Accidental Salesforce Admins

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins, host Robert Sur shares how he transitioned from a frustrated Salesforce admin—struggling to get sales reps to enter data—to a strategic leader who effectively drives change. He explores the turning point in his approach and how understanding, alignment, and team-focused strategies can replace forceful reminders.

Best Moments:

(00:59) The frustration of seeing a problem but facing resistance to change

(02:13) Struggling to get sales reps to enter data—and the toll it takes

(05:19) The turning point in Robert’s approach to stakeholder management

(07:46) Understanding the sales team’s perspective and challenges

(08:18) Creating a team-oriented approach to data entry

(09:45) Introducing “data entry greatness” and its positive impact

(10:30) Building accountability and reinforcement into daily rhythms

(11:35) Moving from forceful tactics to understanding and alignment

(12:25) Encouragement to lean into discomfort and try new approaches

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins, host Robert Sur dives deep into the concept of rhythms in team management and leadership, focusing on Salesforce administrators who have found themselves in their roles unexpectedly. He explains how mastering these rhythms can transform a reactive problem-solver into a strategic leader, and why it's essential for Salesforce admins to adapt their approach to leadership for greater success.

Best Moments:

(00:01:05) Introduction to the rhythms lens of the framework

(00:02:33) Keeping up when the beat changes: adapting to shifting priorities

(00:06:16) Changing the rhythm without losing the flow: the importance of communication

(00:10:05) Laying the groove before the melody: building relationships proactively

(00:13:17) Recap and challenge to listeners

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins, host Robert Sur explores the capabilities lens of the Deep Five framework. He dives into the challenges organizations face when they underestimate the effort required to support and scale their Salesforce systems. Robert shares strategies for evaluating team capabilities, avoiding costly missteps, and building a sustainable operating model for long-term success.

Best Moments:

(00:42) Introduction to the capabilities lens of the Deep Five framework

(01:55) The importance of evaluating team skills and bandwidth

(02:23) Comparison of maintaining Salesforce to owning a home

(03:46) Real-world example of underestimated capabilities in a CPQ project

(04:48) Strategy 1: Recognize the full scope of technical ownership

(05:36) Strategy 2: Build a holistic team, not just a technical one

(06:51) Strategy 3: Focus on what drives the most value

(08:33) The importance of offloading technical complexity and investing in strategy

(09:18) Preview of the next episode on the rhythms lens

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins, host Robert Sur dives into the technology lens of the DeepFy framework. He discusses how accidental Salesforce admins can use their unique perspective to make better decisions, align with stakeholders, and drive meaningful change. Robert shares strategies for balancing speed and sustainability, shifting from a "we can't" mindset to a "here’s how" approach, and effectively communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Best Moments:

(00:42) Introduction to the technology lens of the DeepFy framework

(01:29) The challenge of communicating technical complexities to stakeholders

(02:02) The importance of implementing technology with competency and precision

(03:14) Case study: Salesforce Unity project and its challenges

(04:58) Three practical strategies for using the technology lens effectively

(05:01) Strategy 1: Balancing speed versus sustainability

(06:00) Strategy 2: Shifting from "we can't" to "here's how"

(07:27) Strategy 3: Making complex technical concepts understandable

(09:01) The power of technology when implemented with precision and clarity

(09:22) Challenge to listeners: Document trade-offs and improve stakeholder communication

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins, host Robert Sur dives into the humans lens of the Deep Five framework, explaining how understanding and harnessing the human factors in system management can lead to more effective Salesforce projects. Robert shares key strategies to align priorities, perspectives, and processes, ensuring that system implementations truly work for the people using them.

Best Moments:

(00:42) Introduction to the "humans lens" of the Deep Five framework

(01:26) The importance of recognizing human factors in system management

(02:18) Understanding different perspectives in a typical Salesforce project

(03:28) Case study: Placement Precision 25 project with a boutique recruiting agency

(05:11) Three key tips for applying the human lens

(05:21) Tip 1: Build relationships before you need them

(09:00) Tip 2: Position the project as a win for everyone

(11:16) Tip 3: Avoid surprises and communicate effectively

(14:35) The importance of seeing people's humanness in project management

(15:46) Challenge to listeners: Connect with people, position projects as wins, and avoid surprises

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins, host Robert Sur introduces the outcomes lens from the Deep Five framework, highlighting its importance in transforming how accidental Salesforce admins approach their work. Robert explains how focusing on outcomes, rather than solutions, can help Salesforce admins deliver real value and drive success in their organizations.

Best Moments:

(00:42) Introduction to the outcomes lens of the Deep Five framework

(01:46) Explanation of what the outcomes lens is and its importance

(02:54) Real-world example of a client onboarding project

(04:15) Three strategies for applying the outcome lens

(04:17) Strategy 1: Start with the press release

(06:00) Strategy 2: Change the way we speak about projects

(07:05) Strategy 3: Challenge stakeholders' solution speak

(08:47) The importance of the outcome lens in successful projects

(09:38) Preview of the next episode on the human lens

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins, host Robert Sur introduces the Deep Five framework, a powerful mental model designed to help Salesforce admins and change-makers align priorities, perspectives, and processes within their organizations. Robert dives into how combining five distinct lenses—outcomes, humans, technology, capabilities, and rhythms—can create a culture of success and drive impactful change.

Best Moments:

(00:42) Introduction to the concept that most technical challenges are about how everything fits together

(01:13) Introduction of the Deep Five framework

(06:38) Explanation of the five lenses: outcomes, humans, technology, capabilities, and rhythms

(07:16) Deep dive into the outcomes lens and the dangers of "solution speak"

(11:15) Discussion of the human lens and its importance in change management

(13:04) Exploration of the technology lens and its impact on organizational success

(15:11) Overview of the capabilities lens and its role in project execution

(16:50) Explanation of the rhythms lens and its importance in maintaining alignment

(18:48) The power of combining all five lenses for effective leadership and change management

(20:56) How Deep Five can help create a culture of success and drive real results

Meet the go-to problem solvers, the accidental Salesforce admins who make change happen. In this trailer for Accidental Salesforce Admin, host Robert Sur, Co-founder & CEO of Delegate, introduces the D5 framework—a simple yet powerful mental model for creating clarity, aligning priorities, and driving impactful results.

If you’ve ever struggled with competing priorities, misaligned teams, or tech challenges, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now to explore how to lead through complexity, connect the dots, and turn challenges into opportunities.