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Agnius Bartninkas, a Microsoft MVP and the dynamic COO of Definra, takes center stage in this episode as we explore his intriguing journey from tech to the tantalizing world of mixology. Curious about how an expert in Power Automate Desktop crafts the perfect Mai Tai? Or why a Baby Guinness shot became a significant discovery? Agnius shares personal anecdotes of cocktail adventures, revealing a newfound passion that blends his technical precision with creative flair. Get ready to be inspired by stories of crafting cocktails that capture the essence of far-off places like Waikiki, Hawaii.

The conversation deepens as we navigate Agnius' path into Robotic Process Automation (RPA), a venture that started with humble beginnings in programming. Learn how opportunities in an international manufacturing company led him to the forefront of process automation. With insights into the impact of Microsoft's acquisition of Softomotive and the strategic role of Power Automate, Agnius recounts the growth of his family-run business, Robo Virgin, a testament to self-learning, adaptability, and the power of collaboration. This is not just about automation; it's about the relentless pursuit of innovation and the creation of meaningful solutions.

As we look to the future, discover the possibilities of AI in email management and the potential for AI-powered co-pilot tools. Agnius shares his journey to becoming a Microsoft MVP, highlighting the integral role of community engagement and content creation on LinkedIn and Discord. Agnius joins us to offer her expertise on business applications, industry trends, and best practices. This episode is a rich tapestry of professional wisdom and personal enthusiasm, perfect for those passionate about technology, creativity, and the exciting prospects of AI.

OTHER RESOURCES:
Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP 
iloveautomation: https://discord.gg/iloveautomation 
Quora profile: https://www.quora.com/profile/Agnius-Bartninkas-1
GitHub: https://github.com/AgniusBartninkas/

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https://podcast.nz365guy.com/621  

After facing personal trials like a stroke and witnessing the havoc of severe flooding in Valencia, we find ourselves reminded of life's fleeting nature and the growing threat of unpredictable weather patterns. These experiences underscore the urgent need to cherish our connections and confront the realities of climate change. Join our heartfelt discussion as we also unpack the essence of trust in business, inspired by insights from Rachel Roberts. We'll touch on the critical importance of intentional collaboration when integrating groundbreaking technologies like AI and quantum computing, fostering a future that's both innovative and resilient.

Explore the maze of AI adoption, where executive urgency often collides with the fear of missing out. We demystify the common misconceptions fueled by media narratives and dissect the necessity for strategic planning and AI literacy within organizations. Understand the parallels to past technology rollouts that left users bewildered, ensuring this time around, AI's potential doesn't just flicker but shines bright. Our conversation is a beacon for leaders aiming to navigate AI's complex landscape with foresight and efficacy.

Step into a world where voice technology and generative AI are poised to redefine daily interactions. From the intuitive ease of finding products to the seamless experience of voice-driven transactions, we ponder the future of human-computer interaction. Yet, the shift from tactile to voice interfaces isn't without its hurdles, reminiscent of early resistance to then-novel video conferencing. Reflect with us on the blend of excitement and skepticism these advancements bring, and consider how they may shape the way we connect with technology and each other.

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Emma-Claire Shaw, a dynamic low-code product manager and consultant at Defra in the UK, brings her vibrant personality to our latest discussion. With a bustling family life, including two young daughters and a dog, Emma balances her work with a passion for social activities such as music festivals and fitness through early morning gym sessions and trail running. Her intriguing relationship with food reveals a chocoholic side matched with a deep interest in nutrition and a primarily plant-based diet. We unravel her insights into the latest gut health trends, where she shares her experiences with nutrition and I reveal my experiments with Celtic salt for weight management.

Our conversation takes a fascinating twist into the world of Microsoft Power Platform, as Emma shares her journey of implementing transformative low-code solutions in government operations. Her experiences highlight the impact of Power Apps in streamlining processes such as fleet vehicle logs and port inspections at Defra, showcasing the potential for increased efficiency in the public sector. We also reflect on the significant role of Microsoft 365 and the evolution of tech adoption in government, sharing compelling stories from around the world, including innovative uses of similar technology in container inspections in Australia.

As we round off our episode, we dive into the digital transformation efforts of environmental agencies in the UK, focusing on initiatives like the Environment Agency's efficient fishing rod license verification via Power App. Emma discusses the ongoing challenges with offline data access in remote areas and shares strategies that have been successfully deployed elsewhere, such as in Western Australia. We also delve into Natural England's modernization of its licensing schemes, marking a shift from paper-based forms to a centralized digital platform, reflecting a broader move towards operational efficiency and innovation in government processes. Join us for this captivating narrative that weaves together technology, lifestyle, and wellness.

