The CollabTalk Podcast

For this episode, I provided Geoff Varosky, Sr. Architect at Insight, a lively recap of Microsoft 365 Conference news. We explored Copilot innovations, SharePoint updates, AI governance tools, and Microsoft's evolving collaboration ecosystem. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/05/collabtalk-podcast-episode-174-with-geoff-varosky/

For this episode, I spoke with Kevin Monahan, General Manager at ESPC, on how major tech events like ESPC drive year-round community engagement by adapting to evolving technologies, expanding focus areas, and creating lasting content beyond the conference stage. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/05/collabtalk-podcast-episode-173-with-kevin-monahan/

For this episode, I spoke with Tatyana Gao, Founder of Monada Coaching & Consulting, a company focused on helping people and organizations all over the world to thrive through conscious leadership, on how conscious leadership rooted in self-awareness and emotional intelligence can transform your leadership style and team culture for long-term success. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/04/collabtalk-podcast-episode-172-with-tatyana-gao/

For this episode, I spoke with Shari Oswald, Founder of PowerUP! Learning, and Sharon Weaver, CEO of Smarter Consulting, on the Future of Content Creation with AI, recorded at the Comms vNext event in Denver, Colorado on April 16th, 2025. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/04/collabtalk-podcast-episode-171-with-shari-oswald-and-sharon-weaver/

For this episode, I spoke with Dominik Wittenbeck, Group CTO at SNP, a global leader in SAP transformation solutions, on how true interoperability enables better collaboration through flexible systems, AI-enhanced workflows, and people-first transformation strategies. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/04/collabtalk-podcast-episode-170-with-dominik-wittenbeck/

For this episode, I spoke with Justin Slagle (@JustinSlagle), Chief Executive Officer of The Partner Masters, on mastering Microsoft's partner ecosystem with expert advice on sales models, global expansion, and building sustainable partnerships. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/04/collabtalk-podcast-episode-169-with-justin-slagle/

For this episode, I spoke with Joel Oleson (@JoelOleson), Microsoft Regional Director (RD) and Staff Enterprise Architect at Sony Interactive Entertainment, on his travels to all 195 recognized countries on the planet, and how modern work and collaboration differ across cultures. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/03/collabtalk-podcast-episode-168-with-joel-oleson/

For this episode, I spoke with Zack Oliva (@OLIVAGIBBSLLP), Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Oliva Gibbs LLP, on the the foundations of business expansion, including sustainable growth strategies, team-building, process optimization, and leveraging technology for scalability. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/03/collabtalk-podcast-episode-167-with-zack-oliva/ Release date: 13 March 2025

For this episode, I spoke with Michael Gannotti (@gannotti), a Principal Solutions Architect at Microsoft, on how AI, particularly Microsoft Copilot, is redefining workplace productivity by automating tasks, enhancing collaboration, and transforming business processes. We also discuss real-world impacts of AI adoption, integration with Microsoft 365 tools, and the challenges of trust, compliance, and digital upskilling in an AI-powered workplace. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/03/collabtalk-podcast-episode-166-with-michael-gannotti/

For this episode, I spoke with Sean McDonough (@spmcdonough from Akumina and Geoff Varosky (@gvaro) from Insight on the latest SharePoint updates, the March SharePoint Hackathon, Microsoft 365 Copilot enhancements, and new features in Teams, Lists, and SPFx. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/03/collabtalk-podcast-episode-165-with-sean-mcdonough-and-geoff-varosky/

For this episode, I spoke with Kevin Eikenberry (@KevinEikenberry), Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, on how adaptable leaders thrive in uncertainty by developing flexibility, refining decision-making, and leveraging communication strategies to navigate change effectively. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/02/collabtalk-podcast-episode-164-with-kevin-eikenberry/

For this episode, I spoke with Micah Remley (@robinpowered), CEO of Robin, a leading workplace management platform revolutionizing hybrid work, on how hybrid work is reshaping workplace culture, employee expectations, and office functionality. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/02/collabtalk-podcast-episode-163-with-micah-remley/

For this episode, I outline my nine-part strategy for ensuring secure, efficient, and compliant collaboration within Microsoft 365 environments (and any other IT or business system). Listeners will gain practical insights into building scalable governance frameworks that balance business productivity with security, operational control, and evolving industry standards. You can find more information at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/02/ollabtalk-podcast-episode-162-on-building-a-m365-governance-framework/

