Keeping Up With Conspicuous - August 2024 Edition

This Month's Highlights

Welcome to this month's edition of "Keeping Up With Conspicuous!" We’re excited to bring you another round of insightful conversations with some of the most influential voices in the tech industry. This month, we explored a variety of topics, from navigating career transitions and enhancing security in Dynamics 365, to the vital role of user groups in fostering community engagement and the challenges of adapting to new roles.

Our guests shared their unique journeys and expert advice, offering valuable takeaways for professionals at all stages of their careers. Whether you're looking to make a bold career move, deepen your understanding of security in Dynamics 365, or get involved in community initiatives, this edition has something for you.

We also have a special preview of next month’s exciting lineup of guests, so be sure to stay tuned. Let’s dive into this month’s highlights!

Rachel Irabor

? Rachel Irabor , a Microsoft MVP and Power Platform expert, joined us to share her incredible journey from studying Industrial Mathematics to becoming a leading figure in the tech industry.

?? Key points from Rachel's discussion included:

• Career Transition and Growth: Rachel spoke about her bold move from Nigeria to Malta and how this significant transition impacted her career in tech. She provided invaluable tips for newcomers, emphasising the importance of community involvement and continuous learning.
• Overcoming Challenges: Rachel opened up about overcoming imposter syndrome and improving her public speaking skills, sharing her strategies for personal and professional growth.
• Community and Podcasting: Rachel highlighted her role in building tech communities in Malta and Nigeria and discussed her podcast, "A Girl in Love with Tech," which aims to inspire others in the tech industry.

?? Watch the full episode below:

Alex Meyer

In our episode with Alex Meyer from Delinea , we dove deep into the intricacies of Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, particularly focusing on security and compliance.

?? Alex’s key insights included:

• Enhancing Security: Alex shared expert advice on securing Dynamics 365 environments, addressing common compliance challenges, and mitigating security risks across applications.
• AI in Business: He discussed the impact of AI technologies like Copilot on business environments, offering a forward-looking perspective on how AI is reshaping the landscape of IT security.

?? Watch the full episode below:

Andrew Bibby

Andrew Bibby , Consulting Director at Proximo 3 , provided valuable insights on leading the UK Dynamics 365 & Power Platform User Groups .

?? Key takeaways from Andrew's discussion included:

• Community Leadership: Andrew spoke about the complexities of managing user groups and the significant impact they have on the tech industry.
• Project Management: He also shared his experiences and challenges in project management, offering advice on how to navigate and overcome common obstacles in the field.

?? Watch the full episode below:

Andrew Wingate

Andrew Wingate, Head of Business Central at Telefonica Tech, joined us for an insightful conversation on his journey from end user to Dynamics 365 consultant.

?? Key points from Andrew’s episode included:

• Transition to Partner Channel: Andrew discussed the challenges of transitioning to the partner channel and the importance of continuous learning in maintaining a competitive edge.
• Change Management: He explored the value of end users in consultancy and provided strategies for businesses to better support new talent entering the field.

?? Watch the full episode below:

?? Special Episode Coming Up Tomorrow: Ruaridh Wallace from Virgin Money

Tomorrow, we have a special episode with Ruaridh Wallace from Virgin Money . Ruaridh will delve into the bank's remarkable digital transformation journey, sharing insights into how Virgin Money has partnered with Microsoft to leverage Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. This episode will provide valuable takeaways for anyone navigating the complexities of digital innovation in the financial sector. Don’t miss it!

?? Sign up to attend here:

?? Key Overall Takeaways and Trends

This month on "Keeping Up With Conspicuous," our discussions with industry leaders revealed several important themes that are shaping the future of the tech landscape, particularly in the areas of career development, community engagement, security in Dynamics 365, and the role of user groups in driving innovation.

1. Navigating Career Transitions and Overcoming Challenges

Rachel Irabor's journey from studying Industrial Mathematics to becoming a Microsoft MVP in the Power Platform space highlights the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and community involvement.