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https://podcast.nz365guy.com/619 

Angeliki Patsiavou, a Senior Consultant at Avanade, takes us on a captivating journey from her Mediterranean roots to earning her MVP status in 2023. Raised bilingual with Greek and Italian influences, Angeliki shares how her rich cultural background and love for math led to a bold pivot from economics to technology. Discover how her passion for programming, sparked during her master's thesis, propelled her into a tech career filled with exciting risks and rewarding opportunities. Angeliki also provides a glimpse into the vibrant sense of community she finds within the MVP program, which is steeped in shared values of food, family, and camaraderie.

Join us for an exploration of the UK’s online gambling industry's evolution, where we unravel the taxing challenges and regulations that shaped its competitive landscape. We shine a light on the unwavering importance of representation and inclusivity in STEM fields, inspired by a chance encounter at the National Museum of Computing, highlighting the historical contributions of women in tech. From the legacy of Bletchley Park to the promising potential of AI technologies, we discuss how grassroots initiatives are nurturing innovation and collaboration. Listen as we celebrate the organic growth of a co-pilot community, driven by shared enthusiasm and powerful connections that propel both history and technology forward.

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

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https://podcast.nz365guy.com/618  

Chris Huntingford joins us on the Ecosystem Show to dissect the rapidly evolving landscape of AI regulation in Europe, focusing on the anticipated launch of DSBs in February 2025. We promise you a deep understanding of the implications for high-risk AI solutions and how EU scrutiny might reshape the industry. From distinguishing between rules-based and autonomous AI agents to exploring Microsoft's latest offerings, we shine a light on AI's integration into the workforce and the crucial need for reliable data to avoid unintended consequences. Our discussion isn't just about technology; it's a thoughtful examination of AI's role in transforming how we work and live.

As we turn our attention to the future of Power Automate, we envision a world where intelligent agents operate in the background, enhancing productivity while maintaining the essential human touch. Ethical concerns surrounding digital equity and the traditional economic model challenge us to consider a more inclusive future. We also explore a future where humanoid robots efficiently maintain urban spaces, raising important questions about manufacturing and control. Join us as we emphasize the importance of embracing digital equity and adapting to technological change, while regulatory frameworks like the EU's AI regulations guide our global trajectory. This episode is a compelling blend of caution and opportunity, urging you to ride the wave of innovation wisely.

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https://podcast.nz365guy.com/617 

Discover how Jakub Marciniak, a game designer turned Microsoft Power Platform expert, revolutionizes business solutions with a blend of technology and creativity. From his roots in Germany to becoming a principal consultant at Odysseus Digital in the U.S., Jakub's journey is filled with personal anecdotes and professional insights that promise to inspire. Learn about his passion for running with his pitbull-labrador mix and how his early web design experiences with Macromedia Flash sparked his love for tech innovation, ultimately leading him to influence organizations through digital fluency and strategic innovation.

In our conversation, we unravel the secrets of transforming organizational processes, emphasizing the critical role of aligning business strategies with execution for enhanced efficiency and innovation. Jakub shares invaluable insights on strategic portfolio management, discussing how digital tools like Power Apps and Dynamics can streamline project governance and empower organizations to adapt in today's digital landscape. Whether you're looking to harness the power of technology to drive business efficiency or seeking inspiration from Jakub's unique career path, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge to help you thrive in a rapidly changing world.

OTHER RESOURCES
Lifting Excel Solutions to the Power Platform
https://odysseusdigital.com/insights/lifting-spreadsheet-apps-to-the-power-platform
The Cost-Value Matrix
https://odysseusdigital.com/insights/cost-value-matrix

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Curious about the transformation from traditional development to low-code/no-code solutions? Join us as we sit down with Drew Poggemann, a Microsoft MVP and Director of Solution Architecture at Heartland Business Systems (HBS). Drew brings his expertise from Appleton, Wisconsin, to share his captivating journey from applied mathematics and computer science to mastering the Power Platform. Discover how his love for food, family, and outdoor sports intertwines with his professional life, and how a pivotal influence from MVP colleague Aiden Cascala set him on a new path. Listen as Drew reveals the strategic moves in pre-sales and solution design at HBS, emphasizing the power of Dataverse and Power Apps to elevate businesses from basic to premium licensing.

In this episode, we also dive into Drew's career highlights, including his impressive contributions to the Dynamics CRM and Dataverse forums that earned him the MVP title in April 2022. From early days tackling COBOL and JCL at Schneider National to leading major ERP implementations, Drew's story is a testament to the importance of mentorship and embracing new challenges. We also explore the rapid advancements in AI and Microsoft's innovative approach to integrating AI-driven co-pilots across their suite of products. Join us to gain insights into the evolving tech landscape and the future of business solutions.

