In this episode, Rory Neary and Sean Astrakhan explore Sean's journey into the Power Platform, discussing his early experiences, the importance of building skills, and the challenges faced in the tech industry. They delve into the evolution of Power Platform controls, the significance of community engagement, and the impact of AI on automation. Sean shares insights on creating compelling content and the value of collaboration within the tech community, while also addressing licensing issues and cost management strategies. The discussion culminates in personal reflections on achievements and the importance of continuous learning.TakeawaysSean's journey into technology began in his late 20s in China.Building a portfolio is crucial for standing out in job applications.The Excel import feature in Dynamics 365 is reliable and effective.Co-Pilot Studio has the potential to revolutionize automation in Power Platform.Creating engaging content is essential for community connection.Licensing strategies can help manage costs effectively in Power Platform.AI can enhance productivity but should not overshadow existing features.Community collaboration leads to innovative solutions and shared success.Early work experiences provide valuable lessons for personal growth.Continuous learning is vital in the ever-evolving tech landscape.Show linksExcel integration into model driven appsImport data in model-driven apps - Power Apps | Microsoft Learnhttps://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/user/import-data---Copilot StudioCreate and publish agents with Microsoft Copilot Studio - Training | Microsoft Learnhttps://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/work-power-virtual-agents/----Power Apps - Robust Multilanguage Tutorial | Choices, Labels even Lookups! (Canvas Apps SharePoint)https://youtu.be/RlAl5ausRO4?si=PC__mvLsZGprGn0j---Architects Accelerator CourseArchitects Accelerator | Untethered 365https://www.untethered365.com/architects-acceleratorMusicFalling Slowly - Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglovahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8mtXwtapX4APT - ROSÉ & Bruno Marshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekr2nIex040Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Background 02:51 – Journey into Power Platform 05:39 – Building Skills and Getting Hired 08:16 – The Evolution of Power Platform Controls 11:14 – Transitioning to Power Platform 14:11 – Community and Networking in Power Platform 16:54 – Early Work Experiences and Lessons Learned 19:39 – Creative Content Creation in Power Platform 22:16 – Navigating Power Platform Licensing 26:03 – Something Old, Something New in Power Platform 31:15 – Excel vs Power BI: The Data Visualization Debate 32:28 – The Future of Co-Pilot Studio 34:34 – Understanding Co-Pilot Studio and Dataverse 35:22 – Highlighting Community Contributions 38:41 – Critique of AI Integration in Apps 43:05 – Celebrating Achievements in Power Platform
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Episode 003 : Keith Atherton "Take it of preview please"
In this episode, Rory Neary and Keith Atherton explore their backgrounds and journeys into the Power Platform. They discuss the differences between canvas and model-driven apps, the importance of responsive design, and the application of Gestalt principles in UI/UX design. Keith shares his creative pursuits in game development and art, while also highlighting the impact of generative AI and Copilot on the platform. The conversation emphasizes community engagement, user groups, and the diverse backgrounds of Power Platform users, along with the challenges and frustrations they face.Honourable mentions forMalin Martnes, Mark Christie, Andrew Bibby, Charlie Phipps-Bennett, Sean Astrakhan, Scott Durow, April DunnamUseful linksUse the Plan designer to create a business solution with Copilot (preview) - Power Apps | Microsoft Learn https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/plan-designer/plan-designer April Dunnam - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AprilDunnamScott Durow - Games Development https://youtu.be/2gbsvuotjOc?si=ZXeKjYjegb7gphi1Gestalt Principles for app designGestalt principles: How to apply them to a mobile app design | by Mariana WA | Bootcamp | Medium https://medium.com/design-bootcamp/gestalt-principles-how-to-apply-them-to-a-mobile-app-design-f36dbaeb5372Timeline00:00 Introduction and Meeting Story 03:35 Journey into Power Platform 08:31 Understanding Dynamics and Model Driven Apps 13:49 Responsive Design in Apps 18:39 Gestalt Principles in UI/UX 23:41 Something Old, Something New in Power Platform 28:41 The Future of Power Platform with AI 33:58 Choosing Influencers in the Power Platform Community 36:44 Community Engagement and User Groups 39:45 Frustrations with Power Platform Features 50:54 Diverse Backgrounds in the Power Platform Community 53:14 Musical Reflections and Personal Growth
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Episode 002 : Ulrikke Akerbæk - "Use the designer dedicated to your Power Platform Product"
