Join us as we dive into the journey of Mark Jones, a Salesforce admin with a profound dedication to nonprofit organizations. Mark's evolution from a passionate nonprofit worker to an acclaimed 10-time certified Salesforce professional is nothing short of remarkable. He embodies the essence of community and philanthropy, leading by example through initiatives like his local user group and the founding of Automation Dreamin'. His insightful narrative promises to shine a light on the unique challenges and triumphs of navigating the Salesforce ecosystem within the nonprofit realm.

As we chat with Mark, his experiences bring to life the 'ohana' spirit of the Salesforce community, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning and the power of connection. This episode serves as a testament to the idea that the Salesforce ecosystem is far more than a collection of professionals—it's a tight-knit family that champions ongoing education and mutual upliftment.

Mark is a 10x Certified Salesforce Professional working as a Salesforce Consultant for Time Technology. Mark is the leader of the Newcastle upon Tyne Salesforce User Group and speaks regularly at various community events and conferences. An avid lover of Process Automation, specifically Flow, Mark is also one of the founders of Automation Dreamin’, a Trailblazer Community Conference focused on all things Process Automation. Mark also runs two Salesforce blogs, the Ragamuffin Admin and the Flow Architect.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisismarkjones/

Embark on an empowering exploration of diversity recruitment in tech with guest Rochelle Rawls from Salesforce, guiding us through the labyrinth of breaking into the Salesforce ecosystem. Our discussion illuminates Salesforce's unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion, setting ambitious targets and cultivating an environment where every individual can thrive, while also equipping aspiring Salesforce admins with actionable strategies to stand out in a competitive market.

Navigating the tech industry's competitive landscape requires more than just qualifications; it demands savvy networking and a resilient personal brand. This episode lays out the roadmap for building professional relationships that open doors to Salesforce opportunities and discusses the balance between certification and practical experience. We delve into the interplay of technical expertise and customer service acumen necessary at Salesforce. We debate the merits of certifications versus on-the-ground experience and discuss how working as an admin and learning through Trailhead can prepare candidates with diverse backgrounds for roles within the ecosystem.  Through profound conversations and shared experiences, this episode not only educates but also inspires, driving home the significance of diversity and the power of professional community engagement.

To register for the upcoming Salesforce North Dallas Meet-Up at Salesforce Tower, please register here: https://www.meetup.com/salesforce-of-north-dallas/events/299265710/

To register for WeDreamin, the first Salesforce community conference in North Dallas, please register here: https://wedreamin.org/registration/

Rochelle brings to the table a distinguished five-year career in the recruitment domain, marked by a notable transition into technology recruitment two years ago. This strategic move was a turning point in her professional trajectory, culminating in her attainment of a coveted position within Salesforce's Diversity Talent Attraction Team. 

Her unwavering dedication to identifying and securing top-tier talent is paralleled by a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which serves as a cornerstone in propelling her efforts to support others. Rochelle specializes in recruiting for diverse roles within the Customer Success division. She also serves as the Dallas Events and VTO Chair for the Salesforce Women's Network, and is actively involved in Boldforce and Black Women Experience, Business Resource Groups at Salesforce. Rochelle actively engages in local networking groups and conferences, assuming the role of an ambassador for Salesforce. She represents the company with distinction at events such as Dreamin' in Color, We Dreamin', Latinas in Tech, and AfroTech. 

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Rochelle finds time to give back to her community through volunteer work. Additionally, she pursues personal interests by exploring new travel destinations and spending time with her friends and family.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rothedeipro/

Join us this week as we sit down with Adam Erstelle to dive into his journey from web developer to Salesforce Technical Architect. From his early days in telecommunications to his emergence as a Dreamforce speaker on using code and APEX to make marketers work easier, Adam's story is one you won't want to miss. This episode is your guide through the adventures of a neighbor's broken script that launched Adam into a thriving career, alongside my own evolution from seeing code as a barrier to wielding it as a tool for innovation.

We share practical tips and examples, equipping you with the knowledge to duve into the world of App Development and break into the Salesforce AppExchange. This episode isn't just about app development; it's an exploration of how to build trust and functionality into every aspect of your Salesforce application. Join in as we contemplate the escalating role of AI in the developer space, affirming that a human touch remains irreplaceable. This episode is packed with compelling stories, practical advice, and a celebration of the Salesforce community's role in affirming the impact of our digital creations.