For this episode, I spoke with Chris McNulty (@cmcnulty2000), Chief Marketing Officer at Synozur Alliance, on the business value of SharePoint Premium, highlighting its advanced content management, automation, and security features. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/02/ollabtalk-podcast-episode-161-with-chris-mcnulty/

For this episode, I'm exploring why most companies fail at feedback by lacking clear processes, failing to act on input, and overcomplicating collection methods, while also highlighting best practices for building scalable, repeatable mechanisms that create lasting impact. You can find more information at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/01/collabtalk-podcast-episode-160-on-stakeholder-engagement-and-scalable-feedback/

For this episode, I spoke with David Pileggi Jr. (@DavidPileggi), an occasional actor, content creator, and Sr. SharePoint Engineer at Staples, on how humor in the workplace can help you to build trust, drive engagement, and create a healthy company culture. You can find more information about my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/01/collabtalk-podcast-episode-159-with-david-pileggi-jr/

For this episode, I spoke with Jodie Zerega (@jodie_zerega), Founder and Managing Director of Zerega Consulting, on how AI is transforming recruitment with innovative tools that streamline hiring, enhance candidate experiences, and reshape the future of talent acquisition. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/01/collabtalk-podcast-episode-158-with-jodie-zerega/

For this episode, I spoke with Kirsty McGrath (@KirstyMcGrath13), Managing Director at OnPoint Solutions, on how Microsoft Copilot is transforming personal and team productivity by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing creativity, and streamlining workflows in tools like Word, Excel, and Teams. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/01/ollabtalk-podcast-episode-157-with-kirsty-mcgrath/

For this episode, I spoke with Michael Meehan (/in/meehanmichaelj/), General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer of Howso, on how intellectual property (IP) serves as a cornerstone for innovation and competitive strategy in the modern business landscape, and its critical role in fostering sustainable business growth. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2025/01/collabtalk-podcast-episode-156-with-michael-meehan/

For this episode, I spoke with Norm Young (@stormin_30), a Microsoft MVP, and Power Platform Solutions Architect at AvePoint, on key announcements from the recent Microsoft Ignite Conference in Chicago, including Copilot and the Power Platform. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/12/collabtalk-podcast-episode-155-with-norm-young/

For this episode, I spoke with Galen Keene, CEO of Lion Tech Consulting, and Shari Oswald, MVP, MCT, and CEO of PowerUp! Learning, on their in-person takeaways from the Microsoft Ignite 2024 conference last month in Chicago. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/12/collabtalk-podcast-episode-153-with-galen-keene-and-shari-oswald/

For this episode, we focused on insights and announcements from Microsoft Ignite 2024, exploring the evolving role of AI in business productivity, new tools in Microsoft 365, and updates in Azure services. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/11/collabtalk-podcast-episode-152-with-sean-mcdonough-and-geoff-varosky/

For this episode, I spoke with Hussein Hallak (/IN/husseinhallak/), the Founder and CEO of Next Decentrum, on how AI and immersive technologies such as AR and VR are transforming business and education through sophisticated gamification strategies. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/12/collabtalk-podcast-episode-154-with-hussein-hallak/

For this episode, I'm exploring the growing challenge of digital debt—technical inefficiencies that hinder workplace productivity—and how organizations can harness the power of AI to overcome these obstacles. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/11/collabtalk-podcast-episode-151-on-overcoming-digital-debt-with-ai/

For this episode, I spoke with Ryan Chute (@wizardryanchute), an Entrepreneur, Marketer, and Partner with Wizard of Ads, a marketing services company, on the importance of persuasive communication in building stronger brands and teams, and the core principles of persuasion with techniques for crafting compelling messages. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/11/collabtalk-podcast-episode-150-with-ryan-chute/

For this episode, I spoke with Shari Oswald (@shortcutshari), Owner and Principal of PowerUp! Learning, on what workplace productivity means in today's evolving digital landscape, and how technology, especially Microsoft tools like Microsoft 365 and Power Platform, plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity at the individual, team, and organizational levels. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/11/collabtalk-podcast-episode-149-with-shari-oswald/

