Mondays at Microsoft | Episode 43
Closing out February 2025 strong! Join Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook for the next Mondays at Microsoft as they dig into recent product updates, AI innovation, and activities around the globe. Join live, Monday, February 24th, 8:00 AM PT. Links to all resources shared during the live broadcast: Community resources: Download the show reminder on your calendar: https://aka.ms/MondaysAtMicrosoft Mark it! Microsoft Community page on LinkedIn: https://aka.ms/MicrosoftCommunityLinkedIn . Read it! Community News Desk: https://aka.ms/CommunityNewsDesk NOW ON DEMAND | Watch the SharePoint event "From Concept, to Creation, to Impact" + live AMA: https://aka.ms/SharePointEvent with Jeff Teper + the new 5-part learning series + 3 new customer case studies. Majorana 1 - A new quantum chip that is powered by a Topological Core architecture | Listen to Microsoft's recent quantum computing advancements on the Ideas podcast: https://aka.ms/Ideas/QuantumComputing | Qubits FTW! Plus, a great related news: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/podcast/ideas-quantum-computing-redefined-with-chetan-nayak/ "Introducing Muse: Our first generative AI model designed for gameplay ideation" by Katja Hofmann: https://aka.ms/IntroducingMuse. Monthly "byte-sized" updates on Microsoft innovations and global tech advancements: https://aka.ms/MicrosoftMonthlyTech-In "Inclusive Innovation: The role of AI in accessibility and neurodiversity": https://news.microsoft.com/source/asia/features/inclusive-innovation-the-role-of-ai-in-accessibility-and-neurodiversity/ by Anthony Moufarrege "Microsoft at Legalweek: Help safeguard your AI future with Microsoft Purview" by Katerina Athanasiou: https://aka.ms/LegalWeek. "3 ways to improve access to justice through court modernization " by David Williams: https://aka.ms/AccessToJustice. Announcing the 2025 Imagine Cup Semifinalists: https://aka.ms/2025ImagineCup/Semifinalists. Follow Beatris A. Mendez Gandica on LinkedIn — https://linkedin.com/in/beagandica. Beatris started a nonprofit organization, Nuevo Foundation, where she works to prepare underrepresented students to become tomorrow’s leaders. Apply for the Women at Microsoft Scholarship, deadline March 13, 2025: https://aka.ms/WomenAtMicrosoftScholarship. Make a plan to celebrate International Women's Day #IWD2025 #Accelerate Action: https://internationalwomensday.com. FYI... Microsoft 365 Blog: https://aka.ms/M365BlogMM Azure Blog: https://aka.ms/AzureBlogMM Dev Blog: https://aka.ms/DevBlogsMM Power Platform Blog: https://aka.ms/PowerPlatformBlogMM Power Apps Blog: https://aka.ms/powerappsblogMM Microsoft Fabric Blog: https://aka.ms/fabricblogMM Dynamics 365 Blog: https://aka.ms/Dynamics365blogMM SharePoint Hackathon | Design, create, share! We are excited to invite you to a hackathon dedicated to crafting exceptional employee experiences using AI and the latest SharePoint features! Join in: https://aka.ms/SharePoint/Hackathon | Hack submissions open from March 3-17, 2025 "Introducing Azure AI Foundry Labs: A hub for the latest AI research and experiments at Microsoft" by Asha Sharma and Ashley Llorens: https://aka.ms/AIFoundryLabs. "Introducing the SharePoint Pages Authoring Accessibility Assistant " by Tina Chen: https://aka.ms/SharePoint/AccessibilityAssistant. Register now for Power Platform and AI workshops in a city near you: https://aka.ms/KickstarterWorkshops. New training course for digital accessibility skills: https://aka.ms/AccessibilitySkills. Ref. Jenny Lay-Flurrie Announcing the GitHub Copilot Chat, now available for free on GitHub mobile: https://aka.ms/GitHub/Mobile. Follow Microsoft Community LinkedIn: https://aka.ms/MSCommunityLIMM. Community News Desk: https://aka.ms/CommunityNewsDesk. To learn more about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative - a meeting place for all who are part of the Microsoft Community ecosystem, all are welcome: https://aka.ms/MGCI. Level up your Microsoft 365 and #AI skills, chat with product makers, and network with your tech peers. hashtag#M365Con is May 6–8 in Las Vegas (MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas) - The ultimate community event filled with keynotes from Jeff Teper, Vasu Jakkal, Jared Spataro, solution-oriented sessions from Microsoft, MVPs and community leaders, workshops to deepen core skills, a vibrant expo hall, and more. Register now, save $150 with code SAVE150 🎟️ https://aka.ms/M365Con25 Heather Cook invites you to M365Con25 #promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtPq-1YAZjY Karuana Gatimu invites you to M365Con25 #promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGwK47ekYAo Next episode of Mondays at Microsoft: Monday, March 10th at 8am Pacific. Join in! Check out our page for our show and Community Studio efforts at https://aka.ms/MondaysAtMicrosoft.The Role of Storytelling in Community Building
On building community. "Stories are the single most powerful weapon in a leader’s arsenal." – Dr. Howard Gardner, Harvard University Storytelling has played a crucial role in human connection since the inception of civilization. It shapes identities, preserves historical records, and fosters a sense of belonging within communities. Whether conveyed through spoken word, literature, or digital media, storytelling possesses the ability to unify individuals, create shared experiences, and enhance communal bonds. The Power of Storytelling in Community Building Fostering Shared Identity Stories help communities define who they are and what they stand for. They preserve cultural traditions and values, passing them on to future generations. Encouraging Empathy and Connection Personal narratives allow people to understand each other’s experiences and struggles. Stories create emotional connections that transcend differences, building unity. Inspiring Action and Change A compelling story can mobilize people around a cause or mission. Communities often use storytelling to advocate for social change and inspire collective action. Strengthening Engagement and Participation Shared narratives encourage individuals to take active roles within their communities. Engaging stories help retain interest and commitment to communal efforts. Preserving History and Legacy Oral and written storytelling ensures that a community’s history remains alive. Stories highlight past challenges and triumphs, shaping future aspirations. I love a bookstore and find that they are great places to gather. I have many in cities around the world that I love to dip into over and over and that have wonderful schedules of events. Libraries as well, and most have programs where they sell books at a big discount. Librarians are also some of the smartest people you will meet and who know everything about the cities they serve. It has been interesting learning that "Barnes & Noble is planning to open at least 60 new stores in 2025 — a stunning turnaround for a bookseller that just a few years ago closed hundreds of locations and appeared doomed to follow in the footsteps of its shuttered competitors. Barnes & Noble opened 57 new locations in 2024 and operates around 600 stores in total, making it the largest bookseller in the US. In recent years, the bookseller has also leaned into the popularity of book content on TikTok and using #BookTok as the hashtag - and the post-pandemic thirst for "third spaces" to meet and socialize." - Business Insider To that end - our stories matter. Another favorite quote from Doctor Who, "We are all stories in the end, just make is a good one." Stories have the power to inspire, connect, and bring people together. Start by sharing your personal experiences, whether through conversations, writing, or digital platforms. Encourage others to do the same and contribute to a culture of storytelling that strengthens your local community, this community - the best community in tech. What story will you share today? And where and how will you share it? #ThePowerofCommunity #Storytelling #CommunityBuilding #BelongingMatters #CuppaCommuniTea #MicrosoftCommunity 🍵 Today I am drinking a cuppa Throat Coat by Traditional Medicines - Organic Throat Coa tea supports throat health with renowned slippery elm, used in Native American herbal medicine for hundreds of years.The Heart of Community – How Friendship Strengthens Our Social Circles
On building community. “Social connections are one of the most important factors in determining our well-being and longevity. Strong friendships benefit both individuals and the entire community. By prioritizing these relationships, we can build stronger, healthier communities." Psychologist Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad Friendship is vital for strong communities, providing emotional and social benefits. It fosters connection, trust, and belonging. Close friendships enhance personal well-being, reducing loneliness and boosting happiness. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that people with strong social connections are 50% more likely to live longer. Friendship's value goes beyond personal health; it positively impacts communities. Connected individuals are more likely to engage in social causes, collaborate on initiatives, and support each other, creating collective responsibility. This applies whether it is your local community, those that are part of your technical community, or hobbies you love like a book club or board game nights/groups. Host a community gathering – Organize a small event or gathering in your neighborhood to bring people together and foster new connections. Host a small meeting online for a quarterly check-in with friends. (I have a standing meeting with some college friends every other Sunday, sometimes there are two of us, sometimes six, sometimes we cancel, but having it on the calendar keeps it going. I find this time grounding and many times support just when I need it). Support local businesses – Frequent local shops and restaurants and engage with the owners and staff to build relationships within your community. (I recently debuted my DJing house music skills at a neighborhood benefit we did for our Los Angeles animal rescues for the wildfires.) Get to know your local business owners, chamber, rotary they are your neighbors! Volunteer for local causes – Dedicate some time to volunteer for community projects or organizations that resonate with you, helping to strengthen communal ties. One organization could benefit from even 1 hour of time and volunteering a way to make new acquaintances and friends. In the Microsoft Community space, a big shout out to those who produce both free and paid technical skilling community events and who run user groups - you are the purveyors of belonging and friendship. Be sure to check out all events in the Microsoft Community ecosystem on Communitydays.org. If you are a producer who creates events around Microsoft products, please list your event on the site! As we continue to spotlight and celebrate the individuals and initiatives that make our communities vibrant and connected, let us remember that each small act of connection and kindness contributes to the greater whole. By fostering friendships and creating inclusive spaces, we not only enhance our own lives but also build resilient, supportive communities. Let's all take a moment to reach out, engage, and uplift those around us, knowing that every gesture matters in the tapestry of community life. After twenty-four years in this space, I feel grateful to call so many of you friends of mine as well as colleagues. What is one way you can reach out to a friend today? #TheHeartofCommunity #BelongingMatters #CuppaCommuniTea #MicrosoftCommunity 🍵 Today I am drinking a cuppa Lemon Ginger tea from Bigelow Family Tea Blenders since 1945 - Fairfield, Connecticut. A probiotic tea that is a delicious blend of zesty lemon and ginger combined with BC30™ probiotic that supports healthy digestion.Mondays at Microsoft | Episode 35
NOW ON DEMAND | Get ready for the week with "Mondays at Microsoft" - this time *on Tuesday*! Karuana Gatimu & Heather Cook will focus on Trustworthy AI, new Copilot features, fighting deepfakes, Office 2024 release update, plus highlight upcoming community events, and more. Aired Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, 8:00am PDT. See you there! #CommunityLuv 💝 Show notes & links to all that was shared and discussed on October 8th, 2024: "Microsoft Trustworthy AI: Unlocking human potential starts with trust" by Takeshi Numoto. Live from the Microsoft AI Tour: Mexico City - https://aka.ms/MicrosoftAITourLive. Copilot is an AI companion for everyone, with new Vision and Voice features. "Fighting deepfakes with more transparency about AI" by Vanessa Ho. "Office 2024 for consumers available October 1" by Bryan Rognier — https://aka.ms/Office2024. "Microsoft recognized as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Desktop as a Service for the second year in a row" by Stefan Kinnestrand. Power Apps Pulse video series hosted by April Dunnam + What's new in Power Apps. "European Fabric Community Conference 2024: Building an AI-powered data platform" by Arun Ulagaratchagan + "Activate your data responsibly in the era of AI with Microsoft Purview" by Rudra Mitra. To learn more about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative - a meeting place for all who are part of the Microsoft Community ecosystem, all are welcome: https://aka.ms/MGCI. We launched a new page listing our newly minted regional directors: https://aka.ms/MGCIAdvisors. "Get ready for the 2025 Microsoft Imagine Cup: Let the innovation begin!" by the Student Developer Evangelism Team. Find your next event: https://CommunityDays.org Community Days speakerboard – https://communitydays.org/speakerboard Microsoft Ignite | November 19-22, 2024, in Chicago, IL, USA. In person is sold out. Online is open to all - register today. Join us for the next episode of Mondays at Microsoft (this one back on Monday) with Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook on Monday, October 21st, 8:00am PDT. Check out our page for our show and Community Studio efforts at https://aka.ms/MondaysAtMicrosoft.Mondays at Microsoft | Episode 34
Power boost your day with Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook. They've got the latest community news and events prepped for the next "Mondays at Microsoft." This event aired live at 8am PST on Monday, September 23rd, 2024! 😎 [Episode 34] Show notes and links to all that was shared and discussed during this episode: TurboVote | Register to vote, check your registration, or sign up for election reminders — https://aka.ms/TurboVote. The next phase of Microsoft 365 Copilot innovation — https://aka.ms/Copilot/NextPhase. #Wave2: Copilot Pages, Copilot in Excel with Python, Copilot in PowerPoint, Copilot agents in SharePoint, and more. Plus, Microsoft 365 Copilot Wave 2 announcements blog — https://aka.ms/Copilot/NextPhase/blog by Jared Spataro. Microsoft’s new Qualcomm-powered Surface devices now available — https://aka.ms/QualcommDevices. Learn to build a security-first culture with AI at Microsoft Ignite 2024 — https://aka.ms/SecurityIgnite2024. New Copilot enhancements help small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) innovate — https://aka.ms/CopilotEnhancementsSMB. Bidirectional translation support now available for language interpretation in Teams — https://aka.ms/BidirectionalSupport. Unveiling Copilot agents built with Microsoft Copilot Studio - https://aka.ms/UnveilingCopilotAgents. "How the Microsoft Power Platform community is using low-code and AI to transform work and lives" by Charles Lamanna. Register for the European Microsoft Fabric Community Conference in Stockholm (September 24-27) - https://aka.ms/Fabric/CommunityConference. To learn more about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative - a meeting place for all who are part of the Microsoft Community ecosystem, all are welcome: https://aka.ms/MGCI. We launched a new page listing our newly minted regional directors. https://aka.ms/MGCIAdvisors So many great events coming up and all available to check out on https://www.communitydays.org. We also just launched a community calls page here so you can find community related called host by Microsoft and the community. Join us for the next episode of Mondays at Microsoft on October 8th at 8am PDT for our next show and check out our page for our show and Community Studio efforts at https://adoption.microsoft.com/mondays-at-microsoft.Mondays at Microsoft | Episode 33
A lot has happened in the last few weeks, with more to come. Get tech-ready and stay in the know with Mondays at Microsoft. Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook keep you grounded with the latest in AI, broader product awareness, community activities and events, and more. Join live on Monday, September 9th, 8:00am PDT. #CommunityLuv 💖 Show notes and links to all that was shared and discussed during this episode: Update on Microsoft's approach to tackling intimate image abuse from Courtney Gregoire, Chief Digital Safety Officer. Upcoming live events: “Microsoft 365 Copilot: Wave 2” - Join Satya Nadella and Jared Spataro to learn about the next phase of Copilot innovation: September 16th at 8:00 AM PDT. "Microsoft OneDrive: AI Innovations for a New Era of Work and Home" - October 8th at 10:00 AM PDT with experts Jeff Teper, Jason Moore, Arwa Tyebkhan, Gaia Carini, and Arjun Tomar. 90-minute AMA with the Microsoft Loop product team on September 12th, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM PDT. NEW SERIES | "AI in Action: Building with Copilot Studio" with experts April Dunnam, Gomolemo Mohapi, and Elaiza Benitez. 2024 Forrester Total Economic Impact™ report for Microsoft Power Platform. Register for the Power Platform Community Conference in Las Vegas (September 18-20) - https://aka.ms/PowerPlatform/CommunityConference - including Charles Lamanna CVP and our President Jeff Teper along with CVP of Power BI and Fabric, Kim Manas along with our Chief Question Officer and Comedian, Trevor Noah. Microsoft Fabric August 2024 updates from Jason Himmelstein. To learn more about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative - a meeting place for all who are part of the Microsoft Community ecosystem, all are welcome: https://aka.ms/MGCI. We launched a new page listing our newly minted regional directors. https://aka.ms/MGCIAdvisors. So many great events coming up and all available to check out on https://www.communitydays.org. We also just launched a community calls page here so you can find community related called host by Microsoft and the community. Security link What is cybersecurity, and why it should matter to you. Explore the Microsoft Security Learning Modules. Follow the Microsoft Security blog. Join the Microsoft Security Tech Community. See you in two weeks: Join us on September 23rd at 8am PDT for our next show and check out our page for our show and Community Studio efforts at https://adoption.microsoft.com/mondays-at-microsoft.Mondays at Microsoft | Episode 29
