Blazing Trails

How Einstein GPT Brings Generative AI to CRM Mar 07, 2023

Today we're talking about the launch of Einstein GPT, which is being announced today at TrailblazerDX 2023. We are going to learn how Einstein GPT will open the door to the AI future for our customers. Here to show us the way is Jayesh Govindarajan, SVP of AI and Machine Learning at Salesforce.

Sellers as Trusted Advisors and More Tips to Maximize Efficiency Mar 01, 2023

Today we're talking all about the state of sales. In fact, it's the name of our latest sales research, the fifth edition of our State of Sales Report. Here to give us a breakdown is Tiffani Bova, Global Growth Evangelist at Salesforce, and author of the new book, The Experience Mindset: Changing the Way You Think About Growth.

Opening the Doors of Opportunity for Black Male Youth Feb 22, 2023

In celebration of Black History Month, we're going to learn about The Hidden Genius Project, a nonprofit focused on training and mentoring Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. We'll also learn about the Salesforce Catalyst Fund, which provides unrestricted capital to nonprofits led by underrepresented leaders. Join us for this conversation with Dr. Brandon Nicholson, Chief Executive Officer of The Hidden Genius Project, and Dr. Ron C. Smith, Vice President of Philanthropy at Salesforce.

How Salesforce Research Is Using AI to Generate Proteins Feb 15, 2023

Did you know that Salesforce AI Research built an AI language model, Salesforce ProGen, that created the first known 3D structure of an artificial protein designed fully by AI? Learn more about this transformative research and the potential impact it may have on the medical world, as well as how AI research is being applied across industries with ProGen's lead researcher, Nikhil Naik.

CNBC Reporter and Author Julia Boorstin on What Women Leaders Teach Us Feb 03, 2023

Do women bring unique skills as leaders? That's the question Julia Boorstin, CNBC's Senior Media & Tech Correspondent, set out to answer in her new book When Women Lead: What They Achieve, Why They Succeed, and How We Can Learn From Them. On today's episode, Julia talks about the odds-defying leadership approaches of women running the world's most innovative and successful companies - and what we can learn from them. Tune in!

Can Bringing Back the Woolly Mammoth Help Save the Planet? Jan 25, 2023

Could bringing back the woolly mammoth be a key to saving the planet? Tech entrepreneur Ben Lamm and Harvard geneticist George Church are betting on it. Together they launched Colossal Bioscience, a genetic engineering company focused on using gene editing technology to advance de-extinction. But the company has a much larger goal, re-introducing native populations to help restore natural ecosystems. Join us to hear Ben and George talk about their pioneering work. For more information on Colossal go to www.colossal.com.

How to Manage Risk like a Venture Capitalist Jan 18, 2023

Venture capitalist Beth Ferreira, General Partner of FirstMark has spent her career on both the operating and the investment side. Today, she shares what makes successful entrepreneurs tick and how we can take those lessons and apply them to our own careers.

How to be an entrepreneur: Conversation with Iman Abuzeid, MD, Co-Founder and CEO Incredible Health Jan 11, 2023

Many of us are feeling the need to be entrepreneurial either at work, finding a new job or even starting a new company. Today we are joined by an incredible entrepreneur Iman Abuzeid, M.D., co-founder and CEO of Incredible Health. Her company is valued at $1.65 billion dollars. Iman shares with us how she led her health tech start-up to unicorn status and what it takes to build a successful business.

Building a Better Brain: A Conversation with Dr. Sanjay Gupta Dec 27, 2022

Get tips on keeping the brain young, healthy, and sharp, so you can protect your mind at any age with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Neurosurgeon, Author & Award-Winning Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN, and Dr. Geeta Nayyar, SVP, Chief Medical Officer, Salesforce.

How to Make AI Inclusive with DeepMind COO Lila Ibrahim Dec 21, 2022

AI is shaping our future-which is why it's so crucial that companies have diverse, inclusive communities of people creating that technology. Lila Ibrahim, COO of DeepMind joins us to discuss the benefits, the risks and questions associated with AI. She shares her tips on how businesses can build interdisciplinary teams to ensure that the people building these tools actually represent the world they’re shaping.

The Future of Travel & Hospitality Industry with Marriott President Steffanie Linnartz Dec 14, 2022

Don't wait to book that holiday travel! Because Stephanie Linnartz, president of Marriott International, says travel is back and busier than ever. Tune in to hear her discuss how the hospitality giant is reimagining what service means to help revive the travel industry and keep customers at the center of everything they do.

Cyber Week Recap Dec 09, 2022

The numbers don’t lie! Today we’re talking about the holiday shopping season and how retailers are doing. We’ll discuss what’s happening in stores, what’s happening online and what are the trends. To help us make sense we’re joined by Rob Garf, VP and GM of retail at Salesforce, Scot Wingo, CEO of Spiffy and Co-founder of ChannelAdvisor and Jason 'Retailgeek' Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis. Tune in to find out how you retailers can better connect with customers.

How to Run an Effective Meeting with Reddit COO Jen Wong Dec 07, 2022

What's the secret to ending unproductive meetings forever? Jen Wong, COO of Reddit has cracked the code! On this week's episode she shares her tips on how she runs incredibly effective meetings and empowers her teams. She also talks about how to lead as an introvert, the best ways businesses can be authentic on Reddit and how to grow killer vegetables– with help from her friends on Reddit. Tune in!

Re-Release: Seth Godin and Brian Solis: How to Better Connect to Your Customers Nov 30, 2022

How can companies better know and connect to their customers and build more trust? That's a question Seth Godin, marketing guru and founding editor of The Carbon Almanac and Brian Solis, VP and Global Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce and best-selling author, try to answer in this week's episode. They discuss some fascinating findings from our just released State of the Connected Customer report. It’s our 5th edition and features insights from nearly 17,000 consumers and business buyers worldwide. Tune in to find out what's at the heart of it.

Salesforce Execs Unpack How Automation and AI Deliver Success Now for Service Teams Nov 23, 2022

Today’s service leaders are struggling to meet growing customer expectations amid a 19% average annual turnover rate and tightening operational budgets. But Salesforce Service Cloud CEO Clara Shih and Global Innovation Evangelist Brian Solis see automation and AI as a solution. On this episode they explain how you can drive growth by empowering agents to do more with less, increase efficiencies by streamlining time-intensive processes, and deliver immediate cost savings to organizations across every industry. Tune in to find out more!

The Metaverse And The Future Of Consumer Engagement with Erika Wykes-Sneyd, Marc Mathieu and Devin Wenig Nov 16, 2022

The metaverse promises to be a virtual world of innovation, experimentation and opportunity. It has the potential to change the way brands and creators engage with their customers in this new virtual space. Today we are sharing a special session recorded at Dreamforce where we'll dive into the impact of Web 3 innovation on commerce with Erika Wykes-Sneyd, Vice President of Adidas Web3 Studio, Marc Mathieu, SVP of Web3 Studio at Salesforce, and Devin Wenig, former President & CEO of eBay.

Meet the Customer Trailer Oct 22, 2022

LAUNCHING OCT 26: Meet The Customer is a six-part series on Blazing Trails taking you through the history of the relationships between businesses and customers.

Listening to the customer for 150 years and counting… Nov 10, 2022

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard of Levi’s denim. And they’ve heard of you, too. We talk to their staff historian (yes, that’s a job) Tracy Panek about how much customer wants and needs (and sometimes complaints!) have always been the driving force behind what they make, how they make it and what’s coming next for this 150 year old brand.

How good is your customer service - in your marriage? Nov 09, 2022

One of the most important, significant, but also complicated customer service relationships we have… is with our significant other. They are significant to us; naturally we want to make sure their needs are met. This universal experience is so similar to providing good customer service in the marketplace. We first talk to Francesca Beauman who traces the history of personal ads: what we’ve wanted and not wanted and wanted again from our clients (aka partners) over hundreds of years. Then we turn to Dr. Jess Carbino, who has a PhD from UCLA in 21st century dating, a ton of dating experience herself, and thoughts about how the transaction of love works these days. Also Adam asks his wife if he’s providing good customer service. You’ll want to stick around for her answer.

It’s not easy being the big cheese Nov 03, 2022

This thousand-year-old protein continues to delight the palettes of artisanal cheese-loving patrons. But how do cheese makers Mateo and Andy Kehler, owners of Jasper Hill since 2003, keep up with so many mass-produced options on the shelves? Though it’s a slow, difficult process to arrive at an award-winning cheese – you might even need a cheesemonger like Rich Murrillo to guide you – Mateo shares why a taste is all it takes to birth fine cheese-lovers for years to come.

Take this trip to ancient Iraq and discover how their methods have shaped our customer relations today Nov 02, 2022

The Kanesh Archive, a 4,000 year old collection of tablets discovered in Northern Iraq, reveals that customer service is nothing new. Over 4 millenniums ago, textile merchants would keep records of their sales transactions and customer details! In this eye-opening conversation, we welcome Harvard professor, Gojko Barjamovic, and his partner, Agnete, who reveal that these ancient clay records include orders, detailed feedback and requests, and even expense reports for the traveling salesmen! Who knew Quickbooks (or other software) had a great-great-great grandparent?

