Debbie Ireland
Founder - DWR and Conference Organiser
Tauranga, New Zealand
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Debbie grew up in Rotorua, New Zealand, with 2 siblings.
In 2007, Debbie founded DWR (formerly ShareThePoint Ltd) , a company which specialises in Microsoft 365; implementation, strategy and training. Debbie also organises the annual Digital Workplace Conferences in New Zealand and Australia.
Her focus is helping people understand the business capability and productivity gains that Microsoft 365 can provide. From awareness and education, to change management and adoption, and everything in between, Debbie thrives on the people aspect – understanding the why, along with the what and the how.
Debbie has an extensive Project Management and Solutions background and was awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for nine years and is now a Microsoft Regional Director. Debbie now lives in the sunny Bay of Plenty in New Zealand.
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The water's fine - why won't they jump in?!
- Your rollout went to plan
- You’ve trained them
- You’ve coached them
- You’ve given them champions, cheat sheets, and chatbots
Join us for a candid, fast-paced panel discussion with speakers from DWC as we unpack the real reasons behind low adoption—even when everything is in place. We’ll explore what motivates people to change, what holds them back, and how to move from readiness to real usage.
Expect bold insights, real stories, and a few uncomfortable truths as we explore how to move beyond checklists and into real behavioural change. If you’ve ever asked, “Why aren’t they using it?” — this session is for you.
This is part of the Conference Close and has been added after a hugely successful webinar in October of this topic. Debbie Ireland and Shannon Donovan (DWR) will host the discussion with our panelists. Bring your questions, submit them earlier, and join in the conversation!
The Phantom of the Intranet: The Dark Arts of SharePoint Customisation
Ever wondered what secrets lie hidden within the depths of SharePoint? Step into the shadows and uncover some untold mysteries of SharePoint customisation (mwah ah aaaaah!)
In this session, we’ll guide you through some magical, mysterious and powerful techniques to transform your SharePoint site into a masterpiece of design and functionality.
Learn how to:
• Craft custom themes and personalise fonts to keep your sites on-brand
• Distribute company templates so everyone will use the right one
• Make corporate imagery a breeze to add to pages for an enchanting feel
• Choose the navigation option/s that make for a more intuitive experience
• Use some of the new page design elements to lure your target audience
Join us for an enchanting journey through the dark arts of SharePoint customisation and unlock secrets just waiting to be discovered!
Enhancing User Experiences and Executing Change: A Strategic Migration from Google to Microsoft
In response to the evolving digital landscape, the University of Waikato undertook a significant migration from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 A5, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing user experiences for both students and staff.
This presentation delves into the intricacies of this migration, outlining the strategic considerations, challenges, and solutions involved in managing and delivering change within the unique context of an academic organisation.
Attendees will gain insights into the methodologies employed to ensure a smooth transition, fostering a technological environment that aligns seamlessly with the academic mission while prioritising superior experiences for all stakeholders.
Keepin' it real: getting s**t done
A sneaky peek into the engine room at DWR as we show you a few real-life scenarios of us getting s**t done. This isn’t your average conference talk. It’s a candid, tool-packed tour (demo-heavy) through the real-life workflows that power our team at DWR. And believe us, we "eat our own dog food" daily.....
We’ll share mini case studies, live demos, and the “why” behind our tech choices (which truly do come from real-life-work).
We will give you practical ideas and inspiration to supercharge your own digital workplace. Come for the hacks, stay for the honesty.
Getting sh**t done, is Debbie's life motto and Shannon always says it’s not about ticking boxes— if it doesn't make our day easier, more productive or delightful, why do it?
The Productivity Perspective: balancing Energy, Focus and Time
How do productivity and well-being intersect? What impact does one have on the other?
How can we become more focused and/or avoid distractions? How do habits influence our lives?
