The PartnerTalks Podcast with Rick McCutcheon

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Michael Konstas, President and CFO of Dynamic Communities, to discuss how the organization is evolving and how its events are bringing together Microsoft Dynamics 365 customers, partners, ISVs, MVPs, and Microsoft leaders. Rick and Michael look back at a busy year of community events, including the AI Agent & Copilot Summit, the AI Business Solutions Partner Executive Summit, and nearly 20 regional Dynamics User Group (DUG) Roadshows. They explore how these events are helping the Microsoft business applications ecosystem navigate the rapid evolution of Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, Copilot, and AI agents. Watch the full PartnerTalks interview to hear more about the future of the Microsoft Dynamics community, upcoming events, AI innovation, and the continued growth of the DUG community.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon welcomes Marc DiGiorgio, Co-Founder of TekStack, back to the podcast to explore how AI is transforming business software, sales, project delivery, billing, customer success and renewals. Marc shares how TekStack is using Microsoft Dataverse and Microsoft 365 to connect customer data and business processes, while AI increasingly takes over tasks that once required employees to manually enter information, update systems and navigate multiple applications. Tune in to learn how TekStack is approaching the future of AI in business software, what autonomous processes could mean for technology companies, and why the traditional user interface may be changing faster than we think.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon sits down with Joel Leetzow, CEO of Sylogist, to discuss the company's growth strategy, its Microsoft Partner ecosystem and how AI is shaping the future of its products and operations. Leetzow shares his vision for using AI to enhance human expertise while maintaining the oversight and judgment that customers and organizations still need. The conversation explores Sylogist's growing investment in Partners, the role of Microsoft Copilot and AI, and the opportunities ahead for Dynamics 365 Business Central, including Payroll by Sylogist. Tune in to hear Joel Leetzow share his perspective on AI, Microsoft Partners and where Sylogist is headed next.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon sits down with Ivan Stano, CEO of Resco, to explore how mobile technology, artificial intelligence, and enterprise mobility are changing the way field workers get their jobs done. Ivan shares his journey from joining Resco as one of its earliest employees to becoming CEO, along with insights into the technology behind reliable offline mobile experiences for demanding field service environments. The conversation also explores how Resco is approaching AI with a focus on practical solutions that simplify work rather than create additional complexity. Watch the full PartnerTalks interview with Ivan Stano and discover how AI and mobile technology can help make frontline work simpler, smarter, and more efficient.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon sits down with Tracy Beyer, a TD SYNNEX leader with an impressive 34-year career in technology distribution. Tracy shares insights from her journey through IBM and Lotus licensing, VMware, Microsoft, security, and today's rapidly evolving AI Business Solutions market. Discover how technology distribution has transformed, how Microsoft Partners can navigate increasingly complex cloud, AI, and cybersecurity opportunities, and what it takes to adapt and grow in a constantly changing industry. Tune in to hear Tracy's lessons from more than three decades of helping Partners evolve, embrace new technologies, and build successful Microsoft businesses.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Bobby Small, Community Strategy Director at Dynamics User Group (DUG), to preview what attendees can expect from Microsoft's premier Dynamics 365 event taking place December 8–11, 2026. They also discuss the continued growth of Dynamics User Group, including its expanding network of 65 local and virtual communities, growing presence across Latin America, and dozens of community events happening every month. Whether you're a Microsoft Partner, Dynamics 365 consultant, Business Central professional, or part of the broader Microsoft Business Applications community, this conversation provides a preview of the connections, learning opportunities, and insights waiting at Convergence 2026.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Cole Krucke, Account Executive at USTPay, to discuss his journey into the Microsoft Business Applications channel and the opportunities available for young professionals looking to build a career in the space. Just months after entering the channel himself, Cole is helping launch DUG Young Professionals, a new initiative designed to make Microsoft Dynamics 365, Business Central, and the broader Partner community more accessible to the next generation of professionals. Whether you're a Microsoft Partner, Business Central user, or someone considering a career in the Dynamics 365 space, this conversation offers valuable insights into building connections, embracing innovation, and making the channel more welcoming for future leaders.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon sits down with Joe, founder of Aqueducts Consulting, to explore how business processes tell a company's story and why preserving customer intent is critical to successful ERP implementations. Joe shares why aligning your data, systems, and business goals is essential for modern organizations adopting Microsoft Dynamics 365. Whether you're a Microsoft partner, ERP professional, or business leader navigating digital transformation, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology, storytelling, and enterprise data strategy.

