more innovative strategies to push boundaries and create value in the ever-evolving world of technology.

In 2024, we celebrated seven years of the Microsoft Business Applications podcast. Now, we step into 2025 with a fresh new name.

Welcome to the Microsoft Innovation podcast! Our new name reflects a broader vision, exploring the intersection of people, business, technology, and AI.

90 Day Mentoring Challenge
Microsoft Business Applications Career Mentor for the Power Platform and Dynamics 365

Justin Welsh
Justin Welsh’s LinkedIn Operating System—the guide to finding your voice on LinkedIn.

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Send me a Text Message here

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://podcast.nz365guy.com/634

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jay Wellings, the head of development at Volato, who brings a wealth of experience from the greater Portsmouth area. As an aficionado of great steak dinners, Jay shares not just his culinary preferences but also his career journey from studying computer science in 2003 to becoming a powerhouse in the Microsoft ecosystem by 2016. This episode offers a rich narrative of Jay’s passion for front-end development and how web technologies have dynamically evolved, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the Microsoft Power Platform’s enterprise capabilities.

Do you think the Microsoft Power Platform is only for small-scale projects? Think again. We dismantle this misconception by showcasing its robust features and the significant impact it can have on enterprise-level operations. Jay shares his firsthand experience with a major financial institution where he orchestrated a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, proving skeptics wrong about the platform’s scalability and effectiveness. Built on Microsoft’s secure Azure cloud infrastructure, the Power Platform is far from a "beginner's tool" and is ready to tackle mission-critical workloads with an ironclad approach to security and compliance, especially in sectors like finance.

The conversation takes an exciting turn as we discuss the potent combination of data centralization and AI. Jay provides insights into transitioning from siloed data management to a streamlined, centralized data schema using Microsoft Dataverse, a critical step towards harnessing the power of AI. Hear how clean data paves the way for innovative AI applications in industries like retail and banking, turning mundane tasks into automated marvels and revolutionizing customer service. As AI cements its role in the technological toolbox, this episode underscores the importance of thoughtful integration, maintained by robust data practices, to unlock untapped possibilities within the Microsoft ecosystem.

In 2024, we celebrated seven years of the Microsoft Business Applications podcast. Now, we step into 2025 with a fresh new name.

Welcome to the Microsoft Innovation podcast! Our new name reflects a broader vision, exploring the intersection of people, business, technology, and AI.

90 Day Mentoring Challenge
Microsoft Business Applications Career Mentor for the Power Platform and Dynamics 365

Justin Welsh
Justin Welsh’s LinkedIn Operating System—the guide to finding your voice on LinkedIn.

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Send me a Text Message here

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://podcast.nz365guy.com/633

Imagine a world where technology and martial arts intertwine to create a tapestry of personal and professional success. That's the landscape we're exploring with Charlie Phipps-Bennett, a remarkable tech industry talent from Weymouth, England. Discover how a chance encounter nearly turned perilous and became a pivotal moment in his life, thanks to his training in boxing and Muay Thai. Charlie's story isn't just about physical defense; it's a powerful testament to the life skills martial arts instill, shaping discipline and strengthening character. In an era where self-defense is crucial, Charlie's journey offers valuable lessons and inspiring insights for both adults and children.

But the journey doesn't end there. Celebrating Charlie's remarkable achievement of winning the UK Tech Star of the Year award in 2023, we pivot to his groundbreaking community efforts. Despite living miles away in Weymouth, he's at the heart of building the Scottish Power Platform User Group, fostering collaboration and growth for Power Platform professionals in Scotland. Get the inside scoop on camaraderie at the awards, including fun-filled moments with peers like Chris Huntingford. With support from Mark Christie and the Scottish Summit team, Charlie's story is a beacon for aspiring MVPs, showcasing how dedication to community and technology can create ripple effects that transcend borders.

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP

In 2024, we celebrated seven years of the Microsoft Business Applications podcast. Now, we step into 2025 with a fresh new name.

Welcome to the Microsoft Innovation podcast! Our new name reflects a broader vision, exploring the intersection of people, business, technology, and AI.

90 Day Mentoring Challenge
Microsoft Business Applications Career Mentor for the Power Platform and Dynamics 365

Justin Welsh
Justin Welsh’s LinkedIn Operating System—the guide to finding your voice on LinkedIn.

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Send me a Text Message here

In 2024, we celebrated seven years of the Microsoft Business Applications podcast. Now, we step into 2025 with a fresh new name.

Welcome to the Microsoft Innovation podcast! Our new name reflects a broader vision, exploring the intersection of people, business, technology, and AI.

90 Day Mentoring Challenge
Microsoft Business Applications Career Mentor for the Power Platform and Dynamics 365

Justin Welsh
Justin Welsh’s LinkedIn Operating System—the guide to finding your voice on LinkedIn.

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

Send me a Text Message here

FULL SHOW NOTES
https://podcast.nz365guy.com/631

Discover how the Microsoft Power Platform is revolutionizing the tech landscape with insights from Andrew Butenko, a seasoned Solution Technical Architect and Microsoft MVP, who joins us to share his journey and current innovative projects at Excellent Solutions. You'll learn how Andrew's personal efforts to support Ukraine during the ongoing conflict highlight the country's technological advancements, such as the use of FPV drones in modern warfare. Reflecting on the exceptional skills of Ukrainian professionals, we'll explore the Power Platform's significant implications for both citizen and pro developers, emphasizing its untapped potential.

Our conversation unpacks the evolution of Power Platform development, spotlighting key components like PCF controls, plugins, and custom connectors. Reminisce with us about the early days of Telerik controls and our anticipation of a similar market for PCF controls that has yet to materialize. We'll discuss the emerging capabilities of PowerFX plugins and examine the critical responsibilities of pro developers in creating flexible custom connectors and ensuring robust UI validation. We'll also address the challenges of aligning real business needs with system implementations, sharing insights into effective data capture practices to enhance user experience and prevent system errors.

In 2024, we celebrated seven years of the Microsoft Business Applications podcast. Now, we step into 2025 with a fresh new name.

Welcome to the Microsoft Innovation podcast! Our new name reflects a broader vision, exploring the intersection of people, business, technology, and AI.

90 Day Mentoring Challenge
Microsoft Business Applications Career Mentor for the Power Platform and Dynamics 365

Justin Welsh
Justin Welsh’s LinkedIn Operating System—the guide to finding your voice on LinkedIn.

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith