Beyond the Feature

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I unpack a phrase that shows up in a lot of technology conversations: 'organizations across SLED, commercial, and manufacturing sectors are navigating today's evolving technology landscape.' I explain what it means and why it matters. Going sector by sector in plain, practical terms, the episode looks at what's actually happening in State, Loc...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I zoom out from specific tools and workflows to look at the bigger picture: the trends that are reshaping work itself. In plain, practical language and grounded in current research from McKinsey, the World Economic Forum, PwC, Gallup, Owl Labs, Gartner, and others, this episode covers the real state of AI adoption and why most initiatives still aren't sho...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I break down one of the most frustrating patterns in organizations right now: AI tools that work, but that people aren't actually using. The answer is in the science of how people change. This episode covers why the brain resists change (it's wired for efficiency, not novelty), how status quo bias and loss aversion explain most AI resistance, the emot...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I take one of the most universally recognized frameworks in professional life, SMART goals, and connect it to the technology ecosystem that can make those goals actually work. Starting with the research (employees with clear goals are 14.2 times more likely to feel inspired, 3.6 times more likely to stay committed to their organization), walking through each...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I break down what separates a SharePoint intranet that people actually use from one that quietly fades into the digital background. Starting with the research (up to 40% of intranets fail to achieve sustained adoption within their first year, and nearly 60% of intranet managers aren't sure what their intranet's purpose is) the episode walks through wh...

What does it actually mean to innovate safely in education? In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Tebbenkamp, CETL, former CIO of a K-12 School District, CoSN advisor and instructor, and author of One Road: A Leadership Blueprint for Safe, Strategic Innovation. Melissa shares the framework behind her book, the concept of a Culture of Trusted Data, and what it takes for technology leaders in edu...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I bring my background in educational leadership to the technology training conversation and the research-backed case I make for doing training differently is hard to argue with. Employees forget 90% of what they learned in a week. Videos over 6 minutes dramatically underperform. Story improves retention 22 times over standalone facts. Microlearning modules ha...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I make the case that the problem with most data reporting isn't the data, it's the story. Covering the core principles of data storytelling (story before visualization, narrative arc, know your audience), a walk through the full tool landscape (Excel and PowerPoint, Power BI, Canva and Magic Charts, AI tools for plain-language data analysis), how to c...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I make the case that your inbox doesn't have to be managed manually, it can manage itself. Using practical, immediately actionable examples of Outlook Rules, this episode walks through everything from the brilliant CC folder trick (create a folder for CC emails, pin it to the top, and let your rule route copied emails there automatically so your inbox onl...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I take a different kind of look at Microsoft 365, not at governance or governance tools, but at the accessibility features built into the tools everyone is already using. Through personal stories, concrete examples, and an honest conversation about who these tools are really for, this episode covers Immersive Reader and its full toolkit, Dictation and voice-d...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I make the case that clean spreadsheet data isn't just an organizational nicety — in the age of AI, it's the prerequisite for every tool your team is investing in to actually work. Using real data on the cost of bad data (Gartner, IBM, McKinsey), the 1-10-100 rule, and practical examples of what happens when Copilot, Power BI, or ChatGPT meets a messy...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I unpack one of the most common frustrations in organizations deploying Microsoft Copilot: AI answers that are wrong, outdated, or surface content that was never supposed to be seen. The problem isn't the AI. It's the data environment the AI is working inside. Using the five-domain governance framework from our SharePoint readiness assessments — Permi...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I break down why cybersecurity keeps failing organizations of every size and why the answer isn't a better tool, it's a better workflow. Using real 2024–2025 security incidents affecting businesses ranging from grocery chains to staffing franchises, this episode walks through the mindset shift and practical steps that small and mid-sized businesses an...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature I discuss how AI can transform workplace workflows by shifting from chaotic, scattered processes to structured, repeatable systems. I emphasize that AI's true value lies in workflow maturity and organizational clarity, not just feature adoption. Subscribe to the podcast, and like Beyond the Feature on LinkedIn and Facebook! And check out the website and Ap...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature we have a Spotlight Episode where I sit down with Jim Spignardo, another Director of Cloud Strategy, and we talk Microsoft 365, AI, and strategizing the workflow and metrics for successful technology use and adoption. This is an awesome podcast, must watch! Subscribe to the podcast, and like Beyond the Feature on LikedIn and Facebook! And check out the App! Wa...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I explore practical strategies to improve online meetings, emphasizing purpose, roles, and follow-up to maximize productivity and reduce wasted time. Every meeting needs purpose, people, and output to be effective. Write a clear purpose in one sentence before scheduling. Invite only essential participants to save time. Make decisions visible and record them i...

This episode explores the art of prompting in AI, emphasizing how clear communication and structured prompts can significantly improve AI outputs. I share practical formulas and real-world examples to help professionals upgrade their workflow with AI tools. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOE0KN6HCHgZEQBMi8HvrLX-X2VqQQndI Coupon code for Copilot course at Olympus Academy is BTF for 50% off...

This episode explores best practices for using project management software like Microsoft Planner to improve team workflows. It emphasizes the importance of treating the tool as a home for project truth, not just a storage space, and provides actionable tips for clarity, ownership, and trust. Link to our podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOE0KN6HCHgZEQBMi8HvrLX-X2VqQQndI Microsoft Pla...

In this episode I share practical SharePoint best practices for everyday users to reduce chaos, improve collaboration, and ensure data security. Focused on simple habits, these tips help small businesses and nonprofits use SharePoint effectively without technical complexity. Tag someone who needs to hear this! https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLOE0KN6HCHgZEQBMi8HvrLX-X2VqQQndI #SharePoint #best...

In this episode, I interview Jenny Turner, a digital systems and operations leader, who shares her insights on creating effective workflows and systems in organizations. Jenny emphasizes the importance of flexibility in organization, the value of using the right tools, and the necessity of leadership buy-in for successful change management. She discusses her experiences in improving onboarding pro...

In this episode, I discuss the importance of responsible AI in the workplace, emphasizing that AI should be treated as a new coworker rather than just a tool. I outline six key principles of responsible AI: fairness, transparency, accountability, reliability and safety, privacy and security, and inclusiveness. The conversation includes practical examples and a three-check method to ensure responsi...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I discuss the challenges of using chat tools like Teams for important communication and decision-making. I introduce the 'message to work habit' to help users manage their workflows more effectively by moving important information out of chat and into dedicated workspaces. The episode emphasizes the importance of creating a structured environment for...

In this episode of Beyond the Feature, I discuss the challenges of disorganization in the workplace and introduces the 'Single Source of Truth' rule as a solution. I emphasize the importance of creating a designated home for important work to reduce searching and improve workflow efficiency. The episode outlines practical steps to implement this rule, including the 'Three Homes Model&#...

In this episode, I talk about something we all deal with: meetings that feel productive in the moment but never actually lead to real work afterward. I walk through a simple approach I use called the 24 Hour Rule. The idea is that if a meeting matters, you should come out of it within a day knowing four things: the decision that was made, who owns what, the next step, and where all of it lives so...

In this episode, I break down why Microsoft 365 is more thanjust a collection of apps. I share how it helps with communication, collaboration, productivity, and drives innovation through ongoing workflow improvements. If you found today’s discussion helpful, please share it with someone who always wonders where to find the latest version of a document.