Microsoft 365 and AI Guidance
Designing a more thoughtful, human, and secure digital workplace.
Welcome. This space is built on a simple conversational premise: technology should serve people, not confuse them. I help organizations make sense of the modern Microsoft ecosystem without getting lost in the administrative jargon. Real security and successful rollouts don't happen because of rigid, sterile checklists; they happen when we align powerful technical tools with everyday human habits.
Technical Deep Dives
Microsoft 365, Purview and AI Explainers
Making sense of Purview’s reporting options including their pros, cons and options for what to do next.
The latest Copilot on the block is Copilot Cowork. Does it improve the Copilot value proposition?
Tips for getting better results with Microsoft Copilot and building a prompting system that evolves and grows sustainably over time.
A simple design approach for starting with sensitivity labels in Microsoft Purview, which are a critical layer of security in Microsoft 365. They don’t need to be complicated!
The real work of building AI Agents is in the planning. I recommend becoming a business analyst of your own work—not to give it all away to AI, but to figure out where you want it to focus.
The Human Side
Change Management and Leadership
Everyone brings both “go” energy and “stop” energy to technology projects. What does this mean and how can we find the right balance?
If your note-taking system feels like work, you won't use it. I finally found a tool I actually enjoy using and feel confident I can find anything again.
A fictional detective reminded me how to build great teams: given direction, clear expectations, and encouragement, people could flourish. It's not about finding the best people—it's about creating the conditions where good people become great.
Tips for setting the scene, or writing the brief, before diving in to solve a problem with AI.
Ever notice how AI is sold to companies versus how it's received by the people actually expected to use it? There's a fundamental disconnect here that I want to explore.
Certifications
I hold Microsoft certifications in Microsoft 365, Purview, AI and Copilot —the technical foundation for helping organizations navigate AI adoption while maintaining compliance and security standards.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert
Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator
The Books and Learning Log
This is a bit different—consider it a peek “behind-the-scenes'“ of my mind. It’s the books I am deconstructing, the things I'm exploring, and the learning habits I’m building.
This is a mystery novel that takes place in 1919 in Calcutta India. The lead detective is British and a bit of a “fish out of water” in India during the time of the Raj, but he appreciates the world and life that he finds himself in. It’s gripping, smart, and an evocative historical mystery that’s well worth picking up.
Being busy has become a status symbol in today's culture. But what if it's actually a trap? What if all that busy work isn't the work that truly matters? Slowing down has benefits and might even be possible as described in this book by Cal Newport.
Five long reads that I found almost impossible to put down. A list for when you want to immerse yourself in a world!
Stephen Fry has been retelling Greek myths in a more accessible and modern way in a series of beautiful books. The Odyssey is his latest, focused on Odysseus finding his way back to Ithaca after the Trojan War. It's a wonderful book, and I love the design and art.
This is a fictional account of King Arthur’s stories. It’s got a slight edge of fantasy with historical fiction combined. It's well written and a great retelling of the early history of Britain that’s usually not told. A great read that’s hard to put down!
Persuasion was published posthumously in 1817, six months after Austen died at age 41. The themes of finding love "later in life," second chances with an early love, observations on wealth inequality and how easily 'persuaded' people can be by others because of societal expectations are still relevant today.
This is a science fiction novel about exploration and finding friendship no matter where you are, even in outer space with an alien who communicates through musical sounds. A fun romp across space!
If you like tales of cybersecurity, the genius of spreadsheets, a gentle critique of Silicon Valley and a rebel with a cause, you'll enjoy this book.
This book made me appreciate all the systems that have to be functioning so we as a local society can keep TB mostly at bay. We notice these systems only when they fail, but when they work, they're completely invisible to us.