How do you figure out if there even is a customer? Oct 27, 2022

We went into today’s episode with a big question: when a truly novel product comes to mind for an existing company or just some individual who might end up on Shark Tank, how difficult is it to find out if anyone wants to buy it? So, our correspondent Jane Marie came up with a new product and spoke to the founders of Kirrin Finch, a women’s clothing line that is designed to look like menswear. With their guidance, we take our new idea and go on the hunt for our customer, if there even is one.

Innovation isn’t just about technology - sometimes it’s about pizza! Oct 26, 2022

How do you create novelty around one of the oldest businesses on the planet? Well, King Arthur Flour is focusing on customers and their wants and needs. Whether it's with recipes or the kind of flour home chefs want, their north star is always, “how do we best serve the baker?” With the help of King Arthur and home pizza oven designers from Breville and Ooni, we talk about how technology in baking is changing the game for pizza lovers.

Holiday Shopping Predictions With Rob Garf, VP and GM of Retail: Everything You Need to Know Nov 03, 2022

Tighter margins mean retailers need to innovate to stay competitive during the 2022 holiday shopping season. From dialing up the volume on digital to transforming the role of the physical store, future-looking retailers are putting customers at the heart of every decision they make.

Today, we are joined by Rob Garf, VP and GM of Retail at Salesforce who shares his thoughts on what you can do now to optimize your holiday retail strategy and start building lifelong customer relationships.

How the Automotive Industry is Changing Gears: A Conversation with Harald Krüger, Former CEO and Chairman of BMW Oct 19, 2022

The automotive industry is in the midst of a historical digital transformation. Today's vehicles are computers on wheels and customers who used to shop exclusively in the showroom can complete transactions online. Tune in to hear Harald Krüger, the former chairman and CEO of BMW and Jessica Geutner, Vice President of Strategic Customers at Salesforce discuss what companies need to do to navigate this uncertain terrain while balancing profitability with research and development as well as environmental initiatives.

Dreamforce: Bono and Marc Benioff on Art, Activism & ‘Surrender’ Oct 12, 2022

We're concluding our Dreamforce 2022 coverage with Bono, an original Trailblazer. The lead singer of U2, cofounder of (RED) and ONE talks about his upcoming new memoir ‘Surrender,’ what fuels his passion for music, art, justice and life.

Dreamforce: Pivot Podcast Live with Kara Swisher and Stewart Butterfield Oct 05, 2022

Our Dreamforce coverage continues. Today we’ll hear Pivot, the award-winning podcast by Vox Media come to life with co-host Kara Swisher and Stewart Butterfield, President & CEO of Slack. Stewart shares his thoughts on the future of work, the metaverse and what’s next for Slack.

Dreamforce: Lawrence H. Summers and the Future of the U.S. Economy Sep 28, 2022

We're kicking off our special coverage of Dreamforce 2022 with a great conversation between former Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers and Salesforce Co-Ceo Bret Taylor. Inflation and economic pressures are hitting every industry. Summers shares his perspectives on how the economy got here and what to expect moving forward.

The Art of Brevity with Jim VandeHei Sep 20, 2022

Brevity is confidence. Length is fear. That is the manifesto of Smart Brevity, the latest book co-authored by Jim VandeHei, founder of Axios and Politico. It aims to teach everyone how to communicate effectively and be heard. Whether you work at a Fortune 500, a small business or an organization, you'll want to tune in this week to hear VandeHei share his tips on how to say more with less.

How the Largest Black-Owned Bank is Using Technology to Close the Racial Wealth Gap: A Conversation with OneUnited Sep 14, 2022

Can the largest Black-owned bank in America undo years of economic inequality? Tune in this week to hear CEO Kevin Cohee and President Teri Williams of OneUnited Bank discuss how they are using data and technology to help close the racial wealth gap.

And you can learn more about their journey by tuning into ‘The Shift’, a new docuseries from Salesforce Studios premiering on CNBC, on Sept 17. Every Saturday at 2:30pm EST through November 12, you'll learn how high-growth organizations are taking on digital transformations during heavy market headwinds and coming through better than ever. You can also catch the series on demand on CNBC.com, Peacock, and of course on Salesforce+.

Road to Dreamforce Sep 07, 2022

Remember all those great conversations in the office? Well, consider this the world’s biggest water cooler, our 20th Dreamforce onsite in San Francisco AND on Salesforce+ is less than a month away. Dreamforce is where innovation meets inspiration. This week on Blazing Trials we’ll give you a preview of the world’s largest software conference. You'll hear about our new product launches, the list of luminaries including keynotes from our CEO's Marc Benioff, Bret Taylor, Jennifer Hudson, Bono, Jane Goodall, Laurence Summers and many more. Our in-person and online event from Sept 20-22 has something for everyone, at every level and from every industry. So tune in this week to find out more and don't forget to sign up at https://www.salesforce.com/plus/experience/Dreamforce_2022/ Learn more about Dreamforce: https://www.salesforce.com/dreamforce/

Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage: A Conversation with Marriott’s Denise Naguib and Salesforce’s Patrick Flynn Aug 31, 2022

We’re less than a month away from Dreamforce— As many of you know–our 4 core values here at Salesforce are trust, innovation, equality and customer success. And this year we added sustainability.Today we want to share a very important conversation we recorded last year with Denise Naguib, vice- president for sustainability and supplier diversity at Marriott International and Patrick Flynn, Senior Vice President of Sustainability here at Salesforce.

In this episode, they share what they are doing to make it easier to understand our impact - one data point at a time. They discuss sustainability as a competitive advantage, carbon accounting, the power of partnerships, and how they are using technology to understand the climate crisis - and cure - better than ever before.

Wow But How: Learn How RBC Wealth Management Exceeded Client and Advisor Expectations Aug 24, 2022

Today’s episode is part of our ongoing series ‘Wow But How’ where we showcase how companies are using Customer 360 to unite teams and create wow moments for their customers. In this episode we'll learn how RBC Wealth Management consolidated 26 systems into one to exceed client and advisor expectations.

Lessons to Save Your Life: A Conversation with Holocaust survivor, and Best-Selling Author Dr. Edith Eger Aug 24, 2022

Today we are featuring a heartening conversation with Holocaust survivor, psychologist and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Edith Eva Eger about choosing to embrace what’s possible, overcoming trauma, and inspiring others through story.

This conversation originally aired on our sister podcast B-Well Together- A weekly series that highlights luminary speakers and wellbeing experts to provide insights and tips related to all aspects of mental, physical, and social wellbeing. You won't want to miss it!

Connections: Trusted Marketing and Ethical Personalization for Marketers Aug 10, 2022

Are you grappling with how to balance consumer personalization demand with consumer privacy expectations? On this episode you'll hear Dea Lawrence, Chief Operating and Marketing Officer for Variety share her guidance for using data ethically and employing trust-building personalization.This conversation was recorded at our annual Connections conference that took place in Chicago in July.

Connections: The Power of Inclusive Marketing with Lauren Carnell and Molly Ford Aug 03, 2022

As our societies become more diverse and interconnected, it’s more important than ever that companies are thoughtful about the messages, images, voices, and values that represent their brands — as well as their greater social impact. In our second episode of our marketing series, we'll hear Lauren Carnell, Vice President of Marketing for The Memphis Grizzlies and Molly Ford, Vice President, Global Talent Brand Marketing at Salesforce discuss the power of inclusive marketing. This conversation was recorded at our annual Connections conference that took place in Chicago in July. Tune in!

Connections: How to Develop a Next Generation Marketing Team with Sabrina Heise and Jessica Cobarras Jul 27, 2022

What should you look for when you want to build your next generation marketing team? What are the skills that are needed? Who are the key players? In this episode you'll get some expert advice on how to answer all of those questions from Sabrina Heise, Vice President, Consumer Engagement at NBC Sports Group and Jessica Cobarras, Senior Vice President, Cloud Marketing at Salesforce. This is the first episode in our three part series on marketing which we recorded at our annual Connections conference that took place in Chicago in July. Tune in to find out more!

The Summer's Best Books According to Fortune Magazine Jul 20, 2022

It’s summertime and there is no BETTER time to do a bit of reflection, turn off the zoom meetings and dig into some good books. In this episode, Nick Lichtenberg, executive editor of news at Fortune Magazine talks about his favorite titles on topics ranging from reinventing work to the history of venture capitalists. Stories that both teach you something useful and keep you occupied on the beach. Tune in! Titles include The Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future by Sebastian Mallaby, The Lords of Easy Money: How the Federal Reserve Broke the American Economy by Christopher Leonard, The Nowhere Office: Reinventing Work and the Workplace of the Future by Julia Hobsbawm, Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks by Brian Hutchison and The Candy House by Jennifer Egan.

Redefining the Fintech Landscape with Sumit Maniyar, Matthew Liu and Marc Mathieu Jul 15, 2022

The latest business maxim tells us that trust is the new currency. But currency itself—from cold hard cash to cutting-edge crypto—requires trust in those who trade in it and the systems that oversee it. I

In today's episode we bring together two executives who have tried to foster that trust in divergent arenas: the physical world of gold-based lending and the digital investing world of non-fungible tokens, or NFTs.

