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The Ever-changing Landscape of Microsoft Dynamics

Welcome to part 1 of our mini blog series on the ever-evolving world of Microsoft Dynamics 365. Bryony Wolf is the Product Marketing Manager for the Power Platform (Power Apps, PowerBI, Flow) at Microsoft and also leads the Dynamics Digital Skills Program for the UK. We took some time to ask about her experience of working in the industry, how the current landscape of Microsoft Dynamics is looking and what exciting things are coming next. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT HOW THE MICROSOFT DYNAMICS LANDSCAPE IS LOOKING TODAY? It is an incredibly exciting time for Microsoft Dynamics 365 right now. I’m particularly proud to manage Power Platform; a low-code no-code application development platform. It’s a fantastic emerging area that enables simplified application development and innovation for everyone. We’ve had excellent feedback from market analysts (See Forrester’s Q1 2019 Wave for Low Code Development Platforms for Application Development and Delivery Professionals where Microsoft is a Leader) and the traction we are getting with our customers is continuing to push us forwards. The digital transformation it enables with customers and the transformation for individuals is equally staggering. Samit Saini from Heathrow, who’s journey is so inspiring is a great example, I’ll share his story with you - watch here. One of the first PowerApps that he built eliminated the need for 11000 pieces of paper each year by digitizing a paper process into a PowerApp, and now their goal is to eliminate the need for all paper processes; and as Saimit Saini says, “not just to save a single tree, but to save the forest”. What we are seeing is that barrier that were previously in place in organizations that prevented or slowed down modernization of processes are being broken down. With PowerApps, the road to business value can be much shorter, as business and IT can work together to easily develop simple or complex innovative applications, with drag and drop simplicity. With over 240 build in data connectors, and the ability to build custom connectors, users can easily and quickly bring in their line of business data into their solutions, and embed PowerBI dashboards into their PowerApps for live on the go insights. HOW DOES MICROSOFT STAY SO RELEVANT IN THE FAST-PACED TECH CLIMATE? I think having the always on learning culture and growth mindset is key. Technology is constantly changing, as are the industries and the business and competitive landscape for our customers. We continuously work closely with our Microsoft Partners and customers to ensure we support them on their digital transformation journey and help our customers navigate the complexity of the speed of change, to find opportunity. On the subject of Customer success, Microsoft has more Customer Success Managers than any other Tech Company, as we move the cloud the SaaS model has changed business models, to ensuring our customers are successful and deriving value from Microsoft Solutions is key to Microsoft being successful. DIVERSITY IS HIGH ON THE AGENDA FOR MICROSOFT. HOW DOES THAT FEED THROUGH TO SOMEONE IN YOUR ROLE? Inclusion is listed as a top core priority for all Microsoft employees, and is something we are all measured on and expected to drive consciously in our teams and our behaviors, both within Microsoft, but also with our Partners and Customers. Within Marketing and Operations, we have Diversity and Inclusion Champions within each team, and is a topic we regularly talk about at team meetings, there is a lot to be learnt here, and recently my team 10 had a session talking about the 10 inclusive behaviours and how we felt as a team we lived up to them, for example. As part of the Dynamics Digital Skills program, we raise awareness on the opportunities that the UK Apprenticeship Programs provide, across Microsoft technologies, to being new diverse talent into organizations. I’d encourage all partners and customers (all companies are tech companies!) to sign up to the Talent Charter which includes a clear set of commitments, aiming to drive more diversity within technology roles, and awareness of the challenges within this space. WHAT’S NEXT IN TERMS MICROSOFT DYNAMICS? PowerApps! As the Product Marketing Manager for Power Platform I have to say that. I really do believe that it’s one of the most exciting new products at Microsoft, revolutionizing the way that apps can be built, to help customers solve their greatest challenges. James Phillips wrote a great blog about the Microsoft Power Platform that I’d encourage those wanting to learn more to read. Look out for our upcoming blog featuring tips and tools on how to break into or move into the world of Microsoft Dynamics.

Top Tips on Managing Stress in the Workplace

Mental Health Awareness Week sparks lots of conversations and campaigns around how to maintain your mental wellbeing, and one of the hot topics is around managing stress in the workplace. There will often be times where we are under pressure and, unfortunately, this is a factor that is not always in our control. A key skill is to recognise the signs of your body when feeling stressed, as we don’t always know we are stressed until there is either a physical or mental health issue. Also, talk to someone about how you feel, whether that is a colleague, your manager or your doctor. We are often reminded that there is not a one-solution-fits-all for tackling this issue. But what we do know is that it’s good to open up the conversation and share experiences. The more we talk about it the less taboo the subject of mental health is. Today we are sharing insights from Suzanne Homes, from Shawbrook and Montash team members on how to manage stress: SUZANNE HOLTHAM, SQL DEVELOPER AT SHAWBROOK We all need time off, even if we don't feel like it. It can be tempting just to wait until you know more about when that go-live date for your project will be. But don't fall into that trap. Project deadlines can get rescheduled many times over and the next thing you know it's been a long time since you had a break from work, and you're exhausted. Book holiday time away from work. Even if you have nothing planned or nowhere to go, get the time booked off in the calendar. Lack of sleep can accelerate the path to burn out. Try to be strict with yourself and stick to a routine where you can get 7-8 hours sleep regularly. I use a schedule on my phone to automatically turn on the blue light filter after a certain time at night - it really does seem to make a difference. For those who are interested in an insightful read, my favourite self-help author is Brian Tracy. His books around goal setting and achievement gave me the kick start I needed at challenging times. NANDIP AULAK, HEAD OF MARKETING, MONTASH One thing I do is to plan and organise my workload. I also make sure I prioritise each day. This may sound simple but, through doing this, I ensure that I am not only being effective and reaching my deliverables but I am also reducing the potential of work stress. Stakeholder management is also key; saying no when a deadline is not realistic is good work management for you and the business. I also always take a lunch break. This ensures I get time away from the screen and enjoy some fresh air. KATRINA MACATANGAY, FINANCE MANAGER AT MONTASH Be part of the conversation around mental health and share your top tips on how you manage stress. One thing I’ve also learned on the way to relieving stress is asking for help. Many people think that when you ask for help from your colleagues or your friends, it means that you can’t do the job. For me that’s not really it, asking for help is a way of learning and getting assistance at the same time, and doing the job efficiently. It’s not a sign of weakness or incapability. Take a break! Reward yourself! I always make sure that I do this. Whether it’s having lunch/dinner with my colleagues after a long week of work or jetting off for a weekend break with family and friends. How do you manage stress in the workplace? Join the conversation - come and find us on LinkedIn, Instagram & Twitter...

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