Adam was born in Winnipeg, Canada, and he moved to Georgia in 2013 looking for warmer weather and new career opportunities. He is an experienced Technical Leader with a demonstrated history of working in the Salesforce ecosystem across multiple industries

He has 20 years of software and development team leadership experience and a knack for diving into new technologies and learning them quickly. Skilled in Apex, Java, Spring MVC, & Data, REST, Mobile Applications, and DevOps tools. Adam embodies strong engineering knowledge with a history of helping teams modernize their development practices and methodologies. 

linkedin.com/in/adamerstelle/

This week, we sit down with Pato Sapir, a Salesforce MVP and marketing aficionado, who shares his story in moving from website developer to Data Cloud expert in our latest conversation. Pato's leap from developer to project manager to Data Cloud admin exemplifies that the path to mastery is inspirational. His insights are a beacon for new admins navigating the Salesforce ecosystem, showcasing how a blend of emotional intelligence, communication, and technical skills can pave the way to success.

Pato's narrative is a captivating one, tracing his roots from working at a telecommunications company in Bueno Aires, Argentina to pioneering in the CRM and email marketing space. Through the fusion of ExactTarget and Salesforce, he reveals the profound opportunities that emerged in his career. It's a story that champions curiosity and inventive data use to create personalized customer journeys. For those looking to dive deeper into Data Cloud capabilities, Pato discusses the scarcity of written resources, the richness of video content available, and why a solid grasp of basic database design is critical for admins.

We wrap up with a forward-looking discussion on the evolving role of full-stack admins. In a world where Data Cloud and AI are becoming ever more entwined in our CRM strategies, Pato stresses the importance of emotional intelligence and the art of clear communication within our data-driven industries. His recommendations for continuous learning and staying abreast of industry shifts are not to be missed by anyone aiming to maximize their potential in the Salesforce arena. Join us for this treasure trove of insights, where Pato's shared experiences lay the groundwork for your own professional evolution.

Pato Sapir is the Founder and Sr. Solutions Consultant at Devs United, a Salesforce Partner specializing in providing digital marketing solutions powered by Salesforce. Pato started his career in software development more than 15 years ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and moved to Cleveland Ohio in 2009. His journey with Salesforce started in 2012 as a Technical Architect working with Exact Target (Now known as Salesforce Marketing Cloud Engagement) and in 2015 Pato decided to start his own business. Pato’s passion is to help his team and clients solve impossible challenges and to share his experience with the Marketing Cloud community.

linkedin.com/in/patosapir/

This week we dive into how admins can prioritize self-care with our guest, Katie Villanueva. Katie's candid narration of her struggles with burnout and her ascent to a solo senior Salesforce admin is nothing short of inspiring. The Salesforce ecosystem is ripe with stories like Katie's, and this episode peels back the curtain on the human side of our tech-driven lives.

The weight of mental health awareness is often overlooked in professional environments, yet it's a cornerstone of our well-being. We discuss the importance of having open and honest conversations with each other in the community and emphasize the critical role of setting boundaries to ward off burnout. From sleep to exercise to community engagement, we explore the self-care strategies that can help admins find balance. We also share insights into maintaining flexible boundaries in professional settings, a topic of immense relevance to us in the Salesforce arena.

Katie Villanueva is a solo Senior Salesforce administrator who is passionate about making a difference in the world of technology. Her commitment to learning and continuous improvement has helped her stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the Salesforce ecosystem. Katie loves to configure, create flows, build best practices, and capture clean data. Katie is the Mental Health + Illness Community Group leader, 6xs certified, a RadWomen Who Code graduate, and has presented at various Dreamin’ events, Dreamforce, and as a keynote speaker. In addition to her technical skills, Katie is a self-proclaimed super nerd who loves comic books, Dungeons and Dragons, is an Olympic style weightlifter, avid CrossFitter, and yoga instructor. She enjoys spending time with her husband, dogs, and fainting goats.

