Power Platform 101

Rory Neary
  • 5.0 (1)
  • TECHNOLOGY

Welcome to Power Platform 101 and settle in with your host Rory Neary, as he sits down with guests to demystify Microsoft Power Platform products covering Dataverse, Apps, Flows, and much much more.  If you're new to the low-code development within the Microsoft stack or just want to keep in touch with some of your favourite community members, Power Platform This and That has got you covered! 

Episodes

  1. OCT 14

    Episode 010: Jukka Niiranen - Let's meet a REAL Solution Architect

    In this episode of Power Platform 101, Rory Neary and Jukka Niiranen discuss the evolution of the Power Platform, the impact of AI on content creation, and the importance of user stories in app development. They share insights from their experiences in the tech industry, the transition from traditional CRM systems to cloud-based solutions, and the significance of governance in citizen development. The conversation also touches on the future of apps, the role of social media in tech, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for new users of the Power Platform. Links FinModeler  https://www.finmodeler.com/ LevelUp  https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/level-up-for-dynamics-365/bjnkkhimoaclnddigpphpgkfgeggokam?hl=en IanusGuard for licensing https://www.ianusguard.com/ New vs Old Advanced Find blog post https://jukkaniiranen.com/2022/02/modern-advanced-find-test-drive/ Generative pages - Microsoft Post https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/model-driven-apps/generative-pages Newsletters versus a blog https://jukkaniiranen.com/2024/06/why-start-a-newsletter-instead-of-writing-a-blog/ Chapters 🎧 Power Platform 101 – Rory Neary with Jukka Niiranen 00:00 – Introduction & welcome  01:00 – From Twitter to LinkedIn: Community and authenticity  04:30 – Blogging, newsletters, and life after the MVP program  10:30 – Jukka’s Power Platform origin story  15:40 – From Microsoft CRM to Dataverse and Power Platform  20:00 – The evolution of apps, AI, and the future of low code  27:30 – Specializing within Power Platform: Picking your lane  35:00 – Governance, client expectations & agile user stories  43:00 – What Jukka does today: Consulting, architecture & licensing 46:00 – 🧭 Something Old: Classic Advanced Find 49:50 – 🆕 Something New: Generative Pages in Power Platform 54:15 – 💡 Something Borrowed: JanusGuard licensing framework 56:10 – 💙 Something Blue: Cloud trust & global data politics 58:40 – 🏆 Something Jukka’s Proud Of: Building FinModeler on Power Platform 1:00:10 – 🎶 Desert Island Discs & closing thoughts  1:04:40 – 🎵 Outro: Take Me Home, Country Roads

    1h 6m

  2. SEP 10

    Episode 009: Craig White - "I still love Power Apps Galleries"

    In this episode of the Power Platform 101 podcast, Rory Neary and Craig White discuss their journeys into the Power Platform, the evolution of the technology, and the implications of AI. They reminisce about their early encounters, share insights on community contributions, and reflect on personal projects that have made an impact. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced within the Power Platform and the importance of user experience. Takeaways The Power Platform has evolved significantly since its inception.Community contributions play a vital role in the growth of the Power Platform.AI is a powerful tool, but it comes with environmental considerations.Galleries in Canvas Apps are essential for visualizing data effectively.The new Power Platform Admin Center enhances user experience and governance.Blogs like Matthew Devaney's provide valuable resources for Power Platform users.Preview features can be risky to use in production environments.Personal projects can lead to unexpected opportunities and community engagement.Music can evoke strong memories and connections to specific times in life.Humor can be a great addition to functional applications.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:55 Reminiscing and Early Connections 05:42 Journey into Power Platform 10:47 Transitioning from NHS to Higher Education 21:20 Consultancy and Current Role 23:06 AI and Its Implications 28:13 Future of AI and Personal Reflections 30:34 Something Old: The Timeless Gallery 35:06 Something New: The Power Platform Admin Center 37:49 Something Borrowed: Celebrating Matthew Devaney 42:31 Something Blue: The Frustrations of Preview Features 46:37 Proud Moments: The Formula One Power App

