Blazing Trails

What does it take to have those uncomfortable conversations about diversity, equal pay, and more? We're listening in on conversations with Hollywood actors Taraji P. Henson and Natalie Portman for their take on making room for equality. We'll discover more of their respective journeys for asking for more in Hollywood and beyond.

Julie Liegl started at Salesforce 16 years ago. in those years, she's seen Salesforce grow and prosper. Excitingly, much of her experience lies is in events. Julie was recently promoted from SVP of Strategic Events to EVP of Corporate Marketing at Salesforce. Her team brings Dreamforce and other Salesforce events held around the world to life. Hear her top insights on Dreamforce, additional Salesforce events, what makes Salesforce events successful, amongst other tidbits. And continue listening to learn about her career and favorite Salesforce memories.

The future of the workplace. What does it look like? We'll explore conversations about a company's responsibility with data, client rights, apprenticeships, and the impact of a company's culture. We'll hear from Ginni Rometty, CEO of IBM; Marc Benioff, Chairman and CEO, Salesforce; Paul Daugherty, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of Accenture; and Cindy Robbins, President and Chief People Officer, Salesforce.

Artificial Intelligence has been a topic of fascination for decades. From automated cars to machines that can intelligently and competently compete with humans in a game of chess, AI is innovating faster than ever. It's thrilling for us to look at all the new updates coming from AI. What's more fascinating and thrilling is the history of this brilliant technology. How did AI originate? What are the milestones in advancement that have led us to robots and more? We're taking a look at all this and more.

It's no secret that technology is a huge part of our everyday lives. We use apps and smartphones to track the weather, figure out when the next train is coming, and read up on the latest news from around the world and from our friends and family on social media. Recently, there seems to be something of a negative reaction to the pervasiveness of technology in our lives. Many of us are now questioning if technology is actually good for us. Does technology ultimately lend us tools for good? What are some of the ways that technology is being used for good? True and unambiguous good in the world. Can AI do this? And if so, how? Dr. Vivienne Ming, Founder and Chair of Socos Labs, takes a look at how new technologies are accelerating changes in the medical world. Hear examples of technology that's truly changing lives, inside and outside of hospitals and in the global refugee crisis. Ashton Kutcher, actor, turned tech investor and enthusiast, came to Dreamforce '17 to talk about Thorn, a company he co-founded in 2009. Thorn drives technology innovation to fight trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children and adults. Thorn partners across the tech industry, government, and NGOs, leveraging technology to combat predatory behavior, accelerate victim identification, and protect vulnerable children. Take a listen to how Kutcher is using tech for good. Technology is rapidly changing our future. One of the ways is through the technology users of tomorrow. In the last segment, hear how The Girl Scouts of America are looking ahead to utilize digital tools for their young members around the country. Sylvia Acevedo, CEO of Girl Scouts of America, touches on how the organization is empowering young girls to become technology super users, and to use tech to become the change makers of tomorrow.

We always say that Dreamforce is a year-round experience, and with the Blazing Trails podcast, it is! On season 1 of Blazing Trails, you heard from a variety of Trailblazers, including Billy Jean King, Patricia Arquette, Jimmy Wales, Founder of Wikimedia, Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of "Eat, Pray, Love," and even got a behind the scenes look at how Dreamforce comes together. On season 2 of Blazing Trails, we are creating a drumbeat to Dreamforce '18 by bringing you the best of the content that we have collected around the world. Just like Dreamforce, Blazing Trails goes beyond product roadmaps and instead is sharing conversations around initiatives like the future of work, tech for good, and the environment. This season, hear from Ashton Kutcher, IBM CEO Ginni Rimity, Taraji P Henson, Natalie Portman, Adrien Grenier, Ellevest's CEO Sally Krawcheck, Google Cloud CEO Diane Green, Author and Psychologist Adam Grant, and many more! We hope to inspire you, invigorate you, expand your mind, and hopefully, get excited for Dreamforce '18 - September 25-28. So, be sure to subscribe to Blazing Trails on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts to keep up with exclusive content from trailblazers around the world.

If you are getting to San Francisco the weekend before Dreamforce, or staying after the conference, take advantage and check out some of our tips on food, drink, and activities around the beautiful City by the Bay.

Participate in #DF17 with the millions of Trailblazers online from all over the world on Salesforce Live! Even if you can't join us for Dreamforce in person, you'll have the opportunity to learn, connect and experience the event virtually. Register now: bit.ly/DFLive17

Learn about our amazing Dreamforce sponsors, how they are making Dreamforce happen, and how you can connect with them at Dreamforce.

Dreamforce is full of SWAG - Stuff We All Get - as well as awesome items you can purchase across campus. Get a sneak peak of all the Dreamforce goodies you can take home!