Knowledge Fika 2.0: Knowledge in M365 with Copilot and Content AI

About this episode:
Rebecka sits down with Cory Newton‑Smith to explore how AI in SharePoint has evolved from early Knowledge Agent ideas to today’s Copilot-powered capabilities. They break down how AI is finally helping organizations clean up noise, surface authoritative content, and turn SharePoint into a genuinely intelligent knowledge platform.

Expect insights into Microsoft’s “zero to one” journey, how customer feedback drives every iteration, and why the platform is becoming “so much more capable” as AI takes center stage.

Chapters:
00:00 — Intro: Knowledge Agent & AI in SharePoint
05:54 — Cory’s journey at Microsoft
09:27 — AI in document management
14:05 — Customer feedback loops18:08 — AI capability leaps
21:37 — Cutting noise
26:09 — Authoritative content
31:29 — Customization power

About Cory:
Cory Newton‑Smith is a Group Product Manager at Microsoft and a key leader behind AI in SharePoint — from first‑party AI to custom SharePoint agents that unlock expertise across organizations.

She’s the woman behind the massive team effort that gave knowledge managers the best thing since electricity and indoor plumbing: AI‑powered knowledge in SharePoint. Cory blends product vision, customer research, engineering partnership, and deep experience in AI strategy to shape how Microsoft helps people find and trust organizational knowledge.

If your SharePoint suddenly feels smarter? Cory and her team's fingerprints are probably on it. A coffee drinker who lacks the sweet tooth that so many of us have - she is also "tea-curious", so let's see what her verdict will be on the "Söders Höjder" blend I will bring for her. Tea with a flavour of warm, sunny summer nights in Stockholm... To be continued.

About this Episode:
In this episode of Knowledge Fika, I sit down with the legendary (and proudly self‑proclaimed) curmudgeon Marc D Anderson. With decades of experience in the Microsoft world, Marc has watched SharePoint grow from its awkward adolescence into today’s collaboration powerhouse.
We talk about the evolution of Microsoft 365, why Marc stays cautiously optimistic about Copilot, and how hype often gets in the way of solving real business problems. He shares honest, practical perspectives on what AI gets right—and where it still goes delightfully wrong.
And yes, we end with a Fika moment featuring cardamom buns and some thoughtful reflections on slowing down in the age of AI.

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About Marc:
Marc D Anderson (Sympraxis Consulting) is what you get when deep technical expertise meets decades of real‑world consulting wisdom—served with a generous side of dry humour. A long‑time Microsoft MVP, author of the beloved SPServices library, and a go‑to voice in the SharePoint community, Marc has shaped the Microsoft ecosystem since the early TPU/Tahoe days.
He’s hands‑on, allergic to tech hype, and famously committed to “just wanting the truth.” Whether he’s designing solutions, blogging, or speaking at conferences, Marc brings clarity, candour, and a bit of that classic Anderson curmudgeon charm.

About this episode:
In this episode, I sit down with Adam Harmetz, VP of Product (SharePoint, OneDrive, Planner and a whole slew of M365 products) at Microsoft, to look at SharePoint’s 25‑year journey and how it’s evolving in an AI‑first era. And what to expect from https://aka.ms/SPat25 - the big birthday event!
We cover the rise of Knowledge Agent, why content lifecycle management and governance still matter, and how AI is transforming the way people interact with information. Adam also shares insights on Work IQ and the shift toward richer content experiences — all pointing to a future where collaboration, automation, and intelligent context are at the core of everyday work.
If you care about content, knowledge in the flow of work, and where Microsoft is taking SharePoint next, this conversation delivers clarity, history, and a few sharp one-liners (including the now‑iconic “garbage in, garbage amplified”). #GIGA
And if you haven't already: Sign up for the 25th SharePoint birthday celebration today! https://aka.ms/SPat25 It will be a blast (from the past) but some BIG announcements too!

