Week of 10/9/2026

Hitting pause on the standard post this week for something a bit unique.

Community Spotlight: 🤝

Women in Power (Platform) | LinkedIn

I truly cannot say enough good things about this community and the way it consistently empowers its members. They focus on mentorship, skilling, and bringing women together to build relationships is incredible.

On My Reading List 📚

Here is what I am currently diving into this week:

The Copilot Compass By: April Dunnam

If you are trying to make sense of Microsoft's rapidly changing AI landscape, this is your survival guide. April ditches the fluff and delivers a practical manual for IT pros and makers, featuring:

• Buzzword Translation: Breaks down complex generative AI jargon into plain English.
• The Maker’s Toolbox: Clear frameworks for when to use workflows, chatbots, or custom Copilot agents.
• Real-World Strategy: A realistic look at deploying and governing Copilot effectively.

Presence By: Amy Cuddy

If you have ever struggled with imposter syndrome or felt powerless in a high-stakes meeting, this book is for you. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy explains the science behind confidence and body language, featuring:

• The Power of Posture: How expanding your body language physically alters how you feel and boosts your self-confidence.
• Reframing Anxiety: Simple techniques to shift your nervous system out of panic mode and why telling yourself to "calm down" usually backfires.
• Personal Power: How to stop worrying about what others think and start trusting your own authentic voice.

Swag Alert! 🐒

Thoughts and Ideas on conference swag:

Be honest, who still remembers the SharePoint Monkey? It’s time for Microsoft to bring back our favorite adorable mascot for the newest batch of conference attendees. (Hint, hint or at least something just as fun to hunt down on the expo floor!)

Let’s make this happen. Who’s with me?

Signing Off 🚀

From the wild days of on-prem to modern cloud, it’s the community that makes this journey worth it. Take a moment this week to check out a new community group, grab a book, and dust off your favorite desk mascot.

Until next time, keep exploring!