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Summary

In this episode of the Sprint Zero podcast, hosts Mike Gowland and Jon Russell welcome Keith Watling, a seasoned expert in the Power Platform. The conversation explores Keith's journey into technology, the evolution of the Power Platform, and the critical importance of alignment and understanding in tech projects. They discuss real-world examples of project failures due to miscommunication, the balance between customer needs and technical feasibility, and the future of technology with a focus on AI. Keith shares personal anecdotes and insights on leadership, communication, and the value of asking the right questions.

Takeaways

• Alignment and understanding are crucial for project success.
• Communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings.
• Real-world examples highlight the importance of user input.
• Balancing customer needs with technical feasibility is essential.
• The future of technology will heavily involve AI and understanding its capabilities.
• Mistakes can lead to valuable learning experiences.
• Being authentic fosters trust and connection in leadership.
• Asking questions is better than making assumptions.
• The Power Platform is a powerful tool when used correctly.
• Personal growth often comes from uncomfortable experiences.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to the Almost Award-Winning Podcast
• 00:57 - Keith Watling's Journey into Tech
• 03:53 - The Power Platform: Opportunities and Challenges
• 08:58 - Alignment Between IT and Business
• 11:38 - Understanding the Power Platform's Value Proposition
• 16:49 - The Importance of Asking Questions
• 23:41 - Real-World Examples of Misalignment
• 26:42 - Understanding User Experience in Software Design
• 28:49 - Balancing Customer Needs with Technical Feasibility
• 31:24 - The Misconception of Power Automate as an Integration Tool
• 36:25 - The Future of Technology and AI
• 42:41 - Uncomfortable Moments and Personal Growth

**Sponsor Content**

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Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Currently sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerat

**Sponsor Content**

Howdy Partner! Sign up and join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Course at Untethered365.com to learn Power Platform Best Practices, along with lots of other amazing content!

Join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Programmed at Untethered365.com

====================

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Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

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Summary
In this episode of Sprint Zero, we interview Ioana Tanase, an expert in AI and accessibility. They discuss the potential of AI to create a more equitable world by addressing the unique needs of diverse users, including those with disabilities and mental health conditions. Ioana shares examples of how generative AI can assist individuals with disabilities, such as helping with writing and summarizing research papers. We also explore the use of AI in supporting mental health, including chatbots for low to medium severity anxiety and depression. The conversation highlights the importance of responsible AI practices, data privacy, and the need for policy regulations. The conversation explores the potential of AI to address biases and promote inclusivity. It emphasizes the importance of responsible AI practices and co-creation with affected communities to identify and mitigate biases. We also discuss the comfort people feel in asking AI questions and seeking advice on sensitive topics and also share personal experiences of feeling uncomfortable and making mistakes in relation to inclusivity. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the need for conscious effort and thoughtfulness in communication to ensure inclusivity.

Takeaways

• Generative AI can assist individuals with disabilities by helping with writing, summarizing research papers, and extracting content from inaccessible websites.
• AI can support mental health by providing chatbots for low to medium severity anxiety and depression, bridging the gap between the lack of mental health experts and the need for support.
• Responsible AI practices, data privacy, and policy regulations are crucial in ensuring the ethical and inclusive use of AI.
• There are misconceptions and biases surrounding disabilities, including limited career opportunities and assumptions about productivity. These myths need to be dispelled.
• AI has the potential to challenge and change societal perceptions of disabilities by providing equal opportunities and creating inclusive environments. AI can be a powerful tool for addressing biases and promoting inclusivity, but it requires responsible AI practices and co-creation with affected communities.
• People often feel more comfortable asking AI questions and seeking advice on sensitive topics, such as disability and inclusivity.
• Personal experiences of feeling uncomfortable and making mistakes can serve as valuable learning opportunities for promoting inclusivity.
• Conscious effort and thoughtfulness in communication are essential for ensuring inclusivity and avoiding unintentional harm.

Special thanks to
Ioana Tanase

• LinkedIn
• Website

KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

**Sponsor Content**

Howdy Partner! Sign up and join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Course at Untethered365.com to learn Power Platform Best Practices, along with lots of other amazing content!

Join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Programmed at Untethered365.com

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Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

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Summary
Charles Sexton shares his journey from living in Uganda as a child to becoming a Power Platform expert. He discusses the impact of his experiences on his career and the role of creativity in his work. Charles also talks about the future of Power Platform and the importance of consulting skills in the industry. In the uncomfortable corner, he opens up about feeling uncomfortable in social situations and shares his experiences with public speaking.

Takeaways

• Charles' childhood experiences in Uganda and moving between schools had a significant impact on his career and confidence.
• His passion for music and creativity led him to explore web development and eventually discover Power Platform.
• Charles believes that AI will continue to advance and make certain tasks in Power Platform more automated, but consultants and developers will still be needed for complex projects and optimal user experiences.
• He has found public speaking to be a way to overcome his discomfort in social situations and has been enjoying sharing his knowledge and insights with the community.
• Feeling uncomfortable in social situations is common, and it's important to find ways to cope and connect with others.
• The future of Power Platform will involve a combination of AI advancements and the continued need for consulting skills and expertise.