In this episode of the Power Platform podcast, Rory Neary is joined by Ulrikke Akerbæk, a seasoned member of the Power Platform community and discuss Ulrika's journey into the Power Platform. The conversation delves into Power Pages, its functionalities, and how to get started with it. They also touch on licensing, the impact of AI on creativity, and share personal anecdotes, including a fun segment on favorite songs.Honourable mentions for Will Dorrington, Chris Huntingford, Sean Asktrakan, Franco Musso, Sarah Guest, Nick Doelman, Nikita PolyakovTakeawaysPower Pages allows users to interact with Dataverse data securely.Licensing for Power Pages can be more cost-effective than model-driven apps.AI is changing the landscape of creativity and coding.Ulrikke wasn't sure if she preferred Agent 007 to AI Agents. HTML and CSS are foundational skills for web development.The Power Platform community is supportive and collaborative.Use the designer that was made for the Power Platform product you are using.titlesLinksRobert Miles - Children - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvyCbevQbtIJimmy Durante - Smile - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUHj3piO0yMNikita Polyakov - Tech Talks series https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/discussions/powerplatform-partners/tech-talks-presents-kicking-off-the-power-pages-architect-series-from-power-cat-/4396746Creating a developer environment - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/developer/planPower Platform Boost Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@powerplatformboostChapters00:00 — Introductions02:49 — The Unique Approach of Rory's Podcast05:50 — Ulrika's Journey into Power Platform08:44 — Understanding HTML and CSS in Power Pages11:39 — Power Pages Overview and Use Cases14:42 — Transitioning from Dataverse to Power Pages17:34 — Styling and Designing Power Pages20:43 — Licensing Considerations for Power Pages23:47 — Something Old, Something New26:45 — Insights on Power Pages Management App29:45 — New Features in Power Platform37:58 — Exploring New Technologies and AI Agents39:48 — Power Platform Insights and User Experience43:19 — Navigating Power Platform Tools Effectively44:13 — Innovative Tools for Power Pages46:10 — The Impact of AI on Creativity51:15 — Finding Joy in Creative Expression52:59 — The Role of Personal Connection in Conversations55:55 — Musical Memories and Personal Significance
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Episode 001 : Rory Neary featuring Sarah Guest "Give me a bigger environment variables box!"
SummaryIn this pilot episode of the Power Platform podcast, Rory Neary and Sarah Guest discuss the motivations behind starting the podcast, Rory's career journey, and the features of the Power Platform. They explore both old and new functionalities, share community recommendations, and express frustrations with certain aspects of the platform. The conversation concludes with personal reflections and a light-hearted discussion about music.TakeawaysThe podcast aims to connect with friends and the community.Rory's career transitioned from accountancy to the Power Platform.The Podcast is for people new to Power Platform as well as community friendsCommunity contributions are vital for learning and sharing knowledge.Old features of the Power Platform still hold significant value and Rory still loves the Image column in DataverseNew features in preview can enhance user experience. Rory cheats a little on this on and thinks that using modern controls in Power Apps is the way to goRecommendations from community members can guide new users.Frustrations with the platform highlight areas for improvement.The Power Platform is constantly evolving, offering new learning opportunities.Name drops and people that should have been namedPower Platform Boost with Nick Doelman and Ulrikke Akerbæk(4) Power Platform BOOST Podcast: Posts | LinkedInSprint Zero with Jon Russell and Mike GowlandsSprint-Zero Podcast - Power Platform, AI, Low Code, Consultancy & Neurodiversity - YouTubeOn air in the Cloud with Keith Atherton, Matt Boyd, Gregor SuttieOn Air in the Cloud PodcastLisa Crosbie and her super contentLisa Crosbie - YouTubeMatt Devaney - and I'll leave his content for a future guest to big upMicrosoft Power Up ProgramDimpi, Luis, Geemon, April, Charlie and ReneeMicrosoft Power Up Program for career switchersSound Bites"I didn't want to do accountancy.""It's completely free.""I still haven't found what I'm looking for."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:10 Why Start a Podcast?04:00 Rory's Career Journey09:26 Hobbies and Interests11:54 Exploring Power Platform: Something Old - Image Columns15:34 Exploring Power Platform: Something New - Modern Controls18:14 Exploring Power Platform: Something Borrowed - Lisa Crosbie22:03 Exploring Power Platform: Something Blue - Environment Variable25:37 Power Up Program Overview28:17 Desert Island Discs30:35 Final comments
Welcome to Power Platform This and That and settle in with your host Rory Neary, as he sits down with guests to demystify Microsoft Power Platform products covering Dataverse, Apps, Flows, and much much more. If you're new to the low-code development within the Microsoft stack or just want to keep in touch with some of your favourite community members, Power Platform This and That has got you covered!