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What happens when an accidental Salesforce admin turns a career opportunity into a mission to help other people build careers of their own? In this episode of the Mums on Cloud Nine podcast, I'm joined by Gaspar Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of Blue Road Academy and a Salesforce Golden Hoodie recipient whose work has helped refugees build skills, confidence and long-term careers in technology. Gaspar's Salesforce story began in 2010 when, with a background in anthropology and no plans for a career in tech, he found himself working with Salesforce from the client side. He quickly saw the possibilities of the platform and went on to progress from admin to consultant and architect. Creating Opportunities Through RefugeeForce As Gaspar's own career developed, he began thinking about people who had far fewer opportunities to enter the technology sector. That thinking led to RefugeeForce, an initiative created to help refugees learn technology skills, gain professional development support and connect with employers. The work earned Gaspar a Salesforce Golden Hoodie in November 2020, during a virtual Dreamforce held in the middle of the pandemic. His experience was slightly unusual. Salesforce sent a mystery package to his home with strict instructions that he could only open it during the recording. The impact of RefugeeForce continued long after Gaspar received his own recognition. Two years later, alumna Sima went from knowing nothing about Salesforce to receiving her own Golden Hoodie on stage with Marc Benioff and building a career as a developer at Capgemini. Building A Career That Can Keep Changing Gaspar also shares what 16 years in the Salesforce ecosystem have taught him about career development. As the platform has expanded, keeping up with every product, certification and opportunity has become increasingly difficult. His advice is to develop a specialist area while understanding how Salesforce connects with the wider technology environment. Today, professionals may find themselves working across Salesforce, AWS, ServiceNow, MuleSoft and other enterprise platforms during the course of their careers. Gaspar also believes communication, leadership and teamwork will carry growing weight as AI becomes part of everyday technology work. Technical knowledge can help someone enter the profession, while the ability to work with people, understand business problems and contribute within diverse teams can help them progress. What Does AI Mean For Tech Careers? The conversation also turns to the anxiety surrounding AI, Agentforce and the future of entry-level technology roles. Gaspar remains optimistic, although he recognizes why people entering the profession may feel uncertain when they hear about automation, outsourcing and AI agents performing work previously completed by humans. For Gaspar, the response is continued learning. He believes people should understand how AI fits into their work, build experience across connected technologies and develop the human skills that help them contribute beyond technical execution. His own career shows how unexpected opportunities can lead somewhere very different from the original plan. From anthropology graduate and accidental admin to architect, entrepreneur and Golden Hoodie winner, Gaspar has built a career around learning while creating opportunities for others to do the same. About Supermums  Founded by Heather Black, a Salesforce Golden Hoodie winner, Supermums helps relaunchers and seasoned Salesforce professionals accelerate their careers in tech through expert training, career coaching and recruitment support.  Whether someone is returning to work, pivoting into a new role, or ready to step up in the Salesforce ecosystem, Supermums provides practical training, mentoring and access to job opportunities to help them build confidence, sharpen their skills and progress faster.  Alongside its career development programmes, Supermums partners with employers to connect them with talented Salesforce professionals who are ready to make an impact. Find out more here https://supermums.org/podcast-intro About our Sponsor, Hubbl Technologies  Hubbl gives Salesforce teams the clarity they need to move faster. By connecting technical metadata with real business processes, Hubbl reveals what is happening inside your Salesforce org — from security and access risks to process gaps, tech debt, and AI readiness. The result: less guesswork, faster audits, better documentation, and smarter decisions for teams who want to build, scale, and innovate with confidence. Find out more about https://qrco.de/bgY7zw

What happens to careers in the Salesforce ecosystem when AI starts changing how work gets done? In this episode of Mums on Cloud Nine, we continue our Golden Hoodie series with Keir Bowden, who received his Golden Hoodie at Dreamforce 2024 after nearly two decades of contributing to the Salesforce community. Keir began his career as a Java developer before moving into Salesforce, where answering questions on the original Force.com discussion boards led to blogging, public speaking, community leadership and writing books for fellow Salesforce professionals. From Community Contributor to Golden Hoodie Keir shares how giving back to the community became a major part of his career, from helping people online to supporting developer groups, speaking at Salesforce events and helping new speakers find the confidence to share their own experiences. We also hear how becoming self-employed has given Keir greater freedom to choose the projects, conferences and technical subjects that interest him. What Does AI Mean for Salesforce Careers? Keir offers a thoughtful perspective on the uncertainty surrounding AI and employment. He questions predictions that junior roles will disappear and asks an important question: if companies stop hiring juniors today, where will tomorrow's senior professionals come from? He also explains why governance, compliance, business analysis and human oversight continue to create opportunities for people who understand how Salesforce systems actually work. Working With Agentforce Having worked with the technology that eventually became Agentforce, Keir discusses where he sees genuine value today. From customer service and sentiment analysis to helping admins diagnose Salesforce issues, Keir sees opportunities for AI to save people time. He also explains why handing entire processes to autonomous agents can introduce new problems when organizations lose sight of how decisions are being made. Building Your Confidence in the Salesforce Community Keir finishes with practical advice for anyone considering public speaking. His message is simple: start with community groups, talk about something you know from your own experience and stop assuming everybody in the audience knows more than you. Your story and experience can help somebody else, regardless of where you currently are in your Salesforce career. Mums on Cloud Nine is your go-to destination for inspiring content that empowers women to build a life and career they love. Each week, we share expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips across a range of topics, from health and mindset to money and career growth. Check out our website at www.mumsoncloudnine.co.uk and subscribe for weekly tips to elevate your mindset. What could you share with the Salesforce community that somebody else might need to hear? What Is the Salesforce Golden Hoodie?  "The Salesforce Golden Hoodie is a special recognition and token of appreciation bestowed upon individuals who have shared their stories of doing well by doing good. These Trailblazers range from relatively new to the ecosystem to seasoned community change-makers – Source".  Check out the definitive guide to Salesforce Golden Hoodie Winners here   https://supermums.org/golden-hoodie-winners-the-definitive-guide-to-salesforces-most-inspiring-trailblazers/  About Supermums  Founded by Heather Black, a Salesforce Golden Hoodie winner, Supermums helps relaunchers and seasoned Salesforce professionals accelerate their careers in tech through expert training, career coaching and recruitment support.  Whether someone is returning to work, pivoting into a new role, or ready to step up in the Salesforce ecosystem, Supermums provides practical training, mentoring and access to job opportunities to help them build confidence, sharpen their skills and progress faster.  Alongside its career development programmes, Supermums partners with employers to connect them with talented Salesforce professionals who are ready to make an impact. Find out more here https://supermums.org/podcast-intro   About our Sponsor, Hubbl Technologies  Hubbl gives Salesforce teams the clarity they need to move faster. By connecting technical metadata with real business processes, Hubbl reveals what is happening inside your Salesforce org — from security and access risks to process gaps, tech debt, and AI readiness. The result: less guesswork, faster audits, better documentation, and smarter decisions for teams who want to build, scale, and innovate with confidence  Find out more about https://qrco.de/bgY7zw

What happens when an accidental step into marketing automation becomes a career, a global community and a Salesforce Golden Hoodie?  In this episode of the Mums on Cloud Nine podcast, I'm joined by Ben LaMothe, a Salesforce Marketing Cloud specialist, community leader and Golden Hoodie recipient.  Ben shares how his career developed from social media marketing and SEO into Pardot, now known as Marketing Cloud Account Engagement. He also explains why leaving the platform for several years helped him recognize the opportunity he had been missing.   Building Community During COVID  Ben's Golden Hoodie story began when he launched a Pardot community group in Tampa Bay, Florida. His first in-person meeting was scheduled for the same week COVID restrictions began, forcing him to cancel and move the group online.  The virtual format soon attracted people from across the United States and other parts of the world. Ben noticed that many other community leaders shared his enthusiasm but lacked support with finding speakers, promoting meetings and creating useful sessions.  He began bringing Marketing Cloud and Account Engagement group leaders together across several time zones. Community leaders from India, Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas were able to share advice, resources and experiences.  The work required considerable time alongside Ben's full-time role and personal commitments. His efforts caught the attention of Gilda Hilaire at Salesforce, who nominated him for a Golden Hoodie.  Ben received the award during the Marketing Cloud keynote at Dreamforce in 2021.  Finding a Career That Felt Right   Ben originally built his career around social media marketing while studying at City University in London. As businesses began investing in marketing automation, he was asked to compare platforms including Pardot, HubSpot, Marketo and Eloqua.  His employer selected Pardot, and Ben taught himself how to use it. At that stage, he saw the platform as one part of his job and later moved away from marketing automation.   A few years later, Ben began seeing growing demand for Pardot and Salesforce skills. He also found himself drawn back to email marketing and realized how much he enjoyed understanding customer journeys, lead nurturing and campaign performance.   That realization gave him a clear direction. Ben returned to Pardot, moved into consulting and built a career combining marketing strategy with technical platform knowledge.  Learning Through Failure   Ben speaks honestly about studying for the Salesforce Administrator certification and failing the exam three times.   His experience showed him that daily exposure to one part of Salesforce did not automatically provide a full understanding of the wider platform. His marketing work focused mainly on campaigns, leads and contacts, while the administrator exam covered a much broader range of features.  Ben listened to training materials during his commute, studied the platform and continued taking the exam until he passed. He later faced similar challenges with the Sales Cloud Consultant certification.  His advice is simple. Anyone specializing in Marketing Cloud, Experience Cloud, Financial Services Cloud or another Salesforce product will benefit from understanding the core CRM platform.  Why AI Cannot Repair Poor Data   Ben also offers an honest assessment of AI adoption across mid-sized B2B companies.   Many organizations want to introduce Agentforce and other AI tools while their Salesforce records contain missing fields, duplicate contacts, incomplete opportunities and inconsistent sales processes.   Ben explains that AI depends on trustworthy information. When sales representatives create opportunities only when deals are about to close, or create contacts without converting the original leads, the organization loses the history needed for forecasting and machine learning.  AI can amplify whatever information it receives. Poor-quality records can therefore produce unreliable recommendations, forecasts and customer segments.  Ben sees practical opportunities in areas such as drafting email copy, creating landing page content and building Data Cloud segments. These smaller applications can reduce production time while organizations improve the data and processes required for broader AI programs.  Building a Flexible Freelance Career  After several years working with Salesforce partners, Ben moved into full-time freelance consulting in late 2025.  He now supports clients with Marketing Cloud Account Engagement, Sales Cloud, Marketing Cloud Next, HubSpot and wider marketing operations. His work combines implementation, campaign planning, lead management and strategic advice.  Ben has found demand among businesses that need experienced support but cannot commit to a large consultancy contract. Flexible freelance arrangements give these companies access to specialist knowledge for a set number of hours each month.  This episode offers an honest account of finding your specialization, learning from failure, supporting your professional community and preparing business data before investing heavily in AI.

