MVP Insights: Brad Prendergast Shares Tips for Navigating AI, Leveraging Community Connections

Welcome to “MVP Insights,” a podcast that explores the universe, ideas, and opportunities of the brightest stars in the Microsoft business applications ecosystem. 

In episode 38, John Siefert hosts Brad Prendergast, VP of Software Development, Tigunia, Microsoft MVP, to share his impressions on the rapid evolution of AI, Copilots, and Agents. Brad also shares tips for users who are new to Business Central, including community engagement and networking.

This episode is sponsored by Community Summit North America, the largest innovation, education, and training event for the Microsoft Business Applications ecosystem, taking place Oct. 19-23, 2025, in Orlando, FL. Register today to connect with thousands of users across the Microsoft business applications ecosystem at the for user, by user event.

Key Takeaways

• Experience as an MVP: Being an MVP brings some pressure due to expectations, notes Brad, but it offers valuable opportunities to gain insights, engage in conversations, and increase community involvement. “It does open the door to give you the opportunity to get back and talk with everybody in the community… which is what I like,” he adds.
• Emerging tech innovations: Reflecting on emerging innovations in tech, Brad explains that AI has rapidly evolved, and is now being refined for specific functions and tools, a process referred to as “agentification.” Recent innovations include using local LLMs to enhance application efficiency and streamline implementations, with AI now being applied to distinct tasks managed by specialized agents.
• Useful applications: AI is now “showing up everywhere,” which can be overwhelming, but it’s important to see it as a tool that enhances efficiency and streamlines tasks. By integrating AI into various applications, such as scheduling and summarizing meetings, it can significantly simplify and improve business operations. “I use some of that every day, just to help me manage some of the tasks, some of the scheduling, some of the calendars,” explains Brad.
• Looking ahead: The future of AI can be considered uncertain, but Brad notes that it’s here to stay and will continue to integrate into various aspects of life, from business applications to everyday technology. It’s important to stay informed and adapt to its presence, as it will remain a significant part of our lives for “the foreseeable future.”
• Tips for new Business Central users: For someone new to Business Central, “network as much as possible by coming to some of these events and joining some of these events,” notes Brad. While you can learn from online resources and your implementation partner, gaining knowledge by engaging with the community and “attending some of these events is priceless.”
• Value of Summit NA: Further, the Tech Medic booth at Community Summit NA is a valuable spot for networking, where diverse individuals including partners, customers, and Microsoft representatives gather to share their expertise. “Everybody’s willing to help each other learn and become successful within the application, within this community,” Brad notes in closing.

Stream the audio version of this episode here: