Sprint-Zero

Summary Tech Nostalgia & Modern Mastery 🚀 In a vibrant episode of Sprint Zero, “Lewis” and Jon delve into tech evolution with Parvez Ghumra. From Commodore 64 memories to Power Platform prowess, they explore the journey from retro tech to cutting-edge innovation. The trio shares laughs over Amstrad’s quirks, discusses the finesse of beard grooming, and celebrates the 500th LinkedIn follower milestone. It’s a blend of nostalgia, technical insights, and personal growth in the tech space! Key Takeaways Parvez Ghumra narrates his tech odyssey, ignited by the Commodore 64. Mastery of Power Platform’s code fundamentals remains crucial despite its evolution. Citizen developers are keen on the Power Platform’s technicalities. AI boosts tech learning and comprehension. Nostalgic tech talk spotlights the quirks of cassette-loaded games. Beard banter ensues, with a nod to Parvez’s grooming finesse. Facing new tech with candor and a learning spirit is key. The 90 Day Mentoring Challenge proves transformative for the hosts. A toast to the 500th follower! Special Thanks to [Guest Name] for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at: LinkedIn X Their Blog [Blog Name] KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - Find out more about him and listen to his music here Resources mentioned in this episode Commodore 64 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_64 Mark Smith 90 day challenge - https://ako.nz365guy.com/ This is our first episode 95% edited by AI!

Summary Summary of the show Key Takeaways Take away 1 Take away 2 Special Thanks to [Guest Name] for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at: LinkedIn X Their Blog [Blog Name] KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - Find out more about him and listen to his music here Resources mentioned in this episode Link 1 Link 2

Summary Emma-Claire Shaw, the Lead Product Manager for Power Platform at DEFRA, shares her personal journey and insights into citizen development. She talks about what makes a good product manager, the challenges of managing products at a large scale, and the exciting new technologies in the Power Platform. Emma also highlights the importance of proper governance in Power Platform and how it helps citizen developers. She opens up about her own struggles with imposter syndrome and gives advice to others who might feel the same. Lastly, Emma discusses her upcoming speaking engagements and the shift towards a more technical focus within the Power Platform community. Key Takeaways People Skills & Passion: Essential for product management. Strategic Scaling: Prioritization is key in large-scale management. AI Advancements: Power Platform’s AI simplifies building and enhances solutions. Governance: Vital for Power Platform’s secure development. Citizen Developer Support: Crucial for Power Platform’s success. Imposter Syndrome: Common but conquerable with self-trust and learning. Community Engagement: Sharing and learning through speaking and involvement. Technical Shift: Power Platform’s community is increasingly tech-oriented. Special Thanks to Emma-Claire Shaw for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawemmaclaire/ KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - Find out more about him and listen to his music here Resources mentioned in this episode

Summary Join us on Sprint Zero as we chat with Keith Atherton, a solution architect at ANS Group. Discover Keith’s leap from traditional coding to the dynamic world of low code, unlocking rapid prototyping and MVP development. Get a glimpse of his gaming roots and ongoing ventures, and how AI is revolutionizing creativity in gaming. Plus, Keith shares how much organisation went into starting "On Air In the Cloud", his regular podcast show. Don’t miss Keith’s take on becoming an MVP, the power of community, and the art of juggling professional growth with personal well-being. Key Takeaways Low code speeds up prototyping and MVP creation. Visual tools in low code clarify the end product for clients. AI could transform game development and creative fields. Podcast success hinges on careful planning and organization. Tech community connections foster opportunities and growth. MVP status offers networking and community recognition. LinkedIn courses share expertise but require time investment. Self-care and balance are vital in community engagement. Workload management and delegation prevent burnout. MVP nomination reflects on achievements and sets goals. User group involvement enriches through connections and learning. Workload awareness is key to sustained productivity. Special Thanks to Keith Atherton for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-atherton/ X https://twitter.com/MrKeithAtherton Their LinkTree for more resources https://linktr.ee/keithatherton KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - Find out more about him and listen to his music here Resources mentioned in this episode On Air In the Cloud Podcast https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onairinthecloud Europress "The Games Factory" https://clickwiki.github.io/games-factory/