What if the next step in your career came from simply showing up, helping someone else and being willing to say yes? In this episode of the Mums on Cloud Nine podcast, I'm joined by Salesforce Golden Hoodie recipient Karmel James, whose career took her from studying chemistry to becoming a self-taught Salesforce professional, consultant and passionate member of the Salesforce community. From Chemistry to Salesforce Karmel never planned a career in Salesforce. After graduating with a chemistry degree, she joined a nonprofit and found herself helping with a Salesforce implementation when her manager left the organization. With the consultants gone and a platform she barely knew suddenly becoming her responsibility, Karmel turned to Trailhead and her scientific background. She knew how to research a problem, test possible solutions and keep learning until things made sense. Salesforce soon became something she wanted to pursue as a career. Why Showing Up Can Change Your Career Karmel began attending Salesforce Saturdays, user groups, developer meetups and community events, including sessions where she initially felt outside her comfort zone. Those rooms created opportunities she could never have planned. During one Salesforce Saturday, Karmel helped another attendee work through a business problem on a whiteboard. Someone from a consulting company happened to be watching and later asked whether she had considered becoming a consultant. Three interviews later, Karmel had a new job. Her experience offers a useful lesson for anyone building or relaunching a career. People get to see how you think, communicate and help others when you participate in communities. Sometimes your next opportunity starts before you even know somebody is watching. Creating Spaces Where People Feel They Belong Karmel also shares the story behind receiving her Salesforce Golden Hoodie in Washington, DC, in December 2022. At community events, she made a habit of spotting people sitting alone or looking uncomfortable. She would introduce herself, invite them to sit beside her and help them feel part of the group. Her philosophy is wonderfully simple: if somebody has made the effort to enter the room, they deserve to feel they belong there. That approach eventually caught the attention of Salesforce's Gilda Hilaire, who saw how consistently Karmel supported people across the community. Karmel was eventually invited to speak at World Tour DC, unaware that Salesforce had another surprise waiting for her. After telling her story on stage, she was called back up and presented with a Golden Hoodie. Becoming a "General Surgeon" of Salesforce Rather than defining herself through one industry, Karmel describes herself as a "general surgeon of Salesforce." Her career has taken her through nonprofits, SaaS, associations, private equity, healthcare and financial services. Her confidence comes from understanding the Salesforce platform and developing strong business analysis skills, then learning the business behind each new role. For women worried that they lack experience in a particular sector, her story shows why transferable skills, curiosity and the ability to understand business problems can open unexpected doors. Why Mums Already Have Transferable Skills Towards the end of our conversation, Karmel makes a powerful observation about mums returning to work. She sees mums as CEOs of their families. Managing budgets, solving problems, negotiating with children, organizing competing priorities and making decisions are genuine transferable skills. Karmel argues that women returning to work should recognize the experience they already possess rather than discounting it because it happened outside a traditional workplace. We also discuss AI, why Karmel prefers to understand how something works before relying on technology to provide an answer, and why human judgment remains important as AI becomes part of everyday work. Mums on Cloud Nine is your go-to destination for inspiring content that empowers women to build a life and career they love. Each week, we share expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips across a range of topics, from health and mindset to money and career growth. Check out our website at www.mumsoncloudnine.co.uk and subscribe for weekly tips to elevate your mindset. What skills from your own life could become the starting point for your next career opportunity? Share your thoughts with us.

What happens when curiosity, community and a willingness to keep learning turn a career in technology into a Golden Hoodie story?  In this episode of the Mums on Cloud Nine podcast, I'm joined by John Lay, who became the second person to receive a Salesforce Golden Hoodie when he was recognized at Dreamforce in 2017.  John's story starts long before Salesforce. Growing up on a small farm in Tennessee, he originally planned to become a veterinarian before discovering an unexpected interest in data processing and computer science. That discovery led to a career centered around databases, customer data, and solving complex business problems through technology.   John shares how his Salesforce journey began while working at Camping World and Good Sam, where he faced the challenge of bringing together customer data spread across 14 operational systems. Starting with just 50 Service Cloud licenses, John helped prove what Salesforce could achieve before expanding into Sales Cloud and building a much broader CRM environment.   Much of what John needed to know, he had to learn quickly. He talks about attending Dreamforce, speaking to other Salesforce professionals wherever he could, and becoming an active member of the Trailblazer community. By learning from others and sharing his own experiences in return, John became part of the community that would eventually recognize his contribution with a Golden Hoodie.   We also hear how a chance conversation on a flight helped shape the next chapter of his career. After retiring from Camping World, John realized he wasn't ready to stop working and joined Alternative Solutions, where he now leads its CRM practice and works as a CRM architect across Salesforce and other platforms.  Our conversation also turns to AI and what it means for admins, consultants and technology professionals today. John shares a simple analogy for working with AI: treat it like a talented junior colleague. Give it good information, clear direction and appropriate guardrails, then remain responsible for checking the output.  John also shares how he uses tools including ChatGPT, Otter.ai and Salesforce Agentforce Vibe in his own work, including an interesting approach where he uses ChatGPT to develop and refine prompts before taking them into Salesforce tools that have access to the relevant metadata.  John's career is a great example of where curiosity and continuous learning can take you. From discovering data processing almost by accident to tackling complex CRM challenges, receiving a Golden Hoodie and now experimenting with the latest AI development tools, he has continued to learn throughout every stage of his career.  What could you achieve in your own career by staying curious, asking questions and continuing to learn? Listen to the episode and share your thoughts with us.  About Supermums  Founded by Heather Black, a Salesforce Golden Hoodie winner, Supermums helps relaunchers and seasoned Salesforce professionals accelerate their careers in tech through expert training, career coaching and recruitment support.  Whether someone is returning to work, pivoting into a new role, or ready to step up in the Salesforce ecosystem, Supermums provides practical training, mentoring and access to job opportunities to help them build confidence, sharpen their skills and progress faster.  Alongside its career development programmes, Supermums partners with employers to connect them with talented Salesforce professionals who are ready to make an impact. Find out more here https://supermums.org/podcast-intro   About our Sponsor, Hubbl Technologies  Hubbl gives Salesforce teams the clarity they need to move faster. By connecting technical metadata with real business processes, Hubbl reveals what is happening inside your Salesforce org — from security and access risks to process gaps, tech debt, and AI readiness. The result: less guesswork, faster audits, better documentation, and smarter decisions for teams who want to build, scale, and innovate with confidence  Find out more about https://qrco.de/bgY7zw