For this episode, I spoke with Josh Bloomfield (@bloomfieldj), Founder and CEO of Givecloud, on the evolution of fundraising, focusing on the digital transformation of donor engagement and the rise of community-driven models. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/10/collabtalk-podcast-episode-148-with-josh-bloomfield/

For this episode, I joined fellow MVPs Abdul Kazi (@abdulkazi) and Chris Gill (@cgill) as a guest on their Come Cloud With Us (@ComeCloudWithUs) livestream to share guidance on what it means to create a scalable governance framework for managing Microsoft 365. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/10/collabtalk-podcast-episode-147-on-creating-a-m365-governance-framework/

For this episode, I spoke with Norm Young (@stormin_30), a Microsoft MVP, and Power Platform Solutions Architect at AvePoint, on key announcements from the recent Power Platform Community Conference in Las Vegas, including Copilot Agents and Power Apps Plan Designer. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/10/collabtalk-podcast-episode-146-with-norm-young/

For this episode, I spoke with fellow MVP Sean McDonough (@spmcdonough) and Geoff Varosky (@gvaro), on the latest Microsoft News from the recent Power Platform Community Conference (PPCC), including updates on Delve end-of-life, Copilot Agents, Office 2024, and more! You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/10/ollabtalk-podcast-episode-145-with-sean-mcdonough-and-geoff-varosky/

For this episode, I'm exploring how integrating storytelling into internal communications can transform a company's culture, inspire employee engagement, and better align…. everyone. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/10/collabtalk-podcast-episode-144-on-better-internal-storytelling/

For this episode, I spoke with Artug Acar, Chief Operating Officer at Mercury, on the strategic approaches organizations can take to successfully adopt new technologies and drive meaningful business transformation. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/09/collabtalk-podcast-episode-143-with-artug-acar/

For this episode, I spoke with Matt Strippelhoff (@RedHawkTech), Partner and CEO of Red Hawk Technologies, on the impact of artificial intelligence on the software development lifecycle, and the balance between technology and talent. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at http://buckleyplanet.com/2024/09/collabtalk-podcast-episode-142-with-matt-strippelhoff/

For this episode, I wanted to provide an introduction of my weekly livestream series, Project Failure Files, which simulcasts across the various social channels every Monday morning at 9am Pacific. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/09/collabtalk-podcast-episode-141-on-project-failure-files/

For this episode, I spoke with Kristy Hissa (@MeetKairos), General Manager at Kairos, on the need to overhaul the way we conduct meetings to drive efficiency and better collaboration. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/09/collabtalk-podcast-episode-140-with-kristy-hissa/

For this episode, I spoke with Alexander Ladd (@MSAnalytics), Senior Partner and CEO at MindStream Analytics LLC, on the transformative power of data and metrics in driving organizational success. The discussion highlights how technology innovation, effective data integration, and strategic management can enhance decision-making and propel business growth. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/08/collabtalk-podcast-episode-139-with-alexander-ladd/

Episode 278 of the #MVPbuzzChat interview series. Conversation between Microsoft Regional Director and MVP Christian Buckley (@buckleyplanet), and Business Applications MVP, Parvez Ghumra (@parvezghumra), a Power Platform, Dynamics 365 CE, and Azure Developer and Technical Consultant with XRM Solutions UK. You can also find this episode on the CollabTalk blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/08/mvpbuzzchat-278-with-parvez-ghumra/

For this episode, I spoke with Adam Judelson (@Ajuggles), Founder & CEO of First Principles Catalyst, on the process of transforming services-based companies into product-led organizations, discussing the strategic planning, product development, and management challenges involved in such a transition. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/08/collabtalk-podcast-episode-138-with-adam-judelson/

Episode 277 of the #MVPbuzzChat interview series. Conversation between Microsoft Regional Director and MVP Christian Buckley (@buckleyplanet), and M365 MVP, J. Peter Bruzzese (/IN/j-peter-bruzzese-98b6474/), the Co-Founder and Chief Content Officer of ClipTraining, based in Orlando, Florida. You can also find this episode on the CollabTalk blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/08/mvpbuzzchat-277-with-j-peter-bruzzese/

