Tell us a little bit about yourself and your Role

I go way back in time when I used Windows 3.11 for school and gaming and ever since I started working I was using Microsoft technology, lucky as I was I could make this my job.  I started out as MCSE in the Windows NT 3.51 time and focussing on Exchange Server at the time which was such a great product.  Active Directory quickly came around the corner and then jumped on Live Communication Server 2003 and stayed in the communications space ever since going to Live Communication Server 2005, Office Communication Server 2017, Lync Server 2010,2013, Skype for Business 2015, 2019 and now Microsoft Teams.  I am mainly doing architectural work with customers on how they can move to the Microsoft Cloud.  Working at “The Collective Consulting BV” in Belgium with focus on Microsoft Cloud and Security as Fouding and Managing Partner.

Where do you look for professional inspiration?

My inspiration comes from fellow MVPs, the community, and great colleagues.  The desire to deliver the most optimal solution for customers is a very big driver of inspiration as we never stop learning and sharing information.

In your opinion what is the most exciting thing about working with Microsoft Teams?

The impeccable meeting experience in Teams is so much better than I have seen anywhere else, the fact that mobile is such a great client also for meetings blows my mind.

What is your favourite feature of Microsoft Teams and why?

Proximity join for Microsoft Teams Meeting Rooms during meetings as I use it every single day.  I honestly could not live without it and maybe I am just lucky to actually have a Microsoft Teams Meeting Room Device in my office.

What are the biggest challenges you face working with Microsoft Teams?

Having to switch tenants for accessing content in other organizations as a guest is probably the biggest pain point in Teams.

How would you tackle it/them?  

Guest access should not log you out of your own tenant but connect with your federated account into other Organizations.

• • Have your Microsoft Teams logged into your own primary account and access other Organizations by using your favourite browser that can switch between different profiles.
  • When in the car never dial into a meeting by cell, just use the Teams mobile client which is so much better and really works great over 4G/LTE.
  • Always use a Certified headset, never go to a Teams meeting talking to your PC that will not help the other participants and the quality will suffer
• What key skills does a Microsoft Teams Expert need to be effective in Industry?

Personally for me Teams has required me to learn news skills I have never had to master before like “Governance and Compliance” and a wider set of Adoption and Onboarding techniques.  In general you need to be a good speaker and guide customers through their journey going to Microsoft Teams.

What in your opinion has been the biggest advance in Microsoft Teams in the past 18 months?

Multi Window support although it didn’t make it to my production tenant yet

If you use Office/Microsoft 365 then you actually don’t really have a choice, I  mean you should not take a different choice or you will miss out big on most of your Office/Microsoft 365.  Basically you can’t live without it if your data is already there and Microsoft Teams brings it all together really nicely.

How did you become a MVP?

I became MVP in 2008 because I was actively involved in our “Pro-Exchange” user group that over the years evolved to “Microsoft Cloud and Security” user group.  In the early days I was heavily answering question in the forums where nowadays I am more actively speaking at conferences all over the world.

Do you have suggestions for other community members who hope to become MVP’s?

First be eager to learn new things and then share them with the bigger community.  Sharing is everything and be a community leader that brings together other people that are willing to share and listen to great stories.

About Johan

Designing, installing and troubleshooting complex environments.

Always passionate about new technologies.

With over 20 year of experience with Microsoft Products, I started my own company idelimon BVBA five years ago and I am working for large International System Integrators and Hosting Companies. My primary work is mainly centred around Skype for Business, Enterprise Architecture, Business Development and Technical Leadership. Now joining forces with other renowned IT Specialists & Experts @ “the Collective”.

Microsoft Certified Master (MCM/MCSM) Lync Server 2010/2013.

I have the privilege of being a 10+ years MVP with last renewal in July 2018 MVP for Microsoft Teams (Office Apps & Services).

I have been talking passionately about Lync and Skype for Business at Community Events, TechDays, LyncDay, TechED Europe, TechED US, Lync Conference and Microsoft Ignite. 

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) From 2010 until today.