Episode 007 Lisa Foster: Training the next generation of Power Platformers
Summary In this episode of the Power Platform 101 podcast, host Rory Neary is joined by guest Lisa Foster, Managing Director of Blackbird Corporate, a Microsoft Training Organisation. They discuss the evolution of SharePoint and the Power Platform, the importance of training and consulting, and the transition from InfoPath to Power Apps. They explore the challenges and benefits of on-premises versus cloud solutions, the significance of user stories in development, and the integration of third-party tools like DocuSign. Lisa shares her journey in the industry, her achievements, and her passion for motorcycle racing, while also touching on the evolving terminology around citizen developers and Power Platform makers.TakeawaysThe podcast is rebranded to Power Platform 101 for better discoverability.Lisa Foster has a long history with SharePoint and Power Platform, evolving her business over 16 years.SharePoint's offline capabilities are crucial for certain sectors like military and government.Transitioning from InfoPath to Power Apps is a significant change for many organizations.On-premises solutions have their own set of challenges compared to cloud solutions.Training in Power Platform is a major focus, with 70% of training related to it.Understanding the differences between Canvas apps and Model-driven apps is essential for users.Power Automate can significantly enhance workflows for clients, but many are unaware of its full capabilities.Integrating tools like DocuSign can streamline processes for clients.Consulting and training together provide a unique value proposition for clients.The term 'citizen developer' is evolving, with 'Power Platform maker' being a more suitable term.User stories are vital for guiding development in Power Platform projects.Power BI reporting can be complex, especially with large datasets.Power BI Premium offers enhanced features for data refresh rates.Old features like SharePoint alerts are being phased out, requiring new workflows in Power Automate.New features like Copilot in Power Platform are exciting but require additional licensing.Learning from others in the industry can provide valuable insights and improvements.Achievements in both business and personal interests, like motorcycle racing, are sources of pride.Chapters00:00 Podcast Introduction and Rebranding02:21 Lisa Foster's Journey into Power Platform04:19 Evolution of SharePoint and Power Platform05:49 Offline Capabilities and Security in SharePoint08:19 Transition from InfoPath to Power Apps11:04 On-Premises vs Cloud Solutions12:41 Training Focus on Power Platform14:22 Understanding Canvas Apps vs Model-Driven Apps17:01 Power Automate and Client Use Cases18:42 Integrating Third-Party Tools like DocuSign20:58 Consulting and Training Synergy23:33 Citizen Developers vs Power Platform Makers27:06 Power Platform Training and User Stories28:34 Power BI Reporting Challenges30:38 Power BI Premium Features33:10 Power Platform Integration Discussion36:30 Old Features: SharePoint Alerts39:24 New Features: Copilot in Power Platform42:42 Borrowing Best Practices from Others47:14 Proud Achievements in Business and Racing51:24 Music Preferences and Personal Insights
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Episode 006: Ben Fetters - Accidental App Builder
In this episode of the Power Platform This and That podcast, Rory Neary chats with Ben Fetters, a Power Platform Trainer and consultant, about his unexpected journey into the Microsoft ecosystem. From his early resistance to IT to becoming a recognized voice in the Power Platform space, Ben shares candid stories, insights into Canvas Apps and Power Automate, and his experiences helping others through training and community engagement.They explore the evolution of app development tools, the impact of user groups, and real-world project management successes. Ben also reflects on the joys (and quirks) of working with modern controls, his content creation process on LinkedIn, and the underestimated magic of the barcode scanner control.💡 TakeawaysThe Power Platform fosters instant connections among users.Content performance is often unpredictable—just post and share.Carousel posts are effective for educational content on LinkedIn.Training others in the Power Platform is both impactful and fulfilling.User groups create space for learning, networking, and collaboration.The barcode scanner feature in Power Apps deserves more attention.Modern controls offer better design but still have functional gaps.The updated Power Automate designer improves usability and clarity.Community involvement accelerates both personal and career growth.Microsoft-based custom app solutions are a growing trend in organizations.🔗 LinksBen Fetters LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfetters/How to speed up your apps Link4 Power Apps coding concepts for non-developers LinkDelegation do's and dont's Link⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Power Platform Podcast06:23 Ben Fetters' Journey into Power Platform13:36 The Evolution of Power Apps and Automate17:49 The Growing Demand for Custom Apps22:59 Training and Community Engagement29:52 The Value of User Groups34:51 Something Old: Barcode Scanner39:14 Something New: Modern Controls & Designer46:33 Something Borrowed: Learning from Audrey Gordon49:30 Something Blue: Platform Frustrations54:28 Blow Your Own Trumpet: Project Management Wins57:00 Desert island disk - Mr Blue Sky
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Episode 005: Sarah Jones - How to get recruited into Microsoft Power Platform
Sarah Jones is an experienced recruiter in Microsoft Dynamics and Power Platform. In this conversation with Rory Neary, shes explores the Power Platform community through the lens of a recruiter, explaining their role of recruiters, and the various pathways into careers within this space. They reminisce about their personal journeys, the importance of networking, and the value of mentorship. Sarah shares insights on the evolving job market and the significance of being authentic in one's career. The discussion also highlights the joy of community engagement and the impact of user groups, while concluding with personal reflections and musical moments.TakeawaysConnections within the Power Platform community are vital.Recruiters provide valuable insights into the job market.Authenticity is key in career development.The Power Platform community is known for its welcoming nature.There are diverse pathways into Power Platform careers.Effort and initiative are essential for career advancement.Mentorship programs play a crucial role in professional growth.User groups remain relevant and beneficial for networking.Matching candidates with the right roles is important for success.Learning from failures is a part of personal growth.LinksSarah Jones Linkedin (2) Sarah Jones | LinkedInMisfits podcast Voices Rising: Women in Tech, User Groups & the Future of AI SecurityPower Platform High Five Community (2) Power Platform Community High Five: Posts | LinkedInHowdan Rashid podcast Navigating Recruiters in the Power Platform space: Power Hour Podcast #4 - Sarah JonesArchitects accelerator Untethered 365 | Power Platform Solutions Architect trainingManchester AI user group Manchester AI User Group | MeetupExperts live user group Experts Live UK | MeetupChristmas song for SarahSound Bites"You should be authentically you in your career.""User groups are still relevant and valuable.""You learn and grow through trying and failing."Chapters00:00 Building Connections in Power Platform Community05:36 The Role of Recruiters in Power Platform11:11 Sarah's Journey into Recruitment16:44 Navigating the Power Platform Landscape22:24 Matching Candidates with Opportunities28:08 Advice for Aspiring Power Platform Professionals33:35 Cultural Differences in User Groups35:02 The Rise of Mentoring Programs36:23 Learning Through SWOT Analysis38:21 Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool42:44 Community Engagement and Podcasting43:11 Spotlighting Innovative Community Leaders45:36 Addressing Skill Shortages in the Industry48:16 Celebrating Personal Achievements48:40 Empowering Women in Tech54:16 Musical Reflections and Personal Connections
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Episode 004: Sean Astrakhan "How to stand out"
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
Welcome to Power Platform 101 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!
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