David Bowman and Jarbas Horst speak with Alex Peers, Intranet Content Manager at DLA Piper, about transforming corporate communications through storytelling on SharePoint. Alex manages the intranet for 7000 people across multiple countries at the global law firm, turning what could be dry corporate content into engaging human stories. Alex explains how DLA Piper moved beyond traditional corporate jargon 18 months ago by applying external storytelling techniques internally. The team operates like a news desk, creating compelling content about colleagues from a German partner who referees Bundesliga matches to a lawyer who appeared on the Swedish version of Survivor. This approach has significantly improved engagement rates while subtly reinforcing company values without forcing vision statements down people's throats. Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [02:07] SharePoint Migration to Cloud Strategy [03:25] Internet as Central Hub for 7000 Employees [04:16] Human-Centered Storytelling Approach Transforms Corporate Communications [05:50] Swedish Survivor Story Hooks Employees [07:32] Building a Collaborative News Desk Team [08:52] Managing Global Audience Across Multiple Regions [11:12] Flexible Tools Enable Quick Response Changes [12:25] Relationship-Based Feedback Over Forms [15:52] Balancing Compliance with People-Oriented Culture [18:12] Automated Content Management Reduces Manual Work [20:46] Power BI Dashboard Transforms Analytics [25:32] Microsoft 365 Integration Benefits [28:10] AI Copilot Empowers Non-Technical Users [30:53] Future Vision Beyond Browser-Based Intranets [34:05] Always Be a Student Mindset The conversation explores balancing global content needs with local office requirements, using Power Automate for content governance, and measuring success through relationships rather than just analytics. Alex shares insights on preparing for AI agents and the future where intranets may not require traditional web browsers at all.
Abby Webster from TD Bank shares how they transformed a frustrating 150000-page intranet system into a streamlined platform that 95000 employees actually love using. From handling 1 million daily visits to seamlessly integrating social collaboration, discover the strategic decisions that made their SharePoint-based solution a massive success.
David Bowman and Jarbas Horst return for Season 2 of Fresh Perspectives, diving into the latest SharePoint drama that unfolded while David was on vacation. Microsoft introduced new page templates that disappeared almost immediately after user backlash, plus a mysterious AI quick actions button that's now floating on every SharePoint site.The hosts share real feedback from recent conferences where SharePoint vendors face the same response - users saying "no" when asked if they like SharePoint. They discuss the reality of boring, disconnected experiences that plague large organizations, especially when relying on out-of-the-box features.Fresh Intranet's parent company Advania UK completed major acquisitions, creating a 450 million pound revenue business with over 1500 employees and 10,000 customers. Meanwhile, ChatGPT-5 launched with more natural conversations now available in Microsoft Copilot.
In this season finale of Fresh Perspectives, Jarbas and David reflect on the standout moments and key lessons from their first twelve episodes.From reflecting on how the podcasting journey pushed them out of their comfort zones, to sharing their most memorable highlights - this episode revisits the episodes that explored 2025 trends, the evolving role of AI and Copilot, and standout guest appearances from industry voices like Kai at Swoop Analytics and Manesh Mistry from Microsoft.Tune in for the full episode for a few sneak peeks and exciting plans for Season 2.------------------That’s a wrap for Season 1 🎉Thank you for your support, feedback, and brilliant questions.We’re taking a short break to gear up for Season 2, meanwhile follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fresh-digital-workplace/] for more insights on all things SharePoint intranets and employee experience.
In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, Jarbas Horst, senior product manager, and David Bowman, product director for Fresh Intranet, kick things off by celebrating a significant milestone: Fresh Intranet’s recent recognition by Clearbox as an award-winning solution in the digital workplace space. They reflect on what set their product apart, notably its tight integration with SharePoint and Microsoft features, enhanced news and content management, and impressive AI capabilities in search and information management.A central focus of the episode is on the major takeaways from the Microsoft 365 Community Conference in Las Vegas, which David recently attended. The hosts delve into the vibrant community exchange at the event, highlighting the latest trends around Microsoft Copilot and AI advancements. They discuss new Copilot features such as research agents and image creation, as well as SharePoint’s evolution toward more beautiful and dynamic site designs. The conversation touches on the practical challenges of governance, the importance of design expertise, and how tools like Viva Amplify are reshaping internal communications within Microsoft 365.The episode also explores broader shifts in the enterprise collaboration landscape, especially with the growing importance of Viva Engage as organizations transition away from platforms like Workplace by Meta. Jarvis and David examine Microsoft’s new “Frontier Firm” concept and the stages of AI adoption in organizations—from initial individual use to more advanced, agent-driven automation. Throughout, the hosts leverage their deep expertise to provide listeners with thoughtful commentary on the future of digital workplaces, the potential of AI, and the evolving needs of internal communicators and community builders.