• Bold Career Moves: Rachel’s decision to relocate from Nigeria to Malta is a testament to the benefits of taking bold steps in your career. This move significantly impacted her professional growth, illustrating that calculated risks can lead to substantial rewards.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Rachel’s candid discussion about battling imposter syndrome and improving public speaking skills offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to overcome self-doubt and advance in their career. Her strategies for tackling these challenges emphasise the importance of personal development alongside technical skills.
• Community Building: Rachel’s active role in building tech communities in both Malta and Nigeria, along with her podcast "A Girl in Love with Tech," underscores the importance of giving back to the community. Her efforts demonstrate how community involvement can be a powerful driver of both personal and professional growth.

2. Enhancing Security in Dynamics 365

Alex Meyer’s expertise in Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, particularly in the areas of security and compliance, provided critical insights into how organisations can better protect their digital environments.

• Security Best Practices: Alex emphasised the importance of robust security measures, particularly in managing user access and mitigating risks across applications. His insights into auditing and compliance are invaluable for organisations looking to strengthen their security posture.
• Impact of AI on Security: The integration of AI technologies like Microsoft Copilot into security practices is a growing trend. Alex discussed how AI is not only automating tasks but also enhancing the ability to detect and respond to threats in real time, making it an essential tool for modern security strategies.

3. The Importance of User Groups and Community Engagement

Andrew Bibby’s leadership in the UK Dynamics 365 & Power Platform User Group sheds light on the significant impact that user groups have on fostering innovation and knowledge sharing within the tech community.

• Leading Community Initiatives: Andrew’s discussion highlighted the complexities of managing large user groups and the critical role they play in the tech industry. These groups are not just for networking but are essential for sharing knowledge, driving innovation, and providing support for professionals across the industry.
• Challenges of Project Management: Andrew also delved into the challenges of project management, particularly within the context of user groups and community-led projects. His insights into managing these challenges offer valuable guidance for others looking to lead or participate in similar initiatives.

4. Adapting to New Roles and Embracing Change

Andrew Wingate’s experience transitioning from an end user to a Dynamics 365 consultant provides key insights into the challenges and opportunities of adapting to new roles within the tech industry.

• Transitioning to the Partner Channel: Andrew discussed the unique challenges of moving from an end-user role to the partner channel. His journey underscores the importance of continuous learning and the need to adapt to different client needs and expectations.
• Value of End Users in Consultancy: He also emphasised the value that end users bring to consultancy roles, particularly in understanding the practical applications of Dynamics 365. Andrew’s insights highlight how end users can leverage their experience to provide more effective and client-focused consultancy services.

?? Upcoming Guests: A Sneak Peek

We are excited to announce some incredible guests lined up for next month:

• Mariano Gomez Bent , Chief Technology Officer at Mekorma
• Antonis Dimitriadis , Microsoft Power Platform Coach
• Kristen Hosman , Microsoft MVP, and Owner of Based 365 Accounting and Mount Evans Consulting
• Morgan Whyte , Sr Director, Global Head of Talent Acquisition and Employer Brand at Commvault

Stay tuned as we dive into their unique stories and insights in the coming weeks.

Become a Guest on Season 3 in 2025!

Our books are now open for Season 3 of "Keeping Up With Conspicuous" in 2025! If you are passionate about the IT space, particularly in Dynamics 365 and Power Platform, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Become a Guest?

• Share Your Story: Inspire others with your journey and insights.
• Expand Your Network: Connect with industry leaders and like-minded professionals.
• Contribute to the Community: Help others navigate the tech landscape by sharing your expertise.

How to Become a Guest:

• Contact Us: Reach out to Lucy Elliott at [email protected] (UK/EU) or Alex Blok at [email protected] (US/Canada).
• Prepare Your Story: Get ready to share your journey and valuable experiences with our audience.
• Join the Conversation: Participate in an engaging discussion that will benefit our listeners.

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Thank you for being a valued listener and part of the "Keeping Up With Conspicuous" community. We look forward to bringing you more exciting episodes and insightful conversations!

Best Regards,

The Keeping Up With Conspicuous Team ??