Marc Mathieu, EVP, Digital Transformation & Innovation here at Salesforce, sat down with Sumit Maniyar, founder and CEO of Rupeek and Matthew Liu, co-founder of Origin Protocol, to discuss how to get buy-in from the customer and trust in the financial process. Tune in!

How to turn setbacks into success. A Conversation with Sarah Friar Nextdoor CEO Jul 06, 2022

“Have at least three mentors in your career. One you work with, one who loves you and a third one who scares the living daylights out of you.”

That’s career advice Sarah Friar lives by and credits for her incredible journey from Wall Street to executive roles at Salesforce, Square and most recently Nextdoor.

Sarah delves into the role of mentorship in a successful career, including how she became a mentee of Marc Benioff, and discusses why she believes slower growth is benefitting her company. Plus, she and host Michael Rivo touch on the ways that Nextdoor continues to serve communities and address shifting needs to enhance connection, respect, and trust. All this up next on Blazing Trails.

Michelle Zauner on Grief, Fame and Finding Her Voice Jun 29, 2022

An intimate conversation with Michelle Zauner, the inspiring New York Times Bestselling author of 'Crying in H Mart' and GRAMMY-nominated singer of pop band Japanese Breakfast. She has created space for more representation across mediums by showing up as her authentic self and championing other artists who are doing the same. On this episode she shares her career journey and how she’s not only taking up space, she’s also changing the space.

Closing the Deal: Women in Sales Jun 22, 2022

Only 25% of the tech industry’s salespeople are women and only 12% of these women are sales leaders. In this conversation, a group of trailblazing women in sales discuss that gap and what needs to be done to close it. They also share how they’ve perfected the art of closing the deal and what other women in sales can do to develop their own careers. This was recorded at Salesforce's annual Gender Equality Summit that seeks to elevate and inspire the next generation of women leaders (and male allies).

Net Zero Trailblazers: A Conversation with Meaghan Atkinson, Director of Sustainability & Regulatory Affairs at Crowley Jun 15, 2022

Crowley is on a mission to become the most sustainable and innovative maritime and logistics company in the Americas. As part of our ongoing ‘Net Zero Trailblazers’ series , we'll be hearing from Meagan Atkinson, Director of Sustainability & Regulatory Affairs at Crowley. She'll share with us what her team is doing to help the company in reaching Net Zero emissions across scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2050 in an effort to fight climate change. Tune In!

Net Zero Trailblazers: A Conversation with Jim Gowen, SVP Global Supply Chain and Chief Sustainability Officer for Verizon Jun 08, 2022

Sustainability is no longer a buzz word for businesses--

Putting Sustainability at the heart of your organization pays off in many ways---from how you support your customers to how you drive innovation and ultimately to how you protect the planet for future generations. On today’s show we’re speaking with Jim Gowen, Verizon’s Chief Sustainability Officer & SVP Global Supply Chain about how his company plans to achieve net zero operations by 2035 and what companies need to do to start their own sustainability journey.

Eric Ripert: How A Top Chef Stays Zen In The Kitchen Jun 01, 2022

Today we’ve got a delicious episode with one of the top chef’s in the world—Eric Ripert! He’s the owner and creative force behind the award-winning New York City restaurant Le Bernardin. Eric shares how he got his start, what inspires him and how he went from being a very angry chef—to a beloved one. This interview originally aired on The Inflection Point with Monica Langley on Salesforce Plus.

Gloria Steinhem: Breaking Barriers for Women’s Rights May 25, 2022

An empowering conversation this week on Blazing Trails with feminist icon Gloria Steinem about leading a movement, breaking down barriers for women’s rights, and continuing the fight for equality. This episode was published first by B-Well Together, our sister podcast.

NYT Bestselling Author & Educator Jessica Lahey Discusses How a Child’s Failures Lead to Self-Reliance May 18, 2022

If you’re a parent, you likely want your kid to flourish and succeed. And according to guest today, Jessica Lahey, the best way to do that is to let your kid fail. Jessica is a teacher and New York Times best-selling author of the book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed. On today's episode she shares how to learn to step back and embrace your child’s failures for their future success and resiliency. This episode was published first by B-Well Together, our sister podcast.

Seth Godin and Brian Solis: How to Better Connect to Your Customers May 11, 2022

How can companies better know and connect to their customers and build more trust? That's a question Seth Godin, marketing guru and founding editor of The Carbon Almanac and Brian Solis, VP and Global Innovation at Salesforce and best-selling author, try to answer in this week's episode. They discuss some fascinating findings from our just released State of the Connected Customer report.It’s our 5th edition and features insights from nearly 17,000 consumers and business buyers worldwide. Tune in to find out what's at the heart of it.

Can Cities Be Sustainable? A Discussion with Kiran Bhatraju and Maisie Hughes May 04, 2022

Cities are vital to the world's economies and play a key role in combating climate change. They are responsible for 40% of total energy consumption and up to 70% of greenhouse gas emissions according to a recent report by Deloitte. How can we make cities more sustainable? That's a question that Kiran Bhatraju, CEO and Founder of Arcadia and Maisie Hughes, Senior Director of Urban Forestry, American Forests try to answer this week in a discussion moderated by Nick Lichtenberg, Executive News Editor at Fortune Magazine.

Parker Harris: Salesforce Co-founder and CTO Previews Trailblazer DX 2022 Apr 27, 2022

It’s that time of year again! Trailblazer DX - The Salesforce Developer Conference is back in person and online!

And in this episode of Blazing Trails we are going to get a preview with Salesforce Co-founder and CTO Parker Harris. Parker will discuss the evolution of the Salesforce platform and the power of seamlessly integrated automation and how that is transformational to the customer experience.

Trailblazer DX is happening on April 27th and 28th in-person in San Francisco, and, of course, you can join online at Salesforce Plus. Just go to Salesforce.com/plus and register with a Trailblazer ID to join.

Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist Elizabeth Kolbert: Can We Change Nature to Save It? Apr 20, 2022

How irreversibly have we altered the natural world?

That’s a question climate journalist Elizabeth Kolbert has been trying to answer for decades while reporting on the environment for The New Yorker magazine.

In herPulitzer Prize winning book, The Sixth Extinction, she explored the ways in which our capacity for destruction has reshaped the natural world. In her latest book - Under a White Sky - The Nature of the Future she examines how the very sorts of interventions that have imperiled our planet are increasingly seen as the only hope for its salvation.

And today—in recognition of Earth Day, she joins Patrick Flynn, SVP and Global Head of Sustainability at Salesforce, to discuss what steps we need to take to reign in carbon emissions and save our planet.

Mentions:

Elizabeth’s Book – Under a White Sky, the Nature of the Future

IPCC Global Climate Predictions

Internet Security and Building Trust: A Conversation with Taher Elgamal Apr 13, 2022

Cyber warfare is no longer the stuff of science. fiction As the world has become digital, modern conflicts extend dangerously to the cyber-world. Urgent protection of critical online infrastructures – including communication, finance, and the grid -- is a priority for everyone

This conversation with Taher Elgamal, the “father of SSL” -- or website encryption – is more relevant than ever. Taher dives into the past, present, and future of cybersecurity, underlining the gravity of stopping malware and ransomware in time.

Debiasing AI: Training Machines for Good with Jacob Ward and Kathy Baxter Apr 06, 2022

Artificial Intelligence is all around us, shaping our world and experience, sometimes undetected. Inherent biases in machine learning have become apparent. Now is the time for proactive thinking, planning, and directing this useful tool for the good of society, rather than for the bad.

Author Jacob Ward along with Kathy Baxter, Principal Architect of Ethical AI Practice at Salesforce, join Michael Rivo in this critical conversation around debiasing AI and ensuring it has a positive impact on our lives and world.

Mentions:

Taking Control of Your Finances with Sallie Krawcheck Mar 30, 2022

Women and people of color have been left out of the financial growth conversation for too long, and Ellevest CEO & Co-Founder Sallie Krawcheck is here to do something about it. She sits down with #BossTalks host Ebony Beckwith, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Salesforce, to share her tips for taking control of your financial future and achieve financial wellness,

Bridging Human Gaps in Healthcare with Data and A.I. - with Mark Bertolini, former Aetna CEO, and Salesforce EVP, LaShonda Anderson-Williams Mar 23, 2022

Nearly losing his son to cancer, and personally experiencing the inefficiencies of the healthcare system, convinced Mark Bertolini, former chairman and CEO of Aetna, to try and change the industry for all. In this week’s episode, Global Advisory Board member Mark Bertolini, and LaShonda Anderson-Williams EVP and CRO for Healthcare and Life Sciences at Salesforce discuss how data-driven solutions are transforming the healthcare industry.

How to Solve the Trust Crisis: A Conversation with Helene Foulkes and Rudy Cline-Thomas Mar 16, 2022

The complex events over the last several years have converged to create a trust crisis. The opportunity for businesses to step up as role models during this time is great.

Here to talk about this “trust crisis” and more are two members of Salesforce's Global Advisory Board, Helena Foulkes, a former CVS executive, and Rudy Cline-Thomas, the Founder and Managing Partner of the venture fund Mastry. With perspectives from the worlds of business, government, and investing, Helena and Rudy explain how to foster trust even in risky environments. They also explore the benefits of fostering a beginner’s mindset and lay a framework for mutually beneficial partnerships.

