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In this episode, Jacqueline Stockwell interviews Chirag Patel, a London-based independent consultant and Microsoft MVP, who specializes in helping organisations leverage Microsoft 365, particularly through Purview and generative AI. With over 25 years of experience in technology, Chirag discusses the importance of bridging the gap between complex technology and real-world productivity. He emphasizes the need for organizations to adopt AI with a secure and compliant foundation, ensuring that they can effectively utilize the tools at their disposal.Chirag talks about the challenges organizations face with information management, particularly within Microsoft 365. He highlights the common pitfalls of poor metadata management and the necessity for organizations to understand their data's lifecycle. The conversation also touches on the significance of SharePoint Premium in transforming unstructured data into structured assets, enhancing compliance, and ultimately driving productivity. Chirag provides actionable insights for information managers, stressing the importance of a solid metadata strategy and the need for organizations to quantify the costs associated with inefficiencies to build a compelling business case for adopting advanced features.KeywordsMicrosoft 365, AI adoption, information management, SharePoint Premium, metadata strategy, compliance, productivity, generative AI, technology consulting, business caseTakeaways"You have to think about how not to be too reactive.""If you don't provide enough context, it becomes a dumping ground for files.""AI readiness is not just about having the tools, but also about protecting your files.""Automation is key with SharePoint Premium.""You need to quantify how much pain is costing you to get budget approval."Sound bites"Microsoft 365 is getting bigger.""You have to think about how not to be too reactive.""SharePoint Premium changes the ROI of information."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chirag Patel and His Expertise01:11 Becoming a Microsoft MVP and Community Engagement02:35 The Role of Information Managers in Business04:37 Challenges in Information Management with Microsoft 36506:28 AI Readiness vs. Compliance Readiness08:13 Understanding SharePoint Premium11:07 Transforming Unstructured Data into Structured Assets12:41 The Importance of Metadata15:11 Real-World Applications of SharePoint Premium17:14 Actionable Takeaways for Information Managers19:17 Building a Business Case for Technology Investments21:49 Ensuring Compliance with Guest Access in Teams24:34 Learning and Mastering Microsoft 365Need some training or help with your information management? Visit https://leadershipthroughdata.com/

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