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Meet Nikki Chapple, from the London area of the UK, Principal Cloud Architect at CloudWay, and Microsoft MVP and Customer Connection Program member!  Nikki has worked with Microsoft products for over 10 years, although her IT career spans four decades, starting in the days of paper tape and punch cards! Her background is in enterprise architecture, translating business needs into practical technical solutions. Nikki specializes in data governance, security, and change management, helping organizations adopt Microsoft 365 in a way that prioritizes people, processes, and policy, not just technology.

Read on to learn more about Nikki, her experience with Microsoft Communities, and her favorite resources to share!  

To kick this off, tell us about your start with Microsoft Purview; when and why? 

I began focusing on Microsoft Purview with the rise of Microsoft Teams. I viewed it as a chance to rethink how organizations manage collaboration, prioritizing people, processes, and governance.

Microsoft Purview is now essential to my work, helping organizations protect sensitive data, comply with regulations, and integrate governance into daily practices. It’s about creating a trusted digital workplace where security, transparency, and user empowerment are key.

When did you begin your involvement in the Microsoft Community? Tell us about your journey. 

I’ve been a Microsoft MVP for three years. My journey began before this, as I shared my experiences through blogs and speaking engagements. I’ve found that sharing our experiences, both successes and challenges, can be incredibly inspiring and motivating for others. Connecting with others who are passionate about Microsoft 365 and Purview has been inspiring and rewarding.

What do you find most rewarding about being a community member?

The most rewarding aspect is the people, connecting with others who share a passion for Microsoft Purview, innovation, and lifelong learning. The community is a continuous source of inspiration, insights, and support. Whether through events, forums, or collaboration, there’s always a chance to grow, share, and give back.

What advice do you have for others wanting to get involved in their Microsoft Community?

Start small:

• Join forums or webinars.


• Share what you know in blogs, talks, or conversations.


• Be consistent and stay curious.


• Connect with others and give back when you can.

Everyone has something valuable to contribute!

Can you tell us more about your Microsoft Customer Connection Program (MCCP) Experience? How has it helped you, your customers, and fellow community members?

Being part of the Microsoft Purview CCP has allowed me to share real-world customer scenarios directly with the product team, ensuring our clients’ voices are heard. This direct line of communication has significantly boosted customer confidence and loyalty as they see their feedback shaping the platform’s evolution. Knowing that their challenges are being addressed reassures them that their investment in Microsoft 365 is secure and future-proof.

As a Principal Cloud Architect, I collaborate closely with customers to understand their specific needs and challenges. By influencing the design of Purview features based on these insights, I help create highly relevant and practical solutions. This real-world application results in faster adoption and greater satisfaction, as clients see immediate benefits in their day-to-day operations.

The CCP provides early access to new features through private preview programs, a strategic advantage for planning governance and compliance strategies for my clients. As an MVP and consultant, this is especially advantageous when working with large or regulated organizations, where preparation and alignment with internal controls are essential. Furthermore, it enables me to share practical insights through my blog “nikkichapple.com” and my podcast “All Things M365 Compliance”, benefiting the wider community.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’m passionate about making complex topics like compliance and governance more accessible. Whether through writing, presenting, or mentoring, I love helping others build confidence in this space, especially those just starting their journey in Microsoft 365.

Do you have anything you’d like to promote or recommend? (your blog or podcast, an article you recommend, a book everyone should read, etc.)

I share my insights at nikkichapple.com, focusing on data security, governance, and compliance topics that matter. Additionally, I co-host the All Things M365 Compliance video podcast, where I team up with Ryan John Murphy from Microsoft and a former MVP to explore everything about Microsoft 365 Purview.

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Stay tuned to meet more People of Purview! If you would like to get involved with the Microsoft Security Community, here are some quick actions you can take: 

• Log in (here, on Tech Community!) and follow:




• The Purview Community – post questions, respond to community members


• The all-up Microsoft Security Blog 




• Join the Security Community mailing list


• Join the Customer Connection Program 


• Check out this Community Choice article for a comprehensive list of Microsoft Security Community offerings.

Nikki’s links: 

• Nikki Chapple- Microsoft 365 Blog 


• All Things M365 Compliance – YouTube

Questions? Feel free to post below or message blog author RenWoods directly.