Power Hour Podcast

Howdang Rashid

This show will help you navigate and demystify the Power Platform. I started this show as I wanted to learn from other Developers, Consultants, Contractors, and Entrepreneurs with many years more of experience than me, and since I was going to have these conversations anyway, I thought I could turn them into a show and let others learn with me. I hope you enjoy these unfiltered conversations.

  1. 09/23/2025

    Spend Days Making Your Power Apps? Use This Tool: Power Hour Podcast #29 - Lukas Pavelka #2

    Stop wrestling with responsive Canvas Apps. Lukas Pavelka is back to demo the brand-new Power Apps for Figma DesignKit UI, a beta responsive layout system, rapid icon swapping, one-click PDF docs, and a Power BI DesignKit prototype for dataflows. If you build on the Power Platform and care about speed, consistency, and client-ready prototypes—this one’s loaded. What you’ll learn 1. New DesignKit UI (v4.1.3) and layout improvements 2. Responsive screens (beta): top/content/bottom containers + quick tweaks in Power Apps 3. Swap Icons while preserving size and color (huge time-saver) 4. Clickable Figma prototypes that mirror Power Apps navigation (import now, export planned) 5. Theme & style controls across containers (batch text/background updates) 6. Auto-generated PDF documentation (screens, colors, typography, icons) Roadmap: annotation maker, user prefix, extended property maker, inherited naming, property helper, UDF maker Model-driven progress + Power BI DesignKit (free) for dataflows import/export between Figma & Power BI Timestamps 00:01 Intro & why this episode matters 00:28 What’s new: rebuilt UI + release v4.1.3 04:31 The pain of responsive Canvas Apps (and the fix) 05:03 Responsive containers: top/content/bottom (beta) 09:56 Getting parity in Power Apps (and plans for v4.5) 12:28 Swap Icons demo 13:21 Prototyping flows between screens in Figma 16:38 Model-driven updates in progress 17:15 Styles/Theming: fast container-wide edits 18:18 Training & GoCollab community plan 20:56 Documentation push & videos 21:52 One-click PDF doc export 22:15 Roadmap deep-dive (annotations, prefixes, UDFs) 27:50 Power BI DesignKit (free) first look: dataflows import/export 31:28 Lukas’ ask: honest feedback from the community ---Try/buy DesignKit for Power Apps: https://designkit.cz/Follow Lukas Pavelka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukas-lp-pavelka/Powercademy: https://powercademy.com ---

    32 min
  2. 08/05/2025

    Microsoft MVP Secrets & Community Super-powers: Power Hour Podcast #27 - Cat Schneider

    What really happens after you earn Microsoft MVP status? 🎖️ Cat Schneider went from Florida state-government analyst to Power Platform wizard, MVP, and accessibility champion. In this episode, she reveals how community involvement (plus a dash of ADHD-fuelled curiosity) accelerated her career - and how you can tap the same playbook. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN - The real mindset behind becoming an MVP (hint: it’s not the badge) - Practical ways introverts can network at conferences - without the awkwardness - Cat’s favorite accessibility tips (why screen-reader-friendly, emoji-heavy UX) - Why “don’t be a gatekeeper” should be every maker’s mantra - The origin story of the UX/UI Allies user group and how to get involved TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Cat Schneider’s origin story 03:03 – Discovering the Power Platform & community 05:46 – Conference adventures (dino suits included) 08:56 – First steps to contributing back 11:57 – Accessibility best practices for makers 14:51 – Networking tips for introverts 17:59 – Demystifying the MVP journey 20:58 – The true essence of “Most Valuable Professional” 30:08 – Life changes & renewal realities 32:13 – Why contribution beats recognition 33:36 – Navigating career transitions 39:19 – Overcoming self-doubt 46:06 – Launching the Accessibility User Group 51:04 – Screen readers & inclusive design ► Level-up your skills at Powercademy.com! ► Like this episode? Smash that 👍, subscribe, and ring the 🔔 so you never miss a Power Hour. ► Connect with Cat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yerawizardcat/ ► Join the UX/UI Allies user group: https://community.powerplatform.com/usergroups/details/?groupid=74f25fad-a83a-4acd-9f79-a51fc5b59bcb

    57 min
  3. 07/29/2025

    Dynamics 365 Business Central - What, Why, How: Power Hour Podcast #26 - Andrew Wingate

    Why watch?ERP veteran Andy Wingate demystifies Dynamics 365 Business Central - the cloud ERP that every SMB seems to be buzzing about nowadays. From real-world implementation horror stories to AI-powered invoices, Andy I spill hard-won lessons you won’t find in the docs.Key takeaways1. What Business Central is (and isn’t) inside the Dynamics 365 family2. How ISVs super-charge BC when out-of-the-box falls short3. Soft-skills that turn consultants into trusted advisors4. The most common implementation mistake: underestimating time & testing5. Learning paths: Microsoft Learn, community forums, and Andy’s own resources6. Copilot & AI agents already live in BC—and how to adopt them responsiblyTimestamps 00:00 Intro to Business Central & ERP 02:24 Core functionality breakdown 05:54 COVID’s impact on cloud ERP 09:08 Business Central ↔ Dataverse integration 15:26 Why soft skills matter in consulting 21:51 Learning pathways & resources 27:28 LinkedIn productivity hacks 28:54 Building the BC community 30:10 Top implementation mistakes 36:56 Testing & user training tips 41:16 The future: AI inside BC 48:10 Prepping your org for AINext steps 🌐 Powercademy.com – deeper dives & free tools 🔔 Like / Subscribe / Bell – weekly Power Platform insights🤝 Connect with Andy – https://andy.ms/in 📲 Blog + WhatsApp feed – https://andy.ms/bcrss 📝 Technical blog – https://blog.wingate365.com/ 🏢 Venture (Andy’s day job) – https://venture.ms 📚 BC vs FO guide (Venture) – https://venture.ms/BCvFO

