Hosts Joy Apple and Jay Leask welcomed Ajay Iyer from the Microsoft Innovation Hub for this candid, wide-ranging discussion on the real-world impact of technology in the workplace. The conversation moved beyond buzzwords and shiny new features, diving into the heart of what makes digital transformation successful. Key takeaway? To unlock the purpose behind technology you must Solve Business Challenges.

The Role of the Microsoft Innovation Hub

Jay and Ajay began by demystifying their evolving job titles and responsibilities at the Microsoft Innovation Hub. Their work is less about selling products and more about guiding organizations through short-term, high-impact engagements. They described their role as “dating” clients rather than “marrying” them. Help teams solve business problems. Help them design solutions and validate prototypes. Then send them off to implement and return for the next stage. This approach fosters long-term relationships built on trust, with some clients returning for advice and collaboration over many years. 

Storytelling and Change Management

Ajay shared a personal anecdote from his interview for the Innovation Hub role, where he was tested on his ability to hold attention and tell compelling stories. This skill is vital for driving change, as technologists must communicate complex ideas in simple terms and bring together diverse stakeholders. Joy echoed this sentiment, noting that the ability to translate technical jargon into everyday language is a superpower that accelerates adoption and success. 

Cross-Industry Collaboration and Unique Challenges

One of the most compelling aspects of their work is the diversity of industries and stakeholders they engage with. Ajay shared stories of working with manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more. He highlighted a memorable case involving nurse managers who oversee up to 200 nurses daily, underscoring the complexity and pressure of their roles. The team’s approach was to spend hours simply understanding the daily life and pain points of these managers before proposing any technology. The solution—a tailored dashboard using existing Microsoft tools—saved each manager 15 minutes per day, translating into significant time savings and reduced stress across hundreds of employees. 

The Importance of the “Why”

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasized the importance of starting every project with a clear understanding of its purpose. Technology should never be implemented just because it’s trendy or mandated. New tech must align to real business challenges and deliver tangible value. Jay recounted a conversation with a CIO who insisted, “Don’t sell me on AI. Every tool will have AI soon. Tell me the value I’ll get.” This mindset is crucial for driving meaningful change and ensuring that solutions are adopted and sustained. 

Solve Business challenges and Avoid Shiny Distractions

Ajay and Joy discussed the temptation to over-engineer solutions throughout the discussion. They shared examples of how the rise of AI and automation has pushed organizations to want to build complex agents when a simple Power Automate flow would suffice. The lesson: always look for simple, effective solutions, and resist the urge to add unnecessary complexity; this approach not only saves money but also ensures that technology serves its intended purpose without disrupting business processes. 

Human-Centered Design and Employee Experience

A recurring theme was the need to keep humans in the loop. Whether implementing security controls, designing dashboards, or rolling out new collaboration tools, the team stressed that solutions must fit the regulatory, business, and user requirements. If technology makes life harder for employees—such as locking down medical records so tightly that nurses can’t access them—it will fail. The best solutions aim to solve business challenges – those that solve small, everyday problems, add up to major improvements, and help people feel heard and supported. 

Actionable Takeaways for Organizations

The episode closed with practical advice for organizations embarking on digital transformation:

• Always start with the “why”—ensure every project has a clear purpose tied to solve business challenges.
• Keep solutions simple; don’t overcomplicate with unnecessary technology.
• Involve end users and stakeholders from all relevant departments, not just IT, to surface real needs and challenges. 
• Build trust through transparency and long-term relationships, not just transactional engagements. 
• Use technology to solve small, frequent problems that add up to big results in employee experience and retention. 

Looking Ahead: Community and Continued Learning

Ajay also mentioned upcoming M365 Saint Louis Community Days, inviting listeners to connect, learn, and share their experiences. The episode encouraged organizations to seek out “power users” and storytellers who can champion change and bridge the gap between technology and business needs.