Summary What do you get when you mix DJing in nightclubs with web development expertise? You get Franco Musso, the CRM Biz Coach. This episode dives into the intricacies of freelancing, the dynamics of Power Pages in the market, and the art of conference speaking. It also touches on the synergy between music and tech, the significance of mental and physical health, and the camaraderie within the tech community Key Takeaways Freelancers: Stand out by honing skills and self-promotion. Power Pages: Complex pricing, yet offers business scalability. Misconceptions: Power Pages, though underrated, enable robust web apps with Dataverse’s security. Conference Speaking: Success hinges on tailored content and audience engagement. Nightclub Skills: DJing shapes diverse professional abilities. Burnout: Vital to spot and tackle burnout symptoms early. Health Connection: Stress highlights the mental-physical health link. Tech Community: Thrives on mutual support and knowledge exchange. Power Platform: A welcoming network fostering growth. Microsoft Stack: Continuously evolving for collaborative innovation. Special Thanks to Franco Musso for joining us for this episode and being our sponsor! You can find their socials at: LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/spnt0 X - https://tinyurl.com/4ke8hscf Their Blog https://francomusso.com/ KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - Find out more about him and listen to his music here

Summary In this episode, we interview James Connelly, the multi-discipline technical lead at Network Rail. We discuss James' journey into the Power Platform space and the challenges and successes of implementing Power Platform at scale. We also explore the importance of controlling development in the Power Platform and enabling citizen developers at Network Rail. The episode concludes with a fun discussion about chicken wings in the Wing It section. In this conversation, James Connelly discusses his love for chicken wings and his preference for breaded wings. The conversation then takes a serious turn as James shares his personal experience with a brain hemorrhage and the challenges he faced during his recovery. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and adapting to life's challenges. James also discusses the impact of his experience on his perspective of heroes and role models. Key Takeaways Implementing Power Platform at scale requires careful planning and governance. Controlling development in the Power Platform is essential for maintaining security and data integrity. Enabling citizen developers can bridge the gap between IT and the rest of the business. Chicken George in Bedford is a must-visit for chicken wing enthusiasts. Chicken wings can be enjoyed breaded or naked, depending on personal preference. James Connelly's experience with a brain hemorrhage taught him the importance of resilience and making the most out of life. Heroes and role models should be those who have overcome adversity and continue to fight for a better life. It is important to step back from celebrity culture and focus on what truly matters in life. Special Thanks to James Connelly for joining us for this episode! LinkedIn https://tinyurl.com/32fjbjnk KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - (https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit) Resources mentioned in this episode Chicken George - Bedford: https://tinyurl.com/mrykfvcn James’ Just giving page for the 2024 London Marathon – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/JamesConnelly-London-Marathon-2024?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=JamesConnelly-London-Marathon-2024&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=d309db1a96eb42d89952cc533cc5f0f8 Information on Head injuries and about Headway - Headway - the brain injury association | Headway Admin view blog (coming soon) – www.adminviewblog.com

Summary Chris Huntingford, Director of Digital Innovation at ANS Group, discusses technology, CRM3, and deploying Copilot. The conversation covers educational challenges, vendor responsibilities, and live demos. Chris shares how he navigates discomfort and sets boundaries. Managing time and availability are also highlighted. Key Takeaways The role of vendors and Microsoft partners in educating and keeping educational establishments up-to-date with technology is crucial. The deployment of Copilot requires sorting out data and security as key success factors. The future of Gen AI lies in its augmentation of products and people. Passion and a mindset shift are essential in the technology industry Live demos and interactive presentations can be engaging and memorable Setting boundaries and expectations is crucial for maintaining work-life balance and preventing burnout. Managing time and calendar effectively is essential for productivity and avoiding overcommitment. Special Thanks to Chris Huntingford for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishuntingford/ X https://twitter.com/ThatPlatformGuy KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - Find out more about him and listen to his music here Resources mentioned in this episode [The Book Link??]