AI is reshaping the Microsoft Partner ecosystem, changing how organizations sell solutions, deliver services, and scale their businesses. In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Dynamic Communities CEO John Siefert to explore how Microsoft Partners are adapting to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and what it means for the future of the channel. The conversation highlights key topics surrounding the upcoming AI Business Solutions Partner Executive Summit and Community Summit North America, including evolving Partner business models, the importance of AI quality assurance, and the growing role of Partner-to-Partner collaboration. John also shares why some of the most valuable insights in the Microsoft ecosystem often happen in informal conversations between industry leaders. Whether you're a Microsoft Partner, MSP, ISV, systems integrator, or channel executive, this episode offers practical insights into AI adoption, leadership strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the Microsoft Business Applications community.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Andrew Good from Liberty Grove Software to discuss digital transformation, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and what it takes to successfully modernize business operations. Andrew shares his experience helping manufacturers, distributors, food companies, and other specialized industries replace manual processes with real-time ERP solutions. The conversation explores why successful transformation requires more than just implementing new software, including the critical role of change management, process improvement, and helping teams adapt to new ways of working. Whether you're a manufacturer exploring ERP modernization, a Microsoft Partner supporting SMB customers, or a business leader looking at the future of AI and Business Central, this episode provides practical insights into building a stronger digital foundation.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Alan Wyne, CEO of Innovia Consulting, to discuss the company's unique Business Central growth strategy. Instead of prioritizing net-new software sales, Innovia helps businesses already using Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Dynamics 365 Business Central that have outgrown or become dissatisfied with their current implementation partner. Alan explains how Innovia consistently brings on around 30 new customers each year by serving what many in the Microsoft channel call "orphaned" customers. He shares why specialization has been central to the company's success, the importance of deep Business Central expertise after go-live, and how partners can create long-term value by helping organizations unlock more from their existing ERP investment. Whether you're a Microsoft Partner, Dynamics 365 Business Central consultant, ERP leader, or business evaluating your current Business Central implementation, this episode offers practical insights into customer retention, managed services, and sustainable growth in the Microsoft ecosystem.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Brad Foot, CEO of Fenwick Apps, to discuss the company's journey from a small Navision consulting firm in Australia to one of the leading Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) in the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem. Brad shares how Fenwick Apps turned real-world implementation knowledge into a portfolio of nearly 70 core Business Central apps and more than 100 AppSource listings spanning apps, connectors, and solution packs. He also explains why interoperability is essential for Microsoft Partners and customers, and tells the story of how Fenwick's Power BI reporting solution was acquired by Microsoft and integrated into the standard Business Central experience. Whether you're a Microsoft Partner, Dynamics 365 Business Central consultant, ISV, or business leader looking to extend Business Central with apps, this episode offers valuable insights into building scalable software solutions for the Microsoft ecosystem.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Monica Hoyer to discuss the launch of VOICES Conference, a new one-day virtual conference created specifically for marketers in the Microsoft Business Applications Partner ecosystem. Marketers working with Microsoft Business Applications often have limited opportunities to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Monica shares how VOICES Conference aims to fill that gap with a full day of partner-to-partner learning, practical marketing strategies, and networking opportunities designed exclusively for the Microsoft Partner community. Rick and Monica explore what attendees can expect on November 12, including expert-led tracks covering AI, thought leadership, marketing data, and the evolving Microsoft ecosystem. They also discuss the conference's call for speakers, why first-time presenters are encouraged to apply, and the value of on-demand session recordings after the event. To learn more about the conference and to register, visit: voicesconference.com

