Barbara Rozgonyi: Hi everyone! This is Barbara Rozgonyi, welcoming you to the latest episode of Growing Social Now. My very special guest today is Jeff Willinger. Jeff and I have worked on more special projects and events together than anyone, and it's always a pleasure to talk to him.

Jeff, how are you? It's great to see you and be on your show. We've obviously been together for a very long time.

Jeff is joining us from Chicago today. Tell us what's happening in the Windy City. Why are you there and what's going on?

Jeff Willinger: I'm here at McCormick Place for a beautiful sunny 35 degree day in Chicago. I moved out to Southern California a few years ago - I always preach change management to my clients so I figured I should eat my own dog food. But I'm in Chicago this week for a conference called Educcon, which is focused on Microsoft and educating the amazing attendees here.

My passion is using Microsoft technologies like SharePoint to really create a culture of collaboration for organizations. That's what I'll be talking about, especially as the way we communicate today is far different than even a few years ago. With the rise of AI, Microsoft's general release of Copilot yesterday truly signifies a jump into the future of work.

Barbara Rozgonyi: Wow, this is such a timely interview! I'm really intrigued - as someone who worked in internal corporate communications and helped launch the first intranet for a Fortune 50 company, it was so important to get people talking together online. So tell us, what is the latest iteration? How does Copilot work?

Jeff Willinger: Let's take a step back first and talk about these hybrid work environments we're all in. I'm carrying the Microsoft flag here - they've really embraced and facilitated this shift to hybrid work with tools like Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive to enable seamless remote and in-office collaboration. The workplace will be a blend of physical and virtual spaces in the future.

Of course, Microsoft is heavily invested in AI and machine learning for the future. AI will play a big role in automating routine tasks, offering data insights, and providing virtual assistants to improve productivity. I was on an AI panel where someone said managers and directors should look for new jobs because AI will replace them soon. I had to jump in - like anything else you have to make yourself invaluable to your coworkers and clients.

This idea of digital transformation is a marathon, not a sprint. I'm in it for the long haul, passionate about transforming how large enterprises collaborate internally.

Barbara Rozgonyi: Great background. So what is the Copilot interface like? Does it blend AI into those tools you mentioned?

Jeff Willinger: Here's a great example. Let's say we're on a Teams call, 10 of us discussing a new project and no one's a great note-taker. With Copilot for Teams, as long as everyone agrees, the meeting is recorded. Copilot then provides a beautiful summary - it will recognize each person by voice. "Barbara was given the task of following up with Steve on the Marine project, and Jeff was given the task of following up with Marie on the Healthcare project."

You get a summary of the meeting with tasks - we could even add meetings. "Hey Barb, are you free next Tuesday at 9am?" And it will recognize my voice and automatically send you a Teams meeting. It doesn't take anyone's job away, just enhances and makes our lives easier.

Barbara Rozgonyi: Wow, that's amazing how it can facilitate meetings and drive progress. How else do you think communications will change as coworkers and society?

Jeff Willinger: This is really going to impact a lot of folks in HR. They are the lifeblood of organizations - the HR people who understand IT and the IT people who understand HR tend to be most successful. The more educated they are, the better decisions get made.

Our HR team is there for us when we need them. It starts with HR from the day you sign on with solid onboarding processes and plans.

Barbara Rozgonyi: Absolutely. The employee experience is such a differentiator, and the culture you build is critical. Job seekers have told me about companies that never respond after an application - that person could be a great fit later on! So even pre-employment experiences should aim to be better.

Jeff Willinger: I can't understand firms that don't respond, especially if someone took the time to apply. People would rather get a quick rejection versus hearing nothing.

Barbara Rozgonyi: Exactly. Well, this has been a great look at where you are now. Let's go back 15 years - this year marks the night we met at the Pepper Canister in Chicago. I think the capacity was 75 people but we packed it in with so much enthusiasm for social media. I just want to reflect on our 15 years - what are some of your favorite moments?

Jeff Willinger: That fateful night was so special. Some of my best friends were there, including you of course. The quality of pictures wasn't great back then but it didn't matter - my best friends were all there. We met so many wonderful people through Social Media Club over the years that we're still connected to today. Those days are gone but I'll never forget how exciting it was to be on the front end and wrapped up in that enthusiasm to get together, take pictures, and socialize. It was magical working together each month at new venues to make it all happen.

Barbara Rozgonyi: It really did run on magic fairy dust so many times! We didn't even charge admission for so long. I want to thank everyone who came to our events over the years - it was a buzz that kept going and going. I loved watching you welcome people in and make everyone feel special.

It was an amazing ride. And we can't end this interview without talking about pickleball! You're the king of pickleball and even have a license plate, right?

Jeff Willinger: Haha yes I do! When I first tried pickleball after playing tennis, I was hooked - it's social, easy to learn and you can play at any age. Of course it's mainstream now but can literally change lives by getting people active and improving health. I play 7 days a week when I'm home. Pickleball paddles may crack at 35 degrees though so I'll be focused on my Microsoft engagements this trip!

Barbara Rozgonyi: Well we covered a lot but let's wrap up - what's your word of the day?

Jeff Willinger: Joyful. An Instagram prompt said to take your name and pair it with something positive - a friend used to call me Joyful Jeff. With everything going on in the world, choosing joy and kindness goes a long way.

Barbara Rozgonyi: I love it. I'll go with bountiful joyfulness! If people want to connect with you, where can they find you online?

Jeff Willinger: I'm @TheRealJWillie on Instagram, @JWillie on Twitter. Or text me at (312) 622-2300 - very easy to remember: Chicago, my birthday and MJ! You can also find me on LinkedIn where I'm very active.

Barbara Rozgonyi: Jeff is so responsive and easy to connect with. Thank you for your time and all your contributions to making workplaces more collaborative, connected,  and joyful!

Until next time, thank you all for joining us. This has been Barbara Rozgonyi on Growing Social Now.