Talent Hub Talk

Maria Huemmer on finding balance within a thriving Salesforce career

In today's episode, we're joined by USA based Lead Salesforce Solution Architect, Maria Huemmer.

Having originally come from a non-technical background, Maria talks us through what initially attracted her to a career in Salesforce, the career moves she made to get there, and how she continues to progress in her development.

As a Salesforce professional within the consulting space, we discuss the reality of consulting, her experiences, and dig into whether there are misconceptions around a role within Salesforce consulting.

Maria holds firm life values and clear goals, and we discuss how she approaches selecting the organisation which is going to align with them best, and how she maintains balancing Salesforce consulting with family life. We talk about how organisations can attract working parents and strategies people can adopt to find balance with their work and home lives, whether that's parenting or outside interests they're passionate about.

As Maria holds a number of Salesforce certifications, we also talk about certs, her approach to them, and whether the CTA path is the right one for her.

A must-listen for anybody on the fence about a career in consulting, or if you're struggling to find balance in your own role.

Make sure that you follow Maria on LinkedIn to stay connected and if you have any questions, then she's happy to chat with you online.

 

We hope you enjoy listening to her story!

BONUS MARKET UPDATE: Chris Hopper and Ben Duncombe on Salesforce recruiting in 2021

In today's episode, we catch up with USA-based Salesforce Recruiter, Christopher Hopper, for a chat about Salesforce recruiting in the current market.

 

We delve into topics such as how many interviews people should ideally be attending, the dreaded counter offer, and what companies need to do if they're not finding talent for their roles. 

 

We regularly catch up with Chris on the podcast, as he's a popular voice with our listeners. There are several previous episodes that we have recorded at past Dreamforce events and throughout the year with him, including candid chats, predictions and observations. If you've missed any of these, then head back through the show to catch up on what you missed.

 

Chris comes from a technical background himself which gives him a unique insight, and he's a valuable voice and content creator to follow on social media. You can find him on LinkedIn, or visit his website for articles, videos, and information.

 

Additionally, we'd like to thank our episode sponsors, Form Assembly for their support in bringing you this episode. 

 

Form building can be a tedious and complex process when collecting loads of data for enterprises. Solve this issue with ease through FormAssembly, an all-in-one secure web form builder with a robust Salesforce integration. This seamless web to lead form building connection boasts features including sophisticated data collection, the option to pre-fill forms, create and update records, and more! Their advanced compliance standards offer prime solutions for companies in the government, finserv, healthcare, nonprofit, and higher education spaces. Visit www.formassembly.com/talenthub to find out why FormAssembly is the #1 Enterprise form building platform for Salesforce and how it can be customized to fit the needs of your company!

 

Enjoy the insights!

Pooja Ramesha and Tanya Anglin on innovative and effective ways to secure your first Salesforce role

In today's episode, we're joined by two inspiring women in Salesforce!

Pooja Ramesha and Tanya Anglin have transformed their careers in recent times, breaking into the ecosystem with hard work, perseverance and some innovative thinking.

Having set their sights on a career in Salesforce, they talk us through how they used resources such as Trailhead alongside LinkedIn, to network and build personal brands within the ecosystem.

They employed tactics outside of simply applying for jobs online with real success, and they explain the individual strategies that they undertook throughout the episode.

It was fascinating and inspiring to hear more about their personal journeys, as well as tips for others who are in a similar position.

A must-listen for any Salesforce newbie or aspiring Trailblazer!

Make sure that you follow Pooja and Tanya on LinkedIn to stay connected and check out the work discussed in this episode, and if you have any questions, then both are happy to chat with you online.

 

We hope you enjoy listening to their stories

Jitendra Zaa on the significance of having a mentor and community when undertaking the CTA journey

In today's episode, we're joined by USA based Salesforce CTA, Author and MVP, Jitendra Zaa.

Throughout the chat, Jitendra shares his early career background, how he initially became a part of the Salesforce ecosystem and why he commenced on the path of working towards the CTA.

We talk about how he persevered and overcame challenges getting his first foot in the door with the Salesforce experience he had, and how his career has taken him across the world.

Having previously set up a 600+ team overseas, we touch on what he looks for when he interviews candidates, and how Salesforce professionals can put their best foot forward in interview situations, no matter their level of experience.

We discuss his journey to CTA, the importance of working with a mentor to adjust your approach, test yourself, and why he considers himself an Engineer at heart.

 

Jitendra gives a really candid insight into the value of building a support network with others on the same path, and giving back to others in the global Salesforce ecosystem through initiatives such as his speaking engagements and blog, Jitendra Zaa.

 

Make sure as well as checking out his blog that you're following Jitendra on LinkedIn or on Twitter @jitendrazaa to stay connected, and if you have any questions, then Jitendra is happy to chat with you online.

 

You can check out our episode sponsors, FlowRepublic for details about the Elite Salesforce Academy coaching programme mentioned in this episode, and a big thank you for their support in bringing you this episode.

 

We hope you enjoy the chat!

Rui Fonseca on the world of Salesforce CPQ

In today's episode, we're joined by CPQ expert and Practice Lead, Rui Fonseca, who is based in New Zealand.

 

In this chat Rui shares the story of his own Salesforce career, how he came to specialise in the CPQ space, and how his Salesforce career has led to an array of professional experiences around the world.

 

We talk about what makes a CPQ project complex, and which skills are required and best suited to the CPQ space. There have been acquisitions which have driven the evolution of the products over the years, and so Rui also sheds some light into the changes and developments that he's seen over the years.

 

Rui has had an exciting career to date. Having worked in several other international locations, he also shares what he finds inspiring about working and living in New Zealand, what the current Salesforce talent pool is like there, and why it's never been a better time to base yourself in the country most southwestern in the world.

 

Make sure you're following Rui on LinkedIn so that you reach out with any questions you have on CPQ, and we'd like to thank our episode sponsors, Form Assembly for their support in bringing you this episode. 

 

Form building can be a tedious and complex process when collecting loads of data for enterprises. Solve this issue with ease through FormAssembly, an all-in-one secure web form builder with a robust Salesforce integration. This seamless web to lead form building connection boasts features including sophisticated data collection, the option to pre-fill forms, create and update records, and more! Their advanced compliance standards offer prime solutions for companies in the government, finserv, healthcare, nonprofit, and higher education spaces. Visit www.formassembly.com/talenthub to find out why FormAssembly is the #1 Enterprise form building platform for Salesforce and how it can be customized to fit the needs of your company!

 

We hope you enjoy the chat!

Tsezarii Zhydetskyi on the value of mental preparedness and network, on the journey to CTA

In today's episode, we're joined by Germany based Salesforce CTA, Tsezarii Zhydetskyi.

Throughout the chat, Tsezarii shares his early career background, how he initially became a part of the Salesforce ecosystem and why he commenced on the path of working towards the CTA.

We talk about his experiences in Salesforce Consulting, which decisions led him to select the roles that he's undertaken, and why he ultimately chose the architecture route.

We discuss his journey to CTA, in terms of technical capability, his approach to the Review Board, and the mental preparation that required him to tailor his daily routines to maximise his productivity, even when he was pushed to make time sensitive decisions.

 

Tsezarii gives a really candid insight into the value of building a support network with others in the Community also on the same path in order to learn from eachother, and he shares the highlights of those experiences.

 

Make sure you're following Tsezarii on LinkedIn to stay connected, and if you have any questions, then Tsezarii is happy to chat with you online.

 

Don't forget to check out our episode sponsors, FlowRepublic for details about their Elite Salesforce Academy coaching, and a big thank you for their support in bringing you this episode.

 

We hope you enjoy the chat!

Chris Mail on his Salesforce consulting journey and insight on current and future trends

In today's episode, which marks 100 episodes of Talent Hub Talk, we're joined by experienced Consulting Practice leader, Chris Mail, who is based in NSW Australia.

Throughout the chat, Chris shares his early career background and how he initially became a part of the Salesforce ecosystem, actually working for Salesforce themselves back in 2008.

 

Chris talks us through starting and running a successful Consulting business of his own, which went on to be acquired by Deloitte, and how he then progressed in his career to become a Partner at PwC.

 

We talk about topics such as the obstacles and celebrations he faced along the way, the differences between boutique and larger Partners, how the platform itself has evolved, and where he sees the future headed for both himself and other professionals in the Salesforce ecosystem.

 

Chris gives a really candid insight into his own experiences and observations and has a fascinating perspective given his tenure and range of roles in the Salesforce ecosystem.

 

Make sure you're following Chris on LinkedIn to stay connected, and continue to follow his journey.

 

We hope you enjoy the chat and if you're new to the podcast, then make sure you head back and catch up on the episodes that you've missed!

Salesforce careers in the current market Q&A with Ben Duncombe

In today's episode, Ben answers all of your questions around Salesforce careers in the current market. Is it best to move roles now, or wait? Should you move for the same job title, and what's happening in the world of Salesforce contracting? If you want to get a comprehensive and candid update from someone who speaks to numerous Salesforce professionals every day on the ground in ANZ, then you don't want to miss this episode!

 

Make sure you also grab yourself a copy of our Salesforce Market Survey for the data around current market trends, and that you're following Ben on LinkedIn for further content Salesforce truth bombs and content.

 

We hope you find the episode useful! If you do, please do let us know in your podcast reviews

Sam Wadhwani - The unspoken word on the CTA journey

In today's episode, we're joined by Salesforce CTA and author of The Accessible Architect website, Sam Wadhwani.

Throughout the chat, Sam shares his early career background and how he initially became a part of the Salesforce ecosystem, having worked with Siebel previously.

 

We talk about his own personal journey to CTA, both in terms of technical capability, and the mental challenge of undertaking such intense preparation, which forced him to look differently at the idea of balance to achieve success.

 

Sam gives a really candid insight into the less spoken about challenges of the CTA journey, including overcoming disappointment and highlighting the benefits of self assessment in order to play to your strengths and listen to your inner-voice.

 

Sam is committed to supporting others on this journey in terms of wellness, mental stamina and emotional well-being through his work with The Accessible Architect. Make sure you're following Sam on LinkedIn to stay connected, and that you check out The Accessible Architect for invaluable content. If you have any questions, then Sam can also be tweeted at @accessiblearch.

 

We specifically reference the article, It's Okay to Feel Incapable in the episode, which you can read here, and don't forget to check out our episode sponsors, FlowRepublic for details about their Elite Salesforce Academy coaching. A big thank you for their support in bringing you this episode.

 

We hope you enjoy the chat!

Colin Johnson on co-founding a successful Salesforce ISV and the early days of the Salesforce ecosystem

In today's episode, we're joined by Co-Founder and CEO of Salesforce ISV partner, Aprika, Colin Johnson.

Colin shares his early career and background, how he initially became a part of the Salesforce ecosystem, and how he has successfully launched a number of products in the ecosystem, since.

 

Colin shares how Aprika first came about, how the business has evolved over the years, and how they leveraged the power of the AppExchange.

 

We discuss what makes a product business successful, how to best market a Salesforce product, and how to know whether the business has a promising future, when still in the early days.

 

Colin explains the power of the Salesforce Ohana and what he most enjoys about being involved in the ecosystem, and even shares some memories of the early Salesforce events that he attended. 

 

Make sure you're following Colin on LinkedIn to stay connected, and that you check out Aprika for how they might be able to help you. If you have any questions, then Colin can be reached at colin.johnson@aprika.com or on Twitter at @aprika_colin.

 

We hope you enjoy the episode!