Guest Episodes Episodes

In this episode of the M365 Show, Mirko Peters sits down with Sandra Kiel to explore a fascinating question: what can enterprise software learn from video games? Drawing on her unique background in gaming, user experience, and Microsoft technologies, Sandra explains why many business applications struggle with adoption while games keep millions of people engaged for hours. The conversation dives into the psychology behind successful game design and how those same principles can transform workplace software. Sandra discusses concepts such as clear goals, instant feedback, progression systems, and user motivation. Rather than focusing on gamification as points and badges, she emphasizes designing experiences that make users feel confident, capable, and motivated to continue. Mirko and Sandra examine why many enterprise tools overwhelm users with complexity and how game-inspired design patterns can improve onboarding, learning, and long-term adoption. They also discuss the growing …

In this episode of M365 FM, Mirko Peters sits down with Microsoft MVP Jonathan Hope to explore why identity has become the most critical security boundary in modern cloud environments. As organizations move deeper into Microsoft 365, Azure, and cloud-native architectures, traditional network-based security models are no longer enough. Jonathan explains how Microsoft Entra ID acts as the control plane for security and why mismanaged identities, excessive permissions, and poorly maintained Conditional Access policies create significant risk. The conversation dives into the concept of “identity debt” — the gradual accumulation of exceptions, legacy configurations, guest accounts, workload identities, and hybrid synchronization issues that weaken an organization’s security posture over time. The episode covers practical strategies for implementing Zero Trust principles, designing effective Conditional Access policies, enforcing least-privilege access, and protecting privileged accou…

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the workplace faster than ever, creating both new opportunities and new challenges for professionals across every industry. In this episode of M365 FM, Mirko Peters sits down with Sarah Jones, technology recruiter, career coach, freelancer, and community advocate, to discuss how individuals can futureproof their careers in an AI-driven world. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in recruitment and career development, Sarah explains why technical AI skills are becoming increasingly important, while human-centered capabilities such as communication, leadership, trust-building, and relationship management are becoming even more valuable. As automation takes over repetitive work, the ability to collaborate, influence, and connect with people will remain a key competitive advantage. The conversation explores how AI is transforming hiring practices, recruitment processes, and workplace expectations. Sarah shares practical insights into appli…

Microsoft Project Online is approaching retirement, and organizations are facing a critical decision: simply replace an aging project management tool or use the opportunity to modernize how projects are delivered across the business. In this episode, Joe Griffin, Microsoft MVP, CEO of proMX UK, and one of the leading experts in Dynamics 365 Project Operations, explores the future of project management within the Microsoft ecosystem. The conversation examines why Dynamics 365 Project Operations is becoming the strategic successor for many project-driven organizations. Unlike traditional project management solutions focused primarily on schedules and tasks, Project Operations combines project planning, resource management, budgeting, financial tracking, time and expense management, invoicing, and AI-powered insights within a single platform built on Microsoft Dataverse. Joe shares practical guidance for organizations preparing for the retirement of Project Online, including migrat…

Most organizations believe they are building AI agents. In reality, many are still deploying advanced chatbots that operate within isolated applications. These systems can answer questions and generate content, but they lack persistence, long-term memory, and the ability to coordinate work across enterprise systems. In this episode, we explore one of the most important shifts happening in enterprise AI: the evolution from standalone conversational experiences to connected agent ecosystems. Instead of treating AI as a feature inside Microsoft Teams, Slack, or individual business applications, organizations are beginning to build persistent agent fabrics that can collaborate, share context, and execute tasks across multiple platforms. We discuss why memory, orchestration, identity, and governance are becoming critical components of modern AI architectures. The conversation examines how enterprises are moving beyond simple prompt-response interactions toward systems where AI agents…

Multi-Agent Systems, Copilot Studio, Microsoft Agent Framework, Intelligent Automation, AI Orchestration, Microsoft Foundry, Artificial Intelligence, David Lorenzo Lopez, MC65 Podcast, Generative AI, Autonomous Agents, Enterprise AI, Microsoft Azure, Microservices Architecture, LLM Agents, AI for Business, GPT-3.5, Software Development, Microsoft Ecosystem

