The 90 Day Mentoring Challenge empowers your people
with targeted outcomes that matter most to your business.
Weekly, action-focused modules designed to grow capability, confidence, and client-readiness.
Because this training is fully focused on building a career selling and supporting Microsoft products, Microsoft can reimburse 100% of the cost for this employee development for eligible partners.
Check your Earnings and Incentives in the Partner Center Dashboard at
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Mark Smith is a Microsoft AI Platform MVP and hosts the Microsoft Innovation Podcast. For over two decades, heâs worked with organisations around the world to implement Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 solutions that drive real business results.
In 2018, he founded the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge, a practical career accelerator for professionals serious about building a future in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Mark shares hard-earned insights, practical strategies, and the same career-building systems that have helped thousands of mentees land jobs, grow their skills, and lead with confidence in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Meg Smith is a former Google leader turned Change Manager and AI educator. After nearly a decade working at Google, she now helps professionals confidently navigate their careers, communicate their unique value, and thrive in fast-paced, high-impact environments.
Meg specialises in AI governance and adoption, personal leadership, and storytelling that sticks. Whether youâre breaking into tech, stepping into leadership, or building a standout personal brand, Megâs here to help you get clear on your strengths, amplify your impact, and build a career youâre proud of.
As someone who has around 7 years experience in Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform before doing this course I think this is a great course I wished I had done earlier! I did wonder at the cost e.g. if you fund it yourself - however you can pay over 3 months and the total value from the course far exceeds the cost. There are so many really useful resources and knowledge identified that can really help you in working in this space. So in summary a must training course for anyone wanting to make a career in Dynamics 365 / Power Platform as it does such a good job of summarizing the landscape, possibilities and what skills will help you in such a career.
I'm at a point in my life where I'm figuring out what I truly want to do with it, and the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge has been a pivotal part of that journey. My track with the Power Platform is progressing wellâIâm still in the middle of the course, but each session brings me clarity not only on how to thrive in my career but also on how to achieve personal success. There's a well-known idea, often attributed to motivational speaker Jim Rohn, that the five people you spend the most time with shape who you are. For me, Mark Smith is undoubtedly one of those people I want to learn from and gain insights from. Mark is unhinged in the best way when sharing insights from his experience, and I really enjoyed the fortnightly meetings as part of the course. His guidance has been transformative, helping me focus not just on building technical expertise but also on aligning my goals with a greater vision for the future.
Participating in the first year of the #90DayMC was an incredibly valuable experience for me and helped me to succeed in consulting and presales. I still remember the story about the importance of being a craftsman in your role. I keep in touch with participants from all over the world and follow their careers. I found it to be a highly effective method for learning and growth, it was different, refreshing and unique. I did not know back then our passes would cross, and I am glad it happened thanks to Microsoft and Power Platform.
Hello , my name is LĂŠa, and I joined the #90DAYMC because I was looking for a structured way to enhance my skills and knowledge in Microsoft Business Applications, driven by a desire to overcome the imposter syndrome and the overwhelming feeling of stepping into a relatively new domain. Initially, I hesitated to enroll due to doubts about my ability to keep pace with the challenge, fearing it might be too much to manage on top of my existing responsibilities. However, what I've enjoyed most about this experience is the weekly release of material, which not only made it manageable but also kept me motivated by breaking down the learning process into digestible segments. The supportive and motivating community on WhatsApp, where everyone shares insights and encourages each other, has been incredibly uplifting. So far, I've gained three significant benefits: an introduction to new tools, books, and content that have broadened my professional toolkit; a clearer and more structured approach to organizing my thoughts and tasks; and a more profound sense of connection with the industry through shared insights from key figures. I would definitely recommend the #90DAYMC to others, as it offers a unique opportunity to expand one's professional network, gain key industry insights, and immerse oneself in a supportive community. This challenge has been a transformative journey, and I'm grateful for the growth and learning it has facilitated.
My name is Ammar ZAIED. I am a solutions architect with over ten years of professional experience in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform technologies. The 90-Day Mentoring Challenge is an opportunity for any IT consultant to receive a complete guide and become an expert on Microsoft's business apps. I chose 90DAYMC to guide me through the next steps in my career, learn where I can go, and sharpen my skills. It was a great decision and an exceptional community led by people like Mark and Meg. Until now, I have been focused on reading books that I find very interesting for my career. They are changing my way of doing things and my way of thinking. I have set up an annual schedule on several axes, such as training and sharing with the Microsoft community. The advantage of the cohort is also the sharing of information; I found very constructive people and a multicultural environment.
The 90 Day Mentoring Challenge has been a watershed moment in my career. Within 12 months of completing I saw my income grow, got a promotion and became an MVP. I think this is a massive opportunity for you to incorporate the insights from your Ecosystems podcast into the challenge. Mark, I owe you massively for all I've learned from you mate and I want to pay it forward - lmk how I can support you in this.
