DevOps Diaries

Jack McCurdy
  • 5.0 (6)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

DevOps Diaries, brought to you by Gearset, is the podcast for Salesforce professionals to hear stories from folks in the Trailblazer ecosystem responsible for delivering awesome Salesforce implementations — the trials, tribulations, and successes. Hosted by Jack McCurdy.

  1. DEC 11

    067 — Nicolas Vuillamy: CTO, DevOps enthusiast, and open-source champion!

    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

    36 min

  2. NOV 13

    066 — Ana Moreno: Lessons from a Salesforce Release Engineer in DevSecOps!

    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

    52 min

  3. OCT 31

    065 — Aga Peryie: The truth about Salesforce backup, recovery & archiving!

    "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

    43 min

  4. OCT 15

    064 — Raksha Sanganee: The secret to DevOps success is culture, not code!

    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

    42 min

  5. SEP 18

    063 — Conlan Morton-O'Rourke: Correction of Errors, Contractors, and Compliance!

    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

    50 min

  6. SEP 4

    062 — Alice Jessop: Mastering Salesforce Security

    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

    47 min

  7. AUG 6

    061 — Kurt Kemple: A masterclass in enablement and community driven product at Slack!

    How does someone with a non-traditional background end up leading Developer Relations for a tech giant like Slack? In this episode, host Jack McCurdy dives deep into the incredible story of Kurt Kemple. Kurt pulls back the curtain on his journey and shares the hard-won lessons that shaped his philosophy on community, collaboration, and creating meaningful tech. He reveals the critical importance of developer enablement and challenges a "build it and they will come" mentality. Get ready for a powerful conversation about the human side of DevOps. You'll hear Kurt's take on the future of community, the one framework that clarifies every project, and why building relationships is the ultimate key to shared success. 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 Kurt Kemple and Slack 02:56 Kurt's Journey into Tech and Developer Relations 05:34 The Importance of Tech Enablement 08:42 Building a Career in Tech 11:35 The Role of Community in Tech 14:16 Job to Be Done Framework and Its Impact 17:25 The Future of Community and Connection 19:57 Reflections on Personal Communities and Growth 24:53 The Power of Community in Professional Growth 26:40 Aligning Business with User Needs 28:23 Building Internal Communities 30:08 Overcoming Resistance in Internal Teams 31:41 The Importance of User Feedback 33:51 Empathy in Community Building 35:40 The Flywheel Effect in Developer Relations 37:36 Collaborative Language and Shared Ownership 39:44 The Role of Developer Relations 41:54 Education and Enablement through Community 43:13 Leveraging Slack for Effective Collaboration 47:02 The Future of Slack and Developer Experience

    54 min

  8. JUL 24

    060 — Andy Barrick: Observability for Salesforce, your secret weapon to stop firefighting!

    How much has DevOps really changed since the AI boom? Are you truly observing your Salesforce org, or just reacting to fires? When do you pay down technical debt versus pushing for the next big feature? If you're asking these questions, you're not alone. Host Jack McCurdy is joined by DevOps expert Andy Barrick to tackle the tough challenges facing teams today. This practical conversation covers the evolution of the field since 2022, providing actionable advice on implementing proactive observability, managing risk, and making incremental changes that deliver massive impact. Learn more: Read the observability whitepaper: https://grst.co/4lFfxmm How Salesforce teams execute observability for Salesforce: https://grst.co/3GXddrU See Flow and Apex Error Monitoring in action: https://grst.co/3IF5Eqq 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 The Evolution of DevOps Since 2022 02:35 The Role of AI in Automation 05:21 Testing Fundamentals in DevOps 08:29 Understanding Observability in Salesforce 11:05 Reactive vs Proactive Observability 14:03 The Importance of Proactive Monitoring 16:29 Implementing Observability in DevOps 19:41 Starting Your Observability Journey 22:14 Balancing Refactoring and New Initiatives 24:56 Risk Management and Observability 27:48 Final Thoughts on Observability

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

DevOps Diaries, brought to you by Gearset, is the podcast for Salesforce professionals to hear stories from folks in the Trailblazer ecosystem responsible for delivering awesome Salesforce implementations — the trials, tribulations, and successes. Hosted by Jack McCurdy.

Information

  • Creator
    Jack McCurdy
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 DevOps Diaries
  • Show Website
    DevOps Diaries