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.

Takeaways

• Sean'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 links

Excel integration into model driven apps

Import data in model-driven apps - Power Apps | Microsoft Learn

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/user/import-data

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Copilot Studio

Create and publish agents with Microsoft Copilot Studio - Training | Microsoft Learn

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/work-power-virtual-agents/

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Power Apps - Robust Multilanguage Tutorial | Choices, Labels even Lookups! (Canvas Apps SharePoint)
https://youtu.be/RlAl5ausRO4?si=PC__mvLsZGprGn0j

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Architects Accelerator Course

Architects Accelerator | Untethered 365

https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator

Chapters
00:00 – 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

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 for

Malin Martnes, Mark Christie, Andrew Bibby, Charlie Phipps-Bennett, Sean Astrakhan, Scott Durow, April Dunnam

Useful links

Use 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/@AprilDunnam

Scott Durow - Games Development https://youtu.be/2gbsvuotjOc?si=ZXeKjYjegb7gphi1

Gestalt Principles for app design

Gestalt 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-f36dbaeb5372

Timeline

00:00 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

In this episode of the Power Platform podcast, Rory Neary is joined by Ulrikke Akerbæk, a seasoned member of the Power Platform community and discuss Ulrika's journey into the Power Platform. The conversation delves into Power Pages, its functionalities, and how to get started with it. They also touch on licensing, the impact of AI on creativity, and share personal anecdotes, including a fun segment on favorite songs.

Honourable mentions for Will Dorrington, Chris Huntingford, Sean Asktrakan, Franco Musso, Sarah Guest, Nick Doelman, Nikita Polyakov

Takeaways
Power Pages allows users to interact with Dataverse data securely.
Licensing for Power Pages can be more cost-effective than model-driven apps.
AI is changing the landscape of creativity and coding.
Ulrikke wasn't sure if she preferred Agent 007 to AI Agents.
HTML and CSS are foundational skills for web development.
The Power Platform community is supportive and collaborative.
Use the designer that was made for the Power Platform product you are using.
titles

Links
Robert Miles - Children - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvyCbevQbtI
Jimmy Durante - Smile - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUHj3piO0yM
Nikita Polyakov - Tech Talks series https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/discussions/powerplatform-partners/tech-talks-presents-kicking-off-the-power-pages-architect-series-from-power-cat-/4396746

Creating a developer environment - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/developer/plan

Power Platform Boost Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@powerplatformboost

Chapters
00:00 — Introductions
02:49 — The Unique Approach of Rory's Podcast
05:50 — Ulrika's Journey into Power Platform
08:44 — Understanding HTML and CSS in Power Pages
11:39 — Power Pages Overview and Use Cases
14:42 — Transitioning from Dataverse to Power Pages
17:34 — Styling and Designing Power Pages
20:43 — Licensing Considerations for Power Pages
23:47 — Something Old, Something New
26:45 — Insights on Power Pages Management App
29:45 — New Features in Power Platform
37:58 — Exploring New Technologies and AI Agents
39:48 — Power Platform Insights and User Experience
43:19 — Navigating Power Platform Tools Effectively
44:13 — Innovative Tools for Power Pages
46:10 — The Impact of AI on Creativity
51:15 — Finding Joy in Creative Expression
52:59 — The Role of Personal Connection in Conversations
55:55 — Musical Memories and Personal Significance

Summary

In this pilot episode of the Power Platform podcast, Rory Neary and Sarah Guest discuss the motivations behind starting the podcast, Rory's career journey, and the features of the Power Platform. They explore both old and new functionalities, share community recommendations, and express frustrations with certain aspects of the platform. The conversation concludes with personal reflections and a light-hearted discussion about music.

Takeaways

• The podcast aims to connect with friends and the community.
• Rory's career transitioned from accountancy to the Power Platform.
• The Podcast is for people new to Power Platform as well as community friends
• Community contributions are vital for learning and sharing knowledge.
• Old features of the Power Platform still hold significant value and Rory still loves the Image column in Dataverse
• New features in preview can enhance user experience. Rory cheats a little on this on and thinks that using modern controls in Power Apps is the way to go
• Recommendations from community members can guide new users.
• Frustrations with the platform highlight areas for improvement.
• The Power Platform is constantly evolving, offering new learning opportunities.

Name drops and people that should have been named

Power Platform Boost with Nick Doelman and Ulrikke Akerbæk

(4) Power Platform BOOST Podcast: Posts | LinkedIn

Sprint Zero with Jon Russell and Mike Gowlands

Sprint-Zero Podcast - Power Platform, AI, Low Code, Consultancy & Neurodiversity - YouTube

On air in the Cloud with Keith Atherton, Matt Boyd, Gregor Suttie

On Air in the Cloud Podcast

Lisa Crosbie and her super content

Lisa Crosbie - YouTube

Matt Devaney - and I'll leave his content for a future guest to big up

Microsoft Power Up Program

Dimpi, Luis, Geemon, April, Charlie and Renee

Microsoft Power Up Program for career switchers

Sound Bites

• "I didn't want to do accountancy."
• "It's completely free."
• "I still haven't found what I'm looking for."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:10 Why Start a Podcast?

04:00 Rory's Career Journey

09:26 Hobbies and Interests

11:54 Exploring Power Platform: Something Old - Image Columns

15:34 Exploring Power Platform: Something New - Modern Controls

18:14 Exploring Power Platform: Something Borrowed - Lisa Crosbie

22:03 Exploring Power Platform: Something Blue - Environment Variable

25:37 Power Up Program Overview

28:17 Desert Island Discs

30:35 Final comments