For this episode, I spoke with Jeff Lenning (@Exceluniversity), President of Excel University, on the rapid evolution of online learning over the past decade, highlighting the pivotal role of technological advancements like AI and the significant impact of the pandemic in accelerating the adoption of online platforms You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/08/collabtalk-podcast-episode-137-with-jeff-lenning/

Episode 276 of the #MVPbuzzChat interview series. Conversation between Microsoft Regional Director and MVP Christian Buckley (@buckleyplanet), and Security MVP, Hailey Phillips (@AllwaysHyPe), a System Engineer at The Pokémon Company International, based in Seattle, Washington. You can also find this episode on the CollabTalk blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/08/mvpbuzzchat-276-with-hailey-phillips/

For this episode, I spoke with Laura Rogers (@WonderLaura), CEO at IW Mentor, on how how automation is transforming personal productivity and team collaboration using tools like the Microsoft Power Platform, and highlighting the cultural impacts and management strategies necessary for successful automation integration. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/08/collabtalk-podcast-episode-136-with-laura-rogers/

Episode 275 of the #MVPbuzzChat interview series. Conversation between Microsoft Regional Director and MVP Christian Buckley (@buckleyplanet), and Business Applications MVP, Enea Liçaj (@EneaIlias), a Business Consultant with novaCapta GmBh, based in Cologne, Germany. You can also find this episode on the CollabTalk blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/08/mvpbuzzchat-275-with-enea-licaj/

Episode 273 of the #MVPbuzzChat interview series. Conversation between Microsoft Regional Director and MVP Christian Buckley (@buckleyplanet), and Alumni MVP, Nick Cavalancia (@nickcavalancia), the Founder & CEO at Conversational Geek, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. You can also find this episode on the CollabTalk blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/07/mvpbuzzchat-274-with-nick-cavalancia/

For this episode, I spoke with Doug Ware (/IN/douglastware/), CEO at Elumenotion, on the evolution of artificial intelligence and the importance of understanding past successes and failures to navigate its future, particularly in its applications in software development and systemic integration. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/07/collabtalk-podcast-episode-135-with-doug-ware/

Episode 273 of the #MVPbuzzChat interview series. Conversation between Microsoft Regional Director and MVP Christian Buckley (@buckleyplanet), and Business Applications MVP, Alicia Keener (/IN/aliciakeener/), a Director of Technology Consulting with RSM US LLP, based in Greenville, South Carolina. You can also find this episode on the CollabTalk blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/07/mvpbuzzchat-273-with-alicia-keener/

For this episode, I spoke with Mike Bowers (/IN/michaeltbowers/), Chief Architect at FairCom Corporation, on the critical intersection of technology and executive leadership, discussing strategies for translating complex technical concepts into comprehensible and impactful insights for business leaders. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/07/collabtalk-podcast-episode-134-with-mike-bowers/

Episode 272 of the #MVPbuzzChat interview series. Conversation between Microsoft Regional Director and MVP Christian Buckley (@buckleyplanet), and Business Applications MVP, Daryl LaBar (@ddlabar), the President of Gap Integrity, based in Fishers, Indiana. You can also find this episode on the CollabTalk blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/07/mvpbuzzchat-272-with-daryl-labar/

For this episode, I spoke with Norm Young (@stormin_30), a Microsoft MVP, and Senior Strategic Consultant at AvePoint, on the cautious approach many organizations are taking towards adopting Microsoft Copilot, and the latest insights from the 2024 Work Trend Index report from Microsoft and LinkedIn. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/07/collabtalk-podcast-episode-133-with-norm-young/

Episode 271 of the #MVPbuzzChat interview series. Conversation between Microsoft Regional Director and MVP Christian Buckley (@buckleyplanet), and Business Applications MVP, Alan Garcia (/IN/crmvisionary/), a strategist, advocate, and Principal Architect at Own Company, and is based in Sacramento, California. You can also find this episode on the CollabTalk blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/07/mvpbuzzchat-with-alan-garcia/

For this episode, I spoke with Scott McCrady (@SolCyberMSS), CEO of SolCyber Managed Security Services, on the current state of cybersecurity in the modern workplace and the consequences businesses face when they fail to prioritize cybersecurity. You can find more information on my guest on my blog at https://buckleyplanet.com/2024/06/collabtalk-podcast-episode-132-with-scott-mccrady/