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Prepare to be inspired as we sit down with Kenric (Ken) Auguillard, a principal program manager from Microsoft, who unveils the secrets behind his meticulous approach to leveraging the Power Platform for environmental strategies. Known affectionately as "DrNo," Kenric shares the journey that earned him his nickname and how his methodical mindset has driven success. Outside the tech world, Kenric wears many hats—he's a Texas-style barbecue enthusiast, an autocross racing aficionado, and a devoted family man. Get a peek into his personal life, including his daughters' impressive strides in tech and his wife's unwavering support over three decades.

Next, we explore the intricacies of managing large-scale environments within the Power Platform, an area where Kenric's team excels. Supported by coaches like Ryan and Zohar, Kenric discusses the importance of understanding and embracing problems to discover real solutions. We shed light on the surprisingly low adoption rates of managed environments and the continuous need for education on their benefits. Through examples from Microsoft's internal environment, which boasts over 25,000 environments, Kenric illustrates the Power Platform’s robustness and scalability.

Finally, we delve into the crucial role customer feedback plays in the rapid development and enhancement of the Power Platform. Kenric tackles common misconceptions about the platform's enterprise capabilities and emphasizes the importance of staying informed about its evolving features. Join us for an episode filled with insights, personal stories, and a look into the future of tech innovation!

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Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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Imagine transforming your perceived weaknesses into your greatest strengths. This special takeover episode of the Microsoft Business Applications podcast features an insightful interview with Mark Smith, hosted by Meg Smith to celebrate our seven-year anniversary. Mark shares his deep affection for family, food, and fun, and how his commitment to a sustainable lifestyle has shaped his journey. From gardening and reading to his occasional love for gaming, Mark delves into how his personal interests have interwoven with his professional life at Microsoft.

Mark's story is nothing short of inspirational. He recounts his journey from struggling learner to an accomplished computer training instructor, revealing how he navigated and overcame the limitations of traditional education systems. Battling through dyslexia, Mark discovered that what was seen as a disability was his superpower, enabling him to develop extraordinary spatial thinking and problem-solving skills. He even managed to convert a barn into a livable home, exemplifying his creative prowess. This chapter of Mark's life challenges conventional definitions of intelligence and learning, showcasing the potential that lies in embracing one's unique abilities.

Becoming a Microsoft MVP was a turning point for Mark, both personally and professionally. He shares the initial spark that led him to become an MVP and how it has opened doors to global opportunities and significant career advancements. The discussion also touches on the broader influence of audacity, especially for women, in seeking personal growth. Mark reflects on the importance of challenging societal norms to live an authentic life, emphasizing how embracing boldness can lead to profound personal and professional transformation. Join us for this heartfelt and empowering episode that highlights Mark's journey and his dedication to uplifting others through initiatives like the 90-Day Mentoring Challenge.

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

90 Day Mentoring Challenge 10% off code use MBAP at checkout https://ako.nz365guy.com

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/594

What if you could revolutionize your business with AI but didn't understand where to start? This episode of the Cloud Lighthouse podcast kicks off season two by reflecting on our summer and winter adventures, including an extraordinary visit to the Siget festival in Budapest, known for its impeccable logistics. We then dive into Microsoft's transformation into an AI-centric powerhouse, dissecting the complexities sellers face when explaining the sprawling array of AI tools and co-pilots. By the end, you'll understand why specificity is critical when navigating AI discussions and how co-pilots are now seen as integral components across various applications.

Ever wondered why some companies fail miserably at AI implementation while others thrive? We share a real-life anecdote about a company that rebranded itself with "AI" in its name without grasping what it meant, highlighting a widespread issue—misconceptions about AI's role and utility. You'll learn about essential elements like data governance and integrating siloed data, and why having in-house data specialists collaborating with partners can make or break your AI strategy. We also discuss the necessity of aligning AI projects with business goals and fostering digital literacy across your organization to ensure seamless implementation.

Is AI the hero or the villain in today's technological landscape? As we wrap up, our conversation shifts to the thrilling and sometimes skeptical world of AI in technology. From the intricacies of prompting and unexpected AI interactions to the potential of AI in pen testing and chaos engineering, we cover it all. We also stress the importance of red teaming methodologies and responsible AI, especially in enterprise applications. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a business leader, this episode is packed with insights and trends that will keep you ahead of the curve in the evolving landscape of AI.

90 Day Mentoring Challenge 10% off code use MBAP at checkout https://ako.nz365guy.com

Support the show

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

Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith