From Hackathons to High Impact: Building Real AI Solutions

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🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/729

What happens when curiosity meets courage in the tech world? In this episode, Edit Kapcari shares how she transformed imposter syndrome into innovation—leading solution development at ORBUS and mentoring rising tech talent. From building AI-powered apps at hackathons to fostering internal communities that thrive on experimentation, Edit reveals how being a “sponge” for learning can reshape careers and company culture. If you're navigating the fast-moving world of AI, leadership, or Power Platform, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Hackathons as Launchpads: How Edit used hackathons to validate ideas, build confidence, and drive real business value with AI and Power Platform.
- Mentorship That Moves People: Why creating space for experimentation and failure is essential to growing tech talent.
- Building Learning Cultures: The importance of hiring “sponges” and fostering internal communities that share knowledge weekly.
- Balancing Tech with Mental Health: How Edit integrates meditation, conscious eating, and psychology to lead with empathy and clarity.
- Navigating the AI Landscape: Insights on staying current with AI trends, from generative interfaces to agentic systems, even when it’s not part of your day job.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft's low-code development platform: https://powerplatform.microsoft.com
👉 Tools for integrating AI models: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-automate/custom-connectors
👉Lisa Crosbie’s YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@LisaCrosbie
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

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Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith