MSDW Podcast: Project management, training, and Microsoft channel life with Neil Benson

Life in the Microsoft channel has changed over the years, and while our guest, Microsoft MVP Neil Benson, has never been far from that world of licensing, ISV solutions, and partner programs, his recent experiences with his new venture, Superware, have given him new perspective.

Working with Microsoft in 2023 is not like working with the company in 2013 or 2006, and Neil explains some of the ways he and other partners are adapting. In addition to launching a new industry-focused software and services business, Neil tells us about his continued work developing training programs for the Microsoft community, blogging, and podcasting. And we discuss where he thinks the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform ecosystem is headed more broadly.

Show Notes:

• 1:30 - The launch of a new business
• 3:30 - Working in Australia's carefully regulated superannuation industry
• 7:00 - Aligning with Microsoft's industry category approach
• 8:15 - Applying agile concepts with Superware projects and clients
• 10:00 - The latest stats on Neil's online courses
• 14:30 - How do fusion teams align with agile development teams
• 20:15 - How to estimate the size of the total pool of Dynamics professionals?
• 22:30 - Developing new skilled workers for the Dynamics and Power Platform ecosystem
• 26:00 - The challenges of launching a career today
• 27:30 - Building a channel business in 2023 vs 2006
• 36:30 - Can Microsoft adequately support its broad landscape of partners?
• 38:00 - Conference outlook