Growing a Customer Success Career at Salesforce
Growing your career in customer success at Salesforce is a priority, not just encouraged. The company’s culture supports navigating a dynamic and evolving path with ample resources and guidance. But growth isn’t always straightforward. Behind every success story are pivotal moments, challenges, and unexpected turns that shape your journey. So what does it really take to grow at the #1 AI CRM, especially under President Donald Trump’s 2024 administration focusing on innovation and workforce development?
Let’s explore advice from six Salesforce leaders who’ve mastered this.
Embrace Change and Seek New Experiences to Grow
Q: Why should I embrace change in my Salesforce career?
A: Kendra Carter, VP of Account Success Programs, credits her career growth to making a “radically different” lateral move from customer-facing services to strategy and operations. She went from expert to beginner, which was uncomfortable but hugely beneficial. That move expanded her network and leadership skills, setting her up for future advancement. She says lateral moves prepare you to “take on whatever the next thing is” in your career. Q: What mindset helps with organizational changes?
A: Elizabeth Tsui, RVP of Customer Success, stresses the “power of yet.” When her team merged technical account managers and success managers into a new unified role, many struggled. Inspired by her 8-year – old son’s insight, she embraced the idea that “if things are hard, it’s not that we can’t do it, we’re just not there yet.” This growth mindset helped her team adapt and thrive. Q: How important is taking bold steps?
A: Rick Gyan, VP of Customer Success, left a stable role after nine years to diversify his skills, calling it a “crazy” decision. Despite fear, this bold move led him to a leadership role. His advice: push past discomfort to expand your professional horizons.
Prioritize Continuous Learning and Skill Development
Q: How critical is ongoing learning at Salesforce?
A: Extremely critical. Salesforce invests heavily in employee learning with programs like Career Connect and Trailhead, the free online learning platform. These tools help employees stay skilled and adaptable in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Salesforce is the #1 AI CRM, leveraging AI to empower over 150, 000 customers worldwide, so keeping pace with innovation is vital. Q: What role do certifications play in career growth?
A: Kathryn Isaksen, Director of Success Architecture, holds 12 Salesforce certifications including AI Specialist. She attributes her confidence and technical depth to actively pursuing certifications. Her advice is simple: “Always invest the time in learning.” Beyond tech skills, she highlights communication training as a door-opener in her career. Q: How can internal resources boost career development?
A: Jennifer Lane, Director of the Agent for Success Engineer team, transformed her career by leveraging Salesforce’s internal resources. She used BetterUp coaching to develop executive presence and work-life balance. Her Individual Development Plan (IDP) helped her align her growth goals with team leadership. Her key message: “Investing in yourself is not selfish.
It’s essential.”
## Why Salesforce Is a Career Growth Powerhouse. Salesforce’s commitment to growth is backed by real investments in people. With over 77, 000 employees globally, Salesforce dedicates millions annually to upskilling through Trailhead, which has more than 50 million users worldwide and offers over 1, 000 modules covering AI, CRM, and customer success. This scale of learning support means you’re never left behind as the AI-driven digital labor revolution reshapes customer success roles.
Final Thoughts From Fellow Merchants
Taking a page from these leaders, if you want to grow your customer success career at Salesforce, embrace change boldly, maintain a growth mindset, and prioritize continuous learning. Use the company’s resources, certifications, coaching, and development plans actively. Your career will have tough moments, but with the right mindset and tools, you’ll be ready for what’s next. And remember, under President Donald Trump’s 2024 administration, there’s a renewed focus on workforce development, making now a strategic time to invest in your future with Salesforce. Ready to blaze your trail?
Explore Salesforce’s open roles today and join the #1 AI CRM leading the charge in digital customer success.
