Ctrl + Alt + Learn Blog
Reflections on AI, productivity, work and more.
BROWSE THE ARCHIVE:
A simple starter kit for Microsoft Purview sensitivity labels
A simple design approach for starting with sensitivity labels in Microsoft Purview, which are a critical layer of security in Microsoft 365. They don’t need to be complicated!
How to plan and design for AI agents
The real work of building AI Agents is in the planning. I recommend becoming a business analyst of your own work—not to give it all away to AI, but to figure out where you want it to focus.
Why learning with AI is about creating the right conditions to learn
Passive AI consumption isn't learning. This post explores how to create the right conditions to actually master new skills.
I tried every note-taking app. Why I chose the messy one.
If your note-taking system feels like work, you won't use it. I finally found a tool I actually enjoy using and feel confident I can find anything again.
That sound? That's the march of the AI Agents
Instead of building an entire AI agent org chart, start with one annoying process. Here's my framework for deciding what to automate.
AI and the case for cautious adoption
I use AI, but cautiously, while being as intentional as I can about where I bring AI into my life—because ignoring something speeding out of the train station generally makes the problem worse later.
Do you need the best people to build a great team?
A fictional detective reminded me how to build great teams: given direction, clear expectations, and encouragement, people could flourish. It's not about finding the best people—it's about creating the conditions where good people become great.
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
Does an old disease like tuberculosis still matter in 2025? This was a fascinating, and surprisingly readable book on TB, and the invisible systems that keep (some of us) safe…but not all.
How learning at work is changing
Learning to swim as an adult taught me something unexpected about the future of corporate training. After struggling through fear, frustration, and countless failed attempts, I realized what no AI could have given me, and what many organizations are missing in their approach to employee development.
AI and the theft dilemma
And does it even matter?
Short answer: Yes and yes.
Long answer: It's complicated.
Microsoft's Latest Technical Vision for AI and Agents
In this recap of Microsoft's Build conference, I explore what the company is planning for AI agents and why their bet on openness could reshape how we interact with technology.
Escaping the Busy Trap: Thoughts on "Slow Productivity"
Some thoughts on the book Slow Productivity by Cal Newport.
Set the Scene Before You Ask the Machine
Tips for setting the scene, or writing the brief, before diving in to solve a problem with AI.
Is AI Living Up to Its Promise? The Measurement Side (Part 2)
Successful GenAI projects skip the hype and focus on measurement—track your starting point, target tedious tasks, and set realistic timelines for seeing actual returns.
Is AI Living Up to Its Promise? The People Side of AI Implementation
From a recent report, only about one-fifth of organizations are seeing returns from an AI implementation. Is the technology a house of cards about to fall down? Or is there a problem with how it’s being rolled out?
The Manufacturing Renaissance? Why It's Not Coming (And What We Should Do Instead)
It’s hard to ignore the talk of bringing back manufacturing jobs to North America in the media these days.
I have to ask: is that what we want? Or do we want all jobs to be…better?
Minimum Viable Distraction: Making Microsoft Teams work for you
Microsoft Teams is one of those apps that people use all the time, but it doesn't get a lot of love. Is all the hate warranted? In this article, I explore that it's all in how you use it.
The Automation Paradox: Why "Do More Faster" Falls Flat
Ever notice how AI is sold to companies versus how it's received by the people actually expected to use it? There's a fundamental disconnect here that I want to explore.
Writing better with AI
Writing without AI feels slow and inefficient.
But, writing with AI doesn't always give us the results we want—it can be bland, bloated, and overly enthusiastic.
The question I explore in this article is how do you find the AI sweet spot for writing?
Best Technology Ever Invented?
It doesn't need electricity. Doesn't require the internet. And it changed how humans think forever.
And to me…it’s still the best technology ever invented!