As organizations rapidly adopt Microsoft 365 Copilot, AI agents, and generative AI technologies, one challenge stands above all others: ensuring data is secure, governed, and compliant. In this episode of M365 FM, Mirko Peters speaks with Peter Rising, Senior Partner Solution Architect at Microsoft, about how Microsoft Purview helps organizations prepare for AI at scale. The discussion explores why AI readiness is not just about deploying Copilot licenses but understanding and controlling the data that powers AI experiences. Peter explains how Microsoft Purview provides visibility into sensitive information, helps classify and protect business-critical data, and enables organizations to apply Zero Trust principles across their Microsoft 365 environment. The conversation covers key capabilities including Data Loss Prevention (DLP), sensitivity labels, information protection, insider risk management, auditing, compliance monitoring, and data governance. These tools help ensure tha…

What does the future of Azure look like, and how are Infrastructure as Code and DevOps transforming the way organizations build and manage cloud solutions? In this episode of M365 FM, host Mirko Peters is joined by Microsoft Azure MVP Maik van der Gaag for an in-depth discussion about modern cloud engineering, automation, and the evolving Azure ecosystem. Maik shares insights from his extensive experience helping organizations adopt cloud technologies and modern development practices. The conversation explores why Infrastructure as Code (IaC) has become a critical foundation for scalable and reliable cloud environments. Maik explains how tools such as Terraform and Bicep enable teams to automate deployments, improve consistency, reduce configuration drift, and accelerate delivery across Azure environments. Beyond the technology, the episode highlights the cultural side of DevOps. Successful cloud transformation is not only about tools and automation but also about collaborati…

In this episode of the M365.fm podcast, Nathan Rose joins the show to explore how Copilot Studio, Dataverse, and the Model Context Protocol (MCP) are shaping the future of agentic AI in Microsoft 365. The conversation dives into how organizations can move beyond simple chatbots and build intelligent agents that understand intent, access business data, and take meaningful actions across systems. Nathan explains why Dataverse has become a critical foundation for AI-powered business applications, providing structured data, security, and governance that enterprise AI solutions require. The discussion then focuses on MCP, an emerging open standard that enables AI agents to connect with external tools, data sources, and business systems in a more consistent and scalable way. Listeners will learn how MCP reduces integration complexity, allowing Copilot Studio agents to interact with Dataverse, Dynamics 365, Microsoft services, and even third-party systems without relying on large numbe…

In this episode of the M365 Voice podcast, host Mirko Peters is joined by Parvez Ghumra to explore the critical role of Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) in the Power Platform. The conversation moves beyond simple solution deployments and dives into what it takes to build enterprise-ready Power Platform solutions that are scalable, maintainable, and governed effectively. Parvez shares his journey from traditional software development into the low-code world and explains why citizen development and professional development must work together. Listeners will learn how source control, automated deployments, Azure DevOps, GitHub, and governance practices can transform Power Platform projects from manual, error-prone processes into reliable enterprise delivery pipelines. The discussion also covers common ALM challenges, how organizations can avoid deployment pitfalls, and practical strategies for introducing DevOps principles into Power Platform environments. Whether you're a ma…

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere. Every conference keynote, every boardroom discussion, and every technology roadmap seems to be focused on AI. But beyond the excitement and endless headlines, one question remains: how do organizations move from AI experimentation to real, measurable business value? In this episode of the M365.fm Podcast, I sit down with Microsoft MVP, Solution Architect, Microsoft Certified Trainer, and Power Platform expert Kayode Ajayi to explore what successful AI adoption actually looks like inside modern organizations. Together, we cut through the hype and focus on the practical realities of implementing Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, Power Platform, and enterprise AI solutions at scale. Kayode shares his journey from technology enthusiast to Microsoft MVP and explains how Power Platform has evolved into a true enterprise-grade platform capable of supporting complex business scenarios when backed by the right architecture, governance, and security…

In this episode of M365.fm, host David Warner speaks with MVP Gautam Sheth about Microsoft 365 Copilot extensibility and how organizations can go beyond the out-of-the-box Copilot experience. Gautam explains the different extensibility options available, including declarative agents, custom engine agents, Copilot connectors, and plugins, helping listeners understand when and why each approach should be used. The discussion focuses on practical steps for extending Copilot with organizational knowledge, business processes, and external systems to deliver more relevant and actionable AI experiences. Gautam highlights the importance of grounding Copilot in enterprise data, leveraging Microsoft Graph, and designing solutions that align with real business scenarios rather than simply adding AI for its own sake. The episode also covers governance, security, and adoption considerations, emphasizing that successful Copilot implementations require a balance between technical capabilities …

Quick answer: AI transformation leadership with Areti Iles is covered in this M365 FM episode with a practical focus on how it works, where it fits, and the architecture, security, governance, or operational choices that matter in real Microsoft environments. In this episode of the M365 FM Podcast, Mirko Peters welcomes Areti Iles, Microsoft MVP, Head of Professional Services at Telefonica Tech’s AI Business Solutions Division, community leader, mentor, conference organizer, and one of the most...