The Unstoppable Mike Schultz: A Conversation with a Two Time Paralympic Medalist and World Champion Mar 09, 2022

When the doctor told world champion Mike Schultz they would have to amputate his left leg, it looked like the end of his career as a professional snowcross racer. But Mike’s not one to take no for an answer. Instead, he took matters into his own hands.

Today, Mike is a two-time U.S. Paralympic medalist and founder of BioDapt a company creating world-class prosthetics for athletes. From supporting wounded veterans to helping Paralympians compete, Mike has transformed his search for the perfect prosthetic into an opportunity to help others. He took home gold and silver medals in snowboarding in the 2018 Paralympics and is competing again this year in Beijing. On Blazing Trails, Mike shares his story, including why mental health training is as important as physical training, and how he and BioDapt are helping revolutionize the prosthetics industry.

How U.S. Olympic Champion Shaun White Built His Brand Mar 02, 2022

For Shaun White, customer connection carries the same thrill as his latest gold-medal-winning trick. The three-time U.S. Olympic snowboard halfpipe champion has spent a lifetime observing every detail that goes into defying gravity. Now, he wants to share his expert knowledge in product design with everyone on the mountain through his new snowboard brand WHITESPACE. Tune in to hear how Shaun built his brand and what he's setting his sights on after he competes in his last Winter Olympics.

Getting Back To Pre-Pandemic Normal: A Conversation with Dr. Leana Wen Feb 23, 2022

As COVID infection rates decline and treatments are more readily available, many people are feeling hopeful. On today's episode, we hear Salesforce Chief Medical Officer Dr. Geeta Nayyar speak with Dr. Leana Wen, Public Health Professor at George Washington University, on the state of the pandemic and how we might be able to safely return to pre-pandemic life.

The Case for Data-Driven Sustainability: A Conversation with Carolina Leonhardt and Patrick Flynn Feb 16, 2022

The profitability that comes from doing the right thing for the environment is evident in the data; data that Carolina Leonhardt, Senior Manager of Environmental Responsibility at Clif Bar, relies on to make critical decisions at every step of their product journey. Joining her in this conversation is Patrick Flynn, Vice President of Sustainability at Salesforce.

In this episode, they outline the thinking behind strategies for improving the conversation with consumers - focusing on the need for clarity around what sustainability metrics actually matter. From material sourcing and supply chain logistics, to greenhouse gas emissions and B2B relationships, they cover the gamut on what details matter in environmental sustainability now.

How Team USA Olympians and Paralympians Use Tech and Data to Win, Engage With Fans, and Drive Social Change Feb 10, 2022

The innovations of technology and data in sports are massive and they’re driving athletes to maximize their performances in almost unimaginable ways. From wearables to virtual reality, Olympians know best how fine the edge is between a career-defining gold medal performance and slipping micro-seconds behind your competitors into obscurity.

Each of the champion athletes in this episode have conquered that razor's edge to success and then gone on to use their platform to do good. Our guests this week - Apolo Ohno, Elana Meyers Taylor, Jessie Diggins, and Mike Schultz - use technology not only to improve their performance, but also to promote positive messages around topics like body image and environmental sustainability. Learn more about the different ways each is leveraging tech as a platform for change on this episode of Blazing Trails.

From the White House to Sesame Street: A Conversation with Sherrie Rollins Westin, President of Sesame Workshop Jan 26, 2022

She went from working in the White House for President George H.W. Bush to traveling the world with Elmo, Big Bird, and the cast of Sesame Street - and Sherrie Rollins Westin says she wouldn't have done it any other way. In this week's episode, Sherrie, the president of Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street, joined host Michael Rivo at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit to talk about her unique career path. They discuss the importance of brand and core values, why she believes in mentorship, and what CEOs and business leaders can actually learn from watching Sesame Street. All this up next on Blazing Trails.

Geeking out with Raj Seshadri, President of Data and Services at Mastercard Jan 19, 2022

Not many people will admit that they “started their life as a geek,” but today’s guest is more than proud of her STEM-focused beginnings. Joining the podcast is Raj Seshadri, a former Phd. physicist and the current President of Data and Services at Mastercard.

Raj shares why she made a career jump from physics to business, and what she loves about the work she does today. She tells us how Mastercard champions the philosophy of “doing good while doing well,” what the company is investing in today to prepare their offices for the workforce of the future, and how they are using data to tease out insights and trends that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.

How to Turn Setbacks into Success: A Conversation with Sarah Friar, CEO of Nextdoor Jan 12, 2022

“Have at least three mentors in your career. One you work with, one who loves you and a third one who scares the living daylights out of you.” That’s career advice Sarah Friar lives by and credits for her incredible career journey from Wall Street to executive roles at Salesforce, Square and most recently Nextdoor.

On the second episode of our five-part, mini-series on the personal journeys of some of the world’s most innovative CEO’s and business leaders, we’ll be speaking with Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar. She delves into the role of mentorship in a successful career, including how she became a mentee of Marc Benioff, and discusses why she believes slower growth is benefitting Nextdoor. Plus, she and host Michael Rivo touch on the ways that Nextdoor continues to serve communities and address shifting needs to enhance connection, respect, and trust. All this up next on Blazing Trails.

What Scares Kara Swisher? A Conversation with the Most Respected and Influential Tech Journalist Jan 05, 2022

As the news landscape becomes ever more crowded, it takes a straight-shooting, old-school journalist to cut through the din. One like Kara Swisher, who is arguably both the most respected and feared reporter covering tech for decades.

Kara, host of both The New York Times Opinion podcast “Sway” and Vox Media’s "Pivot" podcast, discusses the overarching lack of diversity that still exists in tech, why she's not afraid of anyone, and how being famous isn't such a bad thing. All this up next on Blazing Trails.

Scenario Planning to Prepare for the Future with Peter Schwartz, Mick Costigan, and Niall Ferguson Dec 29, 2021

Can we really predict the future?

Today’s guests make future-planning their business… but they will also be the first to tell you that the future is far from predictable.

Peter Schwartz, Mick Costigan, and Niall Ferguson join the podcast to discuss what they call scenario-planning; the process of identifying the most likely outcomes for the future and helping businesses and governments prepare. They reflect on decision-making in the past year, share 2022 trends business leaders should prepare for, and offer advice for individuals who want to apply scenario-planning to their own lives.

About the Guests:

Peter Schwartz is the Chief Futures Officer and SVP of Strategic Planning at Salesforce.
Mick Costigan is the Vice-President of Salesforce Futures.
Niall Ferguson is a historian and author. He is a Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, as well as a senior faculty fellow of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard.

Axios CEO Is Betting on Brevity for Political News Dec 22, 2021

A "mix between The Economist and Twitter" -- that was Jim VandeHei’s vision for Axios when he founded the company in 2016. Today, as CEO, he leads his team of several hundred with that principle top of mind. He calls it “Smart Brevity” and in this episode, he joins Sarah Franklin, Salesforce’s President and Chief Marketing Office, to discuss how that mindset has helped the company stand out among consumers, while also creating trust within the company. Tune in to learn how to apply Smart Brevity to your business.

How Google’s CEO Hopes Tech Can Solve World Crises: A Conversation With Sundar Pichai Dec 16, 2021

Growing up in India, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai dreamed of working in Silicon Valley. Now he helms one of its most iconic companies. Sundar led the development of Google’s most important products, including Chrome, Android, and Maps. The understated CEO with an oversized influence on the world is guiding the company into the future of AI development.

This week on Blazing Trails, join Monica Langley, Salesforce EVP Global Strategic Affairs, as Sundar shares his passion for technology as an equalizing force to bring products to everyone, his optimism on how tech can help solve climate change and his fun experience with his son using AI to chat with Pluto.

What Makes You Different Makes You Stand Out: A Conversation with Stacey Cunningham, President of NYSE Dec 08, 2021

What makes you different makes you stand out. As one of few women at the helm of the finance industry, Stacey Cunningham, President at NYSE, knows this better than most.

In today’s episode from the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, Cunningham shares some of the key moments that have marked her career and made her the leader that she is. She shares advice for how to be thoughtful when communicating with your team, dives into diversity and inclusion in corporate America, and explains why you should always lean into the qualities that make you stand out from your peers. Plus, stay tuned for her take on upcoming investor trends and opportunities, including why she believes most companies should go public.

Pessimist or Realist? A Conversation with Scott Galloway on the Future of Everything Dec 01, 2021

This week we feature a rerun of one of our favorite episodes from earlier this year. Enjoy!

Scott Galloway, professor at NYU Stern, multi-time founder, best-selling author, and host of the Prof G Show, joins the podcast with Karen Mangia, VP of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce. In this wide-ranging conversation, Scott and Karen share their perspectives on the long-term economic and social effects of the pandemic, the ever-evolving relationship between consumer and brand, and the rapid acceleration of digital. Plus, hear a deep dive with Scott on the death of higher education, company-driven training programs, and what he learned about healthcare while trying to schedule a vasectomy.

