MVP Insights Podcast: Alicia King on AI Agents, Consulting, Community Contributions

Welcome to MVP Insights, a podcast that explores the universe, ideas, and opportunities of the brightest stars in the Microsoft business applications ecosystem!

In episode 50, Giuseppe Ianni hosts Alicia King Keener, Technology Consulting Director at RSM US LLP and Microsoft MVP. They discuss how Alicia became involved in the community, how consulting has shaped her perspective to support others, exciting developments, and the Community Summit.

Key Takeaways

Community Contributions

Alicia began creating content about two years ago. She made numerous LinkedIn connections while searching for resources. Realizing she wasn’t giving back, she started posting a “tip of the day.” Her goal was to contribute to the community.

“When you touch one person, it touches another person… So if I could give information to someone that made their day better and allowed them to go into a meeting and be the hero… To me, that was success.”

This approach has opened up many opportunities for her to interact with people offline, beyond her virtual connections.

Consulting Perspective

In consulting, Alicia notes that she rarely encounters the same situation twice. “You’ll find things that are similar, things that are a little bit different, some things are the same.”

This diversity has helped her develop creative thinking. She has become an active listener, enabling her to craft client-specific solutions. Consulting is a dynamic field, and Alicia thrives on the challenges it presents.

D365 and Teams

Microsoft has been leveraging Microsoft Teams to interact with D365, which Alicia appreciates. It has allowed her to create Power BI reports directly in Teams. This integration enables users to leverage D365 data and security, allowing them to create records within Teams.

“I don’t have to know anything about the 365… I’m in my own language using a very universal tool called Teams to interact with that D365 database. I think, for me, that is an absolute game changer.”

Summit NA

Alicia will be speaking at this year’s Community Summit North America. She shares insights on her session, “Discover the Powerful Tax Engine in D365 Finance and Supply Chain Management,” and what attendees can expect from her at the event.

AI Agent Potential

The AI agents are something Alicia finds intriguing. Use case-specific agents will enhance industry-specific decision-making. These agents sift through data, providing logic and summarized information. Users can even build rules into the agent so it can make decisions independently.

“Having that automated process is going to really shift the way people do business.”

The Future of Consulting

As we look ahead, the consulting landscape is evolving rapidly. New technologies and methodologies are emerging, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Embracing these changes can lead to more efficient processes and better outcomes for clients.

Building a Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of consulting is the opportunity to build a community. By sharing knowledge and experiences, we can uplift each other. It’s about collaboration and support. Together, we can tackle complex challenges and drive innovation.

Continuous Learning

In this fast-paced environment, continuous learning is crucial. Whether through formal education, webinars, or community events, staying informed is key. The more we learn, the better equipped we are to serve our clients and lead successful projects.

Networking Opportunities

Networking is another vital component of professional growth. Engaging with peers at events like the Community Summit can open doors to new opportunities. You never know who you might meet or what insights you might gain!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of D365 consulting is full of possibilities. By contributing to the community, embracing new technologies, and fostering connections, we can all thrive. Let’s continue to support one another and lead the way in this exciting field!