Batch manufacturing presents a unique set of challenges that traditional ERP implementations often fail to address. In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Randy Smith of Vicinity Software to discuss why Microsoft Partners looking to grow their manufacturing practice need to understand the differences between discrete and process manufacturing. Drawing from decades of experience, Randy shares the moment he realized that industry-specific functionality could outperform even the strongest ERP demonstrations. The conversation explores why process manufacturers require software built around formulas, quality management, compliance, traceability, and product development rather than treating those capabilities as customizations layered onto a standard ERP implementation. The discussion also examines how successful Microsoft Partners divide responsibilities with specialist ISVs, allowing Partners to focus on finance, distribution, warehousing, and customer relationships while manufacturing experts handle the complexities of production, quality, compliance, and research and development. For Microsoft Partners pursuing opportunities in manufacturing, this episode highlights why vertical expertise matters and how partnering with specialist ISVs can open the door to larger, more successful Business Central implementations.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Hendrik Bulens, Managing Partner at Dime Software, to explore how AI is reshaping scheduling while still keeping human planners firmly in control. For many growing firms in field service, professional services, and engineering, planning often starts in Excel, Outlook, or informal manual systems. However, as volume increases and operational complexity grows, these tools begin to break down, creating gaps in visibility, billing accuracy, resource allocation, and delivery performance. The conversation highlights why Excel remains one of the most widely used planning tools globally, even as its limitations become more pronounced in scaling organizations. Once scheduling spans multiple jobs, resources, stock, and time entries, fragmented data leads to conflicting versions of the truth and operational inefficiencies.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Dan Diefendorf of TheTestMart to explore how Partners can turn release readiness and testing into a durable, recurring revenue stream. As Microsoft continues its "innovation is constant" approach to business applications, organizations are required to validate that monthly, quarterly, and wave-based updates do not disrupt core business processes. That responsibility spans customers, Microsoft, and Partners, but real-world regression testing ultimately happens in each customer's unique environment, where data, configurations, and extensions all behave differently.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Richard Haus, CEO of WennSoft, to discuss how the company's cloud strategy is helping field service and construction customers transition to the next generation of Microsoft Business Applications while creating new opportunities for Microsoft Partners. The conversation explores why the move from Dynamics GP to the cloud is about far more than a technical migration. For organizations managing complex project accounting, job costing, field service operations, and construction workflows, modernization creates an opportunity to rethink business processes, improve operational efficiency, and prepare for AI-driven capabilities. The discussion also examines how Partners can build long-term customer relationships through migration assessments, implementation planning, process optimization, user training, testing, and ongoing cloud services. As organizations prepare for a post-Dynamics GP future, cloud migration is becoming more than an infrastructure project. It is creating a foundation for recurring services, AI adoption, and continued business transformation.

As Microsoft Partners accelerate their AI strategies, one long-standing challenge is becoming impossible to ignore: data quality. In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Ryan Pennett of Paribus 365 to discuss why clean, well-governed data has become the foundation for successful AI initiatives within Microsoft Dynamics 365. Their conversation explores how duplicate records, incomplete customer information, and inconsistent data can undermine Copilot, automation, reporting, and business decision-making. They also examine why data quality is evolving from a maintenance task into a strategic service opportunity for Microsoft Partners. As organizations continue investing in AI, this episode highlights why trusted data is becoming one of the most valuable assets in every Business Applications project and why Partners who help customers improve data quality will be well positioned for future growth.