The Small Business Revolution: A Conversation with Amanda Brinkman Nov 24, 2021

‘Doing well by doing good’ is the mission that drives Amanda Brinkman as the Chief Brand Officer at Deluxe and the Host and Creator of the Small Business Revolution series. Her passion for small businesses has evolved over time, and now, six seasons into the show, she has a wealth of knowledge to share.

Brinkman believes that consumers want brands that are doing good in the world. Learn how -- through simple digital housekeeping of your brand’s online presence -- a small business can stand to lose or gain a great deal. Plus, Brinkman shares how to build a unique business that not only stands out but leaves a positive impact.

The Power of Transformation: A Conversation with Karen Fang and Jen Fisher Nov 17, 2021

If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that change and transformation is not only inevitable, but it takes shape in a variety of ways: large and small, personal and collective. In this week's episode, we hear from two business leaders who know all about change from two different perspectives and scales.

Jen Fisher is the Managing Director and Chief Well-Being Officer at Deloitte, bestselling author of "Work Together Better," and host of the WorkWell Podcast, and Karen Fang is Managing Director and Global Head of Sustainable Finance at Bank of America. Despite their different roles, they bring to the conversation a rich understanding of the power of transformation—from the small ways we thank ourselves every morning to the large ways we allocate capital in a corporation.

Why Hiring Military Veterans Is Good Business: A Conversation with Taylor Justice, Co-Founder and President of Unite Us Nov 11, 2021

When you hear the word ‘entrepreneur’ what kind of person comes to mind? An athlete? An artist? A doctor? A celebrity?

How many people imagined a military veteran? Veterans possess a lot of the qualities needed to be successful. They are great at building teams, are focused, and have stamina and integrity.

In honor of Veterans Day, we spoke to Taylor Justice, who, after leaving the military in 2007, co-founded Unite Us, a tech start-up, that reached unicorn status this year and is valued at more than $1.6 billion dollars.

In today’s episode, Taylor and Michael discuss how the pain points he experienced transitioning from active duty military to the civilian sector inspired him to start his company.

After Taylor, we’ll hear from Sam Allen, the Chief Operating Officer of Salesforce.org. He’s a former Marine, and he joins us to talk about Salesforce’s commitment to helping re-skill veterans for the jobs of tomorrow.

Boss Talks: Creating Your Personal Brand with Kyra Kyles Nov 03, 2021

How do your coworkers perceive you? How about your boss, or your clients? If these aren’t questions you’ve given much thought, then today’s guest, Kyra Kyles, is here to help. Kyra is the CEO of YR Media and the former Editor in Chief of Ebony Magazine -- she’s spent her career helping establish the brand image of the companies she’s worked for, and simultaneously learning how to establish her own personal brand.

How you work, speak, and present yourself are imperative in today’s digital environment. Kyra joined host Ebony Beckwith, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Salesforce, on #BossTalks to share her tips and tricks for establishing yourself at work and online. She explains why you shouldn’t identify yourself by your job, how to incorporate your interests and goals into who you present at work, and why you always need to show up the way you want to be perceived. All that and more on this episode of Blazing Trails.

Digital-First Leadership: Featuring US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton Oct 27, 2021

How are we staying safe, secure, and innovative in the era of digital-everything? The urgent need to democratize technology is creating an equally critical need to ensure we protect technology users.

Up next on Blazing Trails, please enjoy this conversation from Dreamforce 2021 featuring U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton. They discuss the role of policy in helping secure our communications and technology and how they are both striking the careful balance between improving consumer trust in data safety while still implementing new technologies.

Redefining the Future of Work - A Conversation with Jennifer Tejada and Stewart Butterfield Oct 20, 2021

As employers continue to navigate the changing landscape of work, many are faced with a myriad of difficult decisions. Should employees return regularly, irregularly, or at all? What digital tools should we invest in and rely on? And how can we build an amazing workplace culture with a partial or fully remote staff?

Stewart Butterfield, the CEO and co-founder of Slack, and Jennifer Tejada, the Chairperson and CEO of PagerDuty, joined Fortune Magazine's Michal Lev-Ram for a discussion about managing and leading increasingly digital teams. They share their personal experiences, recommendations for fostering meaningful, remote relationships, and the tools they use every day to stay connected.

Designing the New Era of Experience: A Conversation with Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments Oct 13, 2021

Are employee and consumer experiences connected? Mellody Hobson, the Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments, definitely thinks so.

As we continue our coverage of Dreamforce 2021, this week you’ll hear Kristen Bellstrom, the Features Editor at Fortune, and Mellody Hobson discuss the challenges and many benefits of improving customer and employee experiences in tandem.

From getting employee buy-in while working remotely, to creating a fulfilling work environment, to aligning processes with company values, Kristen and Mellody uncover how all these aspects of the employee experience ultimately play a major role in what the customer sees and how they feel about your brand.

Black Women in Leadership - A Conversation with Soledad O'Brian, Elaine Welteroth, San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Minda Harts Oct 05, 2021

The question for Black women should never be, “Do I deserve to be in this room?” It should be “Does this room deserve me?”

As our Dreamforce 2021 coverage continues, today we feature a conversation with moderator Soledad O'Brian and a panel of powerful women for a conversation on Black Women in Leadership. Soledad, an award-winning journalist and author, is joined by Elaine Welteroth, New York Times bestselling author; San Francisco Mayor London Breed; and Minda Harts, workplace & equity consultant, award winning Author

The panel discusses leadership challenges they have each faced, overcoming double standards, and what “Black excellence” means to them. Plus, they explain that to do the right thing, you must be willing to champion change that makes people uncomfortable. All that and more on today’s episode of Blazing Trails.

Ripple Effect: The Movement to Protect our Oceans – A Conversation with Jane Fonda and Douglas McCauley Sep 22, 2021

"Climate change is a life-and-death crisis." That's the message Jane Fonda wants us all to hear in this urgent and important conversation in this week's episode of Blazing Trails. As part of our special Dreamforce 2021 coverage, the Academy Award-winning actor, producer, author, and activist shares how she turned her despair into action and became a champion to save our planet. In a discussion with Douglas McCauley, professor of ocean science at UC Santa Barbara and director of the Benioff Ocean Initiative, Fonda talks about concrete steps we can all take to battle climate change and why protecting our oceans is key. Tune in to the episode for more!

Back to School: What Parents Need to Know - A Conversation with Dr. Geeta Nayyar, Dr. Carlos del Rio and Aneesh Chopra Sep 15, 2021

As kids head back to the classroom this fall and the Delta variant's presence in the US increases, what do you need to know as a parent?

Our scientifically-minded panel this week includes Dr. Geeta Nayaar, Executive Medical Director and General Manager of Healthcare and Life Sciences at Salesforce; Dr. Carlos del Rio, the Executive Associate Dean at the Emory School of Medicine; and Aneesh Chopra, CO-Founder and President of CareJourney, who was also the first US Chief Technology Officer under President Obama.

They outline some of the steps you can take to keep your kids safe from infection and discuss how companies can take the lead in prioritizing the safety of their employees by providing flexibility and developing trust with them.

Representation Matters: Aligning Your Career with Your Purpose Sep 09, 2021

Aligning your career to your purpose in life is a key element to professional longevity and satisfaction. Understanding that your work can be more than just a means to an end leads to a more fulfilled life.

The powerful voices of Carla Harris, Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Morgan Stanley; Morgan DeBaun, Founder and CEO of Blavity, Inc; and Trevear Thomas, U.S. Leader for Mergers and Acquisitions at Deloitte, share their decades of wisdom on aligning the personal and professional. Whether you are in a key executive role at a large Fortune 500 company or an entrepreneur with a young startup, the work you do can be fulfilling fiscally and emotionally. Following a deeper purpose that feeds your heart will guide you in finding your voice and succeeding in life and work.

Up Next in Commerce: How Stitch Fix Relies on Data Science to Build the Perfectly Personalized eCommerce Experience Sep 01, 2021

Style is a very personal part of what makes someone who they are. The way you dress is a reflection of who you are or who you want to be, and what speaks to you may be totally foreign to the next person. Knowing all of that, it’s understandable if you believe that something as personal and experience-driven as style could never be boiled down to data points or plugged into an algorithm. But… you’d be wrong.

At Stitch Fix, a combination of human stylists, powerful AI, and behind-the-scenes technology has created a winning model that delivers a personalized online shopping and styling experience straight to clients’ homes. A powerful data science team is one of the key reasons that Stitch Fix has been able to launch its valuation into the billions. Stephanie Yee is the VP of Data Science at Stitch Fix, and on this episode, we feature her conversation on the Up Next in Commerce podcast. She explains all the ways that data and technology are being put to use to create the best customer experience possible.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Up Next in Commerce wherever you listen to podcasts!

How to Learn Like an Olympian: A Conversation with Mike McIntyre Aug 25, 2021

Joining the podcast today is former Olympian and current business consultant Mike McIntyre. Mike won gold in the 1988 Summer Olympics in the Star Class Sailing Competition, and since that experience, he’s been helping companies around the world streamline and grow their businesses for over 20 years. Today, he talks about what it takes to compete at the Olympic level, including how to work well under pressure, and how to take those lessons into business and into life. Plus, Mike shares his journey becoming a Salesforce consultant and what it’s been like mentoring his daughter who has followed his Olympic footsteps.

Marketing Trends: Understanding VICE Media Group’s Role as a Global Brand with CMO, Nadja Bellan-White Aug 18, 2021

In an ever-evolving world full of raw and untapped potential, brands require a CMO who can keep up and take charge. That’s why when VICE Media Group was in search of its first Global CMO, Nadja Bellan-White was at the top of the list. For more than a quarter-century, Nadja has used her voice proactively to challenge brands to think differently, think creatively, but most importantly to think about how they can make an impact in their communities.

On this special episode, we feature Nadja's conversation from the Marketing Trends podcast. Nadja details why she was excited to accept the challenge of running a marketing team trusted with pushing VICE’s vast portfolio forward. Plus, Nadja details why marketers are in the midst of a renaissance and must alter the way data powers their decision-making.

If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to subscribe to Marketing Trends wherever you get your podcasts!

Imposter Syndrome and How to Build Self Confidence: A Conversation with Kelvin Beachum and Ebony Beckwith Aug 11, 2021

What is impostor syndrome? And how do you overcome it?

Whether you are feeling it in your life or career, self-doubt can be debilitating.

On today’s special episode, we feature a conversation from the Salesforce show #BossTalks with Ebony Beckwith. Ebony is the Chief Philanthropy Officer of Salesforce, and she is joined by NFL athlete Kelvin Beachum for a discussion about self-doubt and impostor syndrome.

Kelvin shares his personal struggles with negative self-talk, and he and Ebony discuss ways to silence that voice and build confidence. They also discuss how to mentor those who may be feeling impostor syndrome and share tips for teaching children to lead with confidence from a young age.

Why Data and A.I. is at the Intersection of Sports and Science with Intel’s Jonathan Lee Aug 04, 2021

Today, technology is an integral part of the sports landscape. In fact, it’s become so ingrained in American sports that data and algorithms are part of pretty much every broadcast and in every locker room.

Technology is now used to predict win probability, analyze launch angles of home runs, and track shot charts of NBA superstars. But technology isn’t just used to build a better viewing experience. It is also being dropped into the hands of coaches to do things like perfect a runner's stride and track every moment from the beginning of a sprint to the final lunge across the finish line.

On this episode of Blazing Trails, we feature a conversation from the IT Visionaries podcast with guest Johnathan Lee. Johnathan is the director of sports performance technology for the Olympic technology group at Intel, and today, he talks about how his department worked to enhance 3D tracking technology ahead of the 2021 Olympic games in Tokyo. Plus, he dives into the countless other applications for these types of algorithms and data.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to IT Visionaries wherever you get your podcasts!

How To Build Successful Partnerships with Nonprofits: A Conversation with Khali Sweeney and Jessica Hauser Jul 28, 2021

In 2007, Khali Sweeney was on a mission - he had a vision for a unique youth program that combined education with boxing. Today, that vision has come to life in the form of Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit. But the startup process wasn’t always smooth sailing (it never is), and a lot of lessons were hard learned.

Today, Khali joins the podcast, along with Executive Director of Downtown Boxing Gym, Jessica Hauser, to discuss how companies can build successful partnerships with non-profits. He and Jessica touch on the importance of building a team early on, why shared mission is vital when pursuing partnerships with businesses, and the different ways businesses and nonprofits can work together to leave a lasting impact on those in need.

Leading with Diversity Top of Mind: A Conversation with Brittani Marie and Shane Snow Jul 21, 2021

Brittani Marie, Lead Brand Editor at Salesforce, and Shane Snow, founder of Contently, discuss how their time working together at Contently taught them important lessons about inclusion and diversity. They talk about Shane’s dream team framework, why Brittani values “team agreements,” and why it’s okay as a leader to not always have all the answers. Plus, they explain how to have honest conversations about diversity in the workplace, and what it means to look for micro opportunities to be inclusive.

Internet Security and Building Trust-A Conversation with Taher Elgamal Jul 14, 2021

A decade ago, trusting a brand meant trusting the quality, consistency, and delivery of their service or product. While that still rings true today, now trust between consumer and company relies heavily on a new pillar: trusting that the brand is protecting your data.

With data leaks, breaches, and hacks becoming increasingly more sophisticated, who better to invite on than Taher Elgamal, known as the “father of SSL” -- the encryption that makes the websites we visit secure. Taher joins the show for a discussion about the past, present, and future of cybersecurity. He talks about his background in the industry, why stopping ransomware requires a game of catch up, and what should be top of mind for CIOs and CTOs today.

How Companies Can Help End the Global Cycle of COVID-19: A Conversation with Ana Navarro and Dr. Geeta Nayyer Jul 07, 2021

“We are in this together.” That’s the key message Ana Navarro and Dr. Geeta Nayyar want to send in today’s episode.

Ana is an American political strategist who appears regularly on CNN, Telemundo, and The View and Dr. G, Chief Medical Officer at Salesforce. They joined Producer Rachel Levin to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 crisis worldwide, the role private and public partnerships can play in helping deliver vaccines to countries in need, and what individuals can do to help. Plus, they talk about the future of telehealth and what employers should consider when thinking about bringing employees back to work.

Compassionate Leadership: A Conversation with Ania Smith, CEO of TaskRabbit Jun 30, 2021

How do you lead with compassion and create a company culture where people feel valued?

Joining us to help answer these questions and more is Ania Smith, CEO of TaskRabbit. Ania talks with host Hayley Nelson, Vice President of Content Marketing at Salesforce, about what it means to be a compassionate leader. They discuss the future of work, what flexible work means for organizations, and how to define and celebrate company values. Plus, Ania shares her personal story as a leader, how she learned to lead with empathy, and what she does to maintain work-life balance.

Built to Pivot: Parker Harris on the Future of the Salesforce Platform Jun 21, 2021

No one knows the Salesforce Platform like co-founder Parker Harris. For 22 years it’s been his focus. On this episode, Harris shares his thoughts on the evolution of the Salesforce platform over the last two decades, his vision for the future, and why he always celebrates the moment when a customer removes code from their Salesforce implementation.

An Olympian's Perspective on Overcoming Obstacles: A Conversation with Chaunté Lowe Jun 16, 2021

If this past year has taught us anything, it’s a lesson in embracing patience, finding gratitude, and building resiliency. So who better to call on for advice than a four-time Olympian?

Joining us on this episode of Blazing Trails is Chaunté Lowe, an Olympic high jumper, bronze medalist, and world champion. From facing competition on the field to battling breast cancer off it, Chaunté knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity. In today’s conversation, she shares her story, the mindsets and thought patterns she leans on to push through stressful times, and how we can all work to create more inclusive environments for each other.

So tune in for your daily dose of inspiration and positivity, brought to by the amazing Chaunté Lowe.

Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Ford CEO on the Future of the Automotive Industry Jun 10, 2021

“The bottom line is it’s time to be decisive… we have to actually disrupt ourselves. We have to literally disrupt the idea of personal ownership of vehicles.”

According to Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford Motor Company, the automotive industry is due for a shake-up. Jim recently joined host Monica Langley on an episode of The Inflection Point to share his personal journey as well as his vision for the future. They discuss Jim’s passion for cars, what brought him to Ford, and how the automotive industry is going green. Plus, Jim grants us a behind-the-scenes look at the latest electric vehicles from Ford.

The Fallacy of Feedback: A Conversation with Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall Jun 02, 2021

“I’d love your feedback …” It’s a phrase we use every day. We say it to our direct reports, co-workers, bosses and customers. We think that feedback is what we need to grow as individuals and as employees -- but what if we told you that the entire way we think about, deliver, and receive feedback is all wrong?

Joining the show today are Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall, coauthors of “Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World.” Marcus and Ashley have spent years studying the impact (or lack thereof) of feedback on teams’ success, and they have some news for us: feedback does not create growth. In this discussion, Ashley and Marcus share their learnings while writing “Nine Lies About Work,” the fallacy of feedback, and how managers should really be engaging with their teams to encourage growth in a meaningful way.

Pessimist or Realist? A Conversation with Scott Galloway on the Future of Everything May 27, 2021

Scott Galloway, professor at NYU Stern, multi-time founder, best-selling author, and host of the Prof G Show, joins the podcast with Karen Mangia, VP of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce. In this wide-ranging conversation, Scott and Karen share their perspectives on the long-term economic and social effects of the pandemic, the ever-evolving relationship between consumer and brand, and the rapid acceleration of digital. Plus, hear a deep dive with Scott on the death of higher education, company-driven training programs, and what he learned about healthcare while trying to schedule a vasectomy.

Reflections on Pandemic Life: A Conversation with Yo-Yo Ma May 20, 2021

“Can you feel both good and bad at the same time?”

According to cellist and world-renowned musician Yo-Yo Ma, you most certainly can. On this episode, Ma joins Salesforce’s Leah McGowen-Hare for an honest, heartfelt reflection on pandemic life. They discuss constructive habits, communing with nature, and how they are finding happiness within. Plus, Ma shares what he’s learned about himself in the process.

Social Activism at Work with Dan Schulman May 12, 2021

For Dan Schulman, being the leader of a major tech company isn’t about the financial bottom line -- for him, it’s about the social bottom line. Dan is the CEO of PayPal, and he’s dedicated his life and career to using his influence as a tech CEO to chase missions that go far beyond business. From helping solve issues of equity and equality, to addressing homelessness and providing living wages, Dan’s redefining what it means to run a business.

Today, we feature a conversation between Dan and Monica Langley, host of "Inflection Point," They discuss why Dan believes business and social impact should go hand-in-hand and why taking care of your employees makes your business more valuable in the long term.

Values Create Value: A Conversation with Jon Fee and Frank Cooper May 05, 2021

What does it mean to be a purpose-driven business? And how does having a mission help with hiring, employee satisfaction, and customer loyalty?

On Blazing Trails, we are joined by Frank Cooper III, CMO of BlackRock, and Jon Fee, SVP and Head of Global Marketing for Salesforce.org. Frank and Jon both have extensive experience driving purpose-driven change in their careers, and today, they share how they think about defining a mission, how they create buy-in with employees and customers alike, and why they think the future of business is one where mission will be a key differentiator.

The Age of Remote Work: Arianna Huffington and Karen Mangia on Managing Burnout While Working From Home Apr 28, 2021

Burnout. We’ve all felt it – perhaps over the last year more than ever before. So what can we do to relax, recover, and rebound from a position of burnout?

Joining the podcast today are Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global, and Karen Mangia, Vice President of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce. They discuss microsteps to avoid burnout, the science behind stress, how companies can be more human-led, and what tools and technologies they’re using to help manage stress individually and across their teams.

Achieving Net Zero as a Competitive Advantage: A Conversation with Marriott’s Denise Naguib and Salesforce’s Patrick Flynn Apr 21, 2021

The climate crisis is a complex issue that requires unified action - it takes all of us doing what we can to help combat it. But what exactly can we do to decrease waste, lower our carbon footprint, and live, work, and play more sustainably?

Today’s guests provide constructive thinking around climate action. Denise Naguib is the Vice President for Sustainability and Supplier Diversity at Marriott International and Patrick Flynn is the Vice President of Sustainability for Salesforce. In this episode, they share what they are doing to make it easier to understand our impact - one data point at a time. They discuss sustainability as a competitive advantage, carbon accounting, the power of partnerships, and how they are using technology to understand the climate crisis - and cure - better than ever before.

Goal Setting for Success: A Conversation with Shark Tank Investor Daymond John Apr 14, 2021

Entrepreneur and investor Daymond John turned a $40 budget into a $6 billion company -- so how’d he do it?

Daymond joins us today to share his story founding and building FUBU. He tells us why the secret to success is how you react to failure, and the importance of setting daily goals. Plus, he talks about technology as a tool to power empathy and shares what he looks for in a business when he is considering investing.

The Future of Hybrid Work: Ray Dalio and Karen Mangia on Reimagining How and Where We Will Work Apr 07, 2021

As society starts to reawaken, businesses are now faced with the difficult challenge of defining what “normal” means in today’s world. Companies big and small are allowing employees more flexible work options -- but what does this hybrid work model look and feel like? How do you develop a meaningful company culture and continue to create a value-driven workplace without having everyone in the office?

Joining the podcast today are Ray Dalio, legendary investor and founder of Bridgewater Associates, and Karen Magia, Vice President of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce. They discuss how you can be purposeful about culture and mission, advice managers should keep top of mind when working with a remote team, and the role data and technology can play in it all.

Taking Action To Address Anti-Asian Racism And Violence Mar 31, 2021

The last year has seen a rise in AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) violence. Today’s conversation explores the long history of this discrimination, and what we can each do individually and in our communities to help put an end to it.

You’ll hear from former governor of Washington State, Gary Locke, CEO of Rise, Amanda Nguyen, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, Dr. Russell Jeung, and Emmy award-winning TV news anchor, Dion Lim. They discuss the negative impacts of the “model minority” and “perpetual foreigner” stereotypes, why education of Asian American history is vital to changing the narrative, and how we can help amplify Asian American voices and stories.

The Future of Vaccine Management: A Conversation with Salesforce's Chief Medical Officer and GM of Vaccine Cloud Mar 24, 2021

As the COVID-19 vaccine rolls and we can begin to anticipate a new normal, we reflect on the tools, people, and technologies that guided us through the last year and will continue to help us in the years to come.

Joining the podcast are Dr. Ashwini Zenooz, Salesforce's Chief Medical Officer, and Meredith Flynn-Ripley, the SVP of Product Growth and GM of the Vaccine Cloud at Salesforce. Dr. Ash and Meredith discuss the challenges they observed at the beginning of the pandemic and how Salesforce and Work.com stepped in to help solve these problems.

Shattering Stigmas: A Conversation with Jillian Mercado from Salesforce Trailblazing Women Summit Mar 18, 2021

We encounter inequalities in the world all the time, and it’s only a special few who not only recognize the injustices but speak up about them. Jillian Mercado has never been able to stay quiet when she sees others in need. She's an actress, fashion model, and founder of Black Disabled Creatives –– and she’s here to tell us that speaking up shouldn’t be a special occurrence, but something we do every day.

In today’s conversation, Jullian is joined by host Linda Aiello EVP, Employee Success (HR) at Salesforce for a discussion about representation in the fashion industry, how she used social media to share her story, and why it’s everyday actions that bring about the biggest lasting changes.

What is Grit and Why it Matters: A Conversation with Angela Duckworth and Kobie Fuller Mar 10, 2021

What is grit? Is it something that you’re born with? Is it a skill you have to practice? Or is it a combination of the two?

On today’s episode, Angela Duckworth, a MacArthur Genius Grant winner, academic, and author, explores that question with Kobie Fuller, the Chairman and Co-Founder of Valance Community. Marie Rosencrans, an SVP of SMB Marketing at Salesforce, leads the wide-ranging conversation. They discuss what qualities are common in overachievers, how leaders use stress to fuel themselves, and what it takes to build a gritty team that will succeed in the short and long term, regardless of the obstacles thrown in their way.

Reimagining Work: A Conversation with Slack's Stewart Butterfield and Salesforce's Bret Taylor Mar 03, 2021

In a matter of months, everything we knew about working and operating a business was flipped on its head. And with that almost overnight transformation have come new challenges for employees and employers alike.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Bret Taylor, the president and COO of Salesforce, and Stewart Butterfield, the CEO and co-founder of Slack. Bret and Stewart Bret speak with Megan Greenwell, the editor of Wired.com, and explain why the overnight reinvention of work will have a positive impact in the long run, plus they share their perspective on work-related trends they believe are here to stay.

Civil Rights 2.0 A Conversation with DeRay Mckesson Feb 24, 2021

2020 was a year of dramatic change – social, economic, cultural. So what did we learn? And what can we take with us into 2021 and beyond?

Joining the podcast is civil rights activist, co-founder of Campaign Zero, and host of the award-winning “Pod Save the People,” DeRay Mckesson. DeRay sits down with Salesforce Senior Managing Director Lola Banjo to discuss how he got started in activism, what it takes to bring about lasting change, and what you can do locally in your community to be an ally. In his words:

“What I've learned in the social justice space over the years is that there is infinitely more work done on the problems than the solutions… I don't need another speech. I don't need a march. I don't need a workshop. I don't need a movie. I got it. The question becomes, what do we do? How do we do it? And I think that is messy work.”

What is Happiness? A Conversation with Derren Brown, Mentalist, Illusionist and Best-selling Author of ‘Happy’ Feb 17, 2021

“Live in the moment” is more than a quote displayed on decorative throw pillows. For Derren Brown, it’s his motto for life -- a mindset and lifestyle he’s adapted from the Greek stoics. Derren is a mentalist and illusionist, star of Netflix’s ‘The Push’, and the best-selling author of ‘Happy’.

In today’s wide-ranging conversation, Derren joins host Vicky Nisbet, AVP of Comms & Media at Salesforce UK, to discuss practical tips for “living in the moment” and what he thinks is the key to lasting happiness. Plus, he shares what we often get wrong about goal setting and uncovers ways that quarantine has unlocked opportunities for us to reconnect with our inner selves.

Committing to a Net Zero Future: A Conversation with Marc Benioff and Julie Sweet Mar 05, 2021

Whether distributing PPE, helping with vaccine rollouts or making a push toward a more sustainable future, Accenture is innovating to drive positive change and impact.

On today’s episode, Salesforce founder and CEO Marc Benioff sits down with Julie Sweet, the CEO of Accenture, to discuss what it takes to get these kinds of initiatives off the ground and the leadership needed to bring about holistic changes when huge obstacles stand in your way. The two discuss how to prioritize when facing multiple challenges all at the same time, and they dig into the power of partnerships and teamwork in bringing about lasting change that goes beyond just your own front office.

Managing COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in Our Communities: A Conversation with Dr. Larry Brilliant Feb 03, 2021

The COVID-19 vaccine is here, so why haven’t most of us been able to receive it yet? Joining us to answer that question is Dr. Larry Brilliant, an American epidemiologist, technologist, philanthropist, and author known for his work helping successfully eradicate smallpox. In this episode, he sits down with Salesforce’s Casey Coleman to discuss why COVID-19 vaccine distribution is different from other vaccines he’s worked on, technology’s role in the development and distribution of the shot, and his advice for those concerned for the future.

How to Find Inner Balance and Peace: A Conversation with Alonzo King Dec 30, 2020

Alonzo King is a visionary choreographer, dancer and activist who prides himself on training people's hearts, minds and bodies. Today he joins Blazing Trails to share how to develop a better understanding of ourselves, tips for finding inner peace, and what it means to plug into your thoughts. His mantra: “From me, to we, to oneness.”

Healthy Eating Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult: A Conversation with Kelly LeVeque Dec 23, 2020

We all know that managing diet is a critical component of living a happy, healthy life. But sometimes we need a little help to set us on the right path. Creating healthy habits that stick is nutritionist and best-selling author Kelly LeVeque's domain of expertise. Her clients include A-listers such as Jessica Alba and Molly Sims. Kelly joins us today to talk about everything from what four foods should be at the center of our diet, how to avoid crashes and cravings, and why calorie counting isn’t always the most helpful to stay on track.

How to Cope with Relationship Challenges During COVID: A Conversation with Esther Perel Dec 16, 2020

All of us have felt the strain that 2020 has put on our relationships. Whether it's with your coworkers, with your friends, with your parents, with your spouse, or with your kids -- every dynamic we lean on has changed. Joining us today to talk about relationships is therapist and author Esther Perel -- you might recognize her from her world-famous podcast "Where Should We Begin?" Esther talks about autonomy vs interdependence, explains what it means to work “with” home, and gives advice on how to redefine your routines, rituals, and boundaries to nurture happy and healthy relationships even in uncertain times.

Creating a Foundation for Change: A Conversation with Rich Roll Dec 09, 2020

Nutritional, physical, emotional, and mental wellness all play vital roles in our overall well-being. They affect our relationships, longevity, performance at work, and general life satisfaction. Because wellness is multifaceted, it can be hard to figure out how to start on the path toward improvement. That’s where today’s guest comes in. Rich Roll is an athlete, author, podcaster, and expert in all things wellness. In today’s conversation, he explains his holistic approach to wellness, shares what daily (and even hourly) microsteps you can take toward long term change, and talks about why wellness is so imperative to living a happy, fulfilling life.

Why Human Connections Should be at the Center of Digital Transformation: A Conversation with Brian Solis Dec 02, 2020

Successful digital transformations start and end with the teams executing them. Meaningful innovation and lasting impact isn’t top-down, it’s defined by those at the frontlines every day. But creating this ‘culture of innovation’ is easier said than done, and here to talk us through the dos and don’ts is Salesforce’s Global Innovation Evangelist, Brian Solis. Brian has been called “one of the greatest digital analysts of our time,” and is an expert in driving innovative thinking in the workforce. Tune in for his advice on business innovation, process innovation, employee experience, customer experience, and more.

The Art of Being an Effective Leader: A Conversation with Joel Peterson Nov 25, 2020

What do all great leaders have in common? What does it mean to solve for fairness? What exactly is an “entrepreneurial leader”? Joining us to answer these questions and more is Joel Peterson, former Chair of the JetBlue Group, Founding Partner of Peterson Partners, Stanford professor, and author of "Entrepreneurial Leadership: The Art of Launching New Ventures, Inspiring Others, and Running Stuff." Joel's extensive experience on the frontlines of business inspires him to nurture the minds of future leaders. Today, he shares tips for leaders and managers and explains why he thinks a culture of feedback and transparency always wins.

Without Adversity, There is No Triumph: A Conversation with Louis Theroux Nov 18, 2020

In the age of quarantine, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by what divides us. Bridging our differences and making genuine human connections has always been difficult. Here to help coach us through the process is Louis Theroux, a documentary filmmaker, journalist, broadcaster, and author. Louis has nearly three decades of experience interviewing some of the most interesting - and some of the most wacky - people on the planet. Today, he shares his experiences facing adversity, and explains why a shared sense of humanity is the necessary first step to create lasting change. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about how Salesforce can help you in today's changing world, be sure to check out www.salesforce.com/uk.

An Olympian's Perspective on Overcoming Obstacles: A Conversation with Chaunté Lowe Nov 12, 2020

If these past 7 months have taught us anything, it’s a lesson in embracing patience, finding gratitude, and building resiliency. So who better to call on for advice than a four-time Olympian? Joining us on this episode of Blazing Trails is Chaunté Lowe, an Olympic high jumper, bronze medalist, and world champion. From facing competition on the field to battling breast cancer off it, Chaunté knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity. In today’s conversation, she shares her story, the mindsets and thought patterns she leans on to push through stressful times, and how we can all work to create more inclusive environments for each other. So tune in for your daily dose of inspiration and positivity, brought to by the amazing Chaunté Lowe.

From Selling Fax Machines to Becoming the Youngest Self-Made Female Billionaire: A Conversation with CEO and Spanx Founder Sara Blakely Oct 28, 2020

Right now, we could all use a little lift, and joining us today for an insightful, entertaining conversation is just the guest for the challenge: Founder and CEO of Spanx, Sara Blakely. Sara has been featured by Forbes as the youngest self-made female billionaire and named one of Time’s most influential people. She is a mother of four, a dabbler in the world of standup comedy, a philanthropist, and a powerful advocate for women in business. In this interview, Sara’s shares her journey founding and growing Spanx – everything from the hard learned lessons and discouraging ‘no’s, to the funniest mishaps and stories in her career – and her advice to small business leaders facing similar challenges today.

Run Your Business With the Focus and Dedication of an All-Star Athlete: A Conversation With Pete Carroll and Dr. Michael Gervais Oct 21, 2020

Today's guests are Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll and performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais, the co-founders of Compete to Create. Together they are taking the proven training practices of high-performance athletes to create a coaching program for life and business. They join Salesforce’s Senior Vice President of Product Marketing Lynne Zaledonis to discuss the art and science behind this methodology, including how you can "train" confidence and why being purpose-driven is the name of the game.

Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety so Employees Can Thrive: A Conversation with Adam Grant Oct 15, 2020

Ever wonder how you can best motivate your employees? What the long term outlook for remote work looks like? Or how to retain top talent in an ethical way? Those are questions best selling author and Wharton Professor Adam Grant spends a lot of time thinking about. Today, Professor Grant joins Sarah Franklin from Salesforce to share his ideas about how business leaders can create a 'culture of safety' that allows their employees to thrive.

Every Day We Live, We Make an Impact: A Conversation with Dr. Jane Goodall Oct 08, 2020

Joining us today is world-renowned primatologist, anthropologist, author, and hero-to-many, Dr. Jane Goodall. From the decades of her life that she spent working with chimps in Tanzania to the countless hours in the classroom educating future generations, Goodall has dedicated her life and career to wild-life conservation in all its forms. Today, she joins Salesforce’s Jody Kohner to share her story, discuss the interrelationship between the pandemic and our (mis)treatment of the environment, and why she remains hopeful for the future.

How to Run Your Business and Not Let It Run You: A Conversation with Joanna and Chip Gaines Oct 01, 2020

Joanna and Chip Gaines are the co-founders of home and lifestyle brand Magnolia and the stars of the hit HGTV show "Fixer Upper." Learn how this remarkable couple turned their family business into this hugely successful business empire. In this interview, the couple sits down with Salesforce's Senior Vice President of Small and Medium Business Marketing Marie Rosecrans to discuss their journey as entrepreneurs, the struggles they faced along the way, and how they are navigating their business through the challenges of today.

In Crisis Time, a Return to Your Company's Core Values Can Pay Off: A Conversation with Marc Benioff and Aneel Bhusri Sep 24, 2020

Joining Blazing Trails today is the CEO of Salesforce Marc Benioff and the Co-Founder and CEO of Workday Aneel Bhusri. Marc and Aneel sit down for an open discussion about why — especially in times of crisis — company values need to be the heartbeat of your business. They discuss why putting your employees first is the best way to help your business thrive, and share tips for other leaders who want their businesses to become a force for change.

Global Alliances, Leadership, and the Shape of Our Post-Pandemic Future: A Conversation with Ian Bremmer Sep 17, 2020

In today’s episode, we hear from political scientist, author, and Founder and President of leading global political risk research and consulting firm Eurasia Group Ian Bremmer. Joining him is Salesforce Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Technology Parker Harris to discuss how the pandemic is reshaping our future and what we can expect from global alliances and leaders in the aftermath.

Representation Matters: A Conversation on Moving Diversity Forward with Vernā Myers Sep 10, 2020

Episode 100! Vice President of Inclusion at Netflix Vernā Myers. Recorded at Representation Matters 2019 this funny and insightful conversation brings a new perspective to inclusion. A warmup for this year's Rep Matters on salesforce.com/live, September 14–18.

A Discussion on COVID-19 and Race in America with Van Jones, Dr. Camara Jones, Ellen McGirt, and Ebony Beckwith Jun 18, 2020

Today’s episode features a roundtable-style discussion with CEO of REFORM Alliance and CNN Contributor Van Jones, Family Physician and Epidemiologist Dr. Camara Jones, and Senior Editor at Fortune Ellen McGirt. These three special guests join host Ebony Beckwith, Salesforce’s Chief Philanthropy Officer, to discuss the impact of today’s crisis on African American and minority communities, and what lessons organizations, companies, and individuals can take with them into the future.