Microsoft Innovation Podcast

byMark Smith [nz365guy]

BusinessCareersEducationTechnology

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 six shows:The P...

Episodes(40 episodes)

Winning the Copilot Rollout: Adoption Tactics That Work

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM This episode explores practical ways to drive Copilot adoption across an organisation. Heather Severino shares clear guidance on identifying early champions, building cross functional readiness, reducing resistance, and designing effective training. She explains how tools such as Loop, Teams, Clipchamp and Copilot features support collaboration, productivity and engagement. The conversation provides a grounded look at how to help teams build confidence with AI and create sustained, secure and well supported usage.🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/791👉...

Published: Jan 21, 2026Duration: 22m 8s

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with AI as Your Ally

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM Discover practical strategies with Dan Barber for overcoming imposter syndrome, building resilient tech teams, and leveraging AI as an ally. Learn how consulting skills, clear goals, and supportive cultures drive success in technology and AI-driven environments.👉 Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/790 🎙️ What you’ll learn Apply actionable tools to overcome imposter syndrome Build and retain high-performing technology teams Use AI to boost confidence and productivity Strengthen consulting skills for business impact Foster cul...

Published: Jan 19, 2026Duration: 34m 5s

AI Storytelling That Builds Trust at Scale

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM Explore how Andy Sitison uses AI-powered storytelling to uncover hidden patterns, build trust, and drive meaningful engagement. Learn why human connection, agility, and intent are essential for businesses navigating rapid technological change. Gain practical insights from Andy on leveraging AI as a creative tool and fostering a culture of trust and adaptability. 👉 Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/789 🎙️ What you’ll learn Identify actionable ways to use AI for analysing customer stories...

Published: Jan 18, 2026Duration: 35m 15s

Copilot Readiness: Protect Data Before You Deploy

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM Discover how organisations are building practical AI capability with Microsoft Copilot, Zero Trust, and robust data security. Learn actionable strategies for readiness, compliance, and continuous professional development in a rapidly evolving tech landscape featuring insights from Sam Brazier-Hollins.🎙️ Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/788👉 What you’ll learn Assess Copilot readiness and secure sensitive data before deployment Apply Zero Trust principles and simplify data labelling for real-world use Use Copilot to streamline meetings, notes, and execut...

Published: Jan 14, 2026Duration: 27m 6s

AI Agents: Automate Decisions, Not Just Tasks

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM A practical discussion with Mary Pantelopoulou on quantifying and realising business value from AI and low code, using the Business Value Assessment to tie Power Platform, M365 Copilot, and autonomous agents to top‑line growth, cost reduction, risk mitigation, and redesigned processes that free people to focus on higher‑value work. 👉️ Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/787 🎙️ What you’ll learn Frame AI investments with a clear business value model tied to strategic obje...

Published: Jan 12, 2026Duration: 25m 3s

Bias‑Free Hiring at Scale Powered by AI

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM This episode explores how AI is transforming hiring, reducing bias, and helping businesses reliably identify A players. Fletcher Wimbush shares practical steps for using AI to streamline job analysis, screening, assessments, and onboarding, giving small and mid sized businesses access to talent strategies once reserved for large enterprises. 👉 Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/786 🎙️ What you’ll learn How AI accelerates fact driven hiring How CEOs can attract top talent through direct outreach Ho...

Published: Jan 11, 2026Duration: 31m 17s

Copilot Beyond Tasks: Build Agentic Workflows

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM This episode explores practical ways to lift the quality of hybrid work through better tools, clearer communication, and smarter use of AI. Neil Fluester shares insights from years in unified communications, including how Copilot is evolving from a task engine to an enhancement engine, why peripheral design matters for productivity, and how thoughtful setups, from webcams to lighting to teleprompters, shape human connection in meetings. 🎙️ Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/785👉 What you’ll learn </b...

Published: Jan 7, 2026Duration: 29m 17s

Escape the Job Security Myth: Build Your Career Safety Net

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM This episode explores how professionals in the Power Platform and Dynamics space can future‑proof their careers. Sarah Jones and Franco Musso share practical guidance on contracting, freelancing, niching, personal brand development, and navigating rapid change driven by AI. Their insights focus on building career security, creating flexibility, and designing work that supports long‑term growth. 👉 Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/784 🎙️ What you’ll learn How to transition from permanent roles to contracting...

Published: Jan 5, 2026Duration: 33m 38s

AI That Scales: Mindset Before Machines

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM This episode explores how organisations can advance AI capability by shifting from siloed, linear thinking to ecosystem thinking. Barbara Wittmann outlines why many AI initiatives fail, how mindset transformation enables responsible adoption and where real innovation begins inside an organisation. She explains the role of the middle, why data foundations matter and how ethical leadership can guide sustainable AI-driven change. 👉 Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/783 🎙️ What you’ll learn How to identify AI us...

Published: Jan 4, 2026Duration: 32m 2s

The AI-Security Tradeoff Every Leader Must Solve

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM The episode explores how Chris Stegh sees organisations balancing AI adoption with data security, governance and practical risk management. It covers the real barriers to scaling AI, why perfect data hygiene is unrealistic, and how leaders can use tools like Copilot, Purview and agentic AI to create safe, high‑value use cases while improving long‑term resilience.🎙️ Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/782 👉 What you’ll learn How AI adoption is shaped by data secur...