Summary In this episode, Jon Russell and Mike Gowland are joined by Dan Barber, the head of business applications at ANS and a business apps MVP. They discuss topics such as whiskey, Dan's journey in tech, mentoring, the importance of agile methodology in Dynamics implementation, continuous improvement culture, the impact of social media on imposter syndrome, and beard grooming. Key Takeaways Agile methodology is a great fit for technology projects due to the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of the industry. Creating a safe space is crucial in mentoring relationships to foster open and honest communication. Continuous improvement is important in personal and professional growth, and it requires empowerment and autonomy. Social media platforms like LinkedIn can be both helpful and overwhelming, and it's important to set personal limits and guardrails. Beard grooming requires time, maintenance, and the right products, and it's a personal choice that varies for each individual. Special Thanks to Dan Barber. You can find their socials at: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbarber/ X - KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here] https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit

Summary In this episode, we're joined by Griffin Lickfeldt, a young professional in the Microsoft Dynamics space. Griffin shares his journey from graduating university to joining Hitachi Solutions America's launch program, where he received training on consulting and Dynamics. Griffin also shares his favorite learning resources, including Microsoft Learn modules and YouTube videos. He talks about his content creation journey on YouTube and offers insights into balancing content creation with work/personal life. Griffin Lickfeldt shares his experience of visiting a client's headquarters and presenting a blueprint for a project. Key Takeaways The Hitachi launch program provides a valuable opportunity for individuals without technical backgrounds to learn about consulting and developing for Dynamics. Microsoft Learn and Microsoft Docs are great resources for learning about Dynamics and Power Platform. YouTube videos can be an effective way to learn and digest content, especially for visual learners. Balancing content creation with work and personal life requires setting aside dedicated time and having a schedule. Presenting a blueprint requires careful preparation and communication with the client to ensure accuracy. Misunderstandings can occur, but it's important to handle them professionally and learn from the experience. Special Thanks to Griffin Lickfeldt for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-lickfeldt/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@citizendeveloper365 Their Blog - https://citizendeveloper365.com/ KenLikeFit for providing music - Find out more here > https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit Resources Video | Microsoft Copilot - Is it worth the hype? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynBrpT1Cxfw Book | Will it make the boat go faster? - http://tinyurl.com/mryrb94d Book | Getting Naked - http://tinyurl.com/4vmbhdkw

Summary In this episode, Jon Russell and Mike Gowland interview Damien Bird, a Power Automate expert known for his YouTube channel. Damien shares his journey in the Power Automate community and discusses the challenges of creating video content. He emphasizes the importance of feedback and the need for continuous improvement. Damien also opens up about his health challenges and how they have shaped his perspective on work-life balance. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of Damien's video production and his aspirations for the community. Key Takeaways Creating video content requires continuous improvement and a focus on providing value to the audience. Feedback, both positive and negative, is essential for personal and professional growth. Balancing work and personal life is crucial for overall well-being and success. Health challenges can serve as a wake-up call to prioritize what truly matters in life. Special Thanks to Damien Bird for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damobird365/ YouTube - https://www.damobird365.com/ Their Blog - https://DamoBird365.com KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - Find out more about him and listen to his music here https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit

Summary In this episode, Stuart Baxter, a practice leader at Robiquity, shares his journey in the Microsoft Power Platform and his role as a practice lead. He discusses the importance of remaining hands-on with technology and the value of participating in forums and user groups. Stuart also talks about the role of a solution architect and the evolving nature of the position. He emphasizes the need for storytelling in presentations and the power of effective communication. Stuart also shares his passion for Star Wars and Lego. The conversation explores the topic of wedding speeches and the mistakes that can happen during them. Key Takeaways Remaining hands-on with technology is important for understanding and overseeing projects effectively. Participating in forums and user groups can enhance learning and development. The role of a solution architect is to ask why and convert understanding into documentation to deliver customer requirements. Storytelling is a powerful tool in presentations, making them more engaging and memorable. Feeling uncomfortable or nervous is natural, but it's important to remember that people want to hear what you have to say and are supportive. Mistakes can happen during wedding speeches, such as forgetting to mention important people or saying the wrong things. Despite these mistakes, people generally remember the good parts of the wedding day and don't dwell on the small errors. Perspective is important when it comes to evaluating the success of an event. Small mistakes don't define the overall experience. Special Thanks to Stuart Baxter for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbaxter86/ Their Blog - https://www.linkedin.com/company/whats-new-in-power-platform-blog/ KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - Find out more about him and listen to his music here https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit

Summary In this episode, Nati Turtledove, a Solutions Architect at CarePoint 365, shares his journey into the Power Platform and the importance of data in his career. He discusses the challenges of moving to a new country and the support he receives from the Power Platform community. Nati also opens up about dealing with imposter syndrome and the value of collaboration and learning from others. He emphasizes the importance of documentation and planning in mitigating security issues and shares his experiences of feeling uncomfortable and managing anxiety. The episode concludes with a discussion on the value of sharing knowledge and the experience of owning pets. Key Takeaways Data modeling and understanding database infrastructure are essential for best solution design and data modeling. Collaboration and learning from others are crucial for personal and professional growth. Documentation and planning can help mitigate security issues in projects. Feeling uncomfortable and managing anxiety are common experiences, and support from loved ones can be invaluable. Sharing knowledge and learning from others is a valuable way to contribute to the community. Owning pets can bring joy and companionship, but sometimes difficult decisions need to be made for their well-being. Special Thanks to Nati Turtledove for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nati-turtledove/ Not X Their Blog - https://nati-turtledove.com/ KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - Find out more about him and listen to his music here https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit Sprint Zero is sponsored by Franco Musso https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-musso-dynamics365/

Summary James Reeves, co-founder of Bedrock Data, talks about his tech career, SQL and Power BI, data integrity and security, and his ADHD. He shares the pros and cons of hyperfocus and medication. This episode covers the tech industry, data management, and neurodiversity. Takeaways ADHD diagnosis and treatment can take long and face stigma. ADHD can vary in symptoms and types. Diagnosis and self-understanding are key for ADHD. ADHD can affect children and relationships. There is a need for a spectrum in ADHD classification. Emotion regulation can be hard for ADHD. Support and understanding are vital for ADHD. Special Thanks to James Reeves for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerbi-limited/ KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - Find out more about him and listen to his music here https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit

Summary In this episode, Jon Levesque, Director of Community and Engagement at DocuSign, shares his journey into tech, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges of the pandemic. He also discusses building successful teams and highlights standout moments from his time at Microsoft. The conversation concludes with a humorous story about an unexpected encounter during a hike in the forest. Key Takeaways Authenticity is paramount in building relationships and finding your true self. Collaboration and teamwork are essential for success, both in the workplace and in personal endeavors. Uncomfortable moments can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. Finding your passion and aligning your goals with your personal values can lead to a fulfilling life and career. Special Thanks to Jon Levesque for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonjlevesque/ Theads - https://www.threads.net/@jonjlevesque YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@JonJLevesque KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - Find out more about him and listen to his music here - https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit Our Sponsor: Franco Musso X: https://twitter.com/crmbizcoach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-musso-dynamics365/ Resources mentioned in this episode 39 Lessons in 39 Years - Jon Levesque - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/39-lessons-learned-years-jon-levesque-wxeic/ lbs to Stone & lbs = lbs / 14

