FusionTalk

In this episode of FusionTalk, Anouck and Steve embark on a lively discussion about the essential aspects of app development, focusing on the critical themes of security, scalability, and liability. They kick off with a humorous debate on the need for user understanding in the development process, emphasising the importance of clear communication and partnership between developers and users.The conversation delves into the concept of "app impact," exploring how poor decision-making can affect both the application and the business. Anouck and Steve highlight the need for users to grasp the implications of their requests, discussing the significance of defining roles and responsibilities within the app development lifecycle. They stress the necessity of understanding the business processes and the importance of having an owner for every application to ensure accountability.As they navigate through the complexities of security, they point out that business users often think from a non-IT perspective, which necessitates a clear explanation of security measures and content management. The hosts also touch on the legal liabilities associated with data handling and the importance of compliance, particularly in light of regulations like GDPR.In the latter part of the episode, Anouck and Steve explore scalability and the need for strategic planning to accommodate future growth. They discuss the risks associated with rapid expansion and the importance of budget considerations for ongoing development. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the collaborative nature of app development, reminding listeners that effective communication and shared understanding are vital for success.Understanding User Requirements and App DevelopmentThe Concept of App ImpactRoles and Responsibilities in Application DevelopmentSecurity from a Business PerspectiveLegal Liabilities and Compliance ConsiderationsScalability and Strategic PlanningConclusion: The Importance of Collaboration and Clear Communication in App Development

In this episode of FusionTalk, Anouck and Steve take their podcasting on the road, recording from the stunning backdrop of sunny Austria. They reminisce about their recent travels to the Google and Microsoft campuses in San Francisco and Seattle, sharing insights and experiences from their tours that highlight the contrasting atmospheres of these tech giants.The hosts delve into the core principles of app development, focusing on three key concepts: security, scalability, and liability. They discuss the importance of security measures, including data protection and compliance, emphasising that understanding the risks associated with user data is paramount. The conversation shifts to scalability, where they explore the lifecycle of applications and the necessity of planning for growth and potential user demand.As they navigate through the intricacies of app ownership, Anouck and Steve highlight the critical role of clear communication and responsibility within development teams. They stress the need for a flexible approach to app management, ensuring that applications remain relevant and effective in an ever-evolving technological landscape. The episode wraps up with a teaser for the next discussion, where they plan to examine these concepts from the end-user perspective, reinforcing the importance of aligning technical strategies with user expectations.Introduction: Recording from AustriaTour Insights: Google vs. Microsoft CampusesCore Concepts: Security, Scalability, and LiabilityUnderstanding Security in App DevelopmentThe Importance of Scalability and Application LifecyclesApp Ownership and Team ResponsibilityLooking Ahead: User Perspectives on App DevelopmentConclusion: Aligning Technical Strategies with User Expectations 

In this episode of FusionTalk, Anouck and Steve dive into the often-overlooked world of governance, sharing personal anecdotes and humorous mishaps that highlight the importance of understanding and adhering to governance protocols. They recount a recent presentation in Stockholm where technical issues arose due to a lack of preparation, leading to a broader discussion about the necessity of reading instructions and the pitfalls of ignoring governance rules.The hosts explore the governance lifecycle, emphasising the need for clear definitions, testing, and ongoing reviews to ensure processes are effective and compliant. They discuss practical examples, such as onboarding procedures and Microsoft Teams governance, and the significance of having a robust checklist to guide users through processes. Anouck and Steve also touch on the crucial role of audits in maintaining governance standards and the importance of continuous learning from failures.As the episode progresses, they delve into the complexities of managing workflows within the Power Platform, stressing the need for regular reviews and updates to ensure functionality and compliance. With a mix of humour and insight, Anouck and Steve remind listeners that while governance may seem tedious, it is essential for the smooth operation of any organisation.Introduction to Governance and Personal AnecdotesImportance of Reading Instructions and Governance RulesDefining and Testing Governance ProcessesPractical Examples: Onboarding and Microsoft Teams GovernanceThe Role of Audits in GovernanceManaging Workflows in the Power PlatformConclusion: The Necessity of Governance in Organisations 

