Mums On Cloud Nine

Heather Black

The show is hosted by Heather Black, a champion for women in tech and founder of Supermums, a global brand supporting mums to develop a career in the salesforce eco-system. The podcast aims to inspire and support mums new or already working in the sector to develop their career in the tech sector whilst achieving flexibility and the salary they deserve – sharing top tips, insight and inspirational stories from women who carved out a successful career and employers who champion diversity and gender equality. Through our podcast series we will cover four key areas of insight: Explore your Potential Understand what roles are possible and how to feel assured it's right for you. Create a Vision for Change Coaching tools and tips to change or develop your career. Have a Life you Love Foster a flexible career working with your employer, team and family. Create your Success Develop your skills, network, profile and reputation as the go to expert.

  1. Changing lives from a community centre to African Ohana

    2d ago

    Changing lives from a community centre to African Ohana

    How does a tech internship at a community centre in Kenya lead to one of the highest honours in the Salesforce ecosystem?   In this episode of our Golden Hoodie Winners series, I sit down with Alimali Stephens, Salesforce Senior Developer, community leader, and Salesforce Golden Hoodie recipient. Alimali shares an inspiring story that began with a desire to give back to his local community and led to an unforgettable moment on the Dreamforce stage.   His journey reminds us that opportunities often arrive when we're focused on helping others rather than chasing recognition.  Where It All Began  Alimali takes us back to his early days at the Karibu Centre in Kenya, where he joined as an intern supporting programmes for mothers, children, and the wider community.   It was there that he was first introduced to Salesforce through a volunteer programme. Rather than simply learning a new platform, he became part of a project that transformed how the organisation measured its impact, automated manual processes, and better supported the families it served.  That first experience with Salesforce would shape the rest of his career.  An Unforgettable Dreamforce Moment  One day, his director called him into the office with an unexpected question. How comfortable was he speaking in front of a large audience?  Soon afterwards, Alimali discovered he had been invited to present on the Dreamforce Admin Keynote. It would be his first visit outside Africa, his first trip to the United States, and, as it turned out, the day he received a surprise Salesforce Golden Hoodie.  To make the moment even more memorable, it all happened on his birthday.   Building A Career While Building A Community  Since receiving his Golden Hoodie, Alimali has continued to grow professionally, progressing from Salesforce Administrator to consultant and now Senior Salesforce Developer.   Alongside his day job, he has remained committed to community leadership. As a Salesforce Community Leader in Nairobi and a technology lead with Africa Ohana, he spends his time mentoring aspiring professionals, organising events, and helping others discover opportunities within the Salesforce ecosystem.  His belief is simple. The more people we help today, the stronger the community becomes tomorrow.  Why Community Changes Careers  Throughout our conversation, Alimali explains how discovering the Salesforce community transformed his own learning journey.  Early in his career, he often found himself solving problems alone because he didn't know there were other Salesforce professionals nearby who could help. Today, he works to ensure new Trailblazers never have that same experience.  It's a powerful reminder that asking questions, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another often accelerates everyone's growth.  AI Through The Eyes Of A Salesforce Developer  We also discuss how AI is changing the role of Salesforce developers.   Rather than seeing AI as a threat, Alimali views it as a practical tool that helps developers solve problems faster, reduce repetitive work, and deliver better solutions for customers. He shares examples of building AI-powered Salesforce solutions and explains why learning to work alongside AI will become an increasingly valuable skill.  What part of Alimali's journey inspired you the most, and how could giving back to your own community shape your career in ways you never expected?  About Supermums  Founded by Heather Black, a Salesforce Golden Hoodie winner, Supermums helps relaunchers and seasoned Salesforce professionals accelerate their careers in tech through expert training, career coaching and recruitment support.  Whether someone is returning to work, pivoting into a new role, or ready to step up in the Salesforce ecosystem, Supermums provides practical training, mentoring and access to job opportunities to help them build confidence, sharpen their skills and progress faster.  Alongside its career development programmes, Supermums partners with employers to connect them with talented Salesforce professionals who are ready to make an impact. Find out more here https://supermums.org/podcast-intro   About our Sponsor, Hubbl Technologies  Hubbl gives Salesforce teams the clarity they need to move faster. By connecting technical metadata with real business processes, Hubbl reveals what is happening inside your Salesforce org — from security and access risks to process gaps, tech debt, and AI readiness. The result: less guesswork, faster audits, better documentation, and smarter decisions for teams who want to build, scale, and innovate with confidence  Find out more about https://qrco.de/bgY7zw

    22 min
  2. What Does it Take to Become a Salesforce Golden Hoodie Winner?

    Jul 1

    What Does it Take to Become a Salesforce Golden Hoodie Winner?

    What does it take to become a Salesforce Golden Hoodie winner, and how can community involvement shape an entire career?  In this episode of our Golden Hoodie Winners series, I sit down with Christina Nava, Salesforce professional, Service Cloud expert, and Golden Hoodie recipient. Christina received her Golden Hoodie at Dreamforce after years of dedication to the Serviceblazer community, where she became known for helping others, sharing knowledge, and supporting fellow Salesforce professionals.   What makes Christina's story particularly inspiring is that her recognition wasn't built around a single achievement. Instead, it came from years of consistently showing up, contributing to the community, and helping others succeed.  Finding A Home in the Salesforce Ecosystem  Christina takes us back to her introduction to Salesforce in 2011 while working in technical support and software consulting.  What began as exposure to a CRM platform gradually developed into a career specializing in Service Cloud. Along the way, she discovered a passion for solving problems, supporting users, and building solutions that help organizations deliver better customer experiences.  She also reflects on the challenges of being a solo Salesforce Admin and why finding a supportive professional community became such an important part of her growth.  Why Community Matters More Than Ever  One of the strongest themes throughout our conversation is the value of community.  Christina shares how the Serviceblazer community became a place where she could ask questions, learn from others, and avoid feeling isolated in her role. Over time, she transitioned from someone seeking support to someone providing it.  Her experience highlights an important lesson for anyone building a career in technology. Success rarely happens in isolation. The relationships you build, the people you help, and the knowledge you share often become just as valuable as technical expertise.  Building Skills Through Curiosity And Practice   Like many Salesforce professionals who started before today's abundance of free learning resources, Christina had to find her own path.  She discusses the early days of learning Salesforce before Trailhead became widely available and explains how hands-on experience, curiosity, and persistence helped her develop her expertise.  We also talk about consulting life, being thrown into unfamiliar situations, learning quickly, and why practical experience often teaches lessons that no certification alone can provide.  Leadership, Mentorship, And Giving Back  As her career progressed, Christina discovered another passion, helping others develop their own careers. She shares how mentors and supportive women within the Salesforce ecosystem helped shape her journey and why those relationships became so valuable throughout her career.  Today, Christina serves as a co-leader of the Houston Women in Tech group, helping create opportunities for others while continuing the cycle of mentorship that helped her succeed.  AI, Service Cloud, And The Future Of Customer Experience   We also discuss the growing role of AI within Service Cloud and customer service operations.  Having recently participated in Salesforce demonstrations around new AI capabilities, Christina shares her perspective on where organizations are seeing opportunities and why strong foundations remain important before adopting emerging technologies.  It's an insightful discussion that balances innovation with practical implementation.  Advice For Anyone Starting Their Salesforce Journey  Throughout our conversation, Christina returns to a simple theme: keep learning, stay curious, and get involved.   Whether you're just beginning your Salesforce journey, considering a career transition, or looking for ways to expand your network, her story demonstrates how consistency, community involvement, and a willingness to help others can create opportunities you never expected.    Which part of Christina's journey resonated most with you, and how could getting more involved in your own community help shape your career?

    23 min
  3. How One Family's Salesforce Journey Led to a Golden Hoodie

    Jun 25

    How One Family's Salesforce Journey Led to a Golden Hoodie

    What happens when a passion for helping others creates opportunities that extend far beyond your own career?  In this episode of our Golden Hoodie Winners series, we sit down with Kaelan Moss, Salesforce Marketing Cloud Instructor, Team Lead at Revolent Group, and recipient of the Salesforce Golden Hoodie award. Kaelan shares a deeply personal story that began with a desire to help others and ultimately led to one of the highest honors in the Salesforce ecosystem.   From an athletic background and a degree in economics to becoming a respected Salesforce educator, Kaelan's path into technology was anything but traditional. His story is a powerful example of how curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to teach others can create opportunities that change lives.  The Decision That Changed Everything  During the uncertainty of the pandemic, Kaelan made a bold decision. After moving back home, he committed to supporting his family while teaching his mother and sister Salesforce Marketing Cloud skills.  He paid the bills, created a learning environment, and helped them develop new careers in technology. What started as a family project became a story that resonated throughout the Trailblazer Community and eventually caught the attention of Salesforce.  Kaelan reflects on the lessons learned from that experience, why leading by example matters, and how consistent daily actions often have a greater impact than grand gestures.   Creating New Paths into Tech  One of the most compelling parts of our conversation centres on career opportunities beyond traditional education pathways.  Kaelan shares why he believes platforms like Salesforce have created accessible routes into well-paid, flexible careers for people from all backgrounds. He discusses the financial realities many families face, the burden of student debt, and why practical, hands-on learning can open doors that many people never knew existed.  His mission today is simple: help people discover opportunities that can create greater freedom and choice in their lives.  Why Marketing Cloud Captured His Attention  As someone fascinated by psychology and human behaviour, Kaelan explains why Marketing Cloud became his specialization.  We discuss the relationships among technology, communication, and how people make decisions. For Kaelan, marketing sits at the intersection of technology and human behaviour, making it one of the most interesting areas within the Salesforce ecosystem.  His perspective offers valuable insights for anyone considering a career in marketing technology or customer engagement.  Making Sense of AI Without the Hype  Artificial intelligence is transforming every corner of the technology industry, but Kaelan brings a refreshing perspective to the conversation.  He shares his thoughts on the growing AI noise online, why critical thinking matters when using AI tools, and how professionals can avoid being distracted by fear-based messaging.  We also discuss how he uses ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok in his own work, comparing their strengths and explaining why understanding the quality of your inputs remains just as important as the technology itself.  A Simple Learning Habit Anyone Can Use  Having trained hundreds of aspiring Marketing Cloud professionals, Kaelan reveals the learning technique he credits with helping him succeed throughout college, certification exams, and his professional career.  His advice is practical, easy to implement, and something listeners can start using immediately, whether they are studying Salesforce, learning a new skill, or working toward a career change.   Check out our website at www.mumsoncloudnine.co.uk and subscribe for weekly tips to elevate your mindset.  What part of Kaelan's story resonated most with you, and could his approach inspire someone in your own family to consider a career in tech?  What Is the Salesforce Golden Hoodie?  "The Salesforce Golden Hoodie is a special recognition and token of appreciation bestowed upon individuals who have shared their stories of doing well by doing good. These Trailblazers range from relatively new to the ecosystem to seasoned community change-makers – Source".  Check out the definitive guide to Salesforce Golden Hoodie Winners here   https://supermums.org/golden-hoodie-winners-the-definitive-guide-to-salesforces-most-inspiring-trailblazers/  About Supermums  Founded by Heather Black, a Salesforce Golden Hoodie winner, Supermums helps relaunchers and seasoned Salesforce professionals accelerate their careers in tech through expert training, career coaching and recruitment support.  Whether someone is returning to work, pivoting into a new role, or ready to step up in the Salesforce ecosystem, Supermums provides practical training, mentoring and access to job opportunities to help them build confidence, sharpen their skills and progress faster.  Alongside its career development programmes, Supermums partners with employers to connect them with talented Salesforce professionals who are ready to make an impact. Find out more here https://supermums.org/podcast-intro   About our Sponsor, Hubbl Technologies  Hubbl gives Salesforce teams the clarity they need to move faster. By connecting technical metadata with real business processes, Hubbl reveals what is happening inside your Salesforce org — from security and access risks to process gaps, tech debt, and AI readiness. The result: less guesswork, faster audits, better documentation, and smarter decisions for teams who want to build, scale, and innovate with confidence  Find out more about https://qrco.de/bgY7zw

    37 min
  4. Feb 2

    How to Use AI for Real-Life Productivity with Julia Druck

    Are you ready to discover how artificial intelligence can genuinely transform the juggle of family and work life? In this inspiring episode, the Mums on Cloud Nine team welcomes Julia Druck, an AI consultant with a fascinating career journey. Julia shares her path from weapons engineer in the Royal Navy to co-founding the AI consultancy 'Serpent,' and unveils practical, real-life ways you can embrace AI, even if you think you're not techy. Julia reveals her creation of a "Family Command Centre" using user-friendly, low- and no-code AI tools, bringing calm and order to the chaos of family logistics. She and the hosts explore why now is the perfect time to get curious about AI, how to get started without fear, and how your current skills are far more transferable to the world of AI than you think. Whether you're an ambitious mum, a parent managing multiple calendars, or someone looking to upskill and relaunch your career, this episode will spark your motivation and give you tangible tools to build a life you love. Key Points in This Episode: Julia Druck's unconventional career path and how she carved out a place in the AI industry. What exactly a Family Command Centre is and how AI can solve everyday household chaos like school events, appointments and birthdays. The reality behind learning AI as an adult: free courses, bootcamps, and online resources that are actually accessible (including YouTube!). Common fears and myths about AI... and why getting hands-on is easier than it seems. How transferable skills from product management (and parenting) set you up for success in the tech world. Favourite tools and platforms for AI task management, from Lindy, Susama and Todoist to Reclaim. Top tips for time-poor parents on integrating AI solutions for home and career. Julia's Free Guide: https://mumsoncloudnine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MUMS-on-Cloud-NINE-Podcast-AI-agent-resource.pdf  Mentioned in this episode: Lindy (No-code AI agent platform): https://www.lindy.ai/assistant  Susama: https://www.sunsama.com/  Todoist: https://www.todoist.com/  Reclaim: https://reclaim.ai/  Claude: https://claude.ai/login  Comet: https://www.perplexity.ai/comet  YouTube tutorials for Lindy AI: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lindy+ai+tutorial  Craving more inspiration and practical tips? Subscribe for weekly mindset and career guidance, and join a community of women supporting each other in relaunching careers, building confidence, and achieving fulfilment. Find Julia Druck and connect for more insights: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliadruck/  If you're ready to banish overwhelm, embrace technology, and empower yourself, this episode is your perfect starting point! For more about Mums on Cloud Nine, the Supermums programme, and our expert directory, visit: Supermums.org Championing the Ambitious Women Mindset each and every week.

    26 min
  5. Jan 19

    Ace Your Interview: Unleash AI to Land Your Dream Job with Lani Bass

    Ready to transform your job interview experience and boost your confidence? This week on the Mums on Cloud Nine Podcast, Heather Black, Lyn Constantine, and Kelly-Jace Halls are joined by the inspiring Lani Bass to explore how AI can become your personal career coach. Heather Black introduces Lani Bass, a Supermum alumni who navigated a five-stage interview process with remarkable success, powered by AI tools like ChatGPT. Discover how Lani Bass harnessed technology to build her confidence, prepare for interviews, and even create a custom GPT that you can use yourself. Whether you're re-entering the job market, relaunching your career after a break, or simply want to ace your next interview, this episode is packed with empowering advice, practical tips, and personal stories that will leave you feeling inspired. Key Points You'll Discover in This Episode: How AI (like ChatGPT) can help you prepare for interviews, update your CV, and boost your confidence. The importance of rehearsal and refining your interview answers using AI tools. Building custom GPTs based on your own CV and job descriptions to deliver tailored interview questions and responses. Tips for making sure your CV gets through application tracking systems, without losing your personal voice. How to create presentations in branded colours to impress potential employers. The role of 'personal clones' in capturing your unique tone and communication style. Why having a human perspective alongside AI-generated content is vital. Explore the journey from self-doubt to self-assurance using practical and affordable AI tools, and find out how you can access Lani Bass's custom interview prep agent (details in the show notes). Useful Links: ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/ Gamma AI: https://gamma.com.ai/ Notion: https://www.notion.com/ Lani's GPT: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-695fdf1c0a8c8191baeabb998e2d56f2-gpt-interview-prep Join the conversation, subscribe for weekly mindset tips, and empower yourself to carve out a career and life you love. Brought to you by the Supermums team, supporting women to relaunch their careers since 2016. https://supermums.org/ For links to Lani Bass's custom GPT interview prep tool and other resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes on our website. Ready to step onto your own stage with confidence? Listen now!

    24 min
  6. Jan 12

    Get Career Confidence with AI | Expert Advice from Kitty Miller

    Are you ready to sparkle in your career and feel confident as you carve out a life you truly love? Join the Supermums team on this empowering episode of Mums on Cloud Nine, where hosts Kelly-Jace Halls, Heather Black, and Lyn Constantine welcome special guest Kitty Miller, a dynamic entrepreneur who transitioned from corporate life to launching her own ventures. We dive deep into how mums (and anyone relaunching their career) can harness the power of AI to make informed decisions, explore new pathways, and stand out in today's competitive job market. Kitty Miller shares practical, actionable advice from her own experience using AI for career planning, business development, confidence building and personal branding. Discover how large language models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity can become your personalised career co-pilot. Learn to uncover your superpowers, refine your CV, prep for interviews, and build an authentic personal brand, all while feeling supported and empowered. Whether you're contemplating a career change, returning to work after a break, or just want to discover your next step, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement and useful tips that can transform your journey. Key points covered in this episode: How AI tools can help mums relaunch or pivot their careers Creating a personalised AI "job co-pilot" to guide career decisions Building confidence and overcoming self-doubt when returning to work Using AI to analyse job specs, prep for interviews, and refine CVs and cover letters Personalising your AI settings for honest feedback and critical friendship Leveraging AI for networking, business research, and personal branding Discovering your strengths and superpowers to shine in applications and interviews Practical risk management tips for using AI authentically Why you shouldn't wait until you're "100% qualified" before going for your dream job Harnessing the power of network and mentorship in your career development Links & Resources: Visit the Supermums website for further tips and tools: Supermums Find out more about Kitty: https://maze-ccm.com/about/  Kitty also mentioned StrengthsFinder to find your career strengths: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx  Join the Supermums community for more inspiration, expert advice, and practical support to help you shine in your career. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our blog for more empowering content! Tune in and begin your journey to confidence, balance, and fulfilment. Let's help you save time and get better results with AI!

    40 min
  7. Jan 5

    Unlocking AI for Wellbeing: Real Self-Care That Fits Your Life

    Are you curious about how artificial intelligence can support your wellbeing and self-care? This week on Mums on Cloud Nine, Heather Black, Lyn Constantine, and Kelly-Jace Halls are joined by special guest Mitra Memarzia, founder of Wellcast, for an inspiring and practical conversation about how to use AI to support your life as a busy mum, professional, or anyone looking for guidance on their wellness journey. Discover why one in three people are already turning to AI for guidance with health and mindfulness, and explore the real benefits (and precautions) of using AI in your daily routine. Mitra Memarzia shares her entrepreneurial journey and practical tips on how she uses AI Agents to support both her personal wellbeing and her business, demystifying the process for mums who want to make technology work for them. From building new habits and saving time, to navigating the sensitive side of AI in wellbeing and self-care, this episode is packed with expert advice, honest experiences, and encouragement for every woman looking to carve out a life she loves. Key Points in This Episode How AI is already being used by one in three people for health and wellbeing The benefits and risks of using AI in your self-care routine Mitra Memarzia's story of founding Wellcast and how it will personalise fitness using AI Practical ways to set up your own AI agents for daily support Why using your voice with AI can make a difference to mental clarity and wellbeing Tips for busy mums to find time for themselves with the help of personalisation and motivation tools How to stay safe and conscious when using AI, including choosing reputable sources and understanding the limits of technology The importance of balance and the human touch in wellbeing, even in a digital world Resources & Links Check out Wellcast here: https://www.wellcast.life/ Fitness/Health Trainer? Sign up here: https://www.wellcast.life/trainers  Connect with Mitra Memarzia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitra-memarzia-33a1152/  Headspace's empathetic AI companion: https://www.headspace.com/headspace-subscription/ebb  Our mission is to empower women with practical advice, personal stories, and new technology to support your confidence, balance, and fulfilment. Subscribe for weekly inspiration and start building your ambitious women mindset today. Listen now to feel empowered, informed, and ready to make AI work for your wellbeing.

    33 min

Trailers

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The show is hosted by Heather Black, a champion for women in tech and founder of Supermums, a global brand supporting mums to develop a career in the salesforce eco-system. The podcast aims to inspire and support mums new or already working in the sector to develop their career in the tech sector whilst achieving flexibility and the salary they deserve – sharing top tips, insight and inspirational stories from women who carved out a successful career and employers who champion diversity and gender equality. Through our podcast series we will cover four key areas of insight: Explore your Potential Understand what roles are possible and how to feel assured it's right for you. Create a Vision for Change Coaching tools and tips to change or develop your career. Have a Life you Love Foster a flexible career working with your employer, team and family. Create your Success Develop your skills, network, profile and reputation as the go to expert.