Special Thanks to
Charles Sexton

• LinkedIn
• YouTube Channel

KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

**Sponsor Content**

Howdy Partner! Sign up and join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Course at Untethered365.com to learn Power Platform Best Practices, along with lots of other amazing content!

Join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Programmed at Untethered365.com

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Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

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Summary
We welcome Areti Iles, a prominent figure in the Microsoft community, to discuss her journey in tech, her advocacy for women in the industry, and her insights on AI adoption. Areti shares her experiences from user groups to major conferences, her role in the upcoming Scottish Summit conference, and the importance of community building and knowledge sharing. The conversation also delves into the challenges women face in tech, the significance of public speaking, and the need for diversity in technology. Areti emphasizes the importance of constructive feedback and personal growth, making this episode a rich resource for anyone interested in technology and advocacy.

Takeaways

• Areti Iles is a strong advocate for women in tech.
• AI adoption requires a solid strategy and governance.
• Community events foster knowledge sharing and support.
• Public speaking can be daunting but is essential for growth.
• Diversity in tech leads to better products and solutions.
• Feedback is crucial for personal and professional development.
• Women have historically contributed significantly to tech.
• The tech industry still faces challenges regarding gender diversity.
• Preparation can help alleviate public speaking anxiety.
• Building a supportive community is vital for success.

Special Thanks to
Areti Iles

• LinkedIn

KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

**Sponsor Content**

Howdy Partner! Sign up and join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Course at Untethered365.com to learn Power Platform Best Practices, along with lots of other amazing content!

Join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Programmed at Untethered365.com

Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Currently sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerat

**Sponsor Content**

Howdy Partner! Sign up and join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Course at Untethered365.com to learn Power Platform Best Practices, along with lots of other amazing content!

Join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Programmed at Untethered365.com

====================

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

Come and Join the Sprint Zero podcast on our very own Discord server!.

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Summary
In this double-whammy, 2 for 1 special. Kayleigh Duddy (ANS Group) and Lynsey Winchurch (Crimson) discuss their journey from end users to consultants and the importance of having an accountability partner. They share how their partnership has influenced their professional growth and personal well-being. They emphasize the value of community events in their transition and the validation they provide. They also touch on the stigma of dyslexia and the importance of speaking out about it. The conversation ends with a discussion on uncomfortable moments and the need to challenge well-being shaming. The conversation explores the importance of empathy and understanding in the workplace, particularly in relation to mental health and accessibility. The hosts discuss the impact of unintentional actions and assumptions on others, and the need for open conversations and education to create a more inclusive environment. They also highlight the significance of designing systems and solutions with accessibility in mind from the beginning. The conversation concludes with a commitment to collaborate and raise awareness on these topics.

Takeaways

• Having an accountability partner can greatly influence professional growth and personal well-being.
• Community events provide validation and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.
• Speaking out about personal challenges, such as dyslexia, can lead to empowerment and support.
• Uncomfortable moments can be opportunities for growth and learning.
• Well-being shaming should be challenged and individuals should be respected for their own choices and circumstances. Empathy and understanding are crucial in creating an inclusive workplace.
• Unintentional actions and assumptions can have a negative impact on others.
• Open conversations and education are necessary to foster a more inclusive environment.
• Designing systems and solutions with accessibility in mind from the beginning is essential.

Special Thanks to
Kayleigh Duddy

• LinkedIn

Lynsey Winchurch

• LinkedIn

KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

**Sponsor Content**

Howdy Partner! Sign up and join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Course at Untethered365.com to learn Power Platform Best Practices, along with lots of other amazing content!

Join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Programmed at Untethered365.com

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

Send us a message!

Notice
We’re aware of some unfortunate audio issues in this episode of Sprint Zero. We’ve done our best to bring the audio out as much as possible.

Summary
In this episode, we sit down with Neil Benson, an influential figure in the Dynamics and Power Platform communities, whose unique journey from IT contract recruiter to becoming a certified Scrum master and founder of Superware, underscores the transformative power of agile methodologies in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. Neil delves into the twists and turns of his career, showcasing the principles of agile methodologies and the pivotal role they play in software development and team dynamics.

Takeaways

• A Journey from Recruiter to Scrum Master: Discover Neil Benson's captivating transition from working as an IT contract recruiter to embracing the world of agile and Scrum, ultimately leading to him running his own successful business, Superware.
• The Agile Way: Hear firsthand the critical importance of agile methodologies, particularly Scrum, in ensuring the successful delivery of software development projects. Neil unravels the essence of agile practices and their impact on project management and team productivity.
• Brand Building Mastery: Neil shares invaluable insights into the significance of nurturing a strong brand for businesses in the tech industry, detailing how Superware has carved out a niche for itself by establishing a recognizable and respected brand presence.
• Navigating Difficult Conversations: Addressing one of the more challenging aspects of leadership, Neil opens up about the essential nature of engaging in tough conversations and how these difficult moments can be stepping stones to growth and improvement.
• The Strength in Acknowledging Weakness: In a powerful reflection, Neil emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confronting weaknesses within a team. He provides perspective on how acknowledging these vulnerabilities can lead to the construction of a more robust, efficient, and cohesive team.

