Microsoft Innovation Podcast
If you want to get your ideas or questions featured on an episode, please leave us a voicemail: https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/voicemail/Dive into the future of work with the "Microsoft Innovation Podcast," exploring the intersection of People, Business, Technology, and AI. Engage with expert guests—including thought leaders from Microsoft, industry innovators, and community specialists—who are redefining the world with advancements in AI, Cloud technologies, the Power Platform, Dynamics 365, and beyond.Every episode delivers a blend of in-depth discussions, practical insights, and actionable strategies tailored for professionals driving enablement and innovation. Join us across our five shows:The P...
AI Is a Mirror: Better Prompts, Better Results
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 ch...
Why Low-Code Breeds Technical Debt
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 persp...
From Hackathons to High Impact: Building Real AI Solutions
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, thi...
Digital Fluency: Stop Collecting Info, Start Applying
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 th...
Break Into Tech with No Code, No Cost, No Limits
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...
How Copilot Is Saving 40+ Minutes a Day
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...
Skill Beats Hype: Practical Ways to Augment Your Work with AI
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...
Copilot Adoption That Actually Works
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 pack...
How to Assess AI Readiness in Your Organization
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 gener...
How Microsoft Scaled Copilot with Zero Budget
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...
How AI Agents Are Quietly Reshaping the Workplace
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 fu...
The Truth About Power Platform in Global Mega Projects
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...
Why Copilot Isn’t Autopilot and What That Means for You
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 y...
AI Regulation: Innovation’s Hidden Accelerator
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 wi...
How RAG Is Powering the Future of AI Agents
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...
Why Data-First Thinking Is Killing Your AI Strategy
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 insi...
Building Smarter Forms and PDFs with Power Platform
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...
Turn 8-Hour Tasks into 1-Hour Wins with AI
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 smarte...
Why Agile Is Failing—and What’s Replacing It
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.
The New Era of Human + AI Collaboration at Work
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 bu...
Unlocking AI’s True Power: Beyond Copilot Basics
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 me...
The 5 Future-Proof Skills Every Tech Pro Needs Now
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 wil...
Why Copilot Fails Without This One Strategy
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-ear...
Copilot Is the New Electricity of Work
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...
Upgrade, Debug, Deploy—AI Is Doing It All
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 st...
How AI Levels the Playing Field for Small Business
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, ethica...
Why GenAI Fails Without Clean Data
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 convers...
AI Agents Are Changing Software Forever—Are You Ready?
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 reve...
AI That Knows Your Code Better Than You Do
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...
Why Small Language Models Are the Future of AI
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...
Why AI Needs Knowledge Management to Succeed
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 abo...
The 3 AI Mindsets Disrupting Tech Today
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—...
Why AI Fails Without Clean Data
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 Micr...
The Hidden Power of Copilot Agents in the Enterprise
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 wi...
The Secret Behind FastTrack’s 2.2x Higher Adoption Rates
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. Wheth...
How to Drive Real ROI with Enterprise AI
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 enterpri...
Revolutionizing M&A with Power BI and Real-Time Data
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 advis...
Why AI Won’t Steal Your Job—But Will Change It
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 g...
The Future of Low-Code DevOps Starts Here
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 o...
Why Copilot Fails Without Data Security
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...