 In this episode of FusionTalk, Anouck and Steve reflect on their recent adventure at the Collab Days event in Bremen, where they both spoke and shared insights with the community. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they recount their driving experiences and the unexpected distractions on the road, leading into a deeper discussion about rules, regulations, and governance in the tech world.The hosts explore the complexities of governance in Microsoft 365, emphasizing the importance of defining clear rules for various areas such as site security, content lifecycle, sharing, and sensitivity labels. They share anecdotes from their experiences, highlighting the necessity of having the right people involved in governance discussions and the challenges that arise when users bypass established protocols.Anouck and Steve delve into the significance of documenting governance policies and how this documentation can streamline processes within organizations. They stress that regular reviews of these policies are essential to adapt to changing business needs and to ensure compliance with legal requirements. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted reminder of the value of governance and the critical role it plays in the successful use of technology. 

In this episode of Fusion Talk, Anouck and Steve delve into the intricacies of collaboration. They begin with a recording mishap from the previous week. The main focus is on defining collaboration, which they describe as a combination of the right people, process, and challenge, akin to a security triangle. They emphasize the importance of having clear goals and the right team to ensure successful collaboration.The conversation touches on various mediums of collaboration, such as emails, team messages, and meetings, and the necessity of a well-defined process. They debate whether newsletters constitute collaboration or mere communication. The hosts stress the significance of setting up a proper agenda and scope for meetings to achieve productive outcomes.Anouck and Steve also explore the role of AI in measuring and enhancing collaboration, discussing tools like Azure AI for sentiment analysis and collaboration/adoption scores. They consider the potential of AI to analyze email threads and gauge the success of collaborative efforts. The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of understanding the reasons behind changes in collaboration scores and the need for continuous innovation and effective communication within organizations. 

In this episode of FusionTalk, Anouck and Steve record from their new studio, discussing its ongoing construction and improvements aimed at enhancing podcast quality. The conversation shifts to team dynamics, focusing on the importance of team agreements, motivation, and iding political issues. They reference the book "Five Dysfunctions of a Team" and emphasize the need for consensus, clear communication, and summarizing key takeaways during discussions.Anouck and Steve delve into methods for ensuring team members express honest opinions, the significance of aligning goals with roles, and the necessity of an action plan with clear tasks and commitments. They discuss the benefits of agile vs. waterfall methodologies and the importance of maintaining momentum through regular check-ins and celebrations of small wins.The episode also covers upcoming events, including a Miami conference where Anouck will speak about AI prompt writing and Steve will give a keynote motivational speech. Anouck prepares for an MCT Summit panel on technical competence for trainers, featuring notable panelists. The episode concludes with a reminder to keep team alignment and motivation alive through continuous support, regular evaluations, and celebrating successes. Anouck and Steve sign off, looking forward to producing at least 20 podcasts in 2025.