Payroll is often viewed as a back-office function, but as Lee Parent of Sylogist explains, "paying people is a side effect of payroll." In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Lee to explore why payroll plays a much larger role in the success of organizations running Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Their discussion examines how embedded payroll supports finance, HR, compliance, reporting, project accounting, union environments, multi-rate employees, and multi-state operations. They also discuss why payroll is becoming an increasingly strategic part of ERP implementations, particularly as businesses look to simplify operations and gain better visibility across their organizations. For Microsoft Partners serving Business Central customers across Canada and the United States, this episode explores why payroll represents a significant opportunity to deliver greater value while solving increasingly complex business challenges.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Perry Prescott of Know Modern ERP about how Microsoft Partners are adapting to the growing scale and complexity of Business Central and Dynamics 365 ERP projects. As implementations get larger, Partners are increasingly turning to partner-to-partner delivery models to expand capacity while maintaining control of the client experience. The conversation explores how white-label delivery is helping Partners scale, along with practical approaches to Business Central and Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management projects. Perry also shares insights on repeatable implementation frameworks, AI-powered intake agents, Shop Floor Advisor for Business Central, and how AI is beginning to reshape ERP delivery workflows. This episode is especially relevant for Microsoft Partners looking to manage rising Business Central demand and build scalable, modern ERP delivery models.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Ebrahim Nalwala, Co-founder and CRO of Work 365, about the growing complexity of Microsoft CSP operations. The discussion covers billing automation, subscription renewals, Azure usage management, price changes, customer self-service, and how Partners can prepare for usage-based billing and AI-driven business models. Ebrahim shares why clean, connected data is essential for AI success and why visibility across subscriptions, recurring revenue, and customer information is becoming increasingly important for Microsoft Partners. The Infinity Group customer story mentioned in this episode can be viewed here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7460327265080520704?viewAsMember=true

In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon welcomes Torben Kragelund of Directions for Partners to discuss the future of one of the Microsoft ecosystem's most influential Partner communities. The conversation explores the launch of Directions for Enterprise 2026 in Copenhagen, a new event designed for Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management Partners, bringing the proven Directions model beyond Business Central. Torben shares why enterprise ERP Partners need dedicated opportunities to engage directly with Microsoft, collaborate with peers, and navigate the rapid changes driven by AI, cloud transformation, product evolution, and shifting customer expectations. The episode also covers updates on Directions EMEA in Paris and Days of Knowledge ANZ in Melbourne. Whether you're a Dynamics 365 Business Central, Finance, or Supply Chain Management Partner, this episode offers valuable insights into the events, trends, and community conversations shaping the future of the Microsoft Partner ecosystem.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Liz Hallen, co-founder and co-owner of PartnerIn, to discuss the launch of Vibe 2.0 and the evolving role of peer-to-peer engagement within the Microsoft Partner ecosystem. Liz shares insights into what made the original Vibe event successful, why Partner-only roundtable discussions create more meaningful conversations than traditional conference sessions, and what attendees can expect at Vibe 2.0 in Provo, Utah, taking place September 21-23. Whether you're a Microsoft Partner looking to expand your network, learn from industry peers, or gain valuable business insights, this episode offers a preview of one of the community's most collaborative events. PartnerTalks is proud to return as an on-site media sponsor for Vibe 2.0. Learn more about Vibe 2.0 at partnerin.io/vibe.

Here's an SEO-friendly podcast description version that's a bit tighter, more searchable, and optimized for Microsoft Dynamics / Business Central audiences: In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Kyle Gehrman about how finance automation is evolving inside Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and why trusted implementation Partners remain critical as AI adoption grows. If you work with Microsoft Dynamics, ERP automation, AP/AR workflows or Business Central consulting, this episode offers practical insights into the future of finance operations and Partner-led digital transformation.

In this PartnerTalks episode, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Amy Homan, president of Directions North America, about the biggest conversations shaping this year's Directions NA event and the evolving Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem. The discussion explores the growing involvement of GP Partners in the Business Central community, Microsoft's role in guiding the channel forward, and the questions Partners are now asking about AI, profitability and long-term business models. A must-listen for Microsoft Partners, Business Central consultants and Dynamics community members following the future of ERP, AI and the Microsoft channel ecosystem.

