Community Video Spotlight - Keith Atherton
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Bret Fraser
Community Manager
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| Keith Atherton’s career has always been about building bridges—between people and technology, learning and community. With more than 25 years of international experience across industries like finance, healthcare, retail, construction, game dev, travel, and charity, Keith has spent decades designing and delivering software solutions that solve real business problems. As a Power Platform Solution Architect, his work often begins with conversations—sitting down with customers, listening to their goals, and shaping systems that help organizations move forward. |
For much of his career, Keith focused on mastering his craft. He learned what he needed to excel, delivered high‑quality solutions, and worked closely with stakeholders. Community engagement wasn’t a priority then—it was simply about doing the job well. That changed about four years ago. |
| After attending a series of tech meetups, Keith noticed a familiar pattern: solid information, but presentations that felt more like step‑by‑step walkthroughs than moments of inspiration. Then one evening, he saw something different. A speaker who was engaging, passionate, and deeply knowledgeable. Someone who didn’t just explain technology—but brought it to life. |
That moment sparked a thought: What if I tried that?
Public speaking wasn’t something Keith had done before—at least not externally. He was comfortable presenting to customers and running internal sessions, but stepping onto a stage for the broader community felt very different. Still, he challenged himself to give it a go. The result surprised him. The session went well, people enjoyed it, and most importantly, Keith had fun. That first talk led to another, then another, growing from user group presentations to in‑person events, and eventually to large conferences like the Power Platform Community Conference. What began as a personal challenge became a defining part of his professional life. |
Along the way, Keith found his place in the Microsoft community. He became a Microsoft MVP for Business Applications, a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), an 11‑time Microsoft certified professional, and a published LinkedIn Learning instructor. He founded the Power Platform Community High Five user group, launched the On Air in the Cloud podcast, and became a trusted mentor—including through the Women in Power Platform initiative.
But for Keith, the recognition was never the goal.
The MVP award, he says, was a “happy accident”—a by‑product of doing what he loved. His focus has always been on helping others and sharing knowledge. Over time, those efforts were simply recognized. Today, Keith is known not only for his technical expertise, but also for his ability to connect with people. Trained and experienced in project management, team leadership, coaching, and mentoring, he combines strong interpersonal skills with a pragmatic understanding of the full software development lifecycle. Colleagues, clients, and community members alike value his approachable style and his genuine desire to help others succeed. If there’s a common thread through Keith Atherton’s journey, it’s this: do what you love, enjoy the process, and give back. When you focus on learning, sharing, and lifting others up, the rest will follow! Follow Keith in community and on LinkedIn! 👏
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