In this episode of the M365 FM Podcast, Mirko Peters sits down with Carike Botha (MVP) to explore the evolution of Power Apps from traditional low-code development to the emerging world of pro-code applications. The discussion challenges the common assumption that low-code platforms eliminate the need for developers, showing instead how modern Power Platform solutions increasingly blend citizen development with professional software engineering. Carike explains how Power Apps has matured beyond simple forms and workflows, enabling developers to build scalable, maintainable, and enterprise-grade solutions. The conversation highlights the introduction of code-first capabilities, deeper integration with development tools, and the growing importance of software architecture, source control, testing, and governance within the Power Platform ecosystem. The episode also examines where low-code approaches excel and where pro-code techniques become essential. As organizations build more …

In this episode of the M365 FM Podcast, Mirko Peters speaks with Alicia King, Microsoft MVP and Pre-Sales Engineering Director at RSM US LLP, about how organizations can modernize ERP systems without creating unnecessary disruption. Alicia shares lessons from over 100 ERP transformation projects across more than 40 countries, emphasizing that ERP modernization is fundamentally a business transformation initiative rather than a technology project. Success depends on leadership alignment, clear business goals, strong change management, and user adoption—not just selecting the right software. The conversation explores the evolution of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain and how Microsoft's expanding ecosystem has brought more capabilities into a unified platform. Alicia explains how this helps organizations streamline operations, improve visibility, and reduce complexity. The episode also highlights common reasons ERP projects struggle, including poor communication, un…

In this episode of the M365 FM Podcast, host Mirko Peters sits down with Microsoft MVP Fabio Bonolo to explore how AI, Microsoft Copilot, and modern workplace technologies are transforming the future of work. Fabio shares his journey from sales executive to recognized thought leader in the Microsoft ecosystem and explains why the AI revolution is about far more than technology alone. The conversation dives into the rapid evolution of Microsoft Copilot, autonomous AI agents, hybrid work, and the changing role of productivity in modern organizations. Fabio discusses why successful AI adoption requires strong leadership, effective change management, employee education, and a culture focused on empowerment rather than fear of automation. Listeners will gain practical insights into Copilot adoption strategies, data governance, AI readiness, workplace transformation, and how organizations can build future-ready environments where humans and AI collaborate effectively. The episode also…

In this episode of m365.fm, Microsoft MVP Onyinye Madubuko shares her insights on designing effective hybrid workplaces and how organizations can create modern, inclusive, and collaborative work environments. The discussion explores the rapid shift to hybrid work, the importance of employee experience, and how businesses can use Microsoft 365 technologies like Microsoft Teams, Viva, and Teams Rooms to improve communication and productivity. Onyinye explains how successful hybrid workplace strategies go beyond technology and require thoughtful planning around accessibility, collaboration, meeting room design, and organizational culture. She highlights the challenges companies face when balancing remote and in-office work while ensuring employees stay engaged and connected. The episode also covers practical approaches to digital transformation, user adoption, and creating flexible workspaces that support different work styles. Onyinye shares real-world experiences from helping org…

In this episode of the M365.fm podcast, Mirko Peters speaks with Microsoft MVP Carsten Lund Meilbak about the evolution of enterprise communication and collaboration — from the early days of Microsoft Lync and Skype for Business to the modern Microsoft Teams ecosystem. The conversation explores how collaboration platforms have changed from simple messaging and voice solutions into fully integrated hubs for meetings, telephony, teamwork, apps, and AI-powered productivity. Carsten shares his personal journey through the Microsoft collaboration space and explains how organizations adapted to major platform transitions over the years. The discussion highlights the technical and cultural shifts that accompanied the move from traditional on-premises communication systems toward cloud-first collaboration with Microsoft Teams. A major focus of the episode is how Teams transformed workplace communication by combining chat, meetings, calling, file collaboration, and integrations into a si…

