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https://podcast.nz365guy.com/625

What if you could revolutionize your coding process with tools designed by a Microsoft MVP? Join us as we chat with Andrzej Zwierzchowski, a 2023 MVP awardee and development standards lead at TNP, the NAV people. With over twenty years of experience in .NET development, Andrzej has been instrumental in helping developers transition from CAL to AL languages using innovative tools available on the Visual Studio Code Marketplace. He shares his passion for writing clean, efficient code and highlights how these tools, developed since 2017, incorporate wizards and code-cleaning commands to simplify coding tasks.

We also explore the vibrant community that thrives around these tools, where feature requests and improvements are actively discussed on GitHub. Andrzej opens up about his journey to becoming an MVP and how it has granted him invaluable insider access to Microsoft. He discusses his role as a development standards lead and involvement in significant projects across the education and production sectors. Wrapping up, we ponder the impact of AI on development work, from enhancing problem-solving to generating code, while acknowledging the challenges posed by current documentation limitations.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP

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https://podcast.nz365guy.com/623

Microsoft's Carl de Souza, a FastTrack Senior Solution Architect, joins us to share his passion for life beyond the office. We explore Carl's journey, spotlighting his deep love for food, family, and travel adventures to unique places like Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Carl reveals his secrets to balancing a dynamic career with an adventurous personal life, and how his portfolio website serves as a testament to his ongoing professional growth and technical expertise.

Shifting gears, we explore the transformative world of Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) and its cutting-edge integration with AI technologies. Discover how Microsoft's strategic evolution from a comprehensive Digital Contact Center Platform to more modular offerings like AI-driven sentiment analysis and voice recognition is reshaping digital contact centers. We also highlight the monumental impact of Microsoft's acquisition of Nuance, particularly in revolutionizing the medical field with advanced voice recognition.

Finally, we delve into the cutting-edge PowerApps Component Framework (PCF) and its game-changing role in app development within the Microsoft ecosystem. Uncover how thoughtful software design with PCF controls can dramatically enhance user experience, offering superior customization compared to traditional web resources. Our discussion also highlights the rapidly evolving landscape of AI co-pilots, noting the importance of a seamless interface that simplifies interactions with multiple AI applications, paving the way for a more intuitive and efficient future in business technology.

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https://podcast.nz365guy.com/622

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

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

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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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https://podcast.nz365guy.com/620

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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Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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FULL SHOW NOTES
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

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

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Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

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FULL SHOW NOTES
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.

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