Anouck and Steve recount their experience running a SharePoint strategy, governance, and structure workshop, sharing their insights on a successful approach to preparation, delivery, and follow-up.The first step in their process is preparation. They emphasize the importance of carefully planning the workshop's length, taking into account breaks, meal times, and enough flexibility to accommodate any unforeseen delays. Choosing the right participants is also critical. The attendees should represent a mix of strategic, operational, and user perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive discussion while avoiding overcrowding or redundant roles. Defining clear objectives is another essential element, as it sets the tone for the workshop and provides a “definition of done” to ensure success. Anouck and Steve also highlight the value of combining brainstorming and focused sessions, which encourages creativity while maintaining direction. Additionally, they advocate for conducting workshops offline whenever possible, as this minimizes distractions and fosters deeper engagement from participants.Once the groundwork is laid, the delivery phase begins. Here, the use of tools like post-it notes plays a pivotal role in fostering mobility, engagement, and visual clarity. A flexible agenda, often inspired by agile methodologies, keeps participants aligned with the workshop’s goals while allowing room for spontaneous discussion. Throughout the session, Anouck and Steve stress the importance of fostering open communication and encouraging out-of-the-box thinking. Keeping the mood light and incorporating humor can also make the process more enjoyable and productive for everyone involved.Finally, follow-up is key to turning the workshop’s insights into actionable outcomes. An immediate recap should be shared within 48 hours, summarizing the key points discussed and outlining action items. Visual documentation, such as detailed photographs of post-it layouts, ensures no detail is lost. These insights should then be translated into actionable tasks with clear timelines. Gathering stakeholder feedback is equally important, as it helps refine the process and ensures that the outcomes align with the participants' expectations and needs.Anouck and Steve's method demonstrates how thoughtful preparation, dynamic delivery, and effective follow-up can transform a workshop into a meaningful and impactful experience. 

 In this thought-provoking episode of FusionTalk, Anouck and Steve step into the unknown by inviting an unexpected guest—Holly, an AI assistant—into their podcasting world. Together, they explore the intriguing question: Can AI contribute to collaboration and innovation just like a human partner?The hosts begin by discussing their recent experiences with AI tools like ChatGPT and reflect on how they’ve started integrating AI into their workflows. They share insights on the evolving role of AI, from a personal assistant to a potential collaborator in brainstorming and problem-solving. Holly, their AI co-host for the episode, joins the conversation live to demonstrate how AI can spark creativity and facilitate collaboration.  Memorable Quote:"AI can be a great tool for sparking innovation. It's like having a brainstorming partner who can think outside the box and provide suggestions you might not have considered." — Holly, the AI 

 In this episode of Fusion Talk with Anouck and Steve, the hosts delve into the world of technical evangelists. They explore the responsibilities and value that these professionals bring to organizations. The hosts begin by discussing the role of technical evangelists, likening them to consultants who educate and advocate for a specific technology or product. They highlight a scenario where a technical evangelist explains the benefits of SharePoint to C-level executives. To effectively communicate the value of SharePoint, the hosts outline seven steps that a technical evangelist would take in this scenario. These steps include scoping problems in SharePoint and knowledge management, emphasizing the advantages of a good knowledge management structure, and showcasing use cases that demonstrate the improvements and impact on the organization. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the basics of SharePoint for technical evangelists, as C-level executives are more interested in the big picture rather than specific details. They highlight the time wasted on searching for information in organizations and how SharePoint's search capabilities can significantly improve productivity and collaboration. Furthermore, the hosts discuss the integration of SharePoint with AI, Microsoft 365, and Power Platform. They highlight the benefits of Power Platform in automating lifecycle management and creating workflows, even for non-programmers. They also mention the ability to integrate SharePoint with different systems like SAP and Salesforce, as well as the extensive connector options available in Microsoft Teams. The hosts stress the importance of technical evangelists specializing in specific areas of expertise rather than being generalists. They explain that while technical evangelists should have a broad understanding of capabilities, they don't need to know everything. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize the flexibility and scalability of SharePoint, its role in digital transformation, and the need for technical evangelists to understand its limitations and boundaries. They also highlight the importance of a good adoption program to maximize the value users get from SharePoint. In conclusion, the hosts define the success of a technical evangelist as setting the scene, defining value, and providing an overview of the technology or product. They mention the use of tools like chatgpt and copilot to aid in their work. Ultimately, technical evangelists are portrayed as happy individuals who bring enthusiasm and expertise to their roles. 

