Community with David Abu

David Abu

Episode 151: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted with David Abu from Microsoft about Community. David starts by explaining that he built his career through Community engagement, teaching Excel via WhatsApp and organising local bootcamps. David’s current focus is on Copolit Studio and building a global agent creator community. David highlights the importance of representation in tech.

Bio

Passionate about the convergence of technology and community, I’ve evolved from a Data Analyst proficient in Power BI to a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Microsoft. My career has been a continuous adventure of pushing boundaries and driving impact.

Starting in 2019, my expertise in data analytics paved the way for a seamless transition to the Power Platform, where I honed my skills building business applications and analytics using Power Platform and Microsoft Data Technologies, which set me up for my role at Microsoft as a Cloud Advocate. Here, I empowered users with AI-powered tools and worked closely with the Microsoft Fabric team, building the next data cloud technology.

Demonstrating my commitment to fostering a thriving community, I co-founded the Data Community Africa in 2022. This initiative brought together professionals within the data space across Africa. The event in Lagos, Nigeria, has attracted over 20k(Hybrid) attendees over the last 3 years.

My exceptional contributions in the field of data platform earned me the distinction of being the youngest MVP (Most Valuable Professional) for the data platform in Africa in 2021.

Now, in my role focusing on community building and product marketing, I leverage AI-driven insights and experience to cultivate and grow the Agent Community. By uniting diverse perspectives, my aim is to foster an environment where innovation thrives and solutions are built collaboratively.

Looking ahead, I am dedicated to integrating AI technologies to enrich user experiences and drive the Agent’s evolution globally, making AI accessible and impactful for all.

Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidabu

https://www.thepoweraddicts.com

https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/scenario-library

https://agentcreator.microsoft.com

https://powerup.microsoft.com

https://powerplatformconf.com

Service with Tricia Sinclair

Episode 150: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted with Tricia Sinclair from Avanade about Service. Tricia starts by explaining that service is more than just support, and we discuss how Microsoft has transitioned from Omnichannel to Contact Centre. AI that helps, how voice is back and more.

Bio

I am a results-oriented human who loves to focus on how future technology trends can be incorporated into your business today.

While technology can help you, my passion also revolves around how that technology affects people. I like to involve people and help them adapt to the future ways of working.

Want to strike up a conversation with me outside of technology? There are two other subjects I am passionate about. The first one is mentoring underserved communities. And the second is makeup. I love makeup and seeing the personal transformation using the power of a killer eyeliner.

Links

https://triciasinclair.com

https://www.dynamicsminds.com

https://www.sharepointeurope.com/european-power-platform-conference

Custom Pages in 2025 with Cathrine Bruvold

Cathrine Bruvold

Episode 149: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted with Cathrine Bruvold from Point Taken about Custom Pages. Cathrine talks about what type of Custom Pages there are and how they can be used to enhance your mode-driven apps.

Bio

Power Platform Solution Architect and Head of Power Platform in Point Taken. I specialize in building high-quality business solutions and helping businesses develop well-performing applications by leveraging low-code. Passionate about creating apps that are both technically advanced and beautifully designed, focusing on balancing aesthetics and functionality. Based in Oslo, Norway, and 30 years old, I’m a huge nerd, gamer, salsa-amateur and chess enthusiast – both as a player and commentator. A fun fact about me is that I am directionally challenged and will definitely mix up left and right under pressure, but I’ll still be able to solve a Rubik’s cube in 2 minutes or sit down playing chess for 6 hours.  

links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathrine-bruvold-b91b92113

https://github.com/cathrinebruvold

https://saralagerquist.com

https://benediktbergmann.eu

https://github.com/scottdurow

AI Adoption with Areti Iles

Areti Iles

Episode 148: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted with Areti Iles from Telefonica Tech about AI Adoption. Areti talks about what type of AI she focuses on and what types of failures she sees the most. Her recommendations to get going and what she thinks the future trends for AI are.

