CloudBites Conversations

In this episode of CloudBites Conversations, we are joined by Jack McCurdy, DevOps Advocate at Gearset, who shares his unique journey into the Salesforce ecosystem with us. Hear:

💬 Why giving and receiving feedback is a pivotal skill to develop

🤖 How technology is often the easiest part of any DevOps rollout

💭 Where the future of DevOps may be

In this episode of CloudBites Conversations, Paul Battisson speaks with Christie Fidura, Director of Global Developer Marketing at Salesforce, community leader, and relentless advocate for diversity, inclusion, and empathy in tech.

From her early experiences in software to driving community strategy at Salesforce, Christie shares her insights on:

• What true developer advocacy looks like
• How empathy is a superpower in business and community-building
• The importance of accessibility and inclusion in all we do
• How to balance authenticity and influence in a tech-driven world
• Advice for aspiring leaders and marketers in the Salesforce ecosystem

Whether you’re in marketing, tech, or just curious about how great communities are built, this conversation will inspire you to lead with heart and strategy.

In this episode of CloudBites Conversations, host Paul Battisson sits down with Andy Fawcett, VP of Developer Relations at Heroku and a prominent figure in the Salesforce ecosystem. Andy shares his journey from CTO at FinancialForce to leading developer advocacy at Heroku, discussing the evolution of the Salesforce platform and the importance of community engagement. 

Key topics include:

🚀 The evolution of Salesforce architecture and its impact on developers

📕 Insights into Andy’s book, Salesforce Platform Enterprise Architecture

💭 The role of open-source tools like DLRS in the Salesforce community

👨‍💻 The synergy between Salesforce and Heroku for scalable application development

⭐️ Advice for aspiring architects and developers in the Salesforce ecosystem   

Whether you’re a seasoned Salesforce professional or new to the platform, this episode offers valuable insights into building robust, scalable applications and the importance of community-driven development.

In this episode of CloudBites Conversations, Paul chats with Ciaran Fitzgerald, Salesforce pro, architect, mentor, and community champion. Ciaran shares his personal journey from accidental admin to seasoned architect and unpacks the realities of building a career in the Salesforce ecosystem.

We explore:

• Why certifications are just the beginning
• The power of humility and curiosity in tech careers
• How community involvement fuels growth and connection
• Practical advice for new (and not-so-new) Salesforce professionals

Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your Salesforce journey, Ciaran’s insights offer the perfect blend of wisdom and real-world advice.

In this episode of CloudBites Conversations, we sit down with Xi Xiao, a seasoned Salesforce developer and the mind behind the insightful blog, SalesforceWay. Xi shares his unique journey into the Salesforce world, discussing how his passion for programming and community engagement has shaped his career.

We dive into topics such as the importance of continuous learning, the challenges and rewards of contributing to open-source projects, and how building a personal brand can open doors in the tech industry.

Whether you’re a budding developer or a seasoned professional, Xi’s experiences offer valuable insights into navigating and thriving in the Salesforce ecosystem.

In this episode of CloudBites Conversations, we sit down with Pei Mun Lim—author, consultant, and expert in Salesforce project success. From her early career in Microsoft Dynamics to founding Zenhao, Pei shares her journey, insights, and passion for consulting excellence.

We dive deep into:

✅ The real reason projects fail (hint: poor discovery!)

✅ Why listening is the most underrated consulting skill

✅ How to manage expectations, scope creep, and client relationships

✅ The pitfalls of “consulting Darwinism” (throwing junior consultants into the fire!)

✅ AI’s role in Salesforce projects—helpful or just hype?

This episode is packed with valuable lessons for Salesforce professionals, consultants, and anyone navigating the world of project delivery. Don’t miss out!

In this episode of CloudBites Conversations, we sit down with Salesforce MVP Hall of Famer Louise Lockie to discuss her incredible career transformation—from an English literature graduate and publishing professional to a leader in the Salesforce ecosystem.

Louise shares insights on the power of continuous learning, community engagement, and helping others grow in the world of Salesforce. From her work with London’s Calling and Women in Tech to her passion for structured learning and best practices, this episode is full of valuable lessons for anyone navigating their Salesforce journey.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Peter Chittum, a veteran in developer relations and former Salesforce Developer Evangelist. Peter shares his fascinating journey from theatre studies to tech, discussing his role in shaping Trailhead, his perspectives on developer education, and the evolving landscape of technical content creation. Learn about his early days in enterprise software, the transformation of developer relations, and valuable insights on building authentic connections in the tech community. Whether you're a seasoned developer, content creator, or just starting your tech journey, this episode offers practical wisdom on finding your path in technology.

In this episode of CloudBites Conversations, Paul chats with Salesforce MVP Hall of Famer Steph Herrera. From her beginnings in West Texas to launching transformative initiatives like Salesforce Saturdays and Women in Tech chapters, Steph shares her inspiring journey. Discover how her passion for building communities and empowering individuals has impacted the Salesforce ecosystem and beyond. Tune in for insights on leadership, community-building, and navigating a career in tech!

In this episode we talk with Salesforce security expert, author and Certified Technical Architect Matt Meyers. Matt shares insights from his 18-year career in the Salesforce ecosystem, including how he adapted to the platform’s rapid innovation, his experiences as a consultant, and his transition to becoming a program architect. Discover valuable lessons on navigating the dynamic Salesforce landscape, building impactful solutions, and thriving in the ever-evolving world of enterprise technology. Whether you’re a seasoned developer, a Salesforce enthusiast, or exploring tech career paths, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.