Episode 1- Unlocking the Power of AI and Automation with Kayla Rohde and Kim Congleton

About Episode 1- Unlocking the Power of AI and Automation with Kayla Rohde and Kim Congleton

Weekend Power Platform: Stories of Innovation and Creation Step inside the world of Power Platform innovation. Weekend Power Platform brings you conversations with developers, makers, and industry leaders who are building meaningful solutions with Power Platform, Power BI, business applications, and modern AI tools. Each episode delivers story-driven insights and practical guidance on automation, data analysis, app development, and the techniques that drive real results. Discover emerging tools and approaches, learn from hands-on experiences, and meet the real people behind the breakthroughs. Every episode concludes with a weekend challenge, your invitation to experiment, learn, and expand your skills through hands-on projects. Build small. Learn big. Share the spark.

Publisher

ssissenwein

Category

education · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Jan 2026

Latest episode

8 May 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 May 2026

   Episode 8 - From Zero to Community Leader: The Unexpected Lessons That Changed Everything with Molly Fuchsel

   Join Shawn Sissenwein and Molly Fuchsel as they explore building community, the evolution of Vibe, and strategies for successful collaboration in the Microsoft ecosystem. Discover insights on event planning, relationship building, and embracing change in business. Special mentions include Molly's business partner, Liz Hallen, who plays a crucial role in their journey, and previous guest Michelle Serna, who highlighted the importance of creating a safe space. Also, hear about Tom Blaisdell's influence in the Business Central community.

2. 

   25 Apr 2026

   Episode 7- The Unexpected Career Turns That Lead to True Passion and Purpose with Michelle Serna

   Most professionals fall into the trap of thinking their career is a straight line. Michelle Serna challenges this myth, sharing her unexpected journey from consultant to building a Business Central team. Meanwhile, Shawn Sissenwein's transition from managing cattle to technology highlights the diverse paths one can take. Their stories reveal how falling in love with different areas of technology can reshape your purpose and your path over time.  In this episode, Michelle and Shawn dive into the power of community, demonstrating how authentic connections and sharing your journey can spark new opportunities. You'll discover: How adopting a growth mindset allowed them to pivot into the Power Platform space without a formal plan The surprising moments that ignited their passion for building Power Apps and Power BI dashboards, like a simple step challenge at work Practical tips for starting small with AI, including how to introduce automation in a way that’s approachable and manageable for small businesses Strategies to keep your teams aligned amidst rapid change, emphasizing open communication and purpose-driven frameworks What the future of AI holds for revenue generation and business operations and how to stay ahead of the curve Why does this matter? Because in a world of constant technological evolution, it's those willing to learn, adapt, and find joy in the process who will thrive. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, Michelle and Shawn’s insights will inspire you to embrace change, nurture your curiosity, and lead with community and purpose.  Perfect for builders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to turn unexpected turns into extraordinary growth. Tune in and discover how to turn your evolving passions into a thriving, impactful career and remember, the best way to stay grounded is to find joy in every step of the journey. Michelle Serna is a dynamic leader at True North, known for her innovative work in business applications, community engagement, and digital transformation through AI and Power Platform. Shawn Sissenwein's journey exemplifies continuous learning and leadership at the intersection of technology and community. Get ready to rethink your career’s potential this episode will leave you inspired to innovate, connect, and grow.

3. 

   10 Apr 2026

   Episode 6 - Building AI Responsibly: 7 Key Foundations for Organizations with Kayla and Kim

   In this episode, experts Kim Congleton and Kayla Rohde discuss the foundational steps organizations should take before adopting AI, including governance, security, data management, and strategy adaptation. They explore practical tips for building AI responsibly and the evolving leadership strategies needed in the fast-paced AI landscape. Key Topics- AI governance and security Data management and security best practices Organizational strategy and change management in AI adoption Follow Guest Kim Congleton https://www.linkedin.com/in/kcongleton/ Kayla Rohde https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylazelasney/

4. 

   30 Mar 2026

   Episode 5: End User to MVP-Cari's Journey of Growth, Travel and Giving Back

   Most MVPs never imagined they'd reach the heights they have until they discover the power of community, sharing tips, and embracing new tech. Cari's journey from end-user to recognized MVP is an inspiring blueprint for anyone aiming to elevate their career and make a real impact in the Microsoft Business Central world. In this episode, Cari shares exactly how she navigated her rise, including the unexpected support from her network, balancing work and travel, and how small tips can transform daily workflows. You'll discover: the eye-opening moment she realized her influence, the strategic ways she builds her presence in the community, and practical tips for new and seasoned users alike to grow their skills effortlessly. We break down collaborative best practices at conferences, how AI tools like Copilot are revolutionizing work, and the value of sharing your own insights even if you think everyone already knows them. Cari also talks about her passion for travel, how she maintains work-life balance as a consultant and MVP, and why her stuffed platypus, Pete, is her favorite travel companion. Plus, we explore the emerging world of AI-powered agents in Business Central, what’s here now, what’s coming next, and how you can leverage these innovations for your own success. Focusing on community, continuous learning, and a passion for helping others, Cari’s story reminds us all: your small tips, unique background, and willingness to share can create ripples of change on your career, on your clients, and in the global Power Platform and Business Central community. Perfect for anyone eager to turn knowledge into influence, this episode will leave you inspired to take the next step, whether you're at a desk, on a plane, or exploring new horizons. Connect with Cari Corozza Cari Corozza, CPA | LinkedIn Join Cari Linked In Group- https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14822015/

5. 

   8 Mar 2026

   Episode 4: Exploring the Future of Developer Tools and AI Integration with Master Developers with Olof Simren and Matt Keyes

   Discover insights from seasoned developers on how AI and vibe coding are transforming software development, streamlining workflows, and enhancing productivity. In this episode, learn practical tips, industry trends, and the future of AI-assisted development. In this episode, we discuss: The evolution of software development from traditional coding to AI-driven vibe coding How developers like Matt, Olof, and Shawn have adapted over decades The role of AI in automating setup, testing, and documentation tasks Practical examples of AI-assisted tools like Vibe Code and telemetry buddies Tips for adopting AI tools responsibly, including security, accuracy, and prompt engineering The impact of AI on small teams and enterprise projects The importance of specific prompting and structured workflows to maximize AI's benefits Resources and communities for staying current on AI and Power Platform advancements Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: The shift towards AI in software development 00:49 - Backgrounds of veteran developers and initial experiences 02:09 - The journey into Vibe Code: What is it and how does it work? 03:50 - The story behind creating an AI-powered system audit tool 06:00 - How AI writes basic code checks and documentation 08:37 - The evolution from manual scripting to AI-generated code 10:22 - The importance of prompt specificity for accurate AI output 12:10 - Use cases for pre-GA testing and setup validation 13:44 - AI's role in creating table and page objects efficiently 15:20 - Experiences with AI in vertical-specific solutions 16:40 - The rise of Vibe Coding: From initial skepticism to mastery 18:10 - How AI enhances developer efficiency and unlocks new workflows 19:57 - Risks and pitfalls: Hallucinations, security, and oversight 22:00 - Building a 'mini-me' of AI models tailored to your workflows 23:45 - Using AI for design, code, and documentation generation 25:38 - The significance of prompt engineering and detailed instructions 27:15 - Recommendations for companies starting AI adoption 28:45 - Key considerations: Security, data sensitivity, and system integration 30:00 - The art of clear instructions: Tell AI exactly what you want 31:10 - Common AI pitfalls and how to avoid getting stuck 32:58 - Best practices for testing and reviewing AI-generated code 34:00 - Monitoring system performance with tools like Telemetry Buddy 35:37 - Future projects and expanding AI integration into business workflows 37:44 - Learning resources: YouTube, social media, community channels 39:02 - Tips for staying current in rapidly evolving AI and Power Platform space 41:09 - How to leverage AI for enterprise and small business efficiency 43:04 - The importance of continuous learning and curiosity 44:08 - Final advice: Start small, build big, share knowledge 45:29 - Closing remarks and next steps in AI-driven development Connect with our guests: Olof Simen  : https://www.linkedin.com/in/olofsimren/ and Naviona Website: https://naviona.com/ Matt Keyes  : https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewkeyes/ and Key Partner Solutions Website: https://www.keypartnersolutions.com/ Shawn Sissenwein :  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-sissenwein/ WPP Website: https://weekendpowerplatform.com/ WPP YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@PodWPP

6. 

   8 Mar 2026

   Episode 3- From Hairdresser to Power Platform MVP: Natalie's Journey

   In this engaging conversation, Shawn Sissenwein interviews Natalie Lenders, a Power Platform MVP, who shares her unique journey from hairdresser to a recognized figure in the Power Platform community. They discuss the importance of maintaining health in a tech-heavy career, the power of community and networking, the path to becoming an MVP, and future technology trends, particularly AI's role. Natalie emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and encourages newcomers to embrace the community and share their knowledge.

7. 

   20 Feb 2026

   From Hairdresser to Power Platform MVP: Natalie's Journey

   In this engaging conversation, Shawn Sissenwein interviews Natalie Lenders, a Power Platform MVP, who shares her unique journey from hairdresser to a recognized figure in the Power Platform community. They discuss the importance of maintaining health in a tech-heavy career, the power of community and networking, the path to becoming an MVP, and future technology trends, particularly AI’s role. Natalie emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and encourages newcomers to embrace the community and share their knowledge.

8. 

   19 Feb 2026

   Episode 2- Two Power BI Journeys with Belinda Allen and Jill Keyes

   Unlock the future of Power BI with insights from two legendary pioneers, an industry veteran who's shaped the tool since its inception, and a rising star representing the next generation. Discover how AI is revolutionizing data analysis today and what’s coming next, whether it's real-time insights, more brilliant visualizations, or transformative workflows. In this episode, Belinda shares stories from her early days building Power BI before it was feature-rich, revealing surprising lessons from the platform's evolution and the community's growth. Jill, still in college, shows how her fresh perspective and curiosity are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible by harnessing AI to simplify complex data modeling and storytelling. Connect with Weekend Power Platform and Guest Speakers: Website: https://weekendpowerplatform.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-sissenwein-994543389 YouTube:    / @podwpp Podbean: https://ssissenwein.podbean.com/ Belinda Allen Linked In:   / msbelindaallen Jill Keyes LinkedIn:   / jill-keyes-90a338284 Shawn Sissenwein LinkedIn:   / shawn-sissenwein

9. 

   6 Feb 2026

   Episode 1- Unlocking the Power of AI and Automation with Kayla Rohde and Kim Congleton

   In this episode of the Weekend Power Platform podcast, hosts Shawn Sissenwein, Kim Congleton, and Kayla Rhode discuss the transformative impact of Power Platform and AI on personal and professional workflows. They explore the creative possibilities of AI, the importance of security and governance, and share personal tools and challenges that can enhance productivity. The conversation emphasizes community building and encourages listeners to share their experiences and creations.

10. 

    19 Jan 2026

    Microsoft Integrates AI into Everyday Workflows

    In the debut episode of the Weekend Power Platform Podcast, host Shawn Sissenwein is joined by guests Kim Congleton and Kayla Rohde to explore how curiosity transforms into action. They discuss the power of community, bold thinking, and innovative solutions, sharing personal stories and insights on leveraging the Power Platform and AI to drive change. This episode sets the stage for a series dedicated to helping listeners level up and create with heart and boldness.

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.