About Adam:
Adam Harmetz is a VP of Product in Microsoft’s Collaborative Apps & Platforms organization, with two decades of experience shaping how people create, manage, and use content at work. He’s spent his career at the intersection of product design and customer success — from reimagining SharePoint to driving the next wave of content management innovation with AI and agents.
He lives in Kirkland, WA with his wife (a former product director turned leadership coach), their two kids, and a very loved dog. Together, he and his wife write about careers, parenting, and the messy, meaningful parts of life at https://blog.mindthebeet.com.

About this episode:
In this episode of Knowledge Fika, I sit down with the one and only Paul Keijzers — long-time SharePoint legend, MVP, and someone who’s basically been living in site collections since 2001 (yes, before some intranets were even born).
We dig into the stuff that actually matters but too often gets ignored: metadata, governance, ownership, and why the SharePoint admin center still feels like it needs a strong cup of coffee and a UX redesign. Paul shares his take on Microsoft’s renewed love for metadata (finally!), what the new Knowledge Agent means for orgs drowning in documents, and why “garbage in, garbage amplified” is the AI mantra nobody wants but everyone needs.
We also poke at the myth of “low-code” — spoiler: Power Automate still expects you to know what you’re doing — and why every site deserves at least two responsible owners to avoid becoming a digital orphanage.
And because it is Knowledge Fika, we wrap with a light-hearted chat on the true priorities in life: good coffee (or your favourite kombucha!), good company, and well-governed content.
Tune in, learn something, laugh a little — and maybe rethink your metadata choices.
About Paul:
Paul Keijzers (MVP) is an 8‑time (or 9 actually, we aren't sure anymore ;-) ) Microsoft MVP and the founder of KbWorks, where he helps organizations work smarter and more secure in Microsoft 365. With over 20 years of experience, he has supported more than 150 organizations and built deep expertise across Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Purview, Power Automate, Copilot, and the Viva suite.
His clients describe him as pragmatic, professional, and exceptional at translating complex challenges into real business value.
Originally from the Netherlands, Paul now lives in Portugal with his family, where he surfs, mountain-bikes, and shares weekly insights on his popular YouTube channel.
Learn more about Paul and KbWorks: https://kbworks.eu
Check out Paul's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@kbworks_eu

🎙 Knowledge Fika 2.0 is here! 🎙We’re kicking off a brand-new season with a fresh focus: Microsoft 365, Content AI, and Copilot readiness.
In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Heather Cook to explore how communities drive adoption, foster belonging, and even boost retention. But Heather also shares her inspiring career journey - proof that success in tech doesn’t require a coding background! We also dive into why content governance and metadata matter more than ever for Copilot, and how Microsoft could up its game for a smoother user experience.
Plus, we sprinkle in some fika vibes (and Heather’s favourite festive treat 🍵) because social connections aren’t just nice—they’re essential for thriving workplaces.
✨ Key Takeaways:
Communities = the secret sauce for change management
Metadata is the backbone of Copilot readiness
Personal connections create lasting professional impact
Fika culture reminds us: Relationships matter!
Ready to join the conversation? Hit play and let’s fika about knowledge!Links to a few resources referenced in this episode:
Mondays at Microsoft | with Karuana Gatimu & Heather Cook
Heather Cook on Substack: Hedda’s Mix Tape | Substack
Link to the SharePoint 25th anniversary celebration live stream: SharePoint at 25: The Knowledge Platform for Copilot and Agents
Adam & Helen Harmetz’sblog; Mind the Beet | Substack
About Heather Cook:Heather is all about bringing people together and making tech feel human. She’s the Principal Customer Experience Manager in Microsoft’s M365 Customer Advocacy Group, and if you’ve ever been part of a vibrant Microsoft community, chances are Heather had a hand in it.
Before that, she was a Microsoft MVP and now runs her own consultancy, Creative Maven, where she helps brands tell their stories and create unforgettable events. Fun fact? She’s also a published playwright and theatre pro - so when Heather talks about creativity and connection, she really means it.
Get ready for an episode packed with energy, insights, a great deal of humour - and a little bit of sass!