    56 min

  3. JUL 29

    Episode 008: Michael Roth "Power Platform Administration Tamer"

    Summary In this episode of Power Platform 101, Rory Neary interviews Michael Roth, a Power Platform administrator, about his journey in the field. They discuss the evolution of Power Platform, the challenges faced in development, the importance of governance and security, and the collaborative nature of administration. Michael shares insights on environments, permissions, and the impact of Microsoft's Co-Pilot on the platform. The conversation also touches on the need for continuous learning and offers advice for new administrators. The episode concludes with a fun segment about music and personal reflections. Takeaways Power Platform administration is a collaborative effort. Governance is essential for long-term success. Continuous learning is crucial in the ever-evolving Power Platform. The Center of Excellence Starter Kit is invaluable for admins. Understanding environments and permissions is key to effective administration. Co-Pilot can significantly impact how we use Power Platform. Many admins fall into their roles by accident. Community support is vital for Power Platform administrators. Explaining your job can be challenging to non-technical people. It's important to manage expectations in Power Platform administration. Sound bites "Governance is a lifelong journey." "Power Platform is a team effort." "Don't let expectations overwhelm you." Chapters 00:00 Introduction  03:46 Michael's Journey into Power Platform 09:01 Transitioning from Development to Governance 15:15 The Importance of Governance in Power Platform 21:17 Challenges in Implementing Governance 25:36 Customer Engagement and Governance Strategy 29:22 Exploring the Center of Excellence Data Kit 31:21 Recent Changes in Data Loss Prevention Policies 33:49 Valuable Resources in Power Platform Administration 35:50 Challenges in Power Platform Administration 37:09 The Impact of Co-Pilot on Power Platform 41:50 Empowering Future Administrators 46:58 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement Keywords Power Platform, Administration, Governance, Security, Collaboration, Continuous Learning, Co-Pilot, Environments, Permissions, Microsoft

    48 min

  4. JUL 8

    Episode 007: Lisa Foster - Training the next generation of Power Platformers

    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

    59 min

  5. JUN 17

    Episode 006: Ben Fetters - Accidental App Builder

    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 Podcast06:23 Ben Fetters' Journey into Power Platform13:36 The Evolution of Power Apps and Automate17:49 The Growing Demand for Custom Apps22:59 Training and Community Engagement29:52 The Value of User Groups34:51 Something Old: Barcode Scanner39:14 Something New: Modern Controls & Designer46:33 Something Borrowed: Learning from Audrey Gordon49:30 Something Blue: Platform Frustrations54:28 Blow Your Own Trumpet: Project Management Wins57:00 Desert island disk - Mr Blue Sky

    1h 1m

  6. JUN 2

    Episode 005: Sarah Jones - How to get recruited into Microsoft Power Platform

    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

    1h 2m

  7. MAY 20

    Episode 004: Sean Astrakhan "How to stand out"

    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 --- 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/ ---- Power Apps - Robust Multilanguage Tutorial | Choices, Labels even Lookups! (Canvas Apps SharePoint) https://youtu.be/RlAl5ausRO4?si=PC__mvLsZGprGn0j --- Architects Accelerator Course Architects Accelerator | Untethered 365 https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator Music Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8mtXwtapX4 APT - ROSÉ & Bruno Mars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekr2nIex040 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

    59 min

  8. MAY 5

    Episode 003 : Keith Atherton "Take it of preview please"

    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

    58 min

  9. APR 22

    Episode 002 : Ulrikke Akerbæk - "Use the designer dedicated to your Power Platform Product"

    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

    56 min

  10. MAR 31

    Episode 001 : Rory Neary featuring Sarah Guest "Give me a bigger environment variables box!"

    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 friendsCommunity 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 DataverseNew 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 goRecommendations 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

    31 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Welcome to Power Platform 101 and settle in with your host Rory Neary, as he sits down with guests to demystify Microsoft Power Platform products covering Dataverse, Apps, Flows, and much much more.  If you're new to the low-code development within the Microsoft stack or just want to keep in touch with some of your favourite community members, Power Platform This and That has got you covered! 

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  • Creator
    Rory Neary
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
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    © 2025 Power Platform 101
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