In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, David Bowman and Jarbas Horst tackle the ever-present challenge of managing SharePoint effectively. They explore why organizations often struggle with cluttered and chaotic SharePoint environments, emphasizing that while the platform offers extensive flexibility, its lack of structure can quickly lead to confusion. With insights from their experience in digital workplace solutions and recent industry events, they highlight the critical role of governance, planning, and strategic oversight in ensuring a well-organized digital workspace.David and Jarbas also discuss the latest SharePoint enhancements, such as AI-powered Design Ideas, flexible layouts, and Copilot-driven page creation, noting that while these features add power and versatility, they require thoughtful implementation to avoid sprawl. They conclude with actionable advice, encouraging organizations to establish clear guidelines, templates, and approval workflows before adopting new capabilities. Ultimately, they stress that investing in governance, planning, and user education is essential for leveraging SharePoint’s potential while maintaining clarity and control.Listen to the full episode of Fresh Perspectives for more real-world advice from David Bowman and Jarbas Horst.✨ Let's connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fresh-digital-workplace
SharePoint intranet search - why do you hate me? This provocative question resonates with many SharePoint users. At events, when we ask people if they love SharePoint, search is often cited as a pain point in their intranet experience. This is why in this episode of Fresh Perspectives, Jarbas Horst and David Bowman dive into the complexities of the search experience within SharePoint Intranet and Microsoft 365. They explore why many users feel frustrated with the existing search functionality and discuss potential solutions for improving search quality within the intranet, including the role of governance, generative AI, and customizable options. Whether you're struggling with your current search system or just curious about optimizing your SharePoint experience, this episode is packed with practical insights for you and your team. Happy listening!
In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, David and Jarbas explore the essential role of intranets in modern organizations. They discuss how intranets, particularly SharePoint intranets, enhance employee engagement, streamline communication, and boost productivity. David and Jarbas share real-world examples and insights on why every business, regardless of size, needs a modern intranet. They delve into the evolution of SharePoint, highlighting its flexible layouts, AI functionalities, and seamless integration with Microsoft Teams. The episode also covers the significant impact of high employee engagement on financial performance, backed by data from Microsoft's Work Trend Index. Tune in to learn how intranets can transform your organization's digital workplace, improve onboarding processes, and foster a more connected and efficient work environment.💜If you want to love SharePoint, we want to talk to you Get in Touch - Fresh Intranet
In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, David and Jarbas delve into the evolving landscape of SharePoint intranets and the transformative power of AI. Sharing their experiences from recent events, including the Microsoft AI Tour and the Ragan AI Horizons event in Miami, they discuss the varying levels of AI adoption among organizations and the importance of change management, training, and clear communication to ensure successful AI integration. One of the key topics covered is the introduction of SharePoint Copilot agents, which allow users to create agents for documents, list libraries, and sites within SharePoint. These agents can be integrated into Teams discussions, providing valuable insights and facilitating more efficient collaboration. Follow and subscribe for insights on the future of SharePoint intranets and the role of AI in enhancing the employee experience.
