Solution Architect: The KEY Lessons You Need to Learn | #PowerTalks Ep. 48

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In this episode of Power Talks, Griffin talks with Stuart Baxter on how he is able to rescue poorly built apps, fix them, and make clients happy. We dive into the skills needed to be a great solution architect, what consultants need to learn before making the leap to solution architect, and ultimately why some projects fail. Check out the conversation to hear some of Stuart's MVP journey, career advice, and the skills that actually make a difference in your ability to drive client success.

✅ Connect with Stuart on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbaxter86/

Who is Stuart?

Today, we’re joined by Stuart Baxter, a Senior Dynamics 365 & Power Platform Solution Architect at Capgemini and a Microsoft MVP since 2024. With 10 years of experience in Microsoft Business Applications, including four years as a Solution Architect, Stuart has worked across public sector, agriculture, financial services, healthcare, and defense—solving complex business problems with simplicity in mind. Beyond his technical expertise, Stuart is co-founder of the Scottish Power Platform User Group and has a unique background in journalism, comic writing, and reporting on British MMA. He’s also passionate about mentoring, rescue projects, and ensuring that technology delivers real value.

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✅ Connect with Griffin on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-lickfeldt/

🔗 Check the Citizen Developer site here:https://citizendeveloper365.com/

What does it take to become a successful Solution Architect in the Power Platform and Dynamics 365 space? In this episode of #PowerTalks, we dive into the key lessons for Solution Architects, from transitioning out of consulting to mastering enterprise BizApps implementations. Learn why projects fail, how to rescue struggling implementations, and the critical skills that separate top-tier Power Platform Solution Architects from the rest. We also discuss the future of Dynamics 365, the evolving role of low-code solutions, and what professionals should be doing now to stay ahead. Plus, we explore the impact of mentorship, user communities, and the two most important sentences in tech: "I don’t know" and "I will research this and come back." Whether you're aspiring to be a Solution Architect or looking to level up your career, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you succeed.

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Video Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

00:47 - The Learning Curve

07:56 - Rescuing Projects

14:50 - Over Engineering Solutions

20:39 - How to Rescue Projects

24:33 - Solution Architect Skills

36:10 - Community Involvement

44:48 - After Hours Happy Hour

48:33 - Connect with Stuart