    58 min
  4. 06/23/2025

    How To Grow Your Brand In The Power Platform: Power Hour Podcast #24 - Duncan Boyne

    🚀 Why hit “publish” in the first place?Power BI specialist Duncan Boyne went from zero posts to speaking gigs, user-group founder & “progression on steroids” in just six months. In this episode he opens the playbook: how documenting his journey built a personal brand, attracted real-world opportunities and - yes - how he keeps LinkedIn from eating his day.🎯 What you’ll learn:- Turning your LinkedIn feed into a visual CV that recruiters love-Authenticity vs. AI: using ChatGPT for polish, not personality-Building an Idea Bank to end writer’s block forever- Taming social-media addiction with timers & phone “lock-boxes”- Crafting a workspace that kills brain-fog and fuels focus- Why “teaching is the fastest way to learn” (and grow community)- The Power Platform angle: leveraging Power BI & user groups for reach👇 Dive in, then build your own brand1. Visit Powercademy.com – deeper Power Platform learning2. Like 👍, Subscribe 🔔 & Drop a Comment – we read every one3. Connect with Duncan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncanboyne/⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – The Journey of Content Creation 02:19 – Building a Personal Brand 08:05 – Strategies for Brand Development 14:59 – Overcoming Content Creation Challenges 17:10 – Finding Your Unique Voice 23:15 – Balancing AI and Authenticity 28:45 – The Challenge of Content Ownership 31:57 – The Impact of AI on Creativity 34:45 – Social Media Addiction & Its Effects 45:13 – Creating Content: Finding Your Process 52:33 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Duncan

    54 min
  5. 06/17/2025

    The Tough Truth About AI & Entrepreneurship: Power Hour Podcast #23 – Ilyas Khan

    In this episode, I sit down with Ilyas Khan, co‑founder of Cloud Surge - to unpack the tough truths of entrepreneurship and the evolving AI landscape. We dive into his journey with Microsoft Power Platform, imposter syndrome, building a personal brand, and how data skills are mission‑critical for today’s tech leaders.00:00 – Introduction to Freedom and Entrepreneurship 05:05 – Challenges of Starting Cloud Surge 10:40 – The Importance of Networking 15:58 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 22:15 – The Impact of AI on Business Solutions 28:56 – The Urgency of Data in AI 30:18 – Essential Data Skills for Power Platform Professionals 33:59 – The Importance of Specialization and Collaboration 37:42 – Mindset Shifts for Career Growth 52:23 – Connecting Profit with Purpose What you’ll learn:- The hidden meaning behind “freedom” in entrepreneurship- How prioritization helps maintain work–life balance- Growth-focused networking strategies- Overcoming imposter syndrome in tech- Why data skills matter more than ever in the age of AI- The power of personal branding and preparation- Aligning profit with purpose for business fulfillment- Embracing continuous learning in fast‑moving industriesDon’t miss actionable insights from Ilyas on AI, mindset resets, and business strategy.🔥 Subscribe for more Power Platform insights.Check out Cloud Surge: http://linkedin.com/company/cloud-surge/posts/?feedView=allFollow us: Website: Powercademy .com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howdangrashid/ Follow Ilyas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solutionkhan/

    57 min
  6. 06/10/2025

    Want to break into Power Pages? Here’s your roadmap - Power Hour Podcast #22 - Ulrikke Akerbæk

    Thinking about diving into Power Pages but not sure where to start? This episode is your ultimate guide. I sit down with Ulrikke Akerbæk, a Power Pages expert, to map out what it really takes to succeed in this growing space within the Power Platform. From technical skills to mindset shifts, Ulrikke lays it all out. We explore everything from data modeling and web development skills to the evolution of Plan Designer and the role of AI in the future of Power Pages. Whether you’re a pro dev, low-code enthusiast, or just Power Platform curious – this one’s packed with insight. 💡 Key Takeaways: Why Power Pages is gaining serious traction Core web development skills you’ll need to make the switch How data modeling and ALM are critical for success Plan Designer’s current role and future potential AI’s impact on Power Pages development Learning pathways to accelerate your journey Why community engagement multiplies your growth Real-world advice from someone who’s deep in the ecosystem🔗 Links & Resources: Follow Ulrikke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulrikke/ Learn more at Powercademy.com👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more Power Platform insights. 🎧 Available on all platforms – Spotify, YouTube, and RSS. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Power Pages and Community Impact 03:07 – Transitioning to Power Pages: Skills and Challenges 05:58 – The Role of Web Development in Power Pages 08:54 – Collaboration in Power Pages Projects 12:08 – Importance of Data Modeling and ALM 15:07 – Exploring Plan Designer and AI Integration 21:01 – Governance and Maintenance in Vibe Coding 28:13 – The Evolution of Testing in Development 30:20 – The Future of Development: AI and Automation 32:40 – Power Pages: The New Frontier 35:17 – Integrating Power Pages with Power Platform 39:28 – Learning Power Pages: A Practical Approach 46:56 – The Future of Power Pages and AI Integration

    52 min

About

This show will help you navigate and demystify the Power Platform. I started this show as I wanted to learn from other Developers, Consultants, Contractors, and Entrepreneurs with many years more of experience than me, and since I was going to have these conversations anyway, I thought I could turn them into a show and let others learn with me. I hope you enjoy these unfiltered conversations.