In this session, Debbie introduces "The Productivity Perspective". This is a personal blueprint for:
• Maximising Energy to be effective,
• Narrowing your Focus to what matters most and
• Prioritising your Time.
It looks at strategies for Time, Energy and Focus to make your work-life balance hum and also the impacts when we only have 2 of the 3 elements that produce our Productivity Pivot.
"Before you throw more time at the problem, throw more focused action at the problem. You don’t need more time, you need fewer distractions" James Clear" (Atomic Habits)
One of Debbie’s well-known trademarks is “Getting Sh*T Done!”. Another passion is personal development and change. Here she presents varied methodologies, including work from her book – Work-life Balance My Arse.
If you are a manager, adoption and engagement specialist, change manager, communications or project lead, you will learn something of value. If you simply want some great productivity tips for life and more awareness around overcoming overwhelm and living with intention - then see you there!
10 Top TEAMS Tips to Toast to
Would you love some good old fashioned practical usage tips you can use right away?
That’s what you’ll get in this fast-paced, demo-heavy session. We will share suggestions based on what our customers ask us, and what we see working out there in the real world.
Let's celebrate things that make you go hmm!
NOTE: bring your tips - we love to share. We will share ALL the tips from this session and Shannon's session Thursday - "Get your M365 Gold Nuggets here!" with everyone who attends.
Task Management Tools to create a Productivity Powerhouse
There is an old adage, “if you want something done, ask a busy person.”
It certainly seems true that busy people DO get things done - but is it because they're busy or because they're good at keeping up with what needs doing?
Learn some key time management tips to improve your focus, prioritise and improve how you - get things done! Debbie shares her own "Productivity Perspective", as a way to manage distraction, overwhelm and burn-out.
Using Microsoft 365 tools, including To-Do, Planner and Tasks in Microsoft Teams we walk you through a modern approach to task management - one that you can start using immediately without any special configuration. Look at processes to enhance your personal productivity and track and plan team activities.
This session also takes a digital look tips to focus time, manage your calendar and use MyAnalytics, to get better insights to improve your attention and balance.
Teams Tips and Etiquette
Make the most from your Microsoft Teams deployment by understanding the business aspects of this new way of collaborating. This is what will enable smooth transformation, acceptance of change, and continued adoption.
This session will be full of practical tips and tricks, while focusing on the more important PEOPLE side of the technology; managing information overwhelm, communication strategies and ensuring your team are singing from the same song sheet.
Old ways won’t open new doors: modern task management with Planner and To Do
There is an old adage, “if you want something done, ask a busy person.”
It certainly seems true that busy people DO get things done – but is it because they’re busy or because they’re good at keeping up with what needs doing?
Using To-Do and Planner, we walk you through a modern approach to task management – one that you can start using immediately without any special configuration. Look at processes to improve you personal productivity and track and plan team activities.
Keynote Dispelling the myths of Work-Life Balance
Something we all search long and hard for, and so seldom seem to find! Following the release of her book – Work-life Balance My Arse! , Debbie demonstrates how work-life balance is a deeply misunderstood construct.
Debbie shares her secret formula with you – based on her many years of experience as a self-confessed balance-seeker and juggler extraordinaire. She provides inspiration to unpick three myths and to really think through what work-life balance means to you.
Loop - for co-creating, collaborating and compiling.
Microsoft Loop is popping up everywhere. What are the wins for your organisation?
Toss around ideas, plan and review, make decisions ... all in the flow of work. How familiar are you with how it all works...come and learn some tips and takeaway insights to:
- Use Loop for personal productivity and teamwork.
- Understand Loop content inside Teams Chats, Channels, Meetings, Emails and Word online.
- Consider the benefits (or not!) of integrating apps like Planner and Whiteboard for more cross app collaboration
Digital Workplace Conference - Australia 2024 Sessionize Event
Digital Workplace Conference - Australia Sessionize Event
Debbie Ireland
Founder - DWR and Conference Organiser
Tauranga, New Zealand
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