Salesforce Mental Health + Illness Group (Virtual)
Salesforce OhanAbility Group
linkedin.com/in/katie-villanueva

Have you ever wondered what sparks the change from an accidental admin into a pioneering CEO? Heather Black's narrative is a testament to such a transformation, and she's here to share her compelling journey with us. As the CEO and founder of Supermums, Heather's story is one of passion, innovation, and the magic that happens when opportunity meets a deep-seated passion for nurturing talent.

This episode peels back the layers on the importance of the soft skills admins need to grow and evolve in the ecosystem. We celebrate the strides taken to address gender diversity in tech, close the gender pay gap, and reflect on the power of high-quality mentorship and training. The conversation is a rich tableau of strategic insights for anyone looking to make an impact and drive change in their field.

The goal of Supermums is for admins to not only gain the technical knowledge to be successful but also create a relationship with a seasoned mentor in the ecosystem.  The importance of finding a mentor and understanding the skills needed to become a "Super Salesforce Consultant" as outlined in Heather's new book is something all admins can find inspiration from.  The ripple effect of sharing knowledge is palpable as we honor the mentors shaping futures and friendships within this unique ecosystem. Heather's enthusiasm for writing shines through as she discusses her journey from blog posts to published author, tackling essential topics like burnout, work-life balance, and personal well-being. Join us as we unravel the threads of a narrative woven with wisdom, heart, and an open invitation to contribute to a movement reshaping the landscape of tech.

Heather Black, is the CEO of Supermums and an experienced Salesforce Consultant and Trainer. Starting out as a freelancer she then grew and managed a Salesforce Consultancy Team and has overseen over 700 projects with 350 clients. Her Consultancy won the EMEA Salesforce .org Consultancy Partner of the Year Award. She spends her time educating and supporting students by teaching the Consultancy Skills Course.

Supermums is a global social enterprise, which was established to accelerate the careers of women within the Salesforce eco-system through training and recruitment services. Since 2016 it has supported over 1000 trainees and over 200 employers to find super talent.

linkedin.com/in/heather-black-salesforce-women-in-tech-speaker/
Purchase Heather’s Book -> “Become a Super Salesforce Consultant”

Join us on this week's episode as we jump into the topic of Automation, AI, and marketing alongside Christina Anderson and Steven Stouffer. Christina's leap from education into technology and Steven's ascent from accidental admin to SaaS leadership underscore the transformative power of automation and a passion for learning in shaping careers.  As the conversation steers toward AI's expanding role in marketing, we shed light on the critical balance between human ingenuity and AI efficiency. We highlight the importance of a hands-on approach when integrating AI-assisted content creation, ensuring that quality remains paramount over quantity. To maintain the level of quality we discuss the art of prompting AI for top-notch content and how new admins should be strategic with their AI prompts instead of just asking basic questions like, "Write me a blog about...".

Wrapping up, we dive into career development with heartfelt advice for emerging admins. Touching on the power of community, the necessity to challenge imposter syndrome, and the unique learnings one gathers from user groups and tech conferences. Whether embracing the grind at a startup or widening your horizons through speaking engagements, the insights from this episode are bound to resonate with professionals at any stage.

Christina is the Marketing Strategist at Sercante. As a Certified Pardot Consultant, Salesforce Marketing Champion, Trailblazer Community Leader, and Former Host of the Pardot Life Hacks Podcast, she enjoys sharing valuable content with the rest of the ecosystem to help others advance in their careers and achieve their goals on the Salesforce platform. An experienced marketing leader for Salesforce consultancies, Christina collaborates with the Sercante marketing team to advance the mission of the business and shares her strategic expertise with clients, partnering alongside sales and marketing teams to accomplish their objectives.

linkedin.com/in/anderson-christina/

Stephen is the VP of Digital Transformation & Innovation at SaaScend, leading a team of marketing operations experts to help go to market teams scale their revenue operations. From the humble beginnings of accidental admin to SaaS leadership, Stephen has spent his career harnessing the power of Marketing Automation, AI, and Salesforce trying to make sense of a data-driven world!

linkedin.com/in/stephenstouffer/

Have you ever felt like you're faking it, waiting for the moment when everyone discovers you're not as skilled as they think? Megan Tuano joins the show to unravel the often-unspoken complexities of imposter syndrome in the Salesforce ecosystem. Megan's leap from ed tech into the realm of a Salesforce business analyst and YouTube influencer offers not just an inspiring narrative, but also practical approaches for tackling self-doubt head-on. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the value of community, and the extraordinary results of sharing one's journey with authenticity.

The path to overcoming the inner critic isn't walked alone; it's about cultivating support that weaves through personal and professional life. Our conversation highlights how her networks have been instrumental in shaping careers and buffering against the isolating effects of imposter syndrome. We probe into effective communication strategies for new admins, emphasizing the significance of service-level experiences and the art of asking the right questions to foster understanding and build trust within the tech space.

Wrapping up, we spotlight the necessity of community and the courage to be authentic in a field where solitude can be the norm. We share our insights into networking, the creation of genuine content, and the importance of stepping out of comfort zones. So, if you're ready to journey through the highs and lows of personal growth and professional development, this episode is for you—rich with stories and strategies for navigating the tech world with confidence and true self-expression.

Megan is currently a Salesforce Business Analyst and content creator in the ecosystem. From working at Salesforce Ben to being on YouTube, she is known for her work in helping others navigate and excel in the tech industry, particularly Salesforce. Her goal is to continue sharing her journey in hopes to inspire others through the process.

linkedin.com/in/megantuano/
salesforcewithmegan.com
https://www.youtube.com/c/SalesforcewithMegan
Latinas in Salesforce Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12813203/

Join us on an expedition through the Salesforce ecosystem with Jon Siegel, the financial analyst turned Vice President at Auxano Technology Consultants. His journey is an inspiration for admins with a passion and drive for growing in the ecosystem. We have the pleasure of learning how new admins can find their early success with freelance work and talk about what the future of the admin role looks like.

We unravel the art of productizing services and the proactive approach needed to thrive as a freelancer and discuss how to harness your technical prowess to meet client needs by fostering deeper engagement and uncovering new opportunities. Plus, we tackle the hot topic of the "clicks not code" movement, contemplating its influence on the job market and the perpetual growth required in the vibrant Salesforce ecosystem.

As we close this chapter, the conversation shifts to the potent mix of data quality, AI, and the pivotal role of Salesforce admins. With the industry's landscape ever-changing, we emphasize the significance of data management skills and its impact on career trajectories. Moreover, the value of soft skills and business acumen in leveraging Salesforce solutions is highlighted. So, come with an inquisitive mind, leave with a wellspring of knowledge, and consider this your invitation to enrich your Salesforce journey.

Jon Siegel has a diverse work experience spanning various industries and roles. Jon currently holds the position of Vice President at Auxano Technology Consultants, a Salesforce Gold consulting partner. Their role involves creating custom solutions for businesses and focusing on operational excellence and scalability.

Jon Siegel holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. In addition to their degree, they have obtained various certifications including a Salesforce Certified Administrator (SCA) from Salesforce in May 2023, a Lean Six Sigma-Green Belt from MoreSteam.com LLC in 2017, and a Real Estate License-Arizona from the Arizona Department of Real Estate in July 2016.

Balancing the scales of a fulfilling career and personal life can often feel like a high-wire act—just ask Cate Godley, a Salesforce admin who has worked hard to find a balance in the ecosystem. In a candid discussion with her, we navigate the peaks and valleys of professional growth as a new admin trying to gain on the job knowledge and experience in Salesforce. Together, we discuss strategies that prevent the dreaded burnout, set firm boundaries, and use tools like Asana to manage the unpredictable ebb and flow of admin life.

In this interview, we highlight the importance of finding your community and call out user groups in the community like the Salesforce Mental Health + Illness Group (Virtual) and the Salesforce OhanAbility Group. We invite you to tap into the wisdom of this episode, connect with us on your thoughts, and support each other's growth beyond just the technical.

Cate Godley has been in the Salesforce ecosystem since 2015, and has worn many different Salesforce-related hats, including Salesforce Admin, Pardot Admin, Sales Ops Manager, Consultant, and now Jump Start Program Manager. She is 3 times certified, a Marketing Champion, and co-leader of the Atlanta Salesforce Marketer Group (Pardot). When she's not working on something related to Salesforce, she can often be found traveling to various states to see some of her favorite bands or hanging out at home with her husband and two (very cute) dogs.