Awkward Silence

This episode was definitely not on the agenda. What starts as a hot mic moment turns into an accidental deep dive on geography, maps that lie, and the very important question no one asked but everyone now cares about: why isn’t Australia an island? Recorded during one of those moments when we forget we’re already recording, this cutting‑room‑floor clip captures peak Awkward Silence energy—complete...

Join us as we discuss Wave 1 updates relevant to Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform, focusing on Sales, Service, Power Apps/Dataverse, Project Ops, and Power Automate. On the Sales side, they highlight qualification, close, and research sales agents moving to GA, note FastTrack-enabled production access, question availability in Government Cloud, and debate whether sales agents will become as pro...

In this episode, we unpack what vibe.powerapps.com (The Vibe Experience) actually is (and isn’t), how it compares to Plan Designer, and why it feels both exciting and a little off‑brand in the Power Apps world. From AI‑generated, React‑based custom apps to Dataverse‑only constraints, we talk through what Vibe produces, who it’s really for, and where functional consultants, makers, and pro‑code dev...

In this episode, Ed and Ashley talk through the Fast Track Recognized Solution Architect (FTRSA) process, including the different tracks (Dynamics and Power Platform) and what it takes to qualify. They discuss options for submitting documentation that won’t be publicly published, as well as the review and interview process where work is closely evaluated. The conversation also covers the challenge...

Join us for an exciting episode as we welcome our very first guest, Ali Nelson, to the podcast! Together, we dive into the complicated world of CRM security and discuss strategies for managing security roles and business units effectively. Ali, who just started a new job managing a system with over 11,000 users, grapples with the headaches of security and shares insights and challenges. We explore...

In this episode, Ashley and Ed reflect on their experiences at the Power Platform Community Conference. They discuss the challenges of navigating the event venue, the excitement of connecting with peers, and the diverse and evolving session content. With a focus on the growing influence of AI and tools like Copilot, they share their thoughts on how the tech landscape is changing. Additionally, the...

In this episode, Ed and Ashley dive deep into workplace dynamics and gender bias, as we share personal experiences and highlight the importance of discussing how women treat each other in professional environments. We explore the value of acknowledging feelings such as jealousy and the profound impact they can have on personal and professional growth. The conversation also touches on the significa...

In this episode, Ed and Ashley share exciting updates on their upcoming sessions at major Dynamics and Power Platform events, and tease future special guests. They dive into their topics for Community Summit, including applying agile principles to Power Platform projects and enhancing search functionalities in Dynamics. Looking ahead to the Power Platform Community Conference in Vegas, sessions wi...

In this episode, we dive into the key differences between Customer Data Platforms (CDP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. We explore Microsoft's CDP known as Customer Insights (CID), discuss its features, capabilities, and how it unifies data to provide actionable insights. We also touch on the integration of AI and the concept of unified profiles. Additionally, we cover lice...

In this episode, join a candid conversation about preparing for Microsoft Power Platform certification exams, specifically the PL-200 and PL-600. Join Ed and Ashley as they discuss the intricacies of the exams, including the range of topics covered, the challenges faced, and tips for effective study techniques. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences, the importance of understanding...

Exploring the Microsoft AI Accelerator for Sales: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Implications Join us as we discuss the newly announced Microsoft AI Accelerator for Sales. We explore its features, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, pre-built agents, and Dynamics 365 integration. We discuss the potential benefits, such as improved efficiency and automated lead generation, alongside concerns re...

In this episode, we dive deep into a variety of listener questions from recent power platform conferences with our hosts, discussing key topics such as effective naming conventions, junction tables, and handling conflicting requirements in CRM projects. We also touch upon the nuances of requirements gathering, solution design, and agile methodologies. Join us for an insightful conversation packed...

Join us as we dive into questions from Ashley’s session from Power Platform Community Conference that she presented with Neil Benson entitled From Backlog to Brilliant: Transform Your Power Platform Development. The questions allow Ashley and Ed to discuss key insights on Agile methodologies. We explore how Copilot and generative AI can streamline workflow and backlog management, offering practica...

Join Microsoft Business Applications MVPs Ed Gonzales and Ashley Steiner in a candid discussion about user adoption in CRM implementations. They share insights from their experiences, including the difficulties of getting sales teams to embrace new systems, strategies for improving user adoption, and the value of empathy in the process. Listen in for real-world examples, humorous anecdotes, and pr...

In this episode, join us as we discuss advanced CRM marketing features beyond Microsoft's Copilot. We dive into email management tools, including personalization options and GDPR compliance, and touch upon upcoming exciting innovations aimed at enhancing marketing strategies. We also provide insights into how behavioral data can be leveraged for targeted marketing and the importance of data cl...

In this episode of the Awkward Silence Podcast, hosts Ed Gonzales and Ashley Steiner, both Microsoft MVPs, dive into various Microsoft tools that enhance sales engagement. They discuss features like assignment rules and sequences and highlight the importance of these tools beyond the hyped Copilot. Ashley details assignment rules that streamline lead routing and the robust sequence feature that he...