Under the Surface

Recorded: Episode 9 March 9th, 2026In this insightful episode, I speak with Gareth Bleasdale from Microsoft about the transformative impact of AI, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and the future of autonomous agents in the workplace. Discover how these technologies are reshaping productivity, security, and organisational workflows with real business context (Work IQ), how we secure and govern agents with Agent 365 and also all about the New Frontier SKU Microsoft 365 E7 (the super suite).TopicsMicrosoft 365 E7 - and its enterprise valueWork IQ and contextual AI understandingAgent 365 - Governance and security of AI agents The evolution of autonomous agents in the workplaceThe importance of trust and responsible AIHow AI and Work IQ Are Transforming Business OperationsChapters 00:00 - Introduction to Microsoft Innovations02:49 - The Impact of AI on Work Dynamics04:42 - Understanding Microsoft 365 E7 Copilot07:15- Work IQ: The Future of AI in Business10:32- Navigating AI Tools and Compliance13:32- The Evolution of User Interaction with AI16:29 - Transforming Work Processes with AI18:48 - The Future of Autonomous Agents in Work22:19 - Empowering Users with AI Agents25:37- The Evolution of Microsoft 365 and Copilot28:41 - The Role of AI in Enhancing Productivity31:19 - AGENT 365: Governance and Control of AI Agents 34:10- Navigating the Future of Work with AI38:04 - Embracing Change and Continuous Learning45:00 - ENDBlog Link: https://robquickenden.blog

SummaryIn my first podcast of 2026, I talk to MVP Ami Diamond and discuss the evolving landscape of Microsoft Copilot and its impact on productivity and technology. We explore the role of MVPs in the tech community, the innovations brought by AI, and the future of AI models and integration. The conversation highlights the practical applications of Copilot in business, the importance of voice interaction, and the ongoing evolution of AI technology. Listeners gain insights into how these tools can enhance everyday life and improve business processes.We cover: - The MVP community - gratitude, sharing knowledge- Evolution of Copilot- How AI can be beneficial for various users, including those with disabilities.- Integration of different AI models within Microsoft products- Voice interaction and usecases- New Features in Copilot you may not know (yet) Chapters00:00 Introduction to the MVP Community02:38 Exploring Microsoft Copilot and AI Integration05:22 The Role of AI in Everyday Productivity08:14 Personalszation and User Interaction with AI11:02 Comparing AI Models and Their Applications14:00 The Future of AI in Microsoft Products16:46 Understanding AI's Reasoning and User Experience19:39 The Impact of AI on Data Analysis and Reporting22:06 Enhancing Excel and PowerPoint with AI24:50 Final Thoughts on AI's Evolution and Future31:16 Harnessing AI Tools Effectively32:42 Exploring Copilot Features33:31 The Power of Pages and Notebooks34:19 Innovations in Audio and Voice Technology36:42 The Evolution of Voice Interaction38:04 Understanding Copilot Actions40:13 Navigating Consumer and Business AI Solutions41:54 The Future of AI in Shopping44:16 Enhancing User Experience with AI45:20 The Rapid Evolution of AI Technology46:15 Leveraging Custom Features in Copilot47:40 More Copilot Features you need to know about53:55 END :-)

Following Ignite 2025, Manesh Mistry and I discuss the rapid evolution of AI, focusing on advances with Microsoft's Copilot and its implications for businesses. In this podcast we explore some of the newest features coming to Microsoft 365 Copilot including GPT-5.2, Voice mode and video with Sora 2 Video. We also discuss the growing develops of Agentic AI, and how frontier firms are embracing the concept. We talk about the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in terms of security, governance, and how Agent 365 and Entra ID promises to help secure and govern such agents.

In this eposide I am joined by Manesh Minstry, a digitial artist and Microsoft 365 Copilot advisor,menror and prompting guru.We talk about the incredible pace of change, innovation,new features and new model support in Microsoft 365 Copilot.We cover the challenges around adoption, dispell some myths and re enforce Microsoft Enterprise Data Protection, Responsible AI and choice available to consumers and business prodessionals across every role and every industry.Tune in,to see how far it has come so far and how fast the innovation is coming..00:00 Introduction and Context Setting02:22 The Evolution of Copilot Technology05:17 Copilot Chat and Its Importance07:35 Security and Compliance in AI Tools10:19 The Role of Context in Copilot Usage13:09 Voice Interaction with Copilot15:34 Practical Applications of Copilot in Daily Life17:40 Enhancing Prompting Techniques19:53 The Future of AI Memory and Personalization25:11 Utilizing AI for Personalization28:51 Exploring Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI Models34:05 The Evolution of AI Models 37:13 Harnessing Microsoft First Party Agents40:51 The Future of AI Agents and Orchestration44:19 Recent Developments in AI and Tools

In this episode, Rob Quickenden (Microsoft MVP) and Microsoft's Caleb Johnson discuss the evolution of Surface devices, the impact of technology on productivity, and the integration of AI and 5G in modern computing. They explore the journey of Surface from its inception to the current lineup, highlighting innovations in design, functionality, and user experience. We talk about the huge innovations and importance of battery life, security, always on AI and the future of Windows on ARM and of course the continued importance of Intel in the Surface ecosystem.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Background02:20 - The Evolution of Microsoft Surface11:25 - Recent Surface Innovations and Announcements14:41 - Surface Family Lineup17:23 - Silicon, Battery Life and Windows on ARM22:45 - The Evolution of ARM in Windows Devices25:26 - Future of ARM and Intel: A Consumer Perspective27:53 - AI Integration and Productivity Enhancements30:06 - The Impact of AI on Device Functionality34:02 - Data Privacy and Security in Technology35:16 - The Versatility of Modern Devices38:59- Innovation in the Surface Ecosystem

In this episode of "Under the Surface," I am joined by Microsofts' Christian Brinkoff from the Windows Cloud Engineering team. We explore the evolution of Windows from Microsoft original vision for a Windows device on every desk and in every home to the most recent evolution of Windows in the Cloud with Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. We look at how Microsoft's innovations are transforming the way we work, with insights into the future of Cloud PCs, AI integration, and the seamless experience of Windows 365. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or an IT pro, this episode look at the future innovation and direction of Windows.

In this episode, Rob Quickenden engages with adoption and change consultants Mike Blair and James Webb to discuss the critical role of change management in maximising the benefits and potential of AI technologies like Microsoft Copilot. They explore the cultural shifts required for effective AI integration, user reactions to AI tools, and the importance of trust and ethics in AI utilisation. The conversation emphasises the need for organisations to understand user needs, address objections, and implement effective change management strategies to ensure successful technology adoption and show cases the difference between no change management and the right change management.

In this episode, we talk to Microsoft's Chauncey Larsen in Redmond. We discuss the origins of Surface, innovation of Surface and Windows and Chip to Cloud Security as we explore the finer details of Microsoft's unique place in the Windows Eco systems of owning and securing the Windows environment, from firmware, DCFI, Secure Boot, TPM, Pluton Processor and Windows Hello for Business.

My first Podcast in the Under The Surface, I am live from Microsoft MVP Summit in Redmond, Washington, talking to Microsoft's Megan Gremmell about Windows in the Cloud, Windows 365, AVD and the new Windows 365 Link device. We talk market, why we need it, and the value proposition around