In this episode of the M365.fm podcast, host Mirko Peters sits down with Vesa Nopanen to explore how Microsoft 365 Copilot is evolving from a simple AI assistant into a true collaborative coworker inside modern organizations. The conversation focuses on the future of AI-driven work, the rise of agentic collaboration, and how businesses can prepare for a world where humans and AI systems work side by side. Vesa shares his perspective on the transformation of workplace productivity through Microsoft Copilot, Teams, Loop, Azure AI, and emerging AI agents. The discussion highlights how organizations are moving beyond isolated AI prompts toward integrated AI ecosystems that can automate processes, assist decision-making, and participate in daily workflows. The episode also examines the concept of “Copilot Cowork,” where AI acts less like a tool and more like an intelligent team member capable of context-aware collaboration. The podcast dives into practical topics including governance…

Quick answer: OneNote vs Microsoft Loop vs Copilot for notes is covered in this M365 FM episode with a practical focus on how it works, where it fits, and the architecture, security, governance, or operational choices that matter in real Microsoft environments. In this episode of the m365.fm podcast, Mirko Peters sits down with Microsoft MVP, educator, technical storyteller, and community leader Karinne Diamond Bessette to explore one of the biggest productivity challenges in the modern workpla...

In this episode of the m365.fm podcast, Mirko Peters speaks with Microsoft MVP and cloud security expert Martin Dimovski about securing AI workloads and MLOps environments in Microsoft Cloud. The conversation focuses on why AI security must be treated as a core business requirement instead of an afterthought. Martin explains the growing risks organizations face as they rapidly deploy AI agents, large language models, APIs, and cloud-native AI solutions without fully understanding the security implications. The episode highlights how AI introduces new attack surfaces while also amplifying existing cybersecurity weaknesses. A major theme is “secure-by-design” architecture. Martin stresses that security should start during the planning and design phase, not after deployment. Topics include threat modeling, identity protection, secure pipelines, infrastructure hardening, API security, and governance. He emphasizes that security teams should work alongside developers and DevOps teams…

In this episode of the m365.fm podcast, host Mirko Peters speaks with cybersecurity expert Viktor Hedberg about the importance of securing enterprise environments through Active Directory (AD) tiering and privileged access management. The discussion explores how attackers commonly target privileged accounts to move laterally through corporate networks and why traditional “flat” admin models are no longer sufficient. Viktor explains the concept of AD tiering, where administrative privileges are separated into security tiers to reduce the blast radius of compromised credentials. He also highlights the role of privileged access workstations (PAWs), just-in-time administration, and strong identity protection practices. The episode covers real-world attack scenarios, lessons learned from incident response engagements, and practical recommendations for organizations running hybrid Microsoft environments. Key themes include reducing standing privileges, enforcing multi-factor authentic…

Microsoft MVP Evi van der Velden joins the M365.fm podcast to explain why simplicity is one of the most overlooked success factors in Microsoft 365. The conversation explores how many organizations create unnecessary complexity through excessive customization, unclear governance, and overengineered solutions that ultimately reduce productivity instead of improving it. Evi shares practical insights from real-world Microsoft 365 projects, highlighting how simpler architectures, cleaner collaboration environments, and focused governance strategies often deliver better long-term results. The discussion covers Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, governance, adoption, user experience, and the growing impact of AI tools like Microsoft Copilot inside modern workplaces. A key theme throughout the episode is that technology should support people rather than force users to adapt to complicated systems. Evi explains why organizations frequently underestimate the importance of user behavior, commun…

Secure, scalable, and governed Power Platform adoption requires more than just enabling low-code tools — it demands a structured governance strategy that balances innovation, security, and operational control. In this episode of the M365.fm podcast, Mirko Peters speaks with Microsoft MVP Craig White about the real-world challenges organizations face when scaling Microsoft Power Platform across the enterprise. Craig explains why governance should never block innovation. Instead, organizations should create guardrails that allow citizen developers to build solutions safely while maintaining compliance, security, and architectural consistency. The discussion covers environment strategies, Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies, connector governance, lifecycle management, identity security, and API control. The episode highlights how many businesses still misunderstand Power Platform governance, often relying on restrictive policies that create shadow IT instead of reducing risk. Craig…