Half way through the current cohort, I can honestly say I've never felt as inspired and energised about my career as I feel now having gone through this mentoring challenge so far. Not only is the content absolutely top-notch and thought-provoking, it's also allowed me to build a reading list which otherwise just would not have happened. The mentees in the current cohort have also made it a thoroughly engaging experience, making it feel like a thriving community. Unfortunately I was not quick enough to join the previous occurrences of this challenge, so I had to really jump onto it when I first heard about this occurrence in 2024. I'm so glad I did. Thanks Mark and Meg.
Starting the new year with the '90 Day Mentoring Challenge' has been one of the most impactful decisions for my career. A special thanks to Mark Smith for delivering such enriching content! This course was not just about brushing up on MS Business Applications; it was an all-encompassing journey that broadened my professional horizons and deepened my understanding significantly. The fast-paced nature of the course kept things exciting, and the flexibility to catch up on materials made learning manageable alongside my daily responsibilities. More than just the technical skills, Mark's mantra of staying curious and humble resonated with me profoundly, adding a personal growth dimension to the technical knowledge. This experience has been truly inspiring and has equipped me with insights for my next steps in my career. Joining this challenge was undoubtedly one of the best professional decisions I've made. Highly recommended for anyone looking to grow!
Hi, my name is Venkata Subbarao Polisetty and I joined this 90 Day Mentoring Challenge when ever I heard that it is open for registrations.I am looking for a focused set of People in Microsoft Business Applications who can guide,debate,suggest,empower fellow member in the group, where #90DayMCQ12024 gave a path for entry.I have moved to leadership roles,many questions are daunting me what kind of value that I can bring to the table.This awesome course structure provided me an opportunity to learn and unlearn number of things.Got to know about how to move in different aspects of carrer.Both Meg,Mark are very supportive in the entire process.Especially on leadership front,many pointers are lined out in the structure and also in discussions and in live sessions everyweek.Number of live suggestions came to me where I can navigate during that difficult phase.There are many things that I can write,but in short it is a single entry point where you get chance to have discussions that provide value for entire life.I will be in touch with entire group of members through Alumini group.Thanks Mark,Meg for the real community work that you are doing , do let me know if I can do a small contribution to the programme.
Iâm David Cole-Baker and I have 3 decades of sales experience behind me in all sorts of business applications from many different vendors. I joined the 90DayMC to see if there it would give me some ideas as to how I could pivot my career in a new direction. What almost stopped me is that many of the people who have taken the course have already spent many years across D365 and Power Platform and are well entrenched in this ecosystem. But with an open mind I have pressed on and worked through the modules and enjoyed the catchups and online chatter to understand more about this community. So far it has highlighted to me that I have a lot of the skills where I could pivot to a functional consultant of some sort. Iâm also in the unique position of being able to choose a direction to focus on. Listening to the directions and investments that MS is making in the future it has indicated to me I need more of an AI focus with what I skill up on next. The 90DayMC has been great to reinforce some of things I already have or know, but also challenge my thinking as to what next.
Iâm Sabindas Sivadas, a Dynamics CE and Power Apps consultant. Throughout my career, Iâve faced many ups and downs, and I often felt the need for a mentor to guide me. While seeking advice from my former managers, I came across a LinkedIn post about the 90-Day Mentoring Challenge. Seeing that many participants were MVPs sparked my curiosity, and I decided to join. Initially, I wondered if this program would truly add value to my career or if I had the time to commit to it. However, after hearing positive experiences from LinkedIn connections, I took the leapâand Iâm so glad I did. I have thoroughly enjoyed the structured approach to mentorship and the opportunity to engage with experienced professionals in the Microsoft Business Applications ecosystem. Three key benefits Iâve gained so far: Clarity in my career path â The mentorship has helped me focus on the right skills and opportunities. Invaluable knowledge â Learning from experienced mentors has expanded my understanding of best practices and real-world applications. A supportive community â Being part of a group that shares knowledge and experiences has been incredibly motivating. The 90-Day Mentoring Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to gain insights, connect with industry leaders, and receive guidance that can shape your career. Itâs not just about learningâitâs about growing within a network of like-minded professionals. Iâm truly grateful to Marc for being my mentor. His guidance has been instrumental in my journey, and Iâm excited to continue learning. If youâre considering joining, donât hesitateâthis program can be a game-changer!
I'm half way through this course now and throughout each module I am finding even more value. I have found it insightful, eye opening and confidence building. I have also been able to get valuable advice from some fantastic people.
The #90DayMC challenge is an absolute game changer - I've learned so much from the course as well as from the other awesome participants. It's helped me to focus on where to take my career next and what actions I need to take. I would highly recommend taking part!
