Summary
In this episode of the Power Platform 101 podcast, host Rory Neary is joined by guest Lisa Foster, Managing Director of Blackbird Corporate, a Microsoft Training Organisation. They discuss the evolution of SharePoint and the Power Platform, the importance of training and consulting, and the transition from InfoPath to Power Apps. They explore the challenges and benefits of on-premises versus cloud solutions, the significance of user stories in development, and the integration of third-party tools like DocuSign. Lisa shares her journey in the industry, her achievements, and her passion for motorcycle racing, while also touching on the evolving terminology around citizen developers and Power Platform makers.

Takeaways

The podcast is rebranded to Power Platform 101 for better discoverability.
Lisa Foster has a long history with SharePoint and Power Platform, evolving her business over 16 years.
SharePoint's offline capabilities are crucial for certain sectors like military and government.
Transitioning from InfoPath to Power Apps is a significant change for many organizations.
On-premises solutions have their own set of challenges compared to cloud solutions.
Training in Power Platform is a major focus, with 70% of training related to it.
Understanding the differences between Canvas apps and Model-driven apps is essential for users.
Power Automate can significantly enhance workflows for clients, but many are unaware of its full capabilities.
Integrating tools like DocuSign can streamline processes for clients.
Consulting and training together provide a unique value proposition for clients.
The term 'citizen developer' is evolving, with 'Power Platform maker' being a more suitable term.
User stories are vital for guiding development in Power Platform projects.
Power BI reporting can be complex, especially with large datasets.
Power BI Premium offers enhanced features for data refresh rates.
Old features like SharePoint alerts are being phased out, requiring new workflows in Power Automate.
New features like Copilot in Power Platform are exciting but require additional licensing.
Learning from others in the industry can provide valuable insights and improvements.
Achievements in both business and personal interests, like motorcycle racing, are sources of pride.

Chapters

00:00 Podcast Introduction and Rebranding
02:21 Lisa Foster's Journey into Power Platform
04:19 Evolution of SharePoint and Power Platform
05:49 Offline Capabilities and Security in SharePoint
08:19 Transition from InfoPath to Power Apps
11:04 On-Premises vs Cloud Solutions
12:41 Training Focus on Power Platform
14:22 Understanding Canvas Apps vs Model-Driven Apps
17:01 Power Automate and Client Use Cases
18:42 Integrating Third-Party Tools like DocuSign
20:58 Consulting and Training Synergy
23:33 Citizen Developers vs Power Platform Makers
27:06 Power Platform Training and User Stories
28:34 Power BI Reporting Challenges
30:38 Power BI Premium Features
33:10 Power Platform Integration Discussion
36:30 Old Features: SharePoint Alerts
39:24 New Features: Copilot in Power Platform
42:42 Borrowing Best Practices from Others
47:14 Proud Achievements in Business and Racing
51:24 Music Preferences and Personal Insights

In this episode of the Power Platform This and That podcast, Rory Neary chats with Ben Fetters, a Power Platform Trainer and consultant, about his unexpected journey into the Microsoft ecosystem. From his early resistance to IT to becoming a recognized voice in the Power Platform space, Ben shares candid stories, insights into Canvas Apps and Power Automate, and his experiences helping others through training and community engagement.

They explore the evolution of app development tools, the impact of user groups, and real-world project management successes. Ben also reflects on the joys (and quirks) of working with modern controls, his content creation process on LinkedIn, and the underestimated magic of the barcode scanner control.

💡 Takeaways

• The Power Platform fosters instant connections among users.
• Content performance is often unpredictable—just post and share.
• Carousel posts are effective for educational content on LinkedIn.
• Training others in the Power Platform is both impactful and fulfilling.
• User groups create space for learning, networking, and collaboration.
• The barcode scanner feature in Power Apps deserves more attention.
• Modern controls offer better design but still have functional gaps.
• The updated Power Automate designer improves usability and clarity.
• Community involvement accelerates both personal and career growth.
• Microsoft-based custom app solutions are a growing trend in organizations.

🔗 Links

Ben Fetters LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfetters/

How to speed up your apps Link

4 Power Apps coding concepts for non-developers Link

Delegation do's and dont's Link

⏱️ Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Power Platform Podcast
• 06:23 Ben Fetters' Journey into Power Platform
• 13:36 The Evolution of Power Apps and Automate
• 17:49 The Growing Demand for Custom Apps
• 22:59 Training and Community Engagement
• 29:52 The Value of User Groups
• 34:51 Something Old: Barcode Scanner
• 39:14 Something New: Modern Controls & Designer
• 46:33 Something Borrowed: Learning from Audrey Gordon
• 49:30 Something Blue: Platform Frustrations
• 54:28 Blow Your Own Trumpet: Project Management Wins
• 57:00 Desert island disk - Mr Blue Sky

Sarah Jones is an experienced recruiter in Microsoft Dynamics and Power Platform. In this conversation with Rory Neary, shes explores the Power Platform community through the lens of a recruiter, explaining their role of recruiters, and the various pathways into careers within this space. They reminisce about their personal journeys, the importance of networking, and the value of mentorship. Sarah shares insights on the evolving job market and the significance of being authentic in one's career. The discussion also highlights the joy of community engagement and the impact of user groups, while concluding with personal reflections and musical moments.

Takeaways

• Connections within the Power Platform community are vital.
• Recruiters provide valuable insights into the job market.
• Authenticity is key in career development.
• The Power Platform community is known for its welcoming nature.
• There are diverse pathways into Power Platform careers.
• Effort and initiative are essential for career advancement.
• Mentorship programs play a crucial role in professional growth.
• User groups remain relevant and beneficial for networking.
• Matching candidates with the right roles is important for success.
• Learning from failures is a part of personal growth.

Links

Sarah Jones Linkedin (2) Sarah Jones | LinkedIn

Misfits podcast Voices Rising: Women in Tech, User Groups & the Future of AI Security

Power Platform High Five Community (2) Power Platform Community High Five: Posts | LinkedIn

Howdan Rashid podcast Navigating Recruiters in the Power Platform space: Power Hour Podcast #4 - Sarah Jones

Architects accelerator Untethered 365 | Power Platform Solutions Architect training

Manchester AI user group Manchester AI User Group | Meetup

Experts live user group Experts Live UK | Meetup

Christmas song for Sarah

Sound Bites

• "You should be authentically you in your career."
• "User groups are still relevant and valuable."
• "You learn and grow through trying and failing."

Chapters

00:00 Building Connections in Power Platform Community

05:36 The Role of Recruiters in Power Platform

11:11 Sarah's Journey into Recruitment

16:44 Navigating the Power Platform Landscape

22:24 Matching Candidates with Opportunities

28:08 Advice for Aspiring Power Platform Professionals

33:35 Cultural Differences in User Groups

35:02 The Rise of Mentoring Programs

36:23 Learning Through SWOT Analysis

38:21 Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool

42:44 Community Engagement and Podcasting

43:11 Spotlighting Innovative Community Leaders

45:36 Addressing Skill Shortages in the Industry

48:16 Celebrating Personal Achievements

48:40 Empowering Women in Tech

54:16 Musical Reflections and Personal Connections