DevOps Diaries

After 70 episodes, Jack finally gets Gearset's CPO and co-founder Matt Dickens! 

The conversation goes deep on what it means to build something people want to use, as well as why most teams, whether they're building product or building on Salesforce, are asking the wrong questions. 

Matt shares his honest take on AI. Why the barrier to doing things has never been lower, why that's not the same as the barrier to doing something valuable, and why verticalized AI solutions will win out over general purpose tools for teams that actually want ROI. 

Tune in for a rare peek behind the curtain from someone who thinks about these problems every single day.

00:00 Intro & Meet Matt Dickens
00:44 From EA Game Dev to Gearset Co-Founder
02:23 The Founding Story: How Gearset Was Born Inside Redgate
04:48 Why the Salesforce Ecosystem Is Unlike Any Other
06:02 Salesforce Teams vs. Traditional Software Engineering
09:52 How the Salesforce DevOps Landscape Has Shifted
11:23 How Gearset's Own DevOps Practices Have Evolved
12:41 Building Products People Actually Want to Use
16:44 What "Job to Be Done" Really Means at Gearset
20:36 Advice for Junior Salesforce Professionals in the Age of AI
22:02 Expose Your Ignorance: The Most Underrated Career Skill
26:13 Lead with Curiosity: Jack & Matt's Shared Philosophy
28:44 AI in the Salesforce Ecosystem: The Opportunity & The Trap
33:20 General Purpose vs. Verticalized AI Tools
41:29 How Gearset Is Thinking About AI
46:51 Closing Advice for the Salesforce Ecosystem
52:13 Wrap Up

Jack sits down with Paul Calf (Salesforce Release Manager at Standard Life, and Gearset DevOps Leader for 2026) to talk through a decade-long Salesforce journey that took him from accidental admin to release manager. Paul gets candid about the failed audit that forced his team to get serious about governance, what it looked like to build a compliant release process from scratch, and why cherry-picking components in VS Code nearly broke him (and the team).

The conversation goes beyond tooling. Paul opens up about the culture-first approach his team takes to collaboration, from daily standups to blameless post-mortems, and what happens when someone accidentally data loads the wrong file into prod. He also shares his take on evaluating DevOps tools, approval bottlenecks, and how his financial services org is treading carefully, but deliberately, into AI territory.

About DevOps Diaries:
Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.

Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset: https://grst.co/4iCnas2

About Gearset:
Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial: https://grst.co/4iKysKW

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro & Meet Paul Calf
02:00 – The Accidental Admin Origin Story
03:44 – The Audit That Changed Everything
05:28 – Building a Release Process from Scratch
08:00 – From Change Sets to Gearset
09:34 – Tackling Approval Bottlenecks
12:43 – Breaking Down Silos & Building a Collaborative Culture
15:42 – Blameless Culture & Owning Your Mistakes
18:55 – Lessons from Building a DevOps Pipeline
22:29 – Cherry Picking: A Horror Story
25:40 – How to Evaluate DevOps Tooling
28:11 – Continuous Improvement as a Mindset
30:15 – Approaching AI in a Regulated Industry
33:46 – Final Advice for Salesforce & DevOps Teams
37:20 – Wrapping Up

What happens when you deploy to prod on a Friday and it starts firing emails to every customer? Dan Barckley has lived it — and it's why he's now a DevOps believer. In this episode: accidental admin origins, why simple beats complex every time, Agentforce skepticism, and the leadership mindset that changes everything.

About DevOps Diaries: 
Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.

Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset: https://grst.co/4iCnas2

About Gearset: 
Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial: https://grst.co/4iKysKW

Chapters:
01:36 Introducing Daniel Barckley: A Journey in Salesforce
04:16 The Joy of Problem Solving in DevOps
07:05 Learning from Mistakes: The Accidental Admin
09:35 Tinkering and Innovation: Building in Salesforce
12:37 The Importance of Mentorship and Leadership
15:21 Characteristics of Great Leaders
18:18 Navigating the Salesforce Ecosystem
20:46 The Future of Salesforce: AI and Automation
23:46 Data Management and Business Continuity
26:43 Iterative Development and Continuous Improvement
29:19 Embracing Change in the Tech World
32:11 Closing Thoughts: Lead with Curiosity

Sam Crossland returns to DevOps Diaries to dissect the evolving world of Salesforce development and AI-generated code. As artificial intelligence reshapes the coding landscape, Sam and Jack go beyond the hype to discuss the real risks and rewards. They explore why trusting AI-generated code without strict quality gates is a dangerous game, emphasizing that human oversight remains the ultimate security protocol for reliable software delivery.

However, technology is only half the battle. Sam advocates for a return to the fundamentals that drive high-performing teams, highlighting the critical importance of robust documentation and the use of RACI metrics to clarify roles. The conversation dives deep into the necessity of continuous improvement, offering practical strategies for chipping away at technical debt and measuring success through meaningful metrics. 

Whether you are navigating the complexities of AI integration or simply seeking to streamline your team’s workflow, this episode offers the strategic blueprint you need to thrive in the modern DevOps lifecycle. Tune in now to discover how to perfectly balance innovation with reliability.

Jack sits down to talk all things Salesforce DevOps, open-source, and career development in an AI-forward world with Nicolas Vuillamy. 

They discuss the often-overlooked reality that DevOps is a mindset, not just a set of buttons to push and Nicolas opens up about the responsibilities of technical leadership. Also discussed are the "threat" and opportunity of AI, and why getting involved in open-source projects might be the single best move you can make for your career. 

Whether you are a junior developer or an aspiring architect, this conversation offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of Salesforce in 2026 and beyond.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Open Source and DevOps
02:43 The Value of Open Source Collaboration
05:13 Journey into Salesforce and Trailhead
07:42 Understanding DevOps in Salesforce
09:54 SFDX Hardis: A DevOps Tool for Salesforce
12:31 Challenges in Salesforce DevOps
15:29 The Role of AI in Salesforce
18:02 Career Advice for Aspiring Salesforce Professionals
20:31 The Importance of Collaboration in Tech
23:05 The Evolving Role of a CTO
25:56 Predictions for the Future of Salesforce and DevOps

Do you actually need a Release Engineer to manage Salesforce DevOps? 

Ana Moreno joins Jack to share her incredible (and truly accidental) journey from the world of art history to the heart of tech. Before they dive into release management, Jack derails the conversation to hear all about the fascinating world of art fraud, including tales of Man Ray's lost negatives and fake Victorian photographs.

Once back on track, Ana pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to manage a complex, high-stakes Salesforce release process at a company that lives and breathes DevOps.

Tune in to learn:
- What the day-to-day life of a dedicated Release Engineer actually looks like.
- How GitLab manages weekly Salesforce releases with a 30+ person team across five pods.
- Strategies for handling merge conflicts as a "necessary evil."
- Ana's top advice for teams looking to overhaul their process (Hint: It's not just about buying a tool).
- The practical role AI is playing in their DevOps cycle today.

About DevOps Diaries: 
Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.

Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset: https://grst.co/4iCnas2

Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearset
X/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethq

About Gearset: 
Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial: https://grst.co/4iKysKW

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome Ana Moreno, Salesforce Release Engineer at GitLab
02:36 Ana's journey: The "Accidental Admin"
03:30 From art history to tech
09:33 Let's talk about art fraud!
15:14 From Admin to Release Engineer
22:35 What does a Release Engineer actually do all day?
25:48 Inside GitLab's weekly Salesforce release cycle
28:09 The challenge of managing 1,000+ Apex tests
33:07 Taming the "necessary evil" of merge conflicts
38:41 Key advice for teams overhauling their DevOps process
46:12 The real-world future of AI in the DevOps pipeline
50:57 Ana's Final Mantra

"Data loss" is a phrase that strikes fear into the heart of every Salesforce professional. But what if you could face a data incident with calm and confidence?

Jack speaks with Aga Peryie, Senior Product Manager at Gearset, about building a solid data management strategy. They discuss the vital role of understanding customer needs, the challenges of data backup, and why so many teams are vulnerable to simple user errors.

This conversation is a masterclass in shifting from anxiety to control.

Tune in to learn:
- Why most teams are unprepared for the most common cause of data loss: user error.
- The key to reducing anxiety: regularly testing your recovery process before you need it.
- Practical strategies for archiving data to manage Salesforce storage limits effectively.
- How to build a backup solution truly tailored to the complexities of Salesforce.
- Why a "set it and forget it" backup plan is a recipe for disaster.

About DevOps Diaries: 
Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.

Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset: https://grst.co/4iCnas2

Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearset
X/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethq

About Gearset: 
Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial: https://grst.co/4iKysKW

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Product Management at Gearset
02:52 The Importance of Customer-Centric Product Management
05:15 Understanding Customer Needs and Asking 'Why'
08:00 Data Backup Solutions: Common Practices and Misconceptions
10:54 Assessing the Importance of Data and Trust
13:35 Identifying Data Loss and Recovery Strategies
16:16 Best Practices for Data Restoration
19:09 Archiving Strategies for Salesforce Data
21:47 The Role of Data in AI and Customer Experience
24:39 The Benefits of Backup and Archiving Solutions
27:28 Creating a Culture of Data Awareness
29:58 Final Thoughts on Data Backup and Recovery

What’s the most overlooked element in a successful DevOps strategy? According to Salesforce Architect and community leader Raksha Sanganee, it's culture.