Kia ora My name is Hamid Yusofie, I applied for a program called "Global Impact Industry Project" at the University of Canterbury, but I wasn't sure whether I would be accepted, as they had mentioned that participants should have completed 300-level courses. At the time, I was in the middle of my studies and uncertain whether I would pass those courses. Fortunately, on the day the exam results were announced, I received a call from the university in the evening, and they informed me that I was eligible for the project. When the projects were distributed, I was advised to conduct market research for a product called #90DAYMC for the Indian market. After completing the market research, on the presentation day, Mark and Meg gifted this course to each member of our team. I finished the course within the designated timeline, and I must say that the tutorial was incredibly insightful. For some lessons, I reviewed it two or three times, and each time, I learned something new. For example, planning for the next three years seemed impossible to me, as I had grown up in places where even planning for the day seemed difficult. Also, the introduction of Toastmasters, which helps everyone improve their speaking, negotiation, and communication skills, seemed challenging at first. But now, I realise that such goals are not only possible but also achievable. Once again, I would like to thank Mark and Meg for this valuable gift, as I have learned so much from their life experiences. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to upskill or considering a career change. Nga mihi
My name is Sanya Saddi. I am a tertiary student studying IT. I was encouraged by my dad to join the 90-day mentoring challenge (as he had been a part of it before). I was definitely hesitant as a 16 year old, I was inexperienced, shy, and wasn't sure what to expect. It turned out to be quite an enlightening experience. Even for someone with no prior industry exposure, the material that Mark put together in each module was easy to comprehend. What I enjoyed most about the 90-day challenge was connecting and learning from the community; the WhatsApp group chat made it easy to talk to others. Participating in this challenge has helped me come out of my shell, and encouraged me to share my achievements however big or small. It motivated me to upskill and engage in the industry (workshops, etc.) that I was able to share in our fortnightly Team meetings. Thank you Mark and Meg for giving me this opportunity! It has definitely put me on to the right course for my journey in IT. Even though it's really early days, I'm thrilled about what lies ahead.
Yes. Plenty of people take the Challenge because theyâre feel like they need a boost, they want to put their best foot forward for a promotion, or theyâre starting a new role. Wherever people are in their Microsoft career, the skills they learn in the Challenge will help them level up.
Yes. If you have new hires, or youâve just onboarded your latest intake of graduates, put them through the Challenge at the start of their career with you. Theyâll become valuable contributors so much faster as a result.
The 12 modules are pre-recorded videos supported with resources. Every two weeks we run a live Q&A session where your team can come along with any questions and Mark and Meg will help them out.
Yes. Every two weeks we run a live Q&A session where your team can come along with any questions and Mark and Meg will be there to answer. They can also ask questions in the Challenge community â Mark and Meg check in every day â and the other Challenge participants are also a great source of wisdom and support.
The Challenge is self-directed learning, and the team have lifetime access to the Challenge content, so they can return to their learning when they get less busy. Lifetime access means they can also dip back into the modules any time they need a refresher on a topic.
Yes. As a Microsoft partner youâre eligible for funding from Microsoft for this Partner Skilling. Because this training is fully focused on building a career selling Microsoft products, Microsoft will pay 100% of the cost.
It can be a bit tricky working out where to apply for employee development funding in the Microsoft Partner Center. If youâre still struggling, we can help you access the funding. Get in touch.
Important note. Donât miss your Microsoft funding application deadlines. Twice a year you have a deadline to use the employee development budget allocated to you for as a Microsoft partner. This is a use it or lose it situation, employee development budget doesnât accumulate for the next funding round.
Your funding deadlines for 2025 are:
For co-op earned in H2 FY25 claims must be submitted by August 15, 2025
Your funding deadlines for 2026 are:
For co-op earned in H1 FY26 claims must be submitted by February 15, 2026
For co-op earned in H2 FY26 claims must be submitted by August 15, 2026
No. This isnât technical training in how to use Power Platform or Dynamics 365. This is soft skills training to make your team better consultants and communicators so that theyâll be more valuable resources for your customers and their colleagues.
Your team will learn how to present well personally and communicate warmly and professionally so they build customer trust and rapport and become your clientsâ consultant of choice.
Your team will also learn how to deepen their specialist areas of knowledge, develop business acumen so they become trusted thought leaders, and build their personal brand so they stand out and bring you more work.
No. Your team will be doing the Challenge with everyone else whoâs registered for the Challenge at the same time. Your staff will connect with people on a similar journey, extend their network and build a global community.
Microsoft Partners tell us that the Challenge is a much richer experience for their team because they do it with other Microsoft professionals from all over the world.
Because of the diversity of Microsoft professionals doing the Challenge, the community isnât a competitive environment. In fact, Challenge alumni often end up sharing ideas, solving problems together, and collaborating on projects.
The Challenge is not organised by Microsoft or affiliated with Microsoft; however, it is eligible for full Partner Skilling funding from Microsoft for eligible partners.
Mark is an experienced Microsoft professional and has worked with Power Platform and Dynamics 365 for 22 years. He started the Challenge because so many people started coming to him for mentoring, he couldnât help everyone one-on-one, and he wanted to support people to grow their Microsoft careers at scale.
Since the Challenge was launched in 2018, alumni include Microsoft implementation partners, independent Microsoft consultants, IT professionals who work at companies using Microsoft Power Platform or Dynamics 365, and people who work for Microsoft. Mark is also a Microsoft Certified Trainer, and he and Meg both develop and deliver training content for Microsoft staff worldwide.
However, we want to make it clear that the Challenge is not endorsed by Microsoft and is not a Microsoft service.