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Summary
In this episode, we sit down with Neil Benson, an influential figure in the Dynamics and Power Platform communities, whose unique journey from IT contract recruiter to becoming a certified Scrum master and founder of Superware, underscores the transformative power of agile methodologies in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. Neil delves into the twists and turns of his career, showcasing the principles of agile methodologies and the pivotal role they play in software development and team dynamics.

Takeaways

• A Journey from Recruiter to Scrum Master: Discover Neil Benson's captivating transition from working as an IT contract recruiter to embracing the world of agile and Scrum, ultimately leading to him running his own successful business, Superware.
• The Agile Way: Hear firsthand the critical importance of agile methodologies, particularly Scrum, in ensuring the successful delivery of software development projects. Neil unravels the essence of agile practices and their impact on project management and team productivity.
• Brand Building Mastery: Neil shares invaluable insights into the significance of nurturing a strong brand for businesses in the tech industry, detailing how Superware has carved out a niche for itself by establishing a recognizable and respected brand presence.
• Navigating Difficult Conversations: Addressing one of the more challenging aspects of leadership, Neil opens up about the essential nature of engaging in tough conversations and how these difficult moments can be stepping stones to growth and improvement.
• The Strength in Acknowledging Weakness: In a powerful reflection, Neil emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confronting weaknesses within a team. He provides perspective on how acknowledging these vulnerabilities can lead to the construction of a more robust, efficient, and cohesive team.

Special Thanks to
Neil Benson!

• LinkedIn
• Customery

KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

**Sponsor Content**

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Hey! Did you know that Sprint Zero has been nominated for the "Best Podcast/YouTube Award"!

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Summary
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dani Kahil, a seasoned Microsoft MVP with over 15 years of expertise in the Dynamics CRM and Power Platform arenas. Delving into his remarkable journey in the tech world, Dani sheds light on the pivotal moments that carved his path towards a specialized focus on Dynamics CRM. This conversation not only uncovers the intricacies of project implementations but also emphasizes the often-underestimated facets of user adoption, training, and the indispensable role of business analysts in ensuring project success.

Takeaways

• The Undervalued Pillars of User Adoption and Training: Discover why user adoption and training are not just checkboxes but foundational elements for the success of large projects.
• The Business Analyst as a Catalyst for Success: Dani unpacks the multifaceted role of business analysts in bridging gaps between business needs and technical solutions, documenting processes, and ensuring stakeholder alignment.
• Overcoming the Challenges of Requirements Gathering: Learn about the art and science of gathering requirements in a landscape where stakeholder visions often diverge and how visuals and prototypes can serve as clarifying agents.
• The Power of Soft Skills: Unearth the soft skills essential for consultants and architects, like client engagement and communication, and how they can be honed over time to bolster project success.
• A Close Look at Dynamics CRM and Power Platform Usability: Dani shares insights into the user-friendly nature of these platforms while highlighting the need for user adaptation and the importance of change management.
• The Strategic Value of Business Analysts: From challenging the status quo to assisting product owners in making informed decisions, discover the instrumental role of BAs in both project and product management.
• Agile’s Achilles' Heel in Complex Projects: A critical examination of agile methodology's limitations in large-scale project environments and the misalignment between the concept of an MVP and practical implementation necessities.
• Embracing Discomfort for Growth: Dani reflects on the personal and professional growth that comes from stepping into uncomfortable situations and how it has shaped his career trajectory.

Special Thanks to
Dani Kahil

• LinkedIn
• Blog

KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

**Sponsor Content**

Howdy Partner! Sign up and join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Course at Untethered365.com to learn Power Platform Best Practices, along with lots of other amazing content!

Join the Solution Architect's Accelerator Programmed at Untethered365.com

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell,

Hey! Did you know that Sprint Zero has been nominated for the "Best Podcast/YouTube Award"!

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Summary
In this conversation, Sandra Koutzenko, the head of the Microsoft Learning Partner Practice at 365 Talent Portal, shares her journey in the tech industry and discusses effective hiring and upskilling strategies in the Microsoft space. She emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the rapidly changing technology landscape and highlights the need for ongoing training and agility. Sandra also talks about the role of soft skills in the tech industry and the challenges of user training and adoption. Additionally, she shares her experiences as a mentor and provides advice for building successful internal mentoring programs. The conversation covers the importance of mentoring programs in companies and how to implement them successfully. Sandra emphasizes that mentors should focus on supporting career development and setting goals for mentees. She also highlights the need for companies to define the desired outcomes of their mentoring programs and train their mentors. The conversation then shifts to the challenges and triumphs of being a non-techie woman in the tech industry. Sandra shares her personal experience of dealing with health challenges and the lessons she learned from it, including the importance of asking for help and staying focused.