Published: Dec 31, 2025Duration: 22m 48s

Stop Bolting On AI and Redesign Processes for 4× ROI

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM How frontier firms rethink processes with AI, not bolt it on. Samuel Boulanger shares practical ways to drive Copilot adoption: educate, empower champions, and start from scratch to redesign workflows. He shows how agents and workflow automation unlock meaningful ROI, and why applied, hands‑on skill beats theory. Clear guidance for tech pros: use it everywhere, iterate fast, and let the people closest to the work surface the highest‑impact use cases. 🎙️ Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftin...

Published: Dec 29, 2025Duration: 32m 14s

From POCs to Production: Ship AI That Sticks

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 👉 Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/780 Discover how organisations can move beyond AI hype to real business value. In this episode, Jim Spignardo shares practical strategies for AI adoption, building digital literacy, and creating a culture where technology empowers every team. Learn how to start small, measure impact, and set up the right governance for sustainable, responsible AI transformation. 🎙️ What you’ll learn Identify business problems that AI can solve, not just technolo...

Published: Dec 28, 2025Duration: 32m 15s

AI Copilot as Partner: Focus on Your Specialty

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM This episode explores how Copilot supports innovation, decision making and practical AI adoption across organisations. Amal Hosni Viteri shares her journey from development and DevOps into innovation leadership, describing how AI enhances productivity, reduces operational effort and helps teams focus on their specialities. She highlights the value of context‑aware tools, ethical use of AI and making technology accessible in Spanish‑speaking communities.🎙️ Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/779👉 What you’ll learn How to...

Published: Dec 24, 2025Duration: 19m 24s

Here’s How AI Agents Are Transforming Project Management

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 👉 Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/778 James Diekman explores how AI and automation are reshaping project management, compliance, and business innovation. Learn practical strategies for embedding AI in workflows, managing risk, and building future-ready teams. Gain insights from real-world government and enterprise projects, with a focus on responsible, efficient, and scalable technology adoption. 🎙️ What you’ll learn Identify where AI agents can streamline project management and reporting Apply responsible AI frameworks and assurance m...

Published: Dec 22, 2025Duration: 34m 55s

The Real Opportunity Behind Underhyped AI

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 👉 Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/777 AI is transforming business and society, but most professionals underestimate its impact. Oliver Hartwich explores how culture, education, and practical skills shape our ability to harness AI’s full potential. Learn why curiosity, deep knowledge, and adaptability matter more than ever. 🎙️ What you’ll learn How to build practical AI skills for any profession Why cultural attitudes affect AI adoption and opportunity The importance of deep education in a...

Published: Dec 21, 2025Duration: 33m 16s

Unlocking Teams Culture for AI Success

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM Explore how Merethe Stave demonstrates that building a strong Teams culture is essential for successful AI and Copilot adoption in business. This episode unpacks practical strategies for overcoming resistance, integrating AI into daily workflows, and fostering trust and transparency. Gain actionable insights to help your organisation thrive in the evolving digital landscape. 🎙️ Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/776 👉 What you’ll learn How to create a collaborative Teams culture for AI success Steps to...

Published: Dec 17, 2025Duration: 28m 23s

AI Governance: The Shift‑Left Playbook

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM Explore how Microsoft, through the expertise of Aisha Hasan, is evolving governance and agent management in the age of AI. Learn practical strategies for balancing innovation, risk, and compliance as Copilot Studio and Agent 365 reshape enterprise workflows. Discover actionable insights for building, governing, and upskilling in applied AI.🎙️ Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/775 👉 What you’ll learn Define and apply core governance principles for AI and agents Shift from reactive to proactive gov...

Published: Dec 15, 2025Duration: 34m 29s

How to Protect Your Power Platform Solutions

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 👉 Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/774Discover how open-source thinking, practical licensing solutions, and AI-powered development are reshaping the way business and tech professionals build, protect, and scale technology on the Power Platform. Gain actionable insights on responsible AI adoption, developer productivity, and building trust through transparency. Check out this episode of AI Unfiltered Show with Florian Krönert.🎙️What you’ll learn How to protect intellectual property in Dataverse and Power Platfo...

Published: Dec 14, 2025Duration: 30m 24s

AI Agents: Are We Ready for Fully Automated Workflows?

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM Kurt Rolland shares practical strategies and philosophical insights at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and AI adoption. This episode explores how business and tech professionals can optimise energy use, leverage Copilot and agentic AI, and make ethical decisions in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 🎙️ Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/773 🔑 What you’ll learn Reduce operational costs with sustainable energy solutions Evaluate the impact of AI agents on business productivity Build resilience in tech projects t...

Published: Dec 10, 2025Duration: 26m 9s

From Apps to AI: Future-Proofing Your Tech Skills

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM🎙️ Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/772A practical conversation with data and AI manager Eickhel Mendoza about evolving from building Power Apps to architecting secure, mixed Power Platform and Azure solutions. He explains why a fast‑changing ecosystem suits a cookbook approach, how he curates real use‑case recipes, and what it takes to keep guidance current as UI and AI features ship rapidly. Clear takeaways on solution design, reviewer rigor, and creating applied examples that help team...

Published: Dec 8, 2025Duration: 29m 31s