In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, David and Jarbas engage with Cai Kjaer, the co-founder of Swoop Analytics, to explore the critical role of measurement in workplace environments with a particular focus on enhancing employee engagement. Cai, who has a rich background in analytics and internal collaboration, provides insights into the need for communicators to understand your organisation's current position via metrics to effectively navigate and improve communication strategies. The discussion highlights the tangible link between investments in digital channels, like intranets and community-based systems, and employee engagement, emphasizing the importance of tracking successful initiatives to ensure a good return on investment. Cai introduces the "Seven Collaboration Habits" framework to describe collaboration behaviors and preferences within organizations, such as the use of email, chat, and intranet. By exploring these habits, our guest sheds light on the common challenges organizations face with data utilization and measurement, providing practical guidance on effectively leveraging analytics to drive employee engagement and align with strategic organizational goals. Listen to the full episode now to unlock strategies for improving communication, engagement, and productivity in your workplace.✨Let's connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fresh-digital-workplace
In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, David Bowman and Jarbas Horst are joined by Manesh Mistry, Copilot Technical Specialist at Microsoft, to explore the functionalities and developments of Microsoft Copilot. David and Jarbas set the stage for a detailed discussion about how Copilot is revolutionizing the integration of generative AI with Microsoft 365 applications such as Teams, Word, and Excel. The episode opens with introductions and quickly dives into the core topic, providing listeners with foundational knowledge about what Copilot is and how it's being used in today’s digital workplaces. As the conversation unfolds, the speakers delve into practical applications and security facets of Copilot. Manesh shares compelling use cases from various sectors, including healthcare and legal, illustrating how organizations can harness Copilot's capabilities to enhance productivity. The episode emphasizes the critical nature of crafting effective prompts to optimize task outputs and addresses common security concerns, assuring listeners that data remains secure within the organization's existing infrastructure. Through anecdotal evidence, the discussion brings to life the efficiencies that Copilot can introduce, such as reducing the time spent on compiling meeting notes or generating complex documents. Looking towards the future, David, Jarbas, and Manesh discuss the role of agents in Copilot, forecasting their potential to simplify business processes and improve user experiences with AI-driven solutions. This segment highlights the importance of creativity in utilizing AI tools effectively, where improved user interfaces and automation can significantly enhance operational workflows. Connect with us on LinkedIn for more insights on everything SharePoint intranets, employee experience and Generative AI.💜 Fresh: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fresh-digital-workplace🎨Manesh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maneshmistryart/🎙️David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrobertbowman/🎬Jarbas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarbas-horst-681230175/
In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, Jarbas Horst and David Bowman welcome the new year with predictions and insights for 2025. They begin with Viva Engage, predicting its continued momentum owing to Microsoft’s consistent improvements and the tool’s ease of integration within organizations. When combined with SharePoint and Teams, Viva Engage creates a powerful platform for enterprise social networking, enhancing community building and content collaboration. The conversation then shifts to the evolution of SharePoint into a modern web publishing tool. Jarbas and David highlight new features such as custom fonts, flexible layout sections, and AI-driven tools like Copilot that enhance content creation and presentation. Despite these advancements, they emphasize the importance of governance to maintain consistency in your intranet. They are optimistic about the role AI will play in 2025, particularly through Microsoft’s Copilot and specialized 'agents', that automate tasks and enhance efficiency, while stressing that human involvement remains essential for creating a cohesive user experience. Tune in for more insights on 2025 trends and predictions for SharePoint intranets and employee experience.
In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, Jarbas Horst and David Bowman are joined by Madeleine Ryderheim, Head of Product Operations at Fresh Intranet. They discuss why solutions like Fresh exist alongside SharePoint and explore SharePoint's need for extensive configuration to be user-friendly. Madeleine shares how Fresh enhances SharePoint with better interfaces, content aggregation, and advanced tools like editorial calendars and search functionalities. They also highlight the strategic use of FreshMind - intranet AI features to improve search within SharePoint, and emphasize client feedback in product development. The episode covers balancing market demands with technical feasibility, iterative development, and the potential for expanding AI integration using Azure OpenAI and Microsoft Copilot. The team reflects on balancing technological enthusiasm with practical client needs. Follow and subscribe to learn how to optimize your SharePoint intranet and enhance employee experience.
In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, even intranets need an upgrade. But do we really need modern intranets in an era dominated by AI? The AI Intranet episode dives into why companies should rethink their employee experiences and how AI can take them to the next level. We discuss real-world scenarios where AI transforms intranets into smarter, more intuitive spaces that boost productivity. Plus, we explore the potential of Copilot agents and the unique benefits they offer, helping users work more efficiently and collaboratively. Follow and subscribe for insights on how AI is changing the way we connect and work internally.
In this episode of 'Fresh Perspectives: Living in the Reality of SharePoint Intranets,' hosts David Bowman and Jarbas Horst dive deep into the complexities of using SharePoint as an intranet platform. They explore the root causes behind some of these challenges and share practical tips and insights to help you overcome them. Whether you're an intranet manager, HR leader, IT professional, or business executive, this episode offers valuable strategies to enhance your SharePoint experience. Tune in to discover how to tackle SharePoint intranet hurdles effectively and make your digital workplace thrive.
Need to use a SharePoint intranet? When all information available is overly technical or negative, turn to Fresh Perspectives: Living in the reality of SharePoint intranets. We provide useful, jargon-free insights and real-world examples to help you maximize the benefits of SharePoint intranets and tackle its challenges.