 Welcome to today’s podcast, where Steve and Anouck, will dive into the concept of 'thinking outside the box' and why it’s crucial in both life and business. Let’s start with a little exercise to illustrate what thinking outside the box really means. Grab a pen and paper, place nine dots on the page in a 3x3 grid, and challenge yourself to connect all the dots using only four straight lines. Here's a tip: don't place the dots too far apart from each other. You'll find that solving this puzzle often requires you to go beyond the assumed boundaries—this is what thinking outside the box is all about. Now, here’s the thing: we often think we're thinking creatively in our everyday lives, but when it comes to business challenges and finding innovative solutions, we tend to fall into patterns and familiar ways of doing things. Thinking outside the box means consciously pushing beyond those patterns, questioning the status quo, and considering unconventional approaches. The reality is, we all have the ability to think this way—we just need to do it more intentionally, especially when it comes to problem-solving in business. Sticking to what’s familiar feels safe, but real growth and innovation happen when we explore new perspectives and break free from traditional limits. So, let’s push ourselves to think outside the box more often, not just assume we’re doing it. It’s time to rethink how we approach problems, embrace creativity, and find solutions that truly stand out. 

We assess risk constantly in our daily lives, like when we cross the street. So why don’t we do the same for our projects? In today's episode, Steve and Anouck delve into risk analysis for IT projects. Steve brings extensive experience, while Anouck is keen to learn new things. As we explored this subject, we realized that we perform risk assessments more frequently than we acknowledge, although not always as thoroughly as we should—but nobody's perfect. Executing a thorough risk analysis for IT projects can uncover often missed insights. Steve introduces Anouck to an essential tool: a risk assessment table that evaluates both the probability and impact of risks. Assigning scores to each risk helps you understand how they might affect your organization. Once you've identified the risks and their scores, it's crucial to consider mitigation strategies, such as rollback plans, potential impacts, and actions required to address each risk. While a user’s initial choice may not always be optimal, it provides a valuable starting point to grasp what users want and need. 

In this episode, we're diving into how we should name this shorter version of our podcast. We've got a question, and we need to figure out the best way to answer it. We're exploring the process of getting everyone's input in the room. Steve is challenging Anouck with LLP, FLP, SLP, and TLP, and yes, we had a great time coming up with these ideas together. When you're looking for people's input, avoid yes/no questions—they won't give you the depth of answers you need. Earlier in the podcast, we discussed the concept of the center ring, the first answer ring, and the second answer ring. And if you've listened to our previous episodes, you know we love using dots to highlight the best responses. 

In today's Fusion short on collaboration, Steve and Anouck discuss finding multiple solutions. How do you determine the best solution for your company? It's a challenge we've all faced at some point. But don't worry—Steve and Anouck are here to help guide you toward the right choice. And yes, Post-its make a comeback! Start by dividing your audience into groups, allowing each group to discuss one solution. Afterward, they’ll present their ideas to the other groups. Finally, use dot voting to select the best solution. 

 Welcome to our podcast series on collaboration, where we explore different facets of working together effectively. This is the first of four short episodes, each no longer than 20 minutes, packed with insights and ideas to help you collaborate better, wherever you are.In today’s episode, we dive into the heart of collaboration when the answer is unknown. How do you approach a problem when no one knows the solution yet? This is the perfect time for open brainstorming, where we define the problems, collect ideas, and focus on achieving results.Steve and Anouck, our co-hosts, are big fans of using Post-it notes in brainstorming sessions. Today, they’ll guide you through how they use this simple tool to facilitate creative thinking and gather the best ideas. And of course, we’ll be using dots to highlight the top answers, just like we do in our own brainstorming sessions.One of the key challenges we’ll discuss is how to effectively communicate project awareness within a company. When multiple teams are involved in a complex project, keeping everyone informed and aligned can be a challenge. How do you ensure that everyone knows what’s happening, even when the path forward isn’t clear yet?So, grab a notebook, get ready for some insights, and let’s dive into collaboration without knowing all the answers. Whether you’re leading a project or part of a team, there’s something here for everyone.Stay tuned for more in our series, where we’ll continue exploring collaboration from different angles. Let’s get started!