Copilot Studio Dudecast EP2 Jeff Derstadt

In this episode of the Agent Dude Cast, host Dewain Robinson interviews James Oleinik from Microsoft, discussing the evolution of business applications, the introduction of the 'super app' concept, and the significance of context in AI-driven solutions. They explore how Microsoft's innovations, particularly in Copilot and Work IQ, are transforming productivity and automation in enterprise environments. The conversation delves into the advancements in AI and continuous learning within business applications, particularly focusing on Work IQ and its implications for CRM systems. James Oleinik and Dewain Robinson discuss the importance of automating processes and the potential for AI to enhance efficiency and personalization in business operations.TakeawaysSuper app revolutionizes productivityContext is key for AI efficiency Continuous learning enhances AI efficiencyAI can automate personal and professional tasksChapters00:00 Introduction to the Agent Dude Cast01:50 James Oleinik's Journey at Microsoft05:46 The Emergence of the Super App10:00 Understanding Copilot Code14:02 Innovations in Business Applications22:04 The Importance of Context in AI30:35 Continuous Learning in AI31:43 CRM Systems and Automation36:20 Improving Processes with AI38:20 Upcoming Events and Presentations40:45 Engaging with the Community44:31 AI in Personal Life Management51:16 The Future of AI in Business

Dewain introduces his career transition and new role at Dynamic Communities, followed by a discussion with Uli about their initial meeting and relationship building. They delve into career progression, mentorship, and the importance of governance in AI. The conversation then explores model optimization, routing, and the challenges of operating AI at scale. The conversation delves into the key aspects of scaling AI, focusing on identity, observability, and the role of MCP as an enablement and control point. It also explores the challenges of agent development, the future of SaaS and AI, and the role of SaaS in the AI ecosystem. Additionally, it discusses physical AI and governance concerns, highlighting the need for responsible and ethical AI practices.TakeawaysCareer transitions can lead to new opportunities and rolesBuilding strong relationships and mentorship are crucial for career growthGovernance, model optimization, and operating AI at scale are key challenges in the AI industry Identity and observability are crucial for scaling AIMCP serves as an enablement and control point for agentsThe future of SaaS lies in its evolution and integration with AIPhysical AI presents exciting opportunities but raises governance concernsChapters00:00 Introduction and Career Transition02:02 Meeting Uli and Building Relationships06:42 Career Progression and Mentorship15:05 Governance in AI21:45 Model Optimization and Routing26:55 Operating AI at Scale30:23 Scaling AI: Identity and Observability31:20 MCP as an Enablement and Control Point32:47 Knowledge as a Control Point34:08 Challenges of Agent Development36:04 The Future of SaaS and AI39:28 The Role of SaaS in the AI Ecosystem54:09 Physical AI and Governance Concerns

The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to AI, agents, and the evolving landscape of technology. It delves into the impact of AI on various industries, the importance of reinvention, and the role of AI in amplifying human capabilities. The discussion also emphasizes the need for thought leadership and innovation in the context of AI and technology. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the impact of AI on business, the concept of human context protocol (HCP), the importance of side hustles, and the evolving role of AI in consumer products and branding. It also delves into the distinction between AI in corporate and personal spaces, and the need for businesses to maintain a human touch in their interactions.TakeawaysAI amplifies human capabilitiesReinvention is essential in the tech industry AI is transforming business operations and decision-making, with a focus on solving previously unsolvable problems.The concept of human context protocol (HCP) emphasizes the importance of human qualities and interactions in the AI era.Side hustles provide opportunities for personal growth and skill development, contributing to professional success.The consumer market is experiencing a shift towards human-centric branding and marketing, with a focus on authentic human connections.The distinction between AI in corporate and personal spaces highlights the need for businesses to maintain a human touch in their interactions.Chapters00:00 Thought Leadership and Innovation in AI36:05 The Concept of Human Context Protocol (HCP)43:18 The Significance of Side Hustles57:33 AI in Consumer Products and Branding

Podcast SummaryThe episode introduces the evolution of the Agent Dude channel, shifting to practical, real‑world use of agents and Copilot. It covers the role of the Copilot Acceleration Team (CAT) and CAPE in helping organizations adopt, scale, and govern AI.Key themes include the Frontier Transformation Pattern for AI maturity, the Power Up program for accelerating learning, and the Guidance Center and live webinars as core enablement resources. Boot camps, hands‑on labs, and the Copilot Studio Kit are highlighted as accelerators for building governed, scalable agents.The conversation closes by encouraging individuals and organizations to work with AI as a collaborator to amplify productivity, creativity, and impact.Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Channel Transformation08:58 – Power Up Program and Its Impact19:23 – Guidance Center and Interactive Webinars26:30 – Engaging in Live Webinars34:57 – Copilot Studio Kit and Enterprise ImpactLinks & ResourcesPower Up – Free AI learninghttps://powerup.microsoft.comAgent Academy – Hands-on agent curriculumhttps://aka.ms/agent-academyGuidance Center – Enterprise implementation guidancehttps://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-copilot-studio/guidance/Architecture Center – Real-world agent architectureshttps://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/architecture/products/copilot-studioAI Maturity & Transformation Playbookhttps://msft.it/6045sFYqhCopilot Studio Implementation Guidehttps://aka.ms/CopilotStudioImplementationGuideCopilot Studio Kit (Open source)https://github.com/microsoft/Power-CAT-Copilot-Studio-KitCAT Team Blog – The Custom Enginehttps://microsoft.github.io/mcscatblog/CAT Resources Portalhttps://microsoft.github.io/cat/Power Platform YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@mspowerplatformPower CAT AI Webinars Playlisthttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnRSm4MRK-qdelQTsKXTXAIgO_PuGzSWwCopilot Studio Architecture Bootcamphttps://microsoft.github.io/cat/programs/architecture-bootcamp.htmlCopilot Studio Resources Hubhttps://aka.ms/copilotstudio/resources

The conversation covers the introduction of the guest, John Seifert, and his role as the CEO of Dynamic Communities. It delves into the events organized by Dynamic Communities, including the Community Summit North America and the AI Agent and Co-Pilot Summit. The discussion also explores the concept of rapid prototyping with NLP, the activity spectrum, and the proactive skill development required in the AI space. Additionally, it addresses the importance of choosing the right AI tools for specific use cases. The conversation delves into the concept of using a diverse set of tools, akin to Batman's tool belt, to solve problems effectively. It emphasizes the importance of adopting and adapting AI tools to specific needs, as well as the value of technical understanding and creativity in leveraging these tools.TakeawaysCommunity Summit North AmericaAI Agent and Co-Pilot SummitRapid Prototyping with NLPActivity Spectrum and Proactive Skill Development Diverse Tool UsageAdaptation and InnovationChapters00:00 Choosing the Right AI Tools31:19 The Batman Tool Belt37:15 Adoption and Adaptation of AI Tools

The conversation covers the evolution of Copilot Studio, the impact of model improvements on orchestration, and the role and future of child agents and topics. It delves into the early days of Bot Framework Composer, the transition to Power Virtual Agents, and the evolution of the generative orchestrator. It also explores the power and future of child agents and topics in the context of orchestration and agent development. The conversation covers the considerations and limitations of multi-agents, use cases for child and connected agents, context management in multi-agent systems, inputs and outputs in topics and agents, and the excitement and concerns surrounding AI-driven development.TakeawaysEvolution of Copilot StudioImpact of model improvements on orchestrationRole and future of child agents and topics Multi-agents should be used with consideration of trade-offs and limitationsAI-driven development is accelerating workflow and making delivery more efficientChapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:02 Generative AI and Power Virtual Agents10:09 Model Improvements and Impact on Orchestration16:08 Power and Future of Child Agents and Topics28:14 Multi-Agents: Considerations and Limitations35:36 Context Management in Multi-Agent Systems47:38 AI-Driven Development: Excitement and Concerns

In this episode, I talk with Bas Brekelmans, CTO of Copilot Studio. The conversation covers the evolution of conversational AI models, challenges in managing and deploying the latest models, the impact of model evolution on performance and security, and the shift in building agents from specific workflows to evaluating expected outcomes. The discussion also delves into the history and evolution of conversational AI, early models and innovation, challenges of model management, model selection and orchestration, security and guardrails in model orchestration, performance and latency in model orchestration, and the evolution of building agents. The conversation delves into the impact of AI models on engineering discipline, the transition from traditional development to model training, and the evolution of skill sets in natural language understanding. It also explores the role of language proficiency in AI development and the evolution of AI systems and models.TakeawaysEvolution of conversational AI modelsChallenges in managing and deploying the latest modelsImpact of model evolution on performance and securityShift in building agents from specific workflows to evaluating expected outcomes Nudging AI modelsTransition from traditional development to model trainingChapters00:00 Evolution of Building Agents30:06 Automating Reordering and Over-Engineering36:12 Evolution of Engineering Discipline41:33 Transition to Managerial Role in AI Development48:10 Evolution of AI Systems and Models

In this episode of the Copilot Studio Dudecast, I talk with Jeff Derstadt. Jeff is a Partner Engineering Director in Copilot Studio's Engineering team. We discuss the evolution of Copilot Studio from the beginning, the importance of instructions and descriptions and many other great topics in this episode.

In this episode of the Copilot Studio Dudecast, I talk with Andy Matkin. Andy was the lead architect of Nuance Mix and is a senior technical engineer in Copilot Studio's Engineering team. We discuss MCP and many other great topics in this episode.