Bio

With over 15 years in the technology sector, Areti is Head of Professional Services at Telefonica Tech’s Microsoft Business Applications division. Over her career as a Dynamics 365 & Power Platform solution architect and consultant, Areti has delivered a wide range of complex projects for FTSE 250/500 companies across a number of sectors, while also leading the Reading Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User group, speaking internationally on AI adoption and dedicating herself to encouraging and advancing others’ careers in the technology industry.

Links

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cloud-adoption-framework/scenarios/ai/strategy

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/microsoft-purview

https://aretiiles.com/

https://aretiiles.com/2025/04/14/the-future-of-ai-adoption-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-2030/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aretiiles/   

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/responsible-ai

Simple CRM with Thomas Sandsør

Thomas Sandsør

Episode 147: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted with Thomas Sandsør from Point Taken about the concept of Simple CRM. Thomas talks about his strive for simplicity and how he handles the challenges that come with that.

Bio

With over a decade of experience in the CRM industry (2007), I am a seasoned veteran in the field, specializing in Dynamics 365. As a leader at Point Taken AS, my focus is on building a highly skilled and dedicated team of consultants who share my passion for simplifying technology.

In my role as an Architect, I am constantly asking the question “Why are you doing this?” I believe that by challenging our customers and improving their processes, we can achieve the best possible results. That’s why I always strive to simplify technology wherever possible.

I am the author of the popular Dynamics blog CRM Keeper (https://crmkeeper.com), where I share my insights and knowledge on the latest trends in the industry. You can also find me on Twitter at @crmkeeper.

If you’re looking for a highly experienced Dynamics 365 consultant who is passionate about simplifying technology and improving processes, I would be happy to connect with you.

Links

https://crmkeeper.com/

https://crmkeeper.com/2020/09/15/dynamics-365-customer-service-in-1-hour-or-less-%e2%8f%b0/

https://crmkeeper.com/2020/04/27/dynamics-365-email-to-case/

Student ambassador program with Pablo Veramendi

Pablo Veramendi

Episode 146: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted about the student ambassador program with Pablo Veramendi from Microsoft. Pablo started by explaining the program and how easy it is to get started. He then continued by explaining how the program works, the milestones within it, and the type of personas it’s built for.

Bio

Passionate about building meaningful communities and thrives on creatively leveraging technology to develop innovative solutions and help others believe and achieve what is possible

Links

https://mvp.microsoft.com/

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/student-hub

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/students

https://imaginecup.microsoft.com

https://learn.microsoft.com

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/career-paths

https://twitter.com/iampablo

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pveramendi

Microsoft MVP Program with Tina Stenderup-Larsen

Tina Stenderup-Larsen

Episode 145: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted about the MVP Program with Tina Stenderup-Larsen from Microsoft. Tina started by explaining why Microsoft has an MVP program and its purpose. She then continues to explain what the program is and what it takes to become an MVP.

Bio

As the Community Program Manager for the Nordics and Benelux region, Tina leads community influencer programs, including Microsoft’s Most Valuable Professional (MVP), Regional Director (RD), and Learn Student Ambassador (MLSA) initiatives. She is responsible for nurturing, recruiting, and connecting community leaders in her region.
Tina is passionate about helping others advance their careers by enhancing their technical and leadership skills. In her role, she supports technical community leaders, fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging the sharing of expertise on the Microsoft ecosystem, and highlighting their commitment to solving real-world challenges.
Tina believes that people are the cornerstone of any community. Through strong community connections, she aims to empower everyone to achieve greater success.

Links

https://mvp.microsoft.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinastenderup/

Ignite 2024 Review with Vivian Voss

Vivian Voss

Episode 144: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted with Vivian Voss who attended Ignite 2024 in Chicago. Vivian starts by explaining the scale of the 20,000-person event. Then she continues by explaining some of the news on the Power Platform side, like the new Power Platform admin page and news to the Power Apps Plan Designer and of course Copilot Studio.