Hello, July! Catch up on the latest Microsoft Community news and events on the next episode of Mondays at Microsoft. Register today to join Karuana_Gatimu_MSFT and Heather Newman LIVE at 8am PDT on July 8th, 2024. Note: We multicast all episodes. You can watch the show live right here on its Community News Desk event page, via LinkedIn Live from the "Microsoft Community" page, or direct within YouTube on the Microsoft Community Learning channel. #CommunityLuv Show notes & links to all shared and discussed on July 8th, 2024: Subscribe to the Community News Desk: https://aka.ms/CommunityNewsDesk/blog. In-depth product learning: https://aka.ms/M365ConSessions. “10 AI terms everyone should know” by Susanna Ray. “Empowering every scientist with AI-augmented scientific discovery” Microsoft will launch a U.S. public awareness campaign to encourage people to be vigilant to the risk of deepfake manipulation in this year’s election, and to Check, Re-Check and Vote: https://aka.ms/ElectionProtection Combatting AI Deepfakes: Microsoft's participation in the 2024 political conventions: https://aka.ms/CombattingAIDeepfakes Microsoft’s work to strengthen cybersecurity protection. In his written testimony, Brad Smith acknowledges the unique role Microsoft plays in safeguarding America’s cybersecurity. He notes that Microsoft accepts responsibility for each of the issues cited in the CSRB’s report and underscores Microsoft’s resolve to lead by example in the pursuit of a safer and more resilient cyber landscape. Microsoft’s work to strengthen cybersecurity protection: https://aka.ms/CybersecurityProtection. Startups are harnessing AI to solve problems big and small — https://aka.ms/StartupsHarnessingAI. Join the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub to accelerate your startup growth with AI: https://aka.ms/StartupsFoundersHub. Haut.AI provides skin care companies and retailers with AI-based skin diagnostic tools using SkinGPT: https://aka.ms/SkinGPT. How world-class athletes are turning to the power of AI and data: https://aka.ms/AthletesAI “New Teams agent capabilities in Microsoft Copilot unlock business value” “What’s new in Power Apps: June 2024 Feature Update” “Developer environment and plan now available in Sovereign clouds” Find your next event and join in the best community in tech: https://communitydays.org To learn more about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative - a meeting place for all who are part of the Microsoft Community ecosystem, all are welcome: https://aka.ms/MGCI We launched a new page listing our newly minted regional directors. https://aka.ms/MGCIAdvisors As part of our Microsoft Global Community Initiative, we invite you to join us for our monthly General Meeting on the third Tuesday of the month - June 18. Sign Up to join us for our monthly meeting at https://aka.ms/MGCISignUpMondays at Microsoft | Episode 30
Get ready for the week with "Mondays at Microsoft". Karuana_Gatimu_MSFT and Heather Newman update you on what's going on at Microsoft - from product releases to Community and event news, and more. LIVE at 8am PDT on July 22nd, 2024. Note: Now available on demand. Show notes and links to all that was shared and discussed during this episode: How Microsoft and AI work to reduce government benefit fraud and error. New ways to get creative with Microsoft Designer, powered by AI. Prompt Like a Pro: 8 Tips and tricks for working with Copilot in Teams. Check out all the latest Microsoft 365 product training. Learn more about what Microsoft is doing to help our customers through the CrowdStrike outage. Team Copilot | New agent capabilities in Microsoft Copilot unlock business value. 2024 release wave 2 plans for Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform now available. Build intelligent and scalable solutions with Microsoft Power Apps and Microsoft Power Platform. Announcing the General availability of time travel and 30 days of data retention in Microsoft Fabric Warehouse #88MPH. To learn more about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative - a meeting place for all who are part of the Microsoft Community ecosystem, all are welcome: https://aka.ms/MGCI We launched a new page listing our newly minted regional directors. https://aka.ms/MGCIAdvisors Find your next technology event: https://CommunityDays.org; so many great events coming up. We also launched a community calls page here so you can find community related calls hosted by Microsoft and the community. FYI, insights about Microsoft Ignite 2024 (November 19–22, 2024; optional pre-day on the 18th).Mondays at Microsoft | Episode 28
