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Three Steps That Separate Copilot Leaders from Copilot Guessers

Last week gave my first ever talk on stage at Harpa, Iceland’s most iconic venue, at an event hosted by Ský. It was definitely a personal milestone.

Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík, Iceland
Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík, Iceland

But more importantly, I got to talk about something that truly matters:

How we prepare for AI.

Not just by switching it on, but by leading with clarity, security, and strategy.

My session was titled:

“Three Simple Steps to Secure Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption”

and I combined practical guidance with the latest updates from Microsoft Build 2025 and the Work Trend Index.



AI is already in your company

Whether you’ve approved it or not

Two out of three employees are already using AI tools at work, with or without leadership’s blessing. If you haven’t planned for it yet, you’re not preparing for the future. You’re reacting to the present.



Step 1: Know and protect your data

Copilot uses the data people can access. If permissions are sloppy, labeling is missing, and old files are everywhere, you’re at risk of oversharing.

Here’s what to do:

  • Map and audit your data

  • Clean up shared drives

  • Label sensitive content with Microsoft Purview

  • Enable DLP rules

  • Use SharePoint Advanced Management and Intune



Step 2: Train before you turn it on

If you wouldn’t let someone drive without a license, don’t let them use Copilot without training. AI isn’t dangerous. Untrained use of AI is.

Here’s what to do:

  • Make Copilot training mandatory

  • Teach prompt design and critical thinking

  • Start with a pilot group

  • Build a library of use cases and examples



Step 3: Write a strategy (yes, now)

A short, simple policy is better than hoping for the best.

Here’s what to include:

  • Why and how you’ll use Copilot

  • Who’s responsible

  • What’s acceptable (and what’s not)

  • How you’ll measure success

  • How you’ll integrate this into real workflows



What’s coming next: Copilot goes from personal assistant to AI teammate

At Microsoft Build 2025, the message was clear. Copilot is advancing quickly and transforming the way we work.

Here’s what to watch for:

Copilot Tuning - You will soon be able to shape how Copilot behaves within your organization. This includes customizing its tone, focus areas, and how it responds to tasks. The goal is to move away from generic answers and toward results that reflect your business priorities.

Multi-Agent Orchestration - Rather than working with a single Copilot, you will be able to coordinate several. Each one will have a distinct role, such as managing meetings, researching content, or generating reports. These agents will operate together under your direction, like an AI-powered team.


This isn’t a feature update. It’s a shift from “I use Copilot” to “I lead a team of AI agents.”



From Work Trend Index: The Age of Frontier Firms

Microsoft calls them Frontier Firms, organizations that aren’t just experimenting with AI, they’re already integrating it into the way they work, lead, and grow.

These companies are:

  • Deploying AI across the organization

  • Investing in employee training

  • Driving measurable business outcomes

71% of their employees say their company is thriving, and only 21% worry that AI will take their job.

That’s not luck. That’s leadership. They’re not reacting to change, they’re shaping it.



What you can do right now

  • Clean up and secure your data

  • Train people before enabling AI

  • Write your Copilot game plan

  • Prepare for Copilot Tuning and multi-agent support



Final thought from the queen!

The future of work isn’t coming. It’s already logging in, prompting, and generating. What matters now is who’s guiding it.





 
 
 

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Hi, I'm Linda

I work in tech as a cybersecurity & solutions architect, focused on Microsoft 365, AI, and making complex things simple.

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Talking tech, sharing stories, loving Microsoft.

I write about working in tech, being a speaker and my love (obession) for Microsoft. To share what I learn along the way and hopefully inspire others. 

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