In this PartnerTalks episode, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Elielma Silva of Exsion365 about how finance teams continue to rely on Excel for Business Central reporting, and how Exsion Reporting bridges that gap with a powerful Excel-based solution connected directly to Dynamics 365 Business Central. The discussion explores why Excel remains the preferred tool for many finance users, how Microsoft Partners can better uncover reporting requirements during implementations, and what this means for delivering more effective customer solutions. A practical conversation for Microsoft Partners working with Dynamics 365 Business Central who want to improve reporting workflows, reduce friction, and better align with real finance team needs.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon sits down with John Thomas of CADTALK Software to explore how manufacturers can eliminate manual data entry by connecting CAD, PDM and PLM systems directly with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Finance & Operations. The conversation dives into the real-world challenges discrete, industrial and engineered-to-order manufacturers face, including data accuracy, complex product configurations and the inefficiencies caused by disconnected systems. They also discuss how Microsoft Partners can help customers streamline operations today, and where AI could play a bigger role in manufacturing workflows tomorrow.

In this episode, Rick McCutcheon sits down with Lama Khalil, Channel Manager at Touchdown, to explore how marketing automation is evolving across the Microsoft ecosystem, including Dynamics 365, Power Apps, Dataverse, and Business Central. They discuss how Touchdown's Business Central connector helps Microsoft Partners reduce disconnected customer data by bringing marketing automation closer to ERP and CRM systems. The conversation covers key challenges with standalone marketing platforms, and how Microsoft-native solutions can improve campaign execution, event follow-up, and overall customer engagement. If you're a Microsoft Partner working with Dynamics 365, Business Central, or Dataverse, this episode offers practical strategies for building a more connected, data-driven marketing approach.

SMB customers do not need enterprise complexity just to get value from CRM, project management, field service or AI. In this PartnerTalks conversation, Steve Mordue explains to Rick McCutcheon how RapidStart Apps has been built for smaller organizations that want simpler business applications, lower costs and faster adoption inside the Microsoft ecosystem. Steve outlines where things are heading next, including Rapid Claw, a new AI approach that lets SMBs deploy agent-based capabilities within the Microsoft stack without a lengthy, technical setup process.

Manufacturing partners don't need broader ERP conversations. They need deeper, more specialized solutions built around how manufacturers actually operate. In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Martin Smit of Dynalogic to explore how the team is extending Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for real-world manufacturing scenarios. The conversation dives into configure-to-order, engineer-to-order, and project-based manufacturing, along with how Dynalogic is developing AI agents to support practical, day-to-day operational decisions. If you're a Microsoft partner working with manufacturing clients, this episode offers valuable insight into the future of ERP, applied AI in manufacturing, and the growing importance of vertical expertise. Watch the full episode to learn where the biggest opportunities in manufacturing technology are emerging.

In this episode of Partner Talks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Jeremy Alexander Boogaart of PayTrace to explore the future of B2B payments within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The conversation dives into real-world payment workflows that matter most to distributors, manufacturers, and B2B sellers, including partial shipments, deposits, cards on file, recurring billing, and payment automation. Jeremy shares insights on how businesses are moving toward lower-touch processes that reduce operational costs, improve accuracy, and streamline financial operations. If you're working in Business Central, B2B payments, ISV strategy, or the Microsoft Partner channel, this episode offers valuable insights into where the industry is headed. Watch the full episode and discover what's next for B2B payments and Business Central innovation.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Aimee Schumaker from Flywire to explore how Flywire is positioning its integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central as a strategic opportunity for partners. The conversation dives into how embedded payments and invoice-to-cash solutions are becoming a critical extension of the Business Central ecosystem. As finance teams face increasing invoice volumes, manual reconciliation, and cross-border payment complexity, Flywire's approach aims to streamline accounts receivable, automate workflows, and simplify global transactions. Rick and Aimee also discuss why partners should view payment integration as more than just an add-on. Instead, it is a key value driver that can improve customer outcomes, accelerate cash flow, and unlock new revenue opportunities within Business Central implementations. If you are a Microsoft partner, ERP consultant, or finance leader, this episode offers practical insight into modernizing accounts receivable, reducing operational friction, and delivering more complete, high-impact Business Central solutions.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Shawn Dorward to unpack a growing challenge in the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ecosystem: talent is no longer just an HR issue, it is becoming a serious channel constraint. As demand for Business Central expertise accelerates, partners are under increasing pressure to recruit, train, and retain skilled professionals fast enough to keep up with implementations and customer growth. Rick and Shawn explore why the traditional hiring model is falling short, how partners are competing over a limited talent pool, and what this means for delivery timelines, scalability, and long-term profitability. The conversation also dives into practical solutions, including building alternative talent pipelines, investing in continuous skilling, and rethinking how partner organizations develop and support their teams. If you are a Microsoft partner, hiring manager, or business leader, this episode offers valuable insight into how talent challenges are reshaping the channel and what you can do to stay ahead.

