What It's Like to Grow Up at Salesforce

Ten years. A decade! That's how long I've been at Salesforce, and honestly, reflecting back, it feels more like a coming-of-age story than a career journey. When I entered the swanky office by Oxford Street, surrounded by trendy fashionistas in the heart of London, my last job involved a khaki uniform and an automatic rifle on my chest in Afghanistan. But I was ready for a new mission. Little did I know, this one would last even longer than my entire primary school years!

From a war zone to war rooms

I came from a world of acronyms like IED, SAF, and RPG, into a world that thought the very idea of war was a distant concept that would never affect the tech-world (how times have changed, hey?). This new world, with its artisanal coffee, client dinners, spreadsheets, CRM, and sales, was surprisingly intriguing! I landed at Salesforce with a veteran's discipline and a healthy dose of "what in the tech-bro-bonanza is going on here?" Today, I'm a sales leader, and honestly, I still ask myself that question sometimes. But now it's with more confidence, a solid understanding of multi-cloud architecture, and a child's enthusiasm for Agentic AI.

In ten years, I've watched Salesforce explode from a tech darling to a global force. "The cloud" was mystical then; now it's as common as Wi-Fi. I've seen us grow, pivot, acquire, and innovate at lightning speed. And somehow, I've not just kept up, I've thrived. Turns out, adapting to unpredictable military circumstances is excellent training for navigating enterprise software... who knew?

My Personality and The Millennial Paradox

The world outside Salesforce hasn't been calm waters either. A decade ago, TikTok was just a clock sound, AI was sci-fi, and "remote work" meant wearing pajamas because you were unemployed. Now? Social media, AI, and pants-optional work are daily realities.

Those who know me know I'm a pretty no-nonsense kind of guy. And navigating the tech scene, initially, felt like a minefield of corporate niceties and political correctness and geeky acronyms. But Salesforce, with its “Ohana" vibe and focus on giving back, definitely softened my edges. I was encouraged to lead with empathy, keep my directness, and was truly allowed to be my authentic, social, and energetic self.

Here's the kicker: I'm a millennial. We're the job-hopping generation, always chasing the next big thing. The very idea of being in one place for ten years scares any millennial. And when I started, I NEVER thought I'd be here this long either. Classic millennial playbook: stay a few years, learn, bounce, get a higher paycheck (and believe me, I've been close many times…).

So, reflecting back, why have I stayed in this stressful world obsessed with "optimisation" and growth? I think it boils down to three core reasons:

1. Values Alignment: Salesforce proudly calls itself a value-driven organization, with trust as its #1 value. One of my own core values is authenticity, and I am encouraged to show up as I am, every single day.

2. Fair Compensation: Let's be real, I'm well compensated for my work. And that matters!

3. Exceptional People: The talent I get to lead, work with, and work for is outstanding. As Salesforce continuously innovates, we attract incredibly talented and good people. We deliver our products to leaders across all industries, and because of this, I get continuously challenged and get to grow.

As a new father, I can't help but wonder if the younger generations, despite the "gig economy" push, secretly crave this kind of longevity and authenticity. Not the kind that stifles personal growth, but the kind that allows deep roots, genuine connection, and the space to truly be yourself. Paradoxically, the stability of a long-term job might just be the key to unlocking true authenticity and belonging in our otherwise transient world.

Hooked on Growth: Reeling In My Best Career Catches

So, what are my "fishing tips" (see what I did there?) from growing up alongside a tech giant that's maturing right alongside me?

• Embrace the chaos: Change is the only constant in tech. Learn to surf the waves; don't fight the tide.

• Your past is your compass: Every experience, no matter how unconventional, gives you unique strengths and perspectives. And remember, history is often the best guide!

• Humor is undervalued! Laughter lightens the load, builds connections, and is a fantastic generator of trust. Enjoy it! 

• Growth isn't linear: There will be ups, downs, and detours. Keep learning, keep adapting, and make sure that your peers & superiors know what you want. Don't be silent about your ambitions.

• Longevity breeds authenticity: Finding a place where you can truly grow and belong might just be the ultimate career hack.

As for the road ahead, who knows what the next decade holds? Probably more AI, hopefully flying cars, and definitely more opportunities to make people laugh (and buy our software, naturally!). But if my decade-long journey from the military to a sales leader at Salesforce boils down to one truth, it's this: never underestimate the power of showing up, adapting, and bringing your authentic best, every single day!