Humans of Salesforce – Jessica Watson

Hi, I’m Jessica Watson, and my path to the Salesforce ecosystem has been a unique and transformative adventure. My career started far from the world of tech—I was a sign language interpreter and educator, designing curricula and teaching children and adults, including those with disabilities. While I loved the personal connection and problem-solving aspects of my work, I realized that technology could create a far greater impact, offering scalable solutions to real-world challenges.

Before I discovered Salesforce, I honed my technical skills through two intensive coding bootcamps, immersing myself in software development. Those experiences fueled my passion for creating solutions that drive efficiency, collaboration, and innovation. My introduction to Salesforce came at a user group meeting, where I saw its potential to help nonprofits and small businesses better manage their operations and engage their communities. It felt like the perfect fit—a blend of technology, problem-solving, and purpose.

Building Communities to Empower and Inspire

Eager to deepen my expertise while building connections, I co-founded Phoenix SalesforceSaturday, one of the first of its kind globally, and Women in Tech Developers, a community aimed at empowering women to grow their technical confidence. These initiatives became spaces where learning and collaboration thrived, and they reinforced my belief in the power of community-driven innovation.

Since then, I’ve earned 15+ Salesforce certifications, become an MVP Hall of Famer, and co-founded Watsonify, where I help organizations harness Salesforce and AI to drive transformational change. Looking back, what inspired me most was witnessing how the