The Salesforce Career Show Josh Matthews and Vanessa Grant

Have you ever packed your life into a suitcase and taken your work with you to a corner of the world where the sun always shines? That's the story of Alex Lapa, a Salesforce architect who's mastered the art of living and working anywhere. As our guest, he takes us on a journey through the digital nomad lifestyle from his base in the sun-kissed South of Spain. We discuss the allure and logistics of living bi-locationally, exchanging the conventional office for the freedom to roam, and the ways Alex keeps his professional edge sharp while indulging his wanderlust.

Our conversation with Alex then sails into the practical seas of managing client relationships from across the ocean. We uncover the overlooked perks of serving a North American clientele from Europe, not least the advantages of currency rates. But it's not all smooth sailing; we tackle the real talk about the loneliness that can accompany a nomad's life and how to find your tribe in foreign lands. This episode is rich with travel hacks and solutions that help digital nomads like Alex—and potentially you—keep thriving in this lifestyle.

As we bid adieu to Alex, we leave you with a teaser of what's on the horizon: the Salesforce World Tour in New York City. We'll be bringing you the latest updates and discussing resources for Salesforce pros looking to improve their interviewing technique or scout for talent. Whether you're a digital nomad, a Salesforce enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the idea of exploring the world without putting your career on hold, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to chart your own course.

Prepare to unlock the secrets of the Salesforce ecosystem with our esteemed guests, industry veterans Fred Cadena and Anna Papas, as well as our cherished regulars, Josh Matthews and Vanessa Grant. This episode promises a trove of insights as we dissect Salesforce products like Financial Services Cloud and Marketing Cloud, and delve into the game-changing Velocity acquisition—revolutionizing industry cloud specialization. Anna doesn't hold back as she shines a light on the crucial role of personalized marketing in banking, while we collectively ponder the hurdles and future of financial services within Salesforce amid privacy concerns and a fluctuating economy.

Imagine a world where the strategic goals of financial institutions blend seamlessly with the prowess of AI, a world we bring to life in our vibrant discussion. Banking and AI advancements take center stage as we share personal anecdotes that underscore the significance of tailored customer engagement strategies. Our guests peel back the layers of Salesforce's Einstein features, exploring their potential while maintaining the sanctity of data privacy. We also breach the topic of generative AI's role in marketing, emphasizing the importance of pristine, consolidated data for the most effective AI deployment.

As our conversation unfolds, we connect the dots between marketing and sales, drawing inspiration from how juggernauts like IBM and Cognizant have reimagined their strategies. Discover how Marketing Cloud has transformed client interaction, and weigh in on the perennial debate: should sales precede marketing or vice versa? We spare no details as we confront the challenges Salesforce Account Executives face in a market brimming with competition, and we uncover the interviewing nuances that can make or break a candidate's chances. Closing the loop, we highlight the ascent of Revenue Operations, a vital element in harmonizing sales, marketing, and customer success for sustainable organizational growth.

Unlock the secrets of building a thriving Salesforce career with a twist in our latest episode, where Vanessa Grant chats with the insightful Gordon Lee. We dissect the complexities of volunteering in the nonprofit sector, unraveling how these experiences can shape your career trajectory and their profound impact on the organizations you serve. Prepare to understand the ethical considerations, the importance of long-term commitment, and the nuances of the Nonprofit Success Pack and Nonprofit Cloud that are essential for anyone looking to make a mark in the Salesforce ecosystem.

Have you wondered how to stand out in the Salesforce community or what it takes to create a personal brand that opens doors? This episode has got you covered. With Gordon's seasoned advice, we explore the art of showcasing your expertise, from the power of unique projects to the strategic use of online platforms. We share wisdom on the subtleties of community engagement, the potential of workforce development programs to hone practical skills, and the art of communicating your value to potential employers.

As the landscape for Salesforce professionals continues to evolve, so do the skills required to stay ahead. We wrap up with a forward-looking discussion on the future of Salesforce admin roles and the significance of specialization and certification. Plus, we offer insights on how to find your niche in the Salesforce world, emphasizing the importance of pursuing your passions and the value of authentic engagement. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that illuminates the path to professional growth and highlights our responsibility as part of the broader Salesforce community.

Unlock the secrets of Salesforce flows that could skyrocket your career and push your organization to new heights! Join me, Josh Matthews, and the formidable Christina Nava for a journey into the heart of Salesforce strategy. Christina's rise from user to Director of Salesforce Strategy at Gaggle is nothing short of inspiring, and she's here to share her story, passion for service cloud, and how a pandemic pivot reshaped her career trajectory. We're demystifying Salesforce flows, painting a picture of 'programming with pictures' that invites even the most code-averse individuals to embrace this powerful tool.

Are you ready to tackle Salesforce flows but feel like you're at square one? Fear not—Christina and I have got you covered. We explore how people from various backgrounds can approach learning this essential skill, acknowledging the challenges and time commitment required to master it. We arm you with resources including Trailhead, Automation Champion, and Jennifer Lee's YouTube channel to help you navigate the complexities. Plus, we candidly discuss the limitations of relying solely on AI tools for learning, emphasizing the importance of staying current with Salesforce's ever-evolving platform.

In our final chapter, we hone in on communicating your newfound Salesforce flow expertise. Whether you're crafting a resume or sitting down for that crucial interview, understanding how to convey the intricacies of flow types—especially the beginner-friendly screen flows—is vital. We provide insights on spotlighting your skills through specific examples and measurable results, and stress the significance of context and direct, hands-on experience. Get ready to elevate your Salesforce game and make a memorable impact on your career journey with this episode's invaluable advice.

Resources:
Christina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinanava/
If you want to learn flow development, here are the resources:
Jennifer Lee's YouTube channels
App Builder
Automation Champion
For the video, check out Joshforce on YouTube

Join us on our latest podcast episode as we delve into the world of Salesforce with your hosts, Josh Matthews and Vanessa Grant. This time, we're thrilled to have Andy Pelc, an Air Force veteran turned tech director, sharing his invaluable insights.
Vanessa kicks off the episode by sharing her rewarding experience of launching a Salesforce business analyst community meeting. Then, Andy takes the spotlight, bringing a wealth of knowledge from his military background that's incredibly applicable to leadership roles in the tech sector. We dive into the crucial leadership skills, management techniques, and the art of transitioning from military to civilian roles within the dynamic Salesforce landscape.
A significant focus of our discussion centers on job interviews and hiring processes. We offer practical tactics to help you stand out as a candidate and strategies for recruiting top-tier talent. Drawing from personal stories and lessons learned, we shed light on the importance of seizing opportunities, the necessity of adaptability, and the impact of character on your career trajectory. We also delve into the delicate balance between micromanagement and autonomy and discuss how to gauge a candidate's true adaptability and likability—skills that are vital whether you're aiming to impress in an interview or striving to assemble your dream team.
An important aspect we cover is the need to de-risk your hiring process by putting job candidates under pressure without alienating them. This approach helps in identifying individuals who can thrive in challenging situations while maintaining a positive working relationship.
As we conclude the episode, we emphasize the importance of understanding a company's culture before making a commitment and share resources to refine your hiring strategy for success. We celebrate the collective achievements within our community—your success stories are what drive our passion for this podcast. So, subscribe, leave us a review, and take your Salesforce career to new heights with the insights from our engaging discussions. Andy's journey is a testament to the vast potential within the Salesforce ecosystem, and we're eager to see where your journey takes you.

This is a unique episode! Valentine's Day brings thoughts of love and appreciation, but what about the validation we yearn for in our professional lives? Vanessa Grant joins me, Josh Matthews to unravel the subtle need for recognition that often fuels our journey in the Salesforce community. Inspired by Vanessa's candid LinkedIn article, we reflected on the real drivers behind our work—those moments of validation that go beyond public accolades, deeply connecting us to the human side of our professional endeavors.

When we opened the floor to our live audience, the conversation took a profound turn, merging practical advice with personal tales that resonated with everyone involved. We dove into the realm of digital validation, where likes and comments can be double-edged swords, contrasting sharply against the authentic connections and learning experiences shared within the Trailblazer Community. There were laughs, nods of agreement, and the occasional "aha" moment as we dissected the intoxicating allure of online metrics and the more enduring pursuit of meaningful engagement.

Wrapping up, our hearts were full as we pondered the unexpected avenues of growth and the joy found in simple acts of kindness within our community. As we look forward to the year,  we're reminded of the profound impact every single interaction can have—whether it's a word of encouragement, a piece of constructive criticism, or a story that inspires. Join us for this insightful blend of heart, humor, and Salesforce wisdom that promises to leave you feeling both challenged and cherished in your professional journey.