What happens when sharing the parts of your career that feel hardest to talk about helps create a community where others finally feel understood?  In this episode of our Golden Hoodie Winners series, we speak with Katie Villanueva, a Salesforce Administrator, community leader, mental health advocate, and 2023 Salesforce Golden Hoodie recipient. Katie shares how speaking openly about living with bipolar disorder and her experiences as a Salesforce professional led her to create a virtual community where people could talk openly about mental health, mental illness, work, and the pressures that often follow us throughout our careers.  Her willingness to start those conversations brought people together across the Salesforce ecosystem and led to her receiving a Golden Hoodie on the Dreamforce Admin Keynote stage.  Creating The Community She Wanted To See  Katie discovered the Trailblazer Community after starting her Salesforce career during the pandemic. She wanted to contribute and speak at community events, but lacked confidence in delivering technical presentations. Instead, she began sharing her personal experiences of bipolar disorder, mental health, and how the Salesforce community had helped her become a better professional.  The response showed that many people were looking for a place to have similar conversations. Katie took that community to Salesforce and asked to create a virtual user group dedicated to mental health and mental illness. The group now brings people together each month to share resources, have meaningful conversations, and build relationships with others who understand the pressures of working in technology while managing the rest of their lives.  From Call Center Employee To Salesforce Administrator  Katie's route into Salesforce was far from straightforward. She originally studied farming before graduating in communications and mass communications during the Great Recession. After struggling to find work, she moved through roles in mortgage refinancing, energy data analysis, and eventually a call center where she first encountered Salesforce.  Her next employer had a very different Salesforce setup. The company had no dedicated administrator, and Katie quickly recognized opportunities to improve how the platform was being managed. She wasn't enjoying sales, so she asked if she could become the Salesforce Administrator instead. That decision changed the direction of her career.  Katie learned on Trailhead and applied those lessons directly in a live Salesforce environment. The experience gave her the confidence and practical skills to continue building her career.  Why You Never Stop Being An Admin  One of Katie's biggest career realizations came from understanding that becoming an architect, developer, or taking another role doesn't mean leaving your Salesforce Admin skills behind.  As she puts it, "Admin's where we begin, but it never ends."  Those core skills continue to influence how professionals solve problems, understand business processes, manage technology, and support users throughout their careers.  Katie also shares what she is learning from working on a Salesforce team after spending much of her career managing environments independently, including the value of mentorship and learning from people in roles she previously held without knowing their official job titles.  Speaking Up For Underrepresented Communities  Our conversation also turns to representation within the Salesforce ecosystem. Katie discusses her work supporting Latino and Hispanic professionals in the United States and her desire to help people build stronger professional connections.  She explains why creating opportunities for people to meet, share experiences, and see others like them progress in technology can have a lasting impact on confidence and career development.  For Katie, community leadership means creating spaces where other voices can be heard and helping people find connections that may open doors throughout their careers.  Admitting You Have AI Imposter Syndrome  Despite receiving a Golden Hoodie and becoming a recognized Salesforce community leader, Katie openly admits she experiences imposter syndrome when it comes to AI and Agentforce.  She shares the pressure that can come with external recognition, especially when people assume that wearing a Golden Hoodie means knowing everything about Salesforce.  Katie's message is reassuring for anyone struggling to keep up with the pace of AI development.  Everyone is at a different stage of their learning journey.  She explains why Salesforce professionals don't need to abandon the skills they already have and how she stays informed about Agentforce. At the same time, her employer hasn't adopted it. Still, professionals can prepare themselves by following community conversations, attending workshops, completing Trailhead learning, and experimenting with the tools available to them.  Learning AI Without Trying To Learn Everything  Katie shares her practical approach to learning AI, beginning with Prompt Builder and understanding how better prompts can improve the results people receive from AI systems.  We discuss how she uses ChatGPT to understand Salesforce Flows, solve problems, support her work, and even help with everyday tasks outside her career. She also explains why professionals should treat AI as a starting point rather than accepting every answer it provides.  The conversation turns to the growing importance of testing AI systems, understanding the role of human oversight, and preparing for AI adoption by strengthening existing Salesforce skills.  Katie's advice is simple and reassuring: stay informed, experiment where you can, and focus your learning on the areas that matter to your career and the problems you're trying to solve.  About Mums On Cloud Nine  Mums on Cloud Nine is your go-to destination for inspiring content that empowers women to build a life and career they love.  Each week, we share expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips across a range of topics, from health and mindset to money and career growth.  Check out our website at www.mumsoncloudnine.co.uk and subscribe for weekly tips to elevate your mindset.  About Supermums  Founded by Heather Black, a Salesforce Golden Hoodie winner, Supermums helps relaunchers and seasoned Salesforce professionals accelerate their careers in tech through expert training, career coaching and recruitment support.  Whether someone is returning to work, pivoting into a new role, or ready to step up in the Salesforce ecosystem, Supermums provides practical training, mentoring and access to job opportunities to help them build confidence, sharpen their skills and progress faster.  Alongside its career development programmes, Supermums partners with employers to connect them with talented Salesforce professionals who are ready to make an impact. Find out more here https://supermums.org/podcast-intro   About our Sponsor, Hubbl Technologies  Hubbl gives Salesforce teams the clarity they need to move faster. By connecting technical metadata with real business processes, Hubbl reveals what is happening inside your Salesforce org — from security and access risks to process gaps, tech debt, and AI readiness. The result: less guesswork, faster audits, better documentation, and smarter decisions for teams who want to build, scale, and innovate with confidence  Find out more about https://qrco.de/bgY7zw

How does a tech internship at a community centre in Kenya lead to one of the highest honours in the Salesforce ecosystem?   In this episode of our Golden Hoodie Winners series, I sit down with Alimali Stephens, Salesforce Senior Developer, community leader, and Salesforce Golden Hoodie recipient. Alimali shares an inspiring story that began with a desire to give back to his local community and led to an unforgettable moment on the Dreamforce stage.   His journey reminds us that opportunities often arrive when we're focused on helping others rather than chasing recognition.  Where It All Began  Alimali takes us back to his early days at the Karibu Centre in Kenya, where he joined as an intern supporting programmes for mothers, children, and the wider community.   It was there that he was first introduced to Salesforce through a volunteer programme. Rather than simply learning a new platform, he became part of a project that transformed how the organisation measured its impact, automated manual processes, and better supported the families it served.  That first experience with Salesforce would shape the rest of his career.  An Unforgettable Dreamforce Moment  One day, his director called him into the office with an unexpected question. How comfortable was he speaking in front of a large audience?  Soon afterwards, Alimali discovered he had been invited to present on the Dreamforce Admin Keynote. It would be his first visit outside Africa, his first trip to the United States, and, as it turned out, the day he received a surprise Salesforce Golden Hoodie.  To make the moment even more memorable, it all happened on his birthday.   Building A Career While Building A Community  Since receiving his Golden Hoodie, Alimali has continued to grow professionally, progressing from Salesforce Administrator to consultant and now Senior Salesforce Developer.   Alongside his day job, he has remained committed to community leadership. As a Salesforce Community Leader in Nairobi and a technology lead with Africa Ohana, he spends his time mentoring aspiring professionals, organising events, and helping others discover opportunities within the Salesforce ecosystem.  His belief is simple. The more people we help today, the stronger the community becomes tomorrow.  Why Community Changes Careers  Throughout our conversation, Alimali explains how discovering the Salesforce community transformed his own learning journey.  Early in his career, he often found himself solving problems alone because he didn't know there were other Salesforce professionals nearby who could help. Today, he works to ensure new Trailblazers never have that same experience.  It's a powerful reminder that asking questions, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another often accelerates everyone's growth.  AI Through The Eyes Of A Salesforce Developer  We also discuss how AI is changing the role of Salesforce developers.   Rather than seeing AI as a threat, Alimali views it as a practical tool that helps developers solve problems faster, reduce repetitive work, and deliver better solutions for customers. He shares examples of building AI-powered Salesforce solutions and explains why learning to work alongside AI will become an increasingly valuable skill.  What part of Alimali's journey inspired you the most, and how could giving back to your own community shape your career in ways you never expected?  About Supermums  Founded by Heather Black, a Salesforce Golden Hoodie winner, Supermums helps relaunchers and seasoned Salesforce professionals accelerate their careers in tech through expert training, career coaching and recruitment support.  Whether someone is returning to work, pivoting into a new role, or ready to step up in the Salesforce ecosystem, Supermums provides practical training, mentoring and access to job opportunities to help them build confidence, sharpen their skills and progress faster.  Alongside its career development programmes, Supermums partners with employers to connect them with talented Salesforce professionals who are ready to make an impact. Find out more here https://supermums.org/podcast-intro   About our Sponsor, Hubbl Technologies  Hubbl gives Salesforce teams the clarity they need to move faster. By connecting technical metadata with real business processes, Hubbl reveals what is happening inside your Salesforce org — from security and access risks to process gaps, tech debt, and AI readiness. The result: less guesswork, faster audits, better documentation, and smarter decisions for teams who want to build, scale, and innovate with confidence  Find out more about https://qrco.de/bgY7zw

What does it take to become a Salesforce Golden Hoodie winner, and how can community involvement shape an entire career?  In this episode of our Golden Hoodie Winners series, I sit down with Christina Nava, Salesforce professional, Service Cloud expert, and Golden Hoodie recipient. Christina received her Golden Hoodie at Dreamforce after years of dedication to the Serviceblazer community, where she became known for helping others, sharing knowledge, and supporting fellow Salesforce professionals.   What makes Christina's story particularly inspiring is that her recognition wasn't built around a single achievement. Instead, it came from years of consistently showing up, contributing to the community, and helping others succeed.  Finding A Home in the Salesforce Ecosystem  Christina takes us back to her introduction to Salesforce in 2011 while working in technical support and software consulting.  What began as exposure to a CRM platform gradually developed into a career specializing in Service Cloud. Along the way, she discovered a passion for solving problems, supporting users, and building solutions that help organizations deliver better customer experiences.  She also reflects on the challenges of being a solo Salesforce Admin and why finding a supportive professional community became such an important part of her growth.  Why Community Matters More Than Ever  One of the strongest themes throughout our conversation is the value of community.  Christina shares how the Serviceblazer community became a place where she could ask questions, learn from others, and avoid feeling isolated in her role. Over time, she transitioned from someone seeking support to someone providing it.  Her experience highlights an important lesson for anyone building a career in technology. Success rarely happens in isolation. The relationships you build, the people you help, and the knowledge you share often become just as valuable as technical expertise.  Building Skills Through Curiosity And Practice   Like many Salesforce professionals who started before today's abundance of free learning resources, Christina had to find her own path.  She discusses the early days of learning Salesforce before Trailhead became widely available and explains how hands-on experience, curiosity, and persistence helped her develop her expertise.  We also talk about consulting life, being thrown into unfamiliar situations, learning quickly, and why practical experience often teaches lessons that no certification alone can provide.  Leadership, Mentorship, And Giving Back  As her career progressed, Christina discovered another passion, helping others develop their own careers. She shares how mentors and supportive women within the Salesforce ecosystem helped shape her journey and why those relationships became so valuable throughout her career.  Today, Christina serves as a co-leader of the Houston Women in Tech group, helping create opportunities for others while continuing the cycle of mentorship that helped her succeed.  AI, Service Cloud, And The Future Of Customer Experience   We also discuss the growing role of AI within Service Cloud and customer service operations.  Having recently participated in Salesforce demonstrations around new AI capabilities, Christina shares her perspective on where organizations are seeing opportunities and why strong foundations remain important before adopting emerging technologies.  It's an insightful discussion that balances innovation with practical implementation.  Advice For Anyone Starting Their Salesforce Journey  Throughout our conversation, Christina returns to a simple theme: keep learning, stay curious, and get involved.   Whether you're just beginning your Salesforce journey, considering a career transition, or looking for ways to expand your network, her story demonstrates how consistency, community involvement, and a willingness to help others can create opportunities you never expected.    Which part of Christina's journey resonated most with you, and how could getting more involved in your own community help shape your career?

