My Next Chapter: I've Joined Salesforce as Global Innovation Evangelist

I have some big news to share!

After two decades as an enterprise tech analyst, evangelist and digital anthropologist, I am so proud and grateful to announce that I've officially joined the Salesforce Ohana! ?? 

I share this story with immense gratitude, humility, and compassion. ??

Over the past two years, I assessed everything in my life. This reflection led to a renewed set of values and priorities. I shared the experience in my book "Lifescale," which still guides me today. My newfound mission is to live and work with purpose, impact, and balance.

As an analyst, I've had the privilege to work with amazing tech companies and people who are now lifelong friends. For many reasons, I've always admired Salesforce...its heritage, leadership, its purpose, values, plus its celebration of diversity and inclusivity and its spirit of #Ohana.

The truth is that I wasn't looking for a full-time gig. I loved my work as an analyst and the relationships I made along the way. When I revisited my Lifescale journey, I found great alignment between my personal roadmap and the tenets of Salesforce. Beyond tech, I was drawn to what it stands for.

The importance of core values and corporate culture cannot be overstated. Saleforce's core values of Trust, Customer Success, Innovation and Equality are front and center and brought to life through its leadership, people, products, service, community and philanthropy.

I'm also encouraged in these uncertain times by Marc Benioff's leadership and compassion. The safety of the Ohana took priority. Salesforce was first to close its Bellvue and SF offices as an early effort to protect employees. Benioff's 8-point plan aims to help everyone everywhere.

So, what am I doing at Salesforce?

It's honestly my #DreamJob. My boss, John Taschek, is such an incredible human being. Our friendship goes back to the days when John was at eWeek and I was starting a digital marketing agency in 1999...maybe even before that. I'm proud to work for him.

My official title is "Global Innovation Evangelist." Innovation is one of Saleforce's core values! In my work, I focus on studying global digital trends, organizational innovation and customer behaviors and preferences. I'll share findings and insights with internal teams as well as Salesforce customers and partners.

I''ll also publish my work, industry best practices, research & customer insights publicly (just like I've always done). Expect to see even more fun experimentation with content! I'll continue to be a keynote speaker at industry, customer and partner events. Plus, I already have my next book idea in the works! Can't wait to share the idea with you!

I had my 1st team meeting! To be surrounded by people I've long admired is both grounding and inspiring. Honored to learn from and collaborate with extraordinary talent and proud to be part of this team. As John Stormer at Salesforce shared with out team, "Work with people and companies that take you to the future.” I am a firm believer in this.

To all of my industry colleagues, even though I'm working for a competitor, I'm here to do my part with you to help leaders, stakeholders, and change agents build a new future in the rising #NovelEconomy. We're all in this together. I really do believe that a rising tide lifts all boats.

I'm so excited for this next chapter in my career and personal life. To think, this all started with a book and a heartfelt conversation with dear friend and now colleague Vala Afshar around a fire pit in Half Moon Bay. I'm so grateful.

Thank you for listening!

About Brian Solis

Brian Solis is Global Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce, the global leader in Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Brian's work at Salesforce focuses on thought leadership and research that explores digital transformation, innovation and disruption, CX, commerce, and the cognitive enterprise. Brian is also a sought-after keynote speaker and an 8x best-selling author.

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