In this powerful episode of DevOps Diaries, Jack McCurdy sits down with Raksha to uncover her remarkable journey from a school finance officer to a respected DevOps consultant. She shares the invaluable lessons learned while training over 300 people in Salesforce for free and unpacks her core principles for transforming a team's software delivery lifecycle.

Tune in to learn why "seeing is believing" is the key to overcoming client skepticism, how to build unbreakable trust, and why you should never, ever forget your backups!

About DevOps Diaries: 
Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.

Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset: https://grst.co/4iCnas2

Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearset
X/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethq

About Gearset: 
Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial: https://grst.co/4iKysKW

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Raksha Her Journey
04:23 Transitioning to Salesforce and Community Impact
09:13 Understanding DevOps: Culture and Trust
13:41 Common Mistakes in DevOps and Importance of Automation
18:24 Building Trust with Clients and Overcoming Skepticism
23:02 The Role of Training and Demos in DevOps
27:29 Data Strategy and Best Practices in Salesforce
32:00 The Importance of Community and Continuous Learning
36:31 Parting Wisdom and Final Thoughts

In the world of tech, it’s easy to get lost in the code, the pipelines, and the deadlines. But what truly separates a good team from a great one? In this episode of DevOps Diaries, Conlan makes the case that it’s a culture built on trust and continuous improvement.

Conlan shares his experience managing a complex Salesforce project management application where the stakes are high. He reveals how his team navigates the strict world of SOX compliance, not as a burden, but as a driver for quality. We explore his passion for automation, from CI/CD pipelines that supercharge efficiency to automated deployments that eliminate human error.

However, the real magic lies in the human element. Conlan explains how creating psychological safety and running blameless post-mortems transforms mistakes into learning opportunities, and why true collaboration only happens when every single person, including contractors, feels like a core part of the team. If you want to build systems and teams that last, this episode is for you.

Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset: https://grst.co/4iCnas2

Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearset
X/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethq

About Gearset: 
Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial: https://grst.co/4iKysKW

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Conlan
02:11 Managing Compliance in Project Management Applications
07:04 The Intersection of Compliance and Data Quality
08:32 Importance of DevOps in Delivery Processes
12:02 Automation and Change Management in Salesforce
17:37 Correction of Errors and Continuous Improvement
20:40 Continuous Quality Improvement in Software Development
22:42 Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety
24:50 Anomaly Reports vs. Correction of Errors
27:21 Empowering Team Members to Speak Up
31:03 Integrating Contractors into Team Culture
37:00 Ensuring Quality Oversight in Contractor Work
39:32 Exciting Innovations on the Salesforce Platform

Is your Salesforce org as secure as you think? Many common configurations leave companies vulnerable, but mastering a few core principles can transform your security posture.

In this episode of DevOps Diaries, Jack McCurdy is joined by Technical Program Manager and Salesforce security author Alice Jessop to demystify the art of protecting your CRM. They cut through the noise to deliver actionable insights for admins, developers, and managers.

Alice unpacks the modern challenges of Salesforce security, from debunking dangerous misconceptions to navigating the complexities of user management. You'll learn the critical difference between Profiles and Permission Sets, why the principle of least privilege is non-negotiable, and how to cultivate a security-first mindset within your team.

Tune in to explore:

- The Evolution of Salesforce Security: How to stay ahead in the ever-changing Salesforce landscape.
- Profiles vs. Permission Sets: Finally understand when and how to use each for optimal security.
- The role of humans in security: Why your biggest vulnerability might not be technical.
- The future of AI in security: How artificial intelligence is poised to change Salesforce security forever.
- Actionable advice: Concrete tips on data classification and career growth for Salesforce professionals.

Whether you're new to the ecosystem or a seasoned architect, this conversation provides a crucial framework for building a more resilient and secure Salesforce environment.

Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset: https://grst.co/4iCnas2

Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearset
X/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethq

About Gearset: 
Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial: https://grst.co/4iKysKW

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Salesforce Security
02:41 Evolution of Salesforce Security
05:23 Common Misconceptions About Salesforce Security
07:56 The Role of Admins in Security
10:45 Profiles vs. Permission Sets
13:30 Balancing Business and User Needs
16:01 Building a Security Mindset
18:25 Human Factors in Security
21:00 The Exciting Intersection of AI and Security
24:07 Data Management: The Foundation for AI Agents
27:14 Experimenting with AI: Low-Risk Environments
31:15 Conducting Effective Security Reviews
35:24 The Future of Salesforce: Admins and AI
37:55 Career Advice: Adapting in a Changing Landscape
38:48 Humor and Learning: Insights from a Unique Journey