Takeaways

• Stay ahead of the rapidly changing technology landscape by continuously updating hiring and upskilling strategies.
• Focus on developing essential soft skills alongside technical skills.
• Consider the need for ongoing training and agility in the tech industry.
• Address the challenges of user training and adoption in the face of evolving technology.
• Build successful internal mentoring programs by understanding the true role of a mentor and fostering meaningful relationships. Mentoring programs should focus on supporting career development and setting goals for mentees.
• Companies should define the desired outcomes of their mentoring programs and measure their success.
• Mentors should be trained to effectively support junior employees.
• Non-techie women in the tech industry may face challenges related to age and gender, but the industry is making efforts towards diversity and inclusion.
• Dealing with health challenges can lead to personal transformation and the adoption of new strategies, such as asking for help and staying focused.

Special Thanks to
Sandra Koutzenko for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at:

LinkedIn Sandra Koutzenko | LinkedIn
The 365 Pod (Podcast) The 365 Pod - 365 Talent Portal

KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell,

Hey! Did you know that Sprint Zero has been nominated for the "Best Podcast/YouTube Award"!

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UK Community Awards – Microsoft Technology UK Community Recognition Awards

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Summary
In this episode, Jon Jarvis, a Microsoft MVP and certified Microsoft trainer, discusses his journey in the IT industry and the importance of data security in the world of AI. He also talks about the Experts Live UK user group and the various themes they cover in their conferences. The conversation touches on topics such as the evolution of cloud computing, the normalization of cloud security, and the need for organizations to prioritize data security. In this conversation, Jon Jarvis discusses his experience as a Microsoft certified trainer and his upcoming talk at Scottish Summit. He also shares insights on phishing attacks and the importance of cybersecurity. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted segment called Uncomfortable Corner.

Takeaways

• Data security is crucial in the world of AI and should be a priority for organizations.
• The Experts Live UK user group hosts conferences on various themes, including AI, security, Azure, and power platforms.
• Cloud computing has become normalized, and organizations now trust the security of cloud platforms like Microsoft 365.
• Zero trust architecture requires a focus on data protection, encryption, and access control.
• Implementing data loss prevention policies and data classification policies is essential for safeguarding sensitive information. Becoming a Microsoft certified trainer involves delivering training and obtaining recommendations from higher-ups.
• Phishing attacks are a real threat, and even with multi-factor authentication, users can still be vulnerable.
• Microsoft offers tools like Defender for Office 365 to simulate phishing attacks and educate employees on cybersecurity.
• Jon Jarvis shares his experience of feeling uncomfortable when delivering difficult messages to technical workshop participants.
• Soft skills, such as effective communication, are crucial for customer-facing roles.
• Jon Jarvis enjoys Jiu-Jitsu and finds discomfort in physical challenges rather than professional situations.

Special Thanks to
Jon Jarvis for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at:

LinkedIn Jon Jarvis | LinkedIn
Experts Live UK Experts Live UK | Meetup

KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell,

Hey! Did you know that Sprint Zero has been nominated for the "Best Podcast/YouTube Award"!

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UK Community Awards – Microsoft Technology UK Community Recognition Awards

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Summary
Cat Schneider discuss her journey into the tech industry and her experience with the Power Platform. We also touch on topics such as roundabouts, self-taught coding, and the importance of Google searching skills. Cat shares her insights on learning different programming languages and tools through online resources and her experience in building data-driven solutions for various organizations. Cat Schneider discusses her journey in the power platform and her experience with ADHD. She shares how her job roles shifted and how she ended up working with a team of power platform specialists. Cat also talks about the challenges of delegating and the importance of having an accountability partner. She opens up about her struggles with ADHD and the impact of COVID-19 on her mental health. Cat emphasizes the need for awareness and support for neurodiverse conditions.

Takeaways

• The importance of being self-taught and using online resources like Google to learn coding and programming languages.
• The challenges and rewards of building data-driven solutions for organizations.
• Delegating can be challenging, especially for individuals with ADHD.
• Having an accountability partner can help with productivity and focus.
• Late diagnosis of ADHD is common, and it's important to seek support and find coping mechanisms.
• There is a need for more awareness and resources for neurodiverse conditions.
• COVID-19 can amplify the struggles of individuals with ADHD and other mental health conditions.

Special Thanks to
Cat Schneider for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at:

LinkedIn Cat Schneider | LinkedIn
Blog Yer a wizard, Cat! | Documenting the tips, tricks, and tools that I picked up while working in a Microsoft GCC environment for nearly 15 years. (yerawizardcat.com)

KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

More cats in here than a Matthew Devaney blog post.

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell,

Hey! Did you know that Sprint Zero has been nominated for the "Best Podcast/YouTube Award"!