Special Thanks to
Neil Benson!

• LinkedIn
• Customery

KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

**Sponsor Content**

Howdy Partner! Sign up and join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Course at Untethered365.com to learn Power Platform Best Practices, along with lots of other amazing content!

Join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Programmed at Untethered365.com

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

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Summary
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dani Kahil, a seasoned Microsoft MVP with over 15 years of expertise in the Dynamics CRM and Power Platform arenas. Delving into his remarkable journey in the tech world, Dani sheds light on the pivotal moments that carved his path towards a specialized focus on Dynamics CRM. This conversation not only uncovers the intricacies of project implementations but also emphasizes the often-underestimated facets of user adoption, training, and the indispensable role of business analysts in ensuring project success.

Takeaways

• The Undervalued Pillars of User Adoption and Training: Discover why user adoption and training are not just checkboxes but foundational elements for the success of large projects.
• The Business Analyst as a Catalyst for Success: Dani unpacks the multifaceted role of business analysts in bridging gaps between business needs and technical solutions, documenting processes, and ensuring stakeholder alignment.
• Overcoming the Challenges of Requirements Gathering: Learn about the art and science of gathering requirements in a landscape where stakeholder visions often diverge and how visuals and prototypes can serve as clarifying agents.
• The Power of Soft Skills: Unearth the soft skills essential for consultants and architects, like client engagement and communication, and how they can be honed over time to bolster project success.
• A Close Look at Dynamics CRM and Power Platform Usability: Dani shares insights into the user-friendly nature of these platforms while highlighting the need for user adaptation and the importance of change management.
• The Strategic Value of Business Analysts: From challenging the status quo to assisting product owners in making informed decisions, discover the instrumental role of BAs in both project and product management.
• Agile’s Achilles' Heel in Complex Projects: A critical examination of agile methodology's limitations in large-scale project environments and the misalignment between the concept of an MVP and practical implementation necessities.
• Embracing Discomfort for Growth: Dani reflects on the personal and professional growth that comes from stepping into uncomfortable situations and how it has shaped his career trajectory.

Special Than

**Sponsor Content**

Howdy Partner! Sign up and join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Course at Untethered365.com to learn Power Platform Best Practices, along with lots of other amazing content!

Join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Programmed at Untethered365.com

Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Currently sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerat

**Sponsor Content**

Howdy Partner! Sign up and join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Course at Untethered365.com to learn Power Platform Best Practices, along with lots of other amazing content!

Join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Programmed at Untethered365.com

====================

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

Come and Join the Sprint Zero podcast on our very own Discord server!.

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Summary
In this conversation, Sandra Koutzenko, the head of the Microsoft Learning Partner Practice at 365 Talent Portal, shares her journey in the tech industry and discusses effective hiring and upskilling strategies in the Microsoft space. She emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the rapidly changing technology landscape and highlights the need for ongoing training and agility. Sandra also talks about the role of soft skills in the tech industry and the challenges of user training and adoption. Additionally, she shares her experiences as a mentor and provides advice for building successful internal mentoring programs. The conversation covers the importance of mentoring programs in companies and how to implement them successfully. Sandra emphasizes that mentors should focus on supporting career development and setting goals for mentees. She also highlights the need for companies to define the desired outcomes of their mentoring programs and train their mentors. The conversation then shifts to the challenges and triumphs of being a non-techie woman in the tech industry. Sandra shares her personal experience of dealing with health challenges and the lessons she learned from it, including the importance of asking for help and staying focused.

Takeaways

• Stay ahead of the rapidly changing technology landscape by continuously updating hiring and upskilling strategies.
• Focus on developing essential soft skills alongside technical skills.
• Consider the need for ongoing training and agility in the tech industry.
• Address the challenges of user training and adoption in the face of evolving technology.
• Build successful internal mentoring programs by understanding the true role of a mentor and fostering meaningful relationships. Mentoring programs should focus on supporting career development and setting goals for mentees.
• Companies should define the desired outcomes of their mentoring programs and measure their success.
• Mentors should be trained to effectively support junior employees.
• Non-techie women in the tech industry may face challenges related to age and gender, but the industry is making efforts towards diversity and inclusion.
• Dealing with health challenges can lead to personal transformation and the adoption of new strategies, such as asking for help and staying focused.

Special Thanks to
Sandra Koutzenko for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at:

LinkedIn Sandra Koutzenko | LinkedIn
The 365 Pod (Podcast) The 365 Pod - 365 Talent Portal

KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell