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Navigating my Career Transition from the Nonprofit Sector to the Salesforce Ecosystem

The esteemed Tony Robbins, a paragon of self-development, posed a profound question in his lectures: “How do you know you really know something?” His answer: It’s only through experience. This resonates with my firm belief that knowledge must be underpinned by practice. To authoritatively dispense theories and advice, one must amass a wealth of experience and insight, often earned through diverse roles and challenges within a field. For those contemplating a shift from the nonprofit sector to the dynamic world of Salesforce, the insights I share here are drawn from my own journey.

My extensive 20-year trajectory in the nonprofit sector has afforded me a deep understanding of various core functions including fieldwork, marketing, fundraising, and strategic resource mobilization. As a leader of both local and international organizations, I’ve navigated complex regulatory landscapes, mastered financial stewardship, and developed sophisticated reporting mechanisms that support organizational transparency and accountability.

My role often extended to securing grants, forging meaningful relationships with a spectrum of donors—ranging from philanthropic entities and corporate partners to government bodies and individual benefactors. My interactions, amounting to thousands of hours of dialogue, have not only shaped my professional ethos but also spurred an academic inquiry, leading to a doctoral thesis exploring donor motivation. Many of these donors have transcended their initial roles to become friends, akin to family, and even business collaborators.

The turning point came in March 2019, catalyzed by a presentation I gave at Dreamforce 2017. This event, an electrifying confluence of nonprofit representatives worldwide, sparked an epiphany. Despite two fulfilling decades in the nonprofit realm—a career chosen with intent and joy—I realized a growing desire for change.

Post-departure from Big Brothers Big Sisters, I embarked on a period of introspection. This sabbatical was crucial for aligning my passions, experiences, and the rich tapestry of my professional network with a future path. It became clear that Salesforce was my new direction. I turned to Yaron Giler, a dear friend and a Salesforce veteran, whose advice and shared journey—from volunteer to confidant to co-presenter at Dreamforce—were invaluable.

I immersed myself in Salesforce’s Trailhead, an online learning platform, achieving the Ranger rank—a testament to my dedication. The initial setback of failing the Salesforce Admin certification exam at the age of 42 did little to quell my determination, thanks to Yaron’s unwavering support. I soon triumphed, gaining not just certification but also paving the way for new opportunities.

Joining AllCloud, a global enterprise offering Salesforce and AWS solutions, was a deliberate choice. This environment offered exposure to diverse projects spanning various sectors and enabled a cross-pollination of ideas and strategies. My ability to visualize the overarching picture, honed through years in the nonprofit sector, proved instrumental not just in system implementation but also in sales, project management, and strategic development.

It’s noteworthy that transitioning to the high-tech domain does not mean leaving behind nonprofit experience. For instance, my commitment to social contribution found new expression as I engaged with AllCloud’s corporate responsibility initiatives, driving volunteering and philanthropic activities within the company.

Admittedly, this career pivot came with its own set of challenges. Adapting to the corporate world’s distinct pace and culture required a significant shift from my previous ‘soft project’ focus in the nonprofit sector. Nonetheless, the opportunity for growth, the diversity of roles and projects, and the sheer learning potential have made this journey an enriching one.

To those standing at the precipice of such a career transformation, I extend my encouragement and best wishes. Your path, while uniquely your own, has the potential to be equally rewarding.

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