Summary Dona Sarkar, Chief Trouble Maker for AI and Copilot Extensibility, discusses the importance of low-code solutions to address real-world problems. She also highlights the need for iteration and collaboration in developing effective prompts. Dona emphasizes the importance of design thinking and prompt UX in generating AI models. The conversation includes a game called Poets or Prompt, where Dona guesses whether a poem is generated by AI or authored by a human poet. The hosts also discuss uncomfortable moments and how they can lead to personal growth. Dona challenges the hosts to understand how language models work and translate AI concepts for non-technical audiences. Key Takeaways The Power Platform has the potential to transform lives and careers by providing low-code solutions to real-world problems. Prompting in AI is a natural language way to maximize the value of AI products and improve job performance. Developing effective prompts requires iteration, collaboration, and customization for specific industries and roles. Diversity in prompt engineering is crucial to address bias in AI models. Uncomfortable moments can lead to personal growth and expanded comfort zones. Understanding how language models work and translating AI concepts for non-technical audiences is important. Special Thanks to Our Guest Dona Sarkar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donasarkar/ https://twitter.com/donasarkar Dona's new Sidehustle, Sidehustle! https://sidehustletaps.com/ KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit Additional Music: Title: "J. S. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No4-1 BWV1049" Author: "Kevin Macleod" - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kevin_MacLeod/ Source: "Free Music Archive" - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kevin_MacLeod/Classical_Sampler/Brandenburg_No4-1_BWV1049 License: "CC BY 3.0" - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Summary In this episode, Jon Russell and Mike Gowland are joined by Laura Webb, a well-known figure in the Power Platform community. They discuss Laura's journey into the Power Platform space, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of user interface and design. Laura also shares her experience presenting at conferences, her Tech Trump Cards initiative and the positive response it has received. She also shares what makes her uncomfortable. Key Takeaways Overcoming imposter syndrome is a common challenge in the tech industry, but support from mentors and the community can help. User interface and design are crucial in creating engaging and intuitive experiences for users. Presenting at conferences can be nerve-wracking, but also allows for personal growth and connecting with the community. Balancing sessions and downtime at conferences is important for getting the most out of the experience. AI can enhance UI/UX design by automating certain tasks, but human creativity and insight are still essential. The Tech Trump Cards initiative has been well-received and provides a unique way to showcase individuals in the community. Special Thanks to Laura Webb for joining us for this episode! You can find her socials at: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-w-93762654/ Webb Side Story (Blog) https://laurawebbportfolio.wixsite.com/webbsidestory KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - Find out more about him and listen to his music here (https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit) Resources mentioned in this episode Jukka Niiranen announces he won't be pursuing MVP https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jukkaniiranen_my-final-microsoft-mvp-award-jukka-niiranen-activity-7133046559587381248-JHMo?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Summary In this episode, we're joined by Ecosystem Enablement Architect, Craig White; Blogger at Platforms of Power, who discusses his journey into Power Platform, what makes him uncomfortable and how and where he gets inspiration (and the time!) to blog. We also talk about Flow and Prompt Orchestration, following a demo of JustAskIt on the M365 and Power Platform Developer Community Call (4th January). Key Takeaways Testing is crucial for maintaining data integrity in the Power Platform. Writing relatable blog posts can help engage readers and solve real-world problems. Blogging can serve as a personal knowledge base for consultants. The Center of Excellence toolkit is essential for successful Power Platform implementation. Data loss prevention and proper configuration are vital for secure and efficient Power Platform usage. Managed environment setup and features are evolving to enhance user experience and functionality. Special Thanks to Craig White for joining us as a guest for this episode! You can find their socials at: LinkedIn X Craig's Blog: Platforms of Power KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - Find out more about him and listen to his music here Resources mentioned in this episode OpenAI Weak-to-strong generalization Microsoft 365 & Power Platform Development community call - 4th of January, 2024 Other We're aware that some of the audio in this episode is not up to standard. As a result one of us has invested a whole £20 in a new microphone, and we're going to be more stringent on audio testing prior to episode recording. Thank you for choosing and continuing to listen to Sprint Zero!

Summary In this episode, Jon and Mike discuss their journeys into consulting and their discovery of Power Automate. They share their experiences and how they found passion in their work. The episode also introduces the podcast and its regular segments. In this conversation, Jon Russell and Mike Gowland discuss their experiences with Power Automate and the development of their solution, Just Ask It. They explore the importance of cost visibility and automation. They delve into the concept of orchestration and generating prompts using AI models. They also discuss the benefits of embracing discomfort and trying new things. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to reach out and potentially be guests on the show. Takeaways Consulting can be an accidental career path, with individuals finding themselves in the role without initially planning for it. Passion for the job is important, as it drives motivation and enjoyment in the work. Cost visibility is important in demonstrating the value of automation solutions. JustAskIt is a solution designed to automate the generation of diagrams and user stories based on business domain and use cases. Orchestration involves stringing together prompts and using data-driven processes to generate responses. Embracing discomfort and trying new things can lead to personal and professional growth. Resources: JustAskIt GitHub Repo The Imposter Syndrome Banishing Spell | Dona Sarkar | TEDxUIUC