In episode 4 of the D365 Insights podcast, I sat down with someone I’ve known in the Dynamics world for many years - Balazs Horvath D365 & Power Platform Solution Architect and Founder of VisualLabs in Budapest.

Over the last four years, Balazs has hired more than 30 Microsoft Dynamics professionals, built a thriving nearshore practice, and shaped a culture that blends technical excellence with genuine human connection. This episode is packed with practical lessons for any partner, consultancy, or leader scaling a Dynamics team today.

Here are the standout insights.

🌱Hiring for Potential, Not Just Experience

One of the most refreshing parts of Balazs’ approach is his commitment to growing talent rather than recycling the same pool of consultants moving between partners.

Instead of chasing CVs filled with years of experience, Visual Labs looks for:

• Curiosity

• Critical thinking

• Communication skills

• A genuine eagerness to learn

As Balazs put it, “We can teach the systems. We can teach the methodology. But creativity and critical thinking are much harder to teach.”

This mindset has allowed them to build a team that truly reflects their values — not just their technical needs.

⚙️How AI Is Reshaping Talent Needs

The Dynamics landscape has shifted dramatically with the rise of Copilot, Power Platform, and AI-driven delivery.

Balazs shared how this has changed their hiring strategy:

• Fewer developers

• More consultants

• More system thinkers

• More focus on out‑of‑the‑box solutions

• More emphasis on architecture and problem‑solving

Instead of “we’ll build it for you,” the question is now: “How do we fit this into standard and extend it smartly?”

This shift is redefining what “good talent” looks like in our ecosystem.

🧭 A Structured, Human-Centred Onboarding Experience

Visual Labs separates onboarding for ERP and CRM roles - something many partners overlook.

ERP hires get a deep dive into system fundamentals, accounting concepts, and real-world scenarios. CRM hires get hands-on quickly, solving practical problems from day one.

What stood out most is the personal touch:

• Senior team members deliver the training

• Real client stories are shared

• Culture is passed down through conversation, not slides

• New joiners shadow real work early

It’s onboarding that builds capability and belonging.

🌟 Retention: Building a Core Team That Stays

Balazs has managed to retain the majority of the talent he’s grown - and it’s no accident.

Key factors include:

• Strong interpersonal relationships

• Regular 1:1s

• A culture of openness and honesty

• Clear expectations

• Challenging, international projects

• A sense of shared identity and purpose

As he said, “These people become part of our DNA.”

And when people do leave, they leave with dignity — and often come back.

🔥 Tackling Burnout in a High-Demand Sector

Consultancy is fast-paced and demanding, and Balazs is very aware of the risks.

Visual Labs is now launching an employee well‑being study to understand:

• How people work best

• What environments help them thrive

• How communication and collaboration can reduce stress

This isn’t about gym memberships or perks - it’s about designing a sustainable, human workplace.

📈 The Next Challenge: Career Growth at Scale

As the team matures, the next big focus is defining clear career paths - especially for those hitting the 3–5 year mark.

Balazs is now building structured pathways across:

• Architecture

• Project management

• Technical leadership

It’s a challenge many partners face, and his transparency about it is refreshing.

💡 My Favourite Story from the Episode

Balazs shared the journey of a junior hire with a biology and logic background - no technical or business experience.

She joined as an intern, passed her exams, grew rapidly, and is now confidently managing projects and co‑leading international implementations.

A perfect example of why hiring for potential pays off.

🎧 If you’re scaling a Dynamics team, this episode is a must‑listen

Balazs brings honesty, humility, and a wealth of practical experience. Whether you’re a partner, a hiring manager, or a consultant thinking about your own career path, there’s something in this episode for you.

Episode 4: From Recruitment to Retention - now live.

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