What happens when a passion for helping others creates opportunities that extend far beyond your own career?  In this episode of our Golden Hoodie Winners series, we sit down with Kaelan Moss, Salesforce Marketing Cloud Instructor, Team Lead at Revolent Group, and recipient of the Salesforce Golden Hoodie award. Kaelan shares a deeply personal story that began with a desire to help others and ultimately led to one of the highest honors in the Salesforce ecosystem.   From an athletic background and a degree in economics to becoming a respected Salesforce educator, Kaelan's path into technology was anything but traditional. His story is a powerful example of how curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to teach others can create opportunities that change lives.  The Decision That Changed Everything  During the uncertainty of the pandemic, Kaelan made a bold decision. After moving back home, he committed to supporting his family while teaching his mother and sister Salesforce Marketing Cloud skills.  He paid the bills, created a learning environment, and helped them develop new careers in technology. What started as a family project became a story that resonated throughout the Trailblazer Community and eventually caught the attention of Salesforce.  Kaelan reflects on the lessons learned from that experience, why leading by example matters, and how consistent daily actions often have a greater impact than grand gestures.   Creating New Paths into Tech  One of the most compelling parts of our conversation centres on career opportunities beyond traditional education pathways.  Kaelan shares why he believes platforms like Salesforce have created accessible routes into well-paid, flexible careers for people from all backgrounds. He discusses the financial realities many families face, the burden of student debt, and why practical, hands-on learning can open doors that many people never knew existed.  His mission today is simple: help people discover opportunities that can create greater freedom and choice in their lives.  Why Marketing Cloud Captured His Attention  As someone fascinated by psychology and human behaviour, Kaelan explains why Marketing Cloud became his specialization.  We discuss the relationships among technology, communication, and how people make decisions. For Kaelan, marketing sits at the intersection of technology and human behaviour, making it one of the most interesting areas within the Salesforce ecosystem.  His perspective offers valuable insights for anyone considering a career in marketing technology or customer engagement.  Making Sense of AI Without the Hype  Artificial intelligence is transforming every corner of the technology industry, but Kaelan brings a refreshing perspective to the conversation.  He shares his thoughts on the growing AI noise online, why critical thinking matters when using AI tools, and how professionals can avoid being distracted by fear-based messaging.  We also discuss how he uses ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok in his own work, comparing their strengths and explaining why understanding the quality of your inputs remains just as important as the technology itself.  A Simple Learning Habit Anyone Can Use  Having trained hundreds of aspiring Marketing Cloud professionals, Kaelan reveals the learning technique he credits with helping him succeed throughout college, certification exams, and his professional career.  His advice is practical, easy to implement, and something listeners can start using immediately, whether they are studying Salesforce, learning a new skill, or working toward a career change.   Check out our website at www.mumsoncloudnine.co.uk and subscribe for weekly tips to elevate your mindset.  What part of Kaelan's story resonated most with you, and could his approach inspire someone in your own family to consider a career in tech?  What Is the Salesforce Golden Hoodie?  "The Salesforce Golden Hoodie is a special recognition and token of appreciation bestowed upon individuals who have shared their stories of doing well by doing good. These Trailblazers range from relatively new to the ecosystem to seasoned community change-makers – Source".  Check out the definitive guide to Salesforce Golden Hoodie Winners here   https://supermums.org/golden-hoodie-winners-the-definitive-guide-to-salesforces-most-inspiring-trailblazers/  About Supermums  Founded by Heather Black, a Salesforce Golden Hoodie winner, Supermums helps relaunchers and seasoned Salesforce professionals accelerate their careers in tech through expert training, career coaching and recruitment support.  Whether someone is returning to work, pivoting into a new role, or ready to step up in the Salesforce ecosystem, Supermums provides practical training, mentoring and access to job opportunities to help them build confidence, sharpen their skills and progress faster.  Alongside its career development programmes, Supermums partners with employers to connect them with talented Salesforce professionals who are ready to make an impact. Find out more here https://supermums.org/podcast-intro   About our Sponsor, Hubbl Technologies  Hubbl gives Salesforce teams the clarity they need to move faster. By connecting technical metadata with real business processes, Hubbl reveals what is happening inside your Salesforce org — from security and access risks to process gaps, tech debt, and AI readiness. The result: less guesswork, faster audits, better documentation, and smarter decisions for teams who want to build, scale, and innovate with confidence  Find out more about https://qrco.de/bgY7zw

Are you ready to discover how artificial intelligence can genuinely transform the juggle of family and work life? In this inspiring episode, the Mums on Cloud Nine team welcomes Julia Druck, an AI consultant with a fascinating career journey. Julia shares her path from weapons engineer in the Royal Navy to co-founding the AI consultancy 'Serpent,' and unveils practical, real-life ways you can embrace AI, even if you think you're not techy. Julia reveals her creation of a "Family Command Centre" using user-friendly, low- and no-code AI tools, bringing calm and order to the chaos of family logistics. She and the hosts explore why now is the perfect time to get curious about AI, how to get started without fear, and how your current skills are far more transferable to the world of AI than you think. Whether you're an ambitious mum, a parent managing multiple calendars, or someone looking to upskill and relaunch your career, this episode will spark your motivation and give you tangible tools to build a life you love. Key Points in This Episode: Julia Druck's unconventional career path and how she carved out a place in the AI industry. What exactly a Family Command Centre is and how AI can solve everyday household chaos like school events, appointments and birthdays. The reality behind learning AI as an adult: free courses, bootcamps, and online resources that are actually accessible (including YouTube!). Common fears and myths about AI... and why getting hands-on is easier than it seems. How transferable skills from product management (and parenting) set you up for success in the tech world. Favourite tools and platforms for AI task management, from Lindy, Susama and Todoist to Reclaim. Top tips for time-poor parents on integrating AI solutions for home and career. Julia's Free Guide: https://mumsoncloudnine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MUMS-on-Cloud-NINE-Podcast-AI-agent-resource.pdf  Mentioned in this episode: Lindy (No-code AI agent platform): https://www.lindy.ai/assistant  Susama: https://www.sunsama.com/  Todoist: https://www.todoist.com/  Reclaim: https://reclaim.ai/  Claude: https://claude.ai/login  Comet: https://www.perplexity.ai/comet  YouTube tutorials for Lindy AI: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lindy+ai+tutorial  Craving more inspiration and practical tips? Subscribe for weekly mindset and career guidance, and join a community of women supporting each other in relaunching careers, building confidence, and achieving fulfilment. Find Julia Druck and connect for more insights: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliadruck/  If you're ready to banish overwhelm, embrace technology, and empower yourself, this episode is your perfect starting point! For more about Mums on Cloud Nine, the Supermums programme, and our expert directory, visit: Supermums.org Championing the Ambitious Women Mindset each and every week.

What if you could stop saying "I don't know how to do that"… and start saying "give me an hour"? In this episode of Mums on Cloud Nine, Heather, Lynne and Kelly share how they use AI to make lifelong learning easier, faster, and genuinely enjoyable, even if you struggle with focus, motivation, or traditional online courses. We cover: How AI gives you "sticky skills" you can add to your CV quickly Why learning isn't just about work, it's about confidence and momentum in life The moment AI stops feeling like homework and starts feeling like magic Why demos matter: you don't adopt tools until you see what they can really do ADHD learning styles: how to learn in a way that actually sticks The emotional rollercoaster of mastering new tech (and why it's normal) This is a real, funny, practical conversation about staying relevant in a changing job market… and becoming the kind of person who can reinvent themselves whenever they need to. If you've been stuck in "I'll start Monday" mode, this one's for you. 📍 More resources: mumsoncloudnine.co.uk 📍 Explore our training courses: https://supermums.org/ 💬 Tell us what you want to learn next and we'll cheer you on.

Ready to transform your job interview experience and boost your confidence? This week on the Mums on Cloud Nine Podcast, Heather Black, Lyn Constantine, and Kelly-Jace Halls are joined by the inspiring Lani Bass to explore how AI can become your personal career coach. Heather Black introduces Lani Bass, a Supermum alumni who navigated a five-stage interview process with remarkable success, powered by AI tools like ChatGPT. Discover how Lani Bass harnessed technology to build her confidence, prepare for interviews, and even create a custom GPT that you can use yourself. Whether you're re-entering the job market, relaunching your career after a break, or simply want to ace your next interview, this episode is packed with empowering advice, practical tips, and personal stories that will leave you feeling inspired. Key Points You'll Discover in This Episode: How AI (like ChatGPT) can help you prepare for interviews, update your CV, and boost your confidence. The importance of rehearsal and refining your interview answers using AI tools. Building custom GPTs based on your own CV and job descriptions to deliver tailored interview questions and responses. Tips for making sure your CV gets through application tracking systems, without losing your personal voice. How to create presentations in branded colours to impress potential employers. The role of 'personal clones' in capturing your unique tone and communication style. Why having a human perspective alongside AI-generated content is vital. Explore the journey from self-doubt to self-assurance using practical and affordable AI tools, and find out how you can access Lani Bass's custom interview prep agent (details in the show notes). Useful Links: ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/ Gamma AI: https://gamma.com.ai/ Notion: https://www.notion.com/ Lani's GPT: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-695fdf1c0a8c8191baeabb998e2d56f2-gpt-interview-prep Join the conversation, subscribe for weekly mindset tips, and empower yourself to carve out a career and life you love. Brought to you by the Supermums team, supporting women to relaunch their careers since 2016. https://supermums.org/ For links to Lani Bass's custom GPT interview prep tool and other resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes on our website. Ready to step onto your own stage with confidence? Listen now!

Are you ready to sparkle in your career and feel confident as you carve out a life you truly love? Join the Supermums team on this empowering episode of Mums on Cloud Nine, where hosts Kelly-Jace Halls, Heather Black, and Lyn Constantine welcome special guest Kitty Miller, a dynamic entrepreneur who transitioned from corporate life to launching her own ventures. We dive deep into how mums (and anyone relaunching their career) can harness the power of AI to make informed decisions, explore new pathways, and stand out in today's competitive job market. Kitty Miller shares practical, actionable advice from her own experience using AI for career planning, business development, confidence building and personal branding. Discover how large language models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity can become your personalised career co-pilot. Learn to uncover your superpowers, refine your CV, prep for interviews, and build an authentic personal brand, all while feeling supported and empowered. Whether you're contemplating a career change, returning to work after a break, or just want to discover your next step, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement and useful tips that can transform your journey. Key points covered in this episode: How AI tools can help mums relaunch or pivot their careers Creating a personalised AI "job co-pilot" to guide career decisions Building confidence and overcoming self-doubt when returning to work Using AI to analyse job specs, prep for interviews, and refine CVs and cover letters Personalising your AI settings for honest feedback and critical friendship Leveraging AI for networking, business research, and personal branding Discovering your strengths and superpowers to shine in applications and interviews Practical risk management tips for using AI authentically Why you shouldn't wait until you're "100% qualified" before going for your dream job Harnessing the power of network and mentorship in your career development Links & Resources: Visit the Supermums website for further tips and tools: Supermums Find out more about Kitty: https://maze-ccm.com/about/  Kitty also mentioned StrengthsFinder to find your career strengths: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx  Join the Supermums community for more inspiration, expert advice, and practical support to help you shine in your career. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our blog for more empowering content! Tune in and begin your journey to confidence, balance, and fulfilment. Let's help you save time and get better results with AI!

Are you curious about how artificial intelligence can support your wellbeing and self-care? This week on Mums on Cloud Nine, Heather Black, Lyn Constantine, and Kelly-Jace Halls are joined by special guest Mitra Memarzia, founder of Wellcast, for an inspiring and practical conversation about how to use AI to support your life as a busy mum, professional, or anyone looking for guidance on their wellness journey. Discover why one in three people are already turning to AI for guidance with health and mindfulness, and explore the real benefits (and precautions) of using AI in your daily routine. Mitra Memarzia shares her entrepreneurial journey and practical tips on how she uses AI Agents to support both her personal wellbeing and her business, demystifying the process for mums who want to make technology work for them. From building new habits and saving time, to navigating the sensitive side of AI in wellbeing and self-care, this episode is packed with expert advice, honest experiences, and encouragement for every woman looking to carve out a life she loves. Key Points in This Episode How AI is already being used by one in three people for health and wellbeing The benefits and risks of using AI in your self-care routine Mitra Memarzia's story of founding Wellcast and how it will personalise fitness using AI Practical ways to set up your own AI agents for daily support Why using your voice with AI can make a difference to mental clarity and wellbeing Tips for busy mums to find time for themselves with the help of personalisation and motivation tools How to stay safe and conscious when using AI, including choosing reputable sources and understanding the limits of technology The importance of balance and the human touch in wellbeing, even in a digital world Resources & Links Check out Wellcast here: https://www.wellcast.life/ Fitness/Health Trainer? Sign up here: https://www.wellcast.life/trainers  Connect with Mitra Memarzia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitra-memarzia-33a1152/  Headspace's empathetic AI companion: https://www.headspace.com/headspace-subscription/ebb  Our mission is to empower women with practical advice, personal stories, and new technology to support your confidence, balance, and fulfilment. Subscribe for weekly inspiration and start building your ambitious women mindset today. Listen now to feel empowered, informed, and ready to make AI work for your wellbeing.

This week on Mums on Cloud Nine, hosts Heather Black, Kelly-Jace Halls, and Lyn Constantine dive deep into the world of AI productivity hacks for budget planning and finances. As part of our 90 day series on AI, we're exploring how everyday mums can use simple AI tools to save time, lower stress, and take control of their finances. From finding bargain deals online, to streamlining mortgage repayments and bringing financial clarity into family life, our hosts share honest stories, practical tips, and tried-and-tested tricks from their personal experiences. Whether you're a spreadsheet lover, a savvy deal-hunter, or simply looking for ways to overcome money anxiety, this episode has got you covered. We discuss top financial apps like Snoop, Cleo, Plum and Emma, and show how they can help couples and families manage money together. Plus, find out why engaging with AI isn't just about saving cash and time—it's about building confidence, relationships and new career skills for the future. Join us to get inspired and empowered to make smarter financial decisions with the help of AI! Key Points in this Episode: Discover AI hacks that can save you up to 3 hours a week on financial planning and budgeting How to use ChatGPT to find discount codes, the best deals and smarter mortgage repayment plans Making spreadsheets smarter: bridging Excel with AI for financial accuracy Must-try financial apps: Snoop, Cleo, Plum, and Emma (https://emma-app.com/) How AI is supporting couples to manage joint finances and reduce money-related stress Tips for overcoming money anxiety and fear with gentle accountability from finance apps Teaching children about budgeting, saving and the value of money with fun AI tools The importance of developing AI skills for family life and future career opportunities Websites & Apps Mentioned: Emma: https://emma-app.com/ Cleo: https://web.meetcleo.com/ Plum: https://withplum.com/ Snoop: https://snoop.app/ ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/  Listen now to start your journey to financial freedom, supported every step of the way by your Mums on Cloud Nine community! Subscribe and connect with us for weekly mindset tips, practical hacks and empowering stories. Let's build a brighter future together. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share with any mums who want to feel stronger, clearer and more confident about their money and career!