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

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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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What if integrating AI into our daily routines could unlock untapped potential and redefine the way we work and live? As I share my thrilling plans to speak at the Dynamics Minds event in Slovenia, I also explore the vibrant future awaiting us with Microsoft's Dynamics 365. From reflecting on Microsoft's strategic position in the enterprise AI space to envisioning the immense possibilities of the "one Microsoft story," this episode is a candid exploration of what's next. Join me as I step outside my comfort zone and navigate the challenges and opportunities in leveraging customizable, continuously updated solutions that promise to reshape our professional landscapes.

The journey doesn't stop there. Inspired by the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement, I delve into how documenting standard operating procedures can prepare us for an AI-driven tomorrow. The conversation broadens to consider AI's transformative role in sectors like health and economics, pondering its potential impact on longevity, mental health, and even governance. Through personal health practices and forward-thinking ideas, I invite you to reflect on a future where AI reduces the need for traditional labor, urging a meaningful reconsideration of work and purpose in our evolving world. Let's embrace the future with curiosity and an eagerness to harness AI's capabilities for a better tomorrow.

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https://podcast.nz365guy.com/614  

Join us for an insightful conversation with Keith Atherton, a Power Platform Solution Architect from Edinburgh, as he shares his transformative journey from a traditional .NET and C# developer to embracing the world of low-code solutions. Discover how Keith's passion for solving complex problems led him to appreciate the unique capabilities of Microsoft's Power Platform despite initial reservations. Throughout our chat, Keith also opens up about his life beyond coding, revealing his creative side, his love for culinary delights, and the vibrant cultural experiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning from pro-code environments to incorporating the Power Platform into your toolkit. Keith sheds light on the initial skepticism surrounding Power Fx's formula-based approach and how it eventually revealed its potential as a powerful problem-solving tool. We also discuss how the Power Platform integrates with .NET through Dataverse plugins and Azure Functions, providing a flexible environment for developers to navigate enterprise-level implementations while balancing traditional and new technologies.

In the latter part of the episode, we explore the complexities of using FetchXML versus traditional querying methods in Power Automate Cloud Flows and Dataverse. Keith shares insights on the necessity of pro-code development even in a predominantly low-code landscape, highlighting the evolution of Canvas apps as replacements for InfoPath in specific tech stack projects. To wrap up, our returning guest, Business Application MVP Mark, enriches the conversation with his valuable experiences and insights, inviting listeners to contribute guest suggestions and support the show as we continue to explore the fascinating world of business applications.

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https://podcast.nz365guy.com/613 

Carike Botha, a vibrant software development consultant from South Africa, joins us to share her fascinating journey within the Power Apps community. From her unexpected pivot from marine biology to technology, Carike's story is filled with inspiration, cultural richness, and technological innovation. Discover how the Power Platform Bootcamp has sparked a new wave of enthusiasm in South Africa, and be captivated by the influential roles played by figures like Chris Huntingford in the broader tech realm. As Carike opens up about her passions for religious discussions and her love for South African and Korean cuisine, she paints a lively picture of the multicultural evolution happening both in her homeland and abroad.

We also explore her transition from a SharePoint administrator to a Power Platform specialist, highlighting her knack for creating custom solutions across various sectors. You'll learn about the essential tools she uses daily, including ChatGPT, and the prominence of Microsoft's brand in the South African market. The episode takes a thoughtful turn as we discuss the importance of skills development, certifications, and security in tech, especially concerning business deals with financial institutions. With a light-hearted closure, Carike shares her travel experiences, dreams, and the cultural nuances that come with international travel, leaving you inspired to explore both technology and the world.

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

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Is trust really the missing ingredient in the recipe for successful business relationships, especially in the world of tech and AI? Join Ana Welch, Andrew Welch, Chris Huntingford, and William Dorrington as they unpack this provocative question and explore the intricate nature of trust within business interactions. Drawing from Stephen Covey's "The Speed of Trust," they promise to reshape your understanding of how trust—or the lack of it—impacts every deal and partnership. With a spotlight on the often fraught dynamics between Microsoft partners and their customers, they reveal why today's savvy business audience scrutinizes every word and motive more than ever before. Through consistent, transparent interactions, they can build the trust that is crucial for confidence in technological advancements.

Delve into the complexities of Microsoft's sales and partnership strategies and uncover the real reasons behind the tension in aligning interests with their partners. Contrast this with Salesforce's model, and you'll soon see why navigating these corporate giants can feel like a complex dance.  The discussion also offers a glimpse into the future of AI in business, stressing the importance of delivering true value rather than just technological upgrades. They reflect on personal experiences with tools like Copilot and Azure AI Studio, offering insights into how these innovations can be leveraged effectively. Whether it's managing large-scale AI projects or maintaining momentum in personal endeavours, this episode provides valuable insights to help you thrive in today's tech ecosystem.

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Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith