Visiting Kelley Facas, AKA my daughter, at Salesforce in San Francisco

My recent visit to Salesforce in San Francisco was an exhilarating experience, one that left a lasting impression on me. I had the pleasure of visiting my daughter, Kelley Facas, at her new job in the iconic Salesforce Tower. The headquarters, located in the heart of the city, buzzes with innovation, collaboration, and a unique sense of community. My visit not only deepened my understanding of Salesforce’s groundbreaking work but also gave me a closer look at the vibrant culture fostered by its visionary leader, Marc Benioff.

Marc Benioff: The Visionary Leader

Marc Benioff, the co-founder and CEO of Salesforce, is a name synonymous with innovation in the tech industry. His journey is as inspiring as the company he leads. Starting his career at Oracle, Benioff was known for his innovative thinking and relentless drive. In 1999, he founded Salesforce with the radical idea of delivering enterprise software through a simple, user-friendly website. This idea revolutionized the industry, giving rise to what we now know as cloud computing.

Benioff’s leadership is characterized by his commitment to the principles of stakeholder capitalism. He believes that businesses should not only focus on profits but also on improving the state of the world. This philosophy is at the core of Salesforce’s operations, influencing everything from their business strategies to their corporate culture.

The Magical World of Salesforce Characters

One of the most delightful aspects of Salesforce is its use of fun, animated characters to guide users through their programs. These characters, including Astro, Codey, and Einstein, are designed to make learning and using Salesforce’s products more engaging and enjoyable.

Codey the Bear: Inspiring all builders and makers

Astro: The friendly guide to Salesforce, Astro helps users navigate through the platform with ease.
Codey: The cuddly bear who loves to code, Codey is there to assist developers in building on the Salesforce platform.
Einstein: Inspired by Albert Einstein, this character represents Salesforce’s AI capabilities, making complex data insights accessible and understandable.

These characters are not just mascots; they embody the spirit of Salesforce, making technology approachable and fun.

Ohana: The Spirit of Family

At the heart of Salesforce’s culture is the concept of Ohana, a Hawaiian term meaning family. This spirit of family extends to everyone connected with Salesforce—employees, customers, partners, and the community. The Ohana culture promotes a sense of belonging, support, and mutual respect.

During my visit, I witnessed this spirit in action. The office environment was open and collaborative, with spaces designed to foster teamwork and innovation. Kelley spoke of feeling valued and supported, not just as a worker but as an individual. This sense of community is a key factor in Salesforce’s success, driving employee satisfaction and loyalty.

A Work Environment of Pure Joy

Walking through the Salesforce Tower, I couldn’t help but notice the palpable sense of joy and enthusiasm. The workplace is designed to inspire, with vibrant colors, open spaces, and an abundance of natural light. There are numerous amenities aimed at promoting well-being, including wellness zones, mindfulness rooms, and fitness centers.

Salesforce also places a strong emphasis on giving back to the community. Through their 1-1-1 model, the company dedicates 1% of their equity, 1% of their product, and 1% of their employees’ time to philanthropic efforts. This commitment to social responsibility is not just a corporate mandate but a shared value that employees, including Kelley, are deeply proud of.

Conclusion

Elton John. Legendary. Iconic. Electrifying.

My visit to Salesforce was an enlightening experience that showcased the power of visionary leadership, a vibrant company culture, and a commitment to making the world a better place. Marc Benioff’s legacy, the whimsical characters that bring the platform to life, the Ohana spirit, and the joyful work environment all contribute to what makes Salesforce a standout company in the tech industry. It’s a place where innovation meets heart, and where business success goes together with social responsibility. Visiting Kelley at her new job reinforced my admiration for this remarkable company and its inspiring culture.

Stay tuned and mark your calendars for September, as we reunite at Dreamforce. See you there!