Turn 8-Hour Tasks into 1-Hour Wins with AI

Microsoft Innovation Podcast

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What if mastering Excel could unlock superhuman productivity? In this episode, Aleksandar Grasic—founder of Outliers and a three-time Microsoft MVP—shares how he helped over 300,000 professionals transform their workflows using AI-powered tools and structured data literacy. From slashing 8-hour tasks to 1-hour wins, Aleksandar reveals how combining Excel, Power BI, and Copilot can revolutionize how we work. Whether you're a tech leader or a data enthusiast, this conversation offers a roadmap to smarter, faster decision-making in the age of AI.
🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
Excel is still a powerhouse: Aleksandar explains how structured learning and tools like Power Query and Power Pivot can dramatically reduce time spent on data tasks.
AI as a productivity partner: Tools like Copilot and ChatGPT should be used to enhance—not replace—human expertise, especially in presentation and data analysis workflows.
Data literacy is essential: Increasing data literacy by even 30% across teams can significantly improve decision-making and adaptability in AI-driven environments.
Localized impact, global relevance: Outliers has educated over 300,000 professionals in the Balkan region, proving that regional language content can drive massive engagement.
Bridging users and developers: Aleksandar acts as a feedback conduit between Microsoft’s development teams and real-world users, influencing tools like Copilot in Word and Excel.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Outliers Education Platform – https://outliers.rs
👉 Microsoft MVP Program – https://mvp.microsoft.com
👉 Microsoft Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Power BI – https://powerbi.microsoft.com
👉 Power Query & Power Pivot in Excel – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/excel
👉Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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Chapters

1. Turn 8-Hour Tasks into 1-Hour Wins with AI (00:00:00)

2. From Spreadsheets to Superpowers (00:00:06)

3. The Mindset Shift—AI as a Productivity Partner (00:02:20)

4. The Hidden Power of Excel—Unlocking Tools Most Users Miss (00:04:17)

5. Building a Balkan Tech Empire—300,000 Users in Native Language (00:08:25)

6. Bridging the Gap—From MVP to Microsoft Collaborator (00:15:21)

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