NOW ON DEMAND | Bring your morning coffee and join Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook for Mondays at Microsoft | Monday, June 24th, 2024, at 8:00am PDT (now on demand), get the latest news and views from the Microsoft Community and beyond. Note: For all episodes, you can watch the show live right here on its Community News Desk event page or via LinkedIn Live on its "Microsoft Community" page. #CommunityLuv Show notes & links to all that was shared on June 24th, 2024: Teaching Language Models to Hallucinate Less with Synthetic Tasks (from Cornell University) Microsoft is creating solutions to mitigate AI hallucinations and "ungrounded" content Microsoft to help rural hospitals defend against rising cybersecurity attacks AI for Health is a philanthropic program by Microsoft to support nonprofits, researchers, and organizations Microsoft Airband Initiative brings internet access to underserved communities around the world Addressing the gender digital divide | Learn how we are partnering to address the gender digital divide, ensuring more women and girls have access to transformative technology. Microsoft's 2024 Environmental Sustainability Report | A key principle of work for Microsoft is transparency. This report, published annually, includes our strategy, progress against our goals, and key challenges and trends we see in this work. Gain access to industry-leading AI services with Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub Microsoft Teams webinar integration with HubSpot marketing automation Work with complex data models in an ERD view assisted by Copilot Use Power Fx in Power Pages for authoring dynamic content Community News Desk on the Microsoft Tech Community Watch full recorded content, depth learning, from the Microsoft 365 Community Conference: Keynotes, general sessions, and breakout sessions. Find your next event: CommunityDays.org To learn more about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative - a meeting place for all who are part of the Microsoft Community ecosystem, all are welcome: https://aka.ms/MGCI We launched a new page listing our newly minted regional directors. https://aka.ms/MGCIAdvisorsMondays at Microsoft | Episode 38
Busy weeks leading up to Microsoft Ignite 2024, and more to come. Stay in the know with Mondays at Microsoft. Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook keep you grounded with the latest in AI, discussing Microsoft Ignite, Copilot use cases - including NASA's "Earth Copilot", Accessibility 101 training, community activities and events, and more. NOW ON DEMAND | Original air date: Monday, November 18th, 8:00am PST. Learn more about Mondays at Microsoft on adoption.microsoft.com. Show notes and links to all that was shared and discussed during this episode: Microsoft Ignite: November 19-22, 2024, in Chicago, USA: https://aka.ms/CommunityatIgnite. Microsoft 365 Copilot Use Cases: Examples of how Copilot is helping people in various fields: https://aka.ms/m365copilotexamples. NASA's new Earth Copilot: Collaboration between NASA and Microsoft to develop an AI-driven customer copilot: https://aka.ms/earthcopilot. Accessibility 101 Training: New mandatory training for Microsoft employees on accessibility: https://aka.ms/Accessibility101. AI for Nonprofits: Insights from the Microsoft AI Tour in Berlin on how AI can amplify nonprofit missions: https://aka.ms/aifornonprofits. New in Copilot: Upcoming features in Copilot for Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel. The latest on AI at work: November 2024: https://aka.ms/m365novblog. Community & Events Segment: Information about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative and upcoming community events: https://aka.ms/MGCI. We launched a new page listing our newly minted regional directors: https://aka.ms/MGCIAdvisors. Find your next event and/or call: https://CommunityDays.org. Next Mondays at Microsoft episode | Join us on December 2nd at 8am PST for our next show and check out our page for our show and Community Studio efforts at https://aka.ms/MondaysAtMicrosoft.