Newly credentialed professionals are entering the Microsoft business applications ecosystem with in-demand skills and strong career momentum. In this episode, Rick McCutcheon sits down with Carol Smock, Executive Director of TechFluent, to explore how the organization is opening doors for talent from under-resourced communities. Carol shares how TechFluent delivers mentorship, certification-focused training, and job placement support to help individuals launch careers in Microsoft business applications and related tech roles. If you are a hiring manager looking to connect with emerging talent or want insight into building a more inclusive tech workforce, this conversation offers practical takeaways and real-world impact.

Distributors transitioning to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central are under increasing operational pressure, especially when it comes to managing backorders, inventory reservations, and protecting margins. In this episode of PartnerTalks, Rick McCutcheon speaks with Jesse Clem from Cavallo about where these challenges show up and how distributors can address them more effectively. Jesse shares a striking insight: many distributor orders contain costly inefficiencies and errors, creating hidden risks for profitability. The conversation explores how Cavallo supports distributors, including those moving from Microsoft Dynamics GP to Business Central, and why stronger order-level control is critical in today's environment. If you're a Microsoft partner, distributor, or operations leader, this episode offers practical insights into improving efficiency, reducing costly errors, and building a more profitable business.

In this PartnerTalks episode, recorded ahead of DynamicsMinds, we sit down with Sven Mahn of Sven Mahn IT GmbH & Co. KG to explore a remarkable journey from concrete work to leading a modern Microsoft-focused consulting company. Sven shares how his team works across Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management, the Power Platform, Dataverse, and emerging AI-driven development practices. He explains why they prioritize using AI internally first, refining ideas through real project work before introducing them to customer environments. This conversation also surfaces a key lesson for Microsoft partners: how to balance speed, quality, and discipline when integrating AI into real-world delivery. Tune in to hear Sven's story and insights, and share what stood out to you most.

Field service management is one of the biggest growth opportunities in the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ecosystem. In this PartnerTalks episode, Rick McCutcheon speaks with James Koursaris, MBA, General Manager of Praxedo North America, about how Praxedo helps organizations modernize field service operations after outgrowing manual scheduling, spreadsheets, and inflexible deployment models. The conversation explores Praxedo's native Business Central connector and how it enables faster time to market for Microsoft Partners and their clients. James also shares insights on improving technician productivity, optimizing scheduling, and using AI to support smarter decision making in the field. Listeners will also get a preview of what the Praxedo team will be showcasing at Directions North America, including innovations designed to help partners deliver more efficient, scalable, and intelligent field service solutions.

