Cloud Riders Podcast

About Cloud Riders Podcast

The Cloud Riders Podcast is your gateway to mastering the Microsoft Cloud. If you're a CTO, IT Director, IT Manager, or business user keen on leveraging technology for growth, this podcast is tailored for you. Each episode delves into the latest developments in Azure, Microsoft 365, Power Platform and Microsoft Data, featuring insights from industry experts, MVPs, technologists, customers, and product owners. Through real-life stories and practical advice, we'll empower you to stay ahead in the evolving cloud landscape.

Publisher

Matt Weston

Category

technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Dec 2024

Latest episode

20 Feb 2025

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Feb 2025

   Driving Business Impact with Power Apps

   In this episode, we’re breaking down how Microsoft Power Apps can empower businesses of any size to build custom solutions with minimal coding—from digitising everyday tasks to overhauling entire departments. Discover core features, essential governance strategies, and real-world success stories that reveal how Power Apps can supercharge innovation, collaboration, and agility across your organisation. Tune in to learn how you can stay ahead in today’s fast-paced, competitive landscape—no matter your level of technical expertise.

2. 

   12 Feb 2025

   Power BI: More Than Just Pretty Charts

   In this episode ofCloud Riders, we dive into the world of Power BI, Microsoft’s powerful analytics tool that goes beyond just creating eye-catching charts. We explore where Power BI fits in modern businesses, how organisations can get started effectively, and why data quality is the key to meaningful insights. But here’s the catch—Power BI doesn’t fix bad data. We discuss the importance of understanding your data sources, avoiding common pitfalls, and making sure your dashboards drive real business decisions. Plus, we highlight common challenges with Power BI, from performance issues to security complexities, and how to overcome them. Ready to take your data game to the next level? Tune in now and learn how to turn raw data into actionable insights! 🔹 Like, subscribe, and share this episode to help others discover Power BI! 💡 Got questions? Connect with me on LinkedIn or emailmatthew.weston@vantage365.com. For now, keep exploring your data, keep refining your reports, and keep riding the cloud! 🎙️☁️

3. 

   30 Jan 2025

   Mastering Work-Life Balance with Microsoft Viva Insights

   In this episode of the Cloud Riders Podcast, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in the modern workplace—finding the right balance between productivity and well-being. From managing endless meetings to setting boundaries for personal time, we explore how Microsoft Viva Insights can help you take control of your work habits, reduce burnout, and boost focus. Join us as we break down practical strategies like Focus Time, Quiet Days, and Digital Disconnection, helping you work smarter—not harder. Plus, we’ll share tips on using data-driven insights to improve mental clarity, schedule meaningful breaks, and even make time for learning! Ready to transform the way you work? Tune in now and start riding the cloud the right way!

4. 

   21 Jan 2025

   Microsoft Loop: Redefining Collaboration in the Modern Workplace

   In this episode of the Cloud Riders Podcast, we’re delving into Microsoft Loop—a revolutionary tool designed to transform how teams collaborate in real time. We’ll explore what Loop is, how it works, and the incredible potential it offers to simplify teamwork, boost productivity, and keep everyone in sync. Whether you’re part of a small team or a global organisation, this episode is packed with insights to help you get the most out of Microsoft Loop.

5. 

   13 Jan 2025

   What is Power Automate? Exploring the Automation Opportunity

   In this episode of the Cloud Riders Podcast, we’re diving into Microsoft’s game-changing automation tool: Power Automate. We’ll explain what it is, why it’s important, and how businesses can leverage automation to save time, reduce costs, and improve productivity. If you’ve ever wondered how automation could transform your daily workflows, this episode is for you.

6. 

   7 Jan 2025

   Unlocking SharePoint Premium: Advanced Management Tools for the Modern Workplace

   In this episode of the Cloud Riders Podcast, we’re exploring how SharePoint Premium transforms collaboration and content management with its advanced features. From enhanced security and compliance to lifecycle governance, learn how the SharePoint Advanced Management tools take your organisation’s productivity to the next level.

7. 

   31 Dec 2024

   Preparing for Microsoft 365 Copilot: Beyond the Basics

   In this episode of the Cloud Riders Podcast, we’re uncovering the essential steps you need to take before rolling out Microsoft 365 Copilot. It’s not just about flipping a switch—key factors like licensing, security configurations, compliance requirements, and SharePoint management all play a crucial role. Join us as we explore these foundational building blocks to ensure a successful deployment and drive maximum value for your organisation.

8. 

   24 Dec 2024

   Strengthening Your Security: Simple Changes for Big Impact

   In this episode of the Cloud Riders Podcast, we’re exploring the critical role of security in today’s digital landscape. We’ll discuss how small changes in user behaviour can significantly reduce risks and outline some of the key technical protections available in Microsoft’s security ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned IT pro or just getting started, this episode will leave you with actionable insights to keep your organisation secure.

9. 

   17 Dec 2024

   Mastering New Tech: Why Training Matters for You and Your Business

   In this episode of the Cloud Riders Podcast, we explore the challenges of learning new technologies, the benefits of investing in training, and the best approaches to upskilling—whether through instructor-led sessions or on-demand resources like Microsoft Learn. Discover how empowering your workforce with the right IT skills can improve efficiency, boost morale, and keep your organisation competitive.

10. 

    9 Dec 2024

    Crafting Precision Prompts: Elevating Your Microsoft 365 Copilot Experience

    In this episode of the Cloudriders Podcast, brought to you by Vantage 365 Training, you’ll discover how to refine your AI prompts to elevate Microsoft 365 Copilot from a well-meaning helper to an indispensable partner. By focusing on clarity, context, and iteration, you’ll learn the art and science behind prompt engineering, ensuring Copilot consistently delivers valuable, targeted results. Key Takeaways: Importance of Specific Goals: Define what you want Copilot to achieve before you begin. A clear objective helps generate more focused and effective outputs. Providing Rich Context: Offer comprehensive background details—your audience, product features, or objectives—so Copilot can tailor content that feels genuinely on-brand. Setting Expectations: Clarify the style, format, and desired outcome. For example, indicating a tone or providing a sample description guides Copilot’s creativity. Sourcing Information: Point Copilot to relevant internal documents, specs, or guidelines so it can draw on accurate, reliable data. Iterative Refinement: Treat prompting as an ongoing conversation. Test and refine your requests until the outputs match your vision. Advanced Techniques: Explore zero-shot, one-shot, and chain-of-thought prompting to handle everything from simple queries to complex reasoning tasks. Best Practices: Verify AI-generated content, maintain ethical standards, and remember that Copilot complements rather than replaces your unique insight and judgement. Who This Episode Is For: Anyone interested in getting more out of Microsoft 365 Copilot, from marketing professionals and product managers to content creators and team leaders. If you’re looking to streamline content creation, elevate messaging, or simply harness AI more effectively in your day-to-day work, this episode offers practical strategies you can put into action immediately. Practical Tips You Can Implement Today: Start with a single, specific request, then refine your prompt in multiple iterations. Provide a stylistic benchmark, such as a sample sentence or a previously crafted description.-Break larger requests into smaller, more manageable prompts for more targeted output. Always review and adjust your queries until you get the ideal result. Now is the perfect time to start experimenting with your prompts. As you practise and improve, you’ll find Copilot evolving into a true partner in your productivity journey. Join us on the next episode of the Cloudriders Podcast, where we’ll continue exploring strategies, tools, and insights to help you succeed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Until then, keep refining your prompts and enjoy watching your AI-assisted workflows flourish. Contact Matt Email: matthew.weston@vantage365.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/mattweston365 Consultancy: https://www.vantage365.com Training: https://www.vantage365training.com

11. 

    3 Dec 2024

    Charting the Skies: An Introduction to The Cloud Riders Podcast and the Microsoft Cloud

    In this debut episode of The Cloud Riders Podcast, your host, Matt sets the stage for an exciting journey into the world of the Microsoft Cloud. Discover what this podcast is all about, who it’s for, and what you can expect in the episodes to come. We’ll explore how cloud technology is driving innovation, shaping businesses, and transforming industries, with a focus on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, AI, Power Platform, and more. Plus, Matt shares insights into the unique mix of expert guests, real-world success stories, and actionable strategies that will help you bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical application. Whether you're a tech leader, IT professional, or simply curious about the power of the cloud, this episode is your launchpad. Let’s embark on this incredible journey together—your seat on the cloud is waiting! If there are specific topics that you want to hear about, please let us know: https://forms.office.com/e/rMmMjzzxRu

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

590

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

58

Social presence

0

YouTube

66

Engagement

32