The Tech Sharmit Podcast, hosted by Amit Sharma (India), is a long-form interview series focused on deep, practical conversations with technology experts shaping the Microsoft ecosystem. The podcast goes beyond trends and buzzwords, exploring real-world experiences, lessons learned, and the thinking behind modern technology decisions.
On December 20th, 2025, I had the pleasure of joining Amit on the podcast to talk about my journey from software engineering to working with AI at scale, with a strong focus on Microsoft Copilot, Azure OpenAI, and the Power Platform.
One recurring theme throughout our discussion was that AI only creates value when it is grounded in real business problems and governed properly. At one point, we touched on an idea that strongly resonated with me: AI is not about replacing engineering discipline, but about amplifying it when the foundations are solid. This mindset shaped much of our conversation around governance, ethics, and long-term sustainability.
During the episode, we explore topics such as:
- What first drew me into software engineering and the Microsoft ecosystem
- Moving from AI experimentation to production-ready solutions using Azure OpenAI and Microsoft Foundry
- Copilot extensibility and how to decide between pro-code approaches and low-code solutions with Copilot Studio
- Governance and ethical challenges when deploying customized AI solutions at scale
- Underrated and underutilized components of the Power Platform developers should keep an eye on
- Why blogging, speaking, and community involvement became integral parts of my professional journey
- The mentors and influences, including Franck Cornu, who shaped how I approach engineering, leadership, and responsible innovation
- A personal question I rarely get asked, but one that deeply influenced the way I build and think today
- And one thing about Switzerland the world genuinely deserves to appreciate
One of the most memorable moments for me was reflecting on how community contributions, mentoring, and knowledge sharing have had as much impact on my career as technical skills themselves. That part of the conversation reinforced why giving back remains essential in a fast-moving field like AI.
This episode is particularly relevant for developers, architects, consultants, and technology leaders navigating the intersection of AI, Copilot, and the Power Platform, and who are looking to make informed decisions between innovation speed, governance, and long-term value.
You can watch the full episode below. If you do, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Which part of the discussion resonated with you most: Copilot extensibility, AI governance, low-code versus pro-code decisions, or community leadership? Feel free to share your perspective in the comments or on social media.
Yves Habersaat - Microsoft MVP (M365) & MCT 