Episode 004: Sean Astrakhan "How to stand out"

Power Platform 101

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

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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/

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Power Apps - Robust Multilanguage Tutorial | Choices, Labels even Lookups! (Canvas Apps SharePoint)
https://youtu.be/RlAl5ausRO4?si=PC__mvLsZGprGn0j

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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