Hey, I'm Mark
Your Challenge mentor and Microsoft career guide
In 2003, I worked for the first business in New Zealand to implement an early version of Microsoft CRM. Since then, I’ve led practices for Microsoft partners and designed solutions for the New Zealand and Australian governments, international agencies like the Red Cross and the UN, as well as major corporates. I’ve been a Microsoft Certified Trainer since 2009, a Microsoft MVP since 2012, and a contributor to Microsoft Dynamics exams since 2013.
But my life wasn’t always like this
I grew up in a small, rural New Zealand community and when it was time for me to go to the local high school, my mother realised I couldn't read. Now I know I’m dyslexic. But back then there wasn’t support for kids with learning difficulties. Right through school, I was bottom of the class. I was told I was stupid. Everyone assumed I’d always be a labourer and I spent the first three years out of high school as a groundskeeper mowing lawns. Until I bought my first computer … then everything changed. When I first worked with Microsoft Dynamics, I fell in love with the tech and what it allowed me to do. There I was, living at the bottom of the world, with no university degree. Because Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 are so accessible, I was able to develop a skill set that’s rewarded me handsomely. I’ve been able to work anywhere I wanted. I’ve travelled the world, visiting close to 50 countries. You can too.
I built a personal brand before personal brand was a thing
I started blogging when I started using Microsoft Dynamics because I was so excited about the potential of the tech. Turns out, it’s tough to stand out and win the organic search battle when your name is Mark Smith, so I adopted my alter ego nz365guy. Soon blogging turned into something bigger. People began to look to me for opinions on Microsoft tech. I’ve always been able to see patterns and connect concepts, so people started asking me what was coming next. Because I've been in my Microsoft career longer than many people at Microsoft, I see the big picture context and can spot future trends early. Today I also host the Microsoft Innovation Podcast and write the Tech Trailblazer newsletter, all in service of helping you reach your full potential using tech. And as part of the Challenge, I teach you to build your own personal brand because I know how much it pays off.
Technology transformed my life and it can transform yours
About 10 years into my Microsoft career, people started coming to me for mentoring. I began the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge because I couldn’t help everyone one-on-one and wanted a way to support people at scale. When you sign up to the Challenge, I’ll be sending you your welcome emails. You’ll see my face in the videos and on the Q&A calls. I’m also in the WhatsApp community daily, replying to conversations in the chat. One thing I love about the Microsoft community is how many people who work with Power Platform and Dynamics 365 have made the switch from other careers. If I can achieve the career I’ve experienced, starting where I started, you can too. I can’t wait to help you level up your Microsoft career.
Join 1,400 leading Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 professionals around the world
Take the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge and accelerate your Microsoft career.