Bio

Educated as an International Sales and Marketing Manager, I’ve found my passion in IT, specializing in Microsoft Dynamics CRM. With a strong sales and marketing background, I understand user needs and craft efficient, agile solutions. I excel in creating and customizing solutions within the Power Platform and D365 CE (and earlier versions), always aiming for a 360-degree customer view. Driven to optimize processes, I continue learning daily to bridge business needs and CRM capabilities.

Links

https://ignite.microsoft.com/en-US/home

https://news.microsoft.com/ignite-2024-book-of-news

https://carinaclaesson.com/2024/11/26/microsoft-ignite-2024-highlights/

https://www.ppweekly.com/p/power-platform-weekly-issue-195

https://cloudtechtallinn.com/

Opportunities the power platform and the community give with Duke DeVan

Duke DeVan

Episode 143: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted with Duke DeVan from RSM about the Opportunities the power platform and the community offer. Duke started by explaining how he was cooking competitively, joined Power Platform Community forums, and began speaking at conferences.

Bio

As a Power Platform Supervisor and Architect at RSM, I specialize in leveraging the Microsoft Power Platform to enable clients to automate workflows, develop custom applications, and integrate various data sources. My expertise is backed by multiple Microsoft certifications, including Power Platform Fundamentals, Functional Consultant Associate, and App Maker Associate. These certifications underscore my proficiency and deep understanding of Microsoft products.

In addition to my role at RSM, I bring over five years of experience in self-employment as a Power Platform Consultant. This period has been marked by successful delivery of tailored solutions for a diverse range of projects and clients. My core competencies lie in Power Automate, Power Platform, and Microsoft Products, complemented by robust skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Recently, I have expanded my skill set to include Azure Logic Apps, enhancing my ability to create more complex and integrated solutions within the Microsoft ecosystem. This new expertise allows me to offer more comprehensive services, bridging various applications and services seamlessly for improved business processes.

My mission remains steadfast: to enable and empower organizations to optimize their processes, enhance their productivity, and achieve their goals using the Microsoft Power Platform. I am deeply passionate about continuous learning, sharing best practices, and devising innovative solutions that deliver tangible value and impact. My expanded expertise in Azure Logic Apps, combined with my experience and certifications, positions me uniquely to offer cutting-edge solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of business technology.

Links

https://www.ppweekly.com

https://dukedevan.com

Community forums: https://community.dynamics.com/

LinkedIn groups:

Microsoft Power Platform: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13659451/

Power Apps & Power Automate: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/10482811/

Twitter/X and follow the hashtags

https://twitter.com/hashtag/PowerAuomate?src=hashtag_click

https://twitter.com/hashtag/powerplatform?src=hashtag_click

https://www.matthewdevaney.com

https://hartofthemidlands.co.uk

Women in dynamics now: https://www.diversityindynamics.org/

Book: Becoming a dynamics marketing functional consultant: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Microsoft-Marketing-Functional-Consultant/dp/1803234601

It’s Power Automate not Power Integrate with Mats Necker

Mats Necker

Episode 142: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted with Mats Necker from knk Customer Engagement about Power Automate. Mats started by explaining how he convinced speakers to dye their hair at Color Cloud Hamburg. When discussing Power Automate, Mats is passionate about its power and all the abilities that it has, however, some drawbacks make it less suitable as an integration tool. He ends the episode with a discussion of both how we can help with improving a common community tenant and donating to see Mats do Drag at the Scottish Summit!

Bio

I like lots of stuff 👉 Power Platform 💘 Dynamics 365 🚀 Azure 🧙‍♂️

Microsoft MVP ✍ blogs at https://nckr.de

I worked for over 10 years with Microsoft Biz Apps as a solution architect/developer, starting with Business Central nowadays love the Power Platform & Azure

Building repeatable software at knk Group

Links

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/scottishsummitdrag