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Summary
In this episode, Mike and Jon are joined by Gary Rafe, a modern workplace solutions architect at Avanade. They discuss the challenges of implementing IT in the healthcare sector, particularly in the NHS. Gary highlights the issues of capacity and cost, as well as the disconnect between the top level and the trust level in terms of IT adoption. They also touch on the overuse and hype surrounding AI and the need for more specific use cases. Gary emphasizes the importance of keeping up to date with various technology stacks and the value of hands-on experience. In this conversation, Gary discusses the importance of curiosity and continuous learning in the technology field. He emphasizes the need to explore different technologies and understand how they interlink with each other. Gary also shares his experiences with discomfort and anxiety, particularly in trying new things and speaking at events. He highlights the importance of perseverance and having faith in oneself to overcome these challenges. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about parenting and the chaos it brings.

Takeaways

• Implementing IT in the healthcare sector, particularly in the NHS, faces challenges of capacity and cost.
• There is a disconnect between the top level and the trust level in terms of IT adoption.
• AI is often overhyped and needs more specific use cases to be effective.
• Keeping up to date with various technology stacks requires reading, watching, and hands-on experience. Curiosity and continuous learning are crucial in the technology field.
• Understanding how different technologies interlink with each other is beneficial.
• Discomfort and anxiety can arise when trying new things, but perseverance and faith in oneself can help overcome these challenges.
• Parenting brings chaos, but it also teaches valuable lessons.

Special Thanks to
Gary Raife for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at:

LinkedIn Gary R. | LinkedIn
Blog Raife Bytes - decoding the ones and zeros behind cloud computing

KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell,

Hey! Did you know that Sprint Zero has been nominated for the "Best Podcast/YouTube Award"!

If you haven't done so already, get over to the voting page to vote for your favourite in all the different categories!

UK Community Awards – Microsoft Technology UK Community Recognition Awards

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YOU SHOULD ALWAYS FOLLOW SAFE PRACTICES WHEN LIGHTING FIREWORKS
Don't be a Jon.
Staying safe with fireworks - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Summary

In this conversation, Mike, Jon, and Emma discuss various topics related to their personal experiences and the Power Platform. They share funny stories, talk about their journey into the field, and discuss the essential skills for aspiring Solution Architects. Emma emphasizes problem-solving, project methodology understanding, and strong communication skills as key attributes for success. They also touch on the importance of soft skills and how they can be learned through observation and practice. Emma shares her experience of public speaking and the challenges she faced. She emphasizes the importance of trial and error and having a supportive peer group. Emma also discusses her nerves and preparation for speaking at an event on International Women's Day. She reflects on the impact of her speech and the message she conveyed. The conversation then shifts to the topic of discomfort and how Emma navigates uncomfortable situations at work. She discusses the importance of listening to her gut feelings and taking time to analyze them.

Takeaways

• Problem-solving, project methodology understanding, and strong communication skills are essential for aspiring Solution Architects.
• Soft skills, such as communication and relationship-building, are crucial in building trust with clients.
• Observation and practice are key to learning and developing essential skills.
• Personal experiences and funny stories can create a positive and engaging atmosphere in professional settings. Public speaking requires trial and error and a supportive peer group.
• Nerves and preparation are common before speaking at events.
• Listening to gut feelings can be valuable in decision-making.
• Taking time to analyze uncomfortable situations can lead to better understanding and decision-making.

Special Thanks to
Emma Linton for joining us for this episode! You can find their socials at:

LinkedIn Emma Linton | LinkedIn

KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

Resources

Mike's favourite Jon Moment

Sponsored by Sean Astrakhan

Join the Architects Accelerator course here - https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell,

Hey! Did you know that Sprint Zero has been nominated for the "Best Podcast/YouTube Award"!

If you haven't done so already, get over to the voting page to vote for your favourite in all the different categories!

UK Community Awards – Microsoft Technology UK Community Recognition Awards

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• James Culley’s Journey: James transitioned from teaching to becoming a Microsoft 365 consultant at FSP.
• Pressure of Teaching: He felt pressure in teaching and decided to change careers.
• Viva Suite: Viva Suite tools within Microsoft Teams enhance employee experience.
• Viva Engage: For cross-team collaboration.
• Viva Connections: Extends SharePoint into Teams.
• Viva Insights: Tracks performance.
• AI Integration: Copilot assists with coding tasks.
• Transparency and Communication: Emphasized for successful AI adoption.
• Imposter Syndrome: James overcame it and values networking.
• Continuous Learning: Highlighted in the Power Platform community.

Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell,

Hey! Did you know that Sprint Zero has been nominated for the "Best Podcast/YouTube Award"!

If you haven't done so already, get over to the voting page to vote for your favourite in all the different categories!

UK Community Awards – Microsoft Technology UK Community Recognition Awards