Architect Accelerator! - Guest: Sean Astrakhan

In this episode of the Sprint Zero podcast, we welcome Sean Astrakhan, a seasoned solutions architect and the creator of Untethered 365 and the Solution Architect Accelerator Course. The conversation delves into Sean's journey from working in a Mexican restaurant to becoming a tech expert, emphasising the importance of communication and learning from mistakes. They discuss the significance of advanced training in the Power Platform, the pitfalls of over-engineering, and the necessity of understanding the problem before selecting the right tools. Sean shares insights on innovative solutions within the Power Platform and offers a candid discussion about the challenges of using Power Automate Desktop. We discuss the intricacies of working with the Power Platform, discussing the challenges faced by solution architects, the importance of best practices, and the necessity of thorough testing. They explore the future of work in the context of AI's growing influence and emphasise the significance of effective communication in the workplace.

Takeaways

- Sean Astrakhan emphasizes the importance of communication in tech.
- Learning from mistakes is crucial for growth in software architecture.
- Over-engineering can lead to unnecessary complications in projects.
- Understanding the problem is key to choosing the right tools.
- Advanced training is lacking in the Power Platform space.
- Creating an environment for learning from mistakes is essential.
- Sean's journey highlights the value of efficiency in tech solutions.
- Innovative thinking can lead to creative solutions in enterprise settings.
- Power Automate Desktop has a steep learning curve and unique challenges.
- The importance of delivering value over simply migrating tools. A slight UI tweak can disrupt functionality.
- Solution architects must navigate tool limitations.
- Best practices should not be rigidly followed.
- Writing test cases can significantly enhance project outcomes.
- Finding a fulfilling job is a complex challenge.
- AI is transforming the landscape of software development.
- Effective communication is crucial in the workplace.
- Understanding power dynamics is essential in professional settings.
- Confronting workplace challenges can lead to personal growth.
- The future of work will require adaptability and creativity.


Special Thanks to:

Sean Astrakhan
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-astrakhan/
Untethered365 - https://www.untethered365.com/

Thanks to:
KenLikeFit for providing music for this episode - [Find out more about him and listen to his music here](https://linktr.ee/kenlikefit)

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Love you,
Mike Gowland,
Jon Russell

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