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Scott Burkhardt, founder of Poize2, about why the real work in Dynamics 365 Business Central often begins after go-live and how managed services are becoming central to the Microsoft Partner business model. Burkhardt explains why many ERP customers underestimate the effort required to maintain, optimize, and continuously improve cloud ERP environments once implementation is complete. As Business Central evolves through twice-yearly release waves and ongoing updates, organizations require structured support models to manage system performance, user adoption, and process adjustments over time. Tune in to learn why managed services are reshaping Business Central delivery models, how Partners can create sustainable post-go-live service offerings, and what this shift means for the future structure of the Microsoft ERP ecosystem. (Originally Aired March 6, 2026)

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Duffy Cohen, Vice President of Partnerships at Velixo, about the evolving role of financial reporting in Dynamics 365 Business Central and why the ERP-to-Excel workflow remains a major opportunity for Microsoft Partners. The discussion explores the widely used three-layer reporting model, where ERP data flows from Business Central into analytics tools and ultimately into spreadsheets for adjustment, formatting, and presentation. Rather than replacing Excel, solutions like Velixo connect live ERP data directly into governed spreadsheet environments, helping organizations improve accuracy while maintaining flexibility for financial reporting teams. Tune in to learn how Business Central Partners can reduce reporting risk, improve financial governance, and create recurring revenue opportunities by formalizing the reporting layer between ERP data and published financial results. (Originally Aired February 27, 2026)

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Gustavo Roland of Evenica about how Partner-to-Partner collaboration is helping retailers reduce risk in complex Dynamics 365 Commerce implementations. The discussion explores how implementation risk increasingly stems from workflow configuration and cross-system dependencies rather than software defects alone. As organizations deploy integrated Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations environments, many are turning to specialized Partner-to-Partner delivery models that bring together Commerce, ERP, and supply chain expertise within a single project structure. Tune in to learn how Partner-to-Partner implementation strategies can support more accurate inventory decisions, reduce operational friction, and improve success rates for Dynamics 365 Commerce deployments in today's integrated retail technology landscape. (Originally Aired February 22, 2026)

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Cecilia Flombaum, Ecosystem Lead for Business & Industry Solutions at Microsoft, about how AI is fundamentally reshaping the role of Partners in enterprise technology adoption. Flombaum explains why AI differs from previous platform shifts such as the move from on-premises systems to the cloud. While earlier transitions primarily changed where software operates, AI is transforming how organizations work, make decisions, and structure business processes. As adoption accelerates, many companies are discovering that implementing AI tools alone does not automatically deliver business outcomes. Instead, success depends on adapting workflows, governance models, and operational practices to support probabilistic systems. Tune in to learn why AI adoption is redefining implementation strategy, how Partners can support customers through operational transformation, and why interdisciplinary expertise is becoming essential in the Microsoft ecosystem. (Originally Aired February 13, 2026)

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Lee Witkop, CEO of Boyer & Associates, about how Microsoft Dynamics partners are moving beyond basic Copilot enablement toward retrieval-first AI agents that deliver governed insights directly within Microsoft 365. Witkop explains why many mid-market organizations are prioritizing practical AI use cases that respect security roles and audit requirements, particularly when working with sensitive ERP and CRM data. Rather than deploying autonomous AI systems, companies are implementing retrieval-based agents that surface information from Dynamics 365 Business Central inside familiar tools like Microsoft Teams and Outlook, allowing users to access authorized data without directly interacting with ERP environments. Tune in to learn how retrieval-first AI agents are transforming access to Business Central data, why governance-first AI adoption is gaining traction, and how partners can build scalable AI services within the Microsoft ecosystem. (Originally Aired February 9, 2026)

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Karolis Aleknavičius, co-founder of ERP Mechanics, about how relationships and strategic ISV partnerships are shaping growth opportunities in the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem. Aleknavičius shares the story behind ERP Mechanics, from an early focus on technical recovery and integration work within Dynamics environments to delivering full Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementations. A key turning point came when the firm added Lasernet document automation to its project stack, enabling ERP Mechanics to expand its capabilities and enter new markets, including the United States. Tune in to learn how ISV partnerships support international expansion, why document automation has become a core component of Dynamics 365 delivery, and how relationship-driven strategy continues to define success in the Microsoft partner channel. (Originally Aired February 6, 2026)

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Natalie Lemke, Founder and CEO of RUX Software, about building a vertical-focused ISV for asset-heavy industries on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Lemke shares her journey from ERP customer to consultant to product builder, explaining how early experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV shaped her belief in the power of industry-specific software. Today, RUX Software develops packaged applications designed for industrial asset management, equipment rental, and field service organizations, helping partners deliver repeatable IP without relying on heavy customization. Tune in to learn how vertical ERP solutions are reshaping the Business Central channel, why repeatable software IP is gaining momentum, and how RUX Software is helping partners deliver industry-specific value faster. (Originally Aired January 30, 2026)

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon is joined by Michael Dohr, COO of mscrm-addons, to discuss the company's expansion into Dynamics 365 Business Central and what it means for partners struggling with document and report customization in ERP projects. Known for its popular Documents Core Pack and automation tools in Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement and the Power Platform, mscrm-addons is bringing its approach to document generation and layout automation to the rapidly growing Business Central ecosystem. Dohr explains why report complexity continues to create costly bottlenecks for partners, especially when working with Word, Excel, and RDLC layouts that often require specialized developer expertise. Tune in to learn how mscrm-addons is addressing one of Business Central's most persistent challenges and what this expansion signals for the future of ERP customization in the Microsoft ecosystem. (Originally Aired January 23, 2026)

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Heather Cook, Principal Customer Experience Manager at Microsoft, about the powerful return of in-person professional events and why face-to-face networking continues to shape careers across the technology industry. Drawing on her work with the Microsoft 365 engineering community, Cook explains how consistent participation in conferences, user groups, and community-led events can create meaningful professional opportunities, from new client relationships to career advancement. She shares firsthand perspective on why live engagement remains one of the most trusted ways to build long-term connections, even in an era defined by hybrid work and digital collaboration. Tune in to learn why in-person events continue to drive trust in the technology sector, how community engagement impacts career growth, and why relationships remain at the center of professional success. (Originally Aired January 16, 2026)

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon welcomes Bob McAdam, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Tasklet, for a timely conversation on Microsoft's push for Partners to operate at the technology frontier. As AI and Copilot move from buzzwords to real-world deployment, Microsoft is challenging Dynamics partners to lead customers with practical innovation, not just messaging. McAdam shares insights from a packed conference season, highlighting strong growth for Dynamics 365 Business Central and the significance of surpassing 50,000 customers. He explains why this momentum signals continued confidence in Microsoft's ERP direction and how Business Central is gaining ground against competing cloud ERP platforms. Tune in to learn why Microsoft's "frontier" messaging is reshaping partner strategy, how AI and Copilot are being applied in Business Central environments, and what partners must do to stay competitive in the evolving Dynamics ecosystem.  (Originally Aired January 9, 2026)

In this episode of PartnerTalks, host Rick McCutcheon sits down with Shannon Mullins, six-time Microsoft MVP and CEO of A BC Consulting Group, to unpack one of the biggest realities facing Microsoft Business Central partners today: before AI, most ERP customers still need to get to the cloud. Drawing on 25 years of experience spanning Dynamics GP through Dynamics 365 Business Central, Shannon explains why cloud migration remains the top priority for organizations undergoing digital transformation. While AI and Copilot capabilities continue to generate buzz, many businesses are still focused on modernizing legacy ERP systems to unlock scalable, integrated financial and operational workflows in the Microsoft cloud. Tune in to learn why cloud readiness is the critical foundation for AI adoption, how partners can build strong Business Central practices, and what's next for ERP transformation in the Microsoft ecosystem.  (Originally Aired January 5, 2026)

In this episode of the PartnerTalks podcast, host Rick McCutcheon speaks with Eric Fink from Microsoft's SMB Channel team about what it takes for partners to grow an AI solutions business. Eric explains how Microsoft defines success for SMB partners, how partners should think about productivity versus full AI transformation, and what Microsoft means by Frontier partners. The conversation covers Dynamics 365, Business Central, Copilot Studio, AI agents, and why partners must become "customer one" before selling AI to customers. This episode is designed for Microsoft Partners working with SMB customers who want practical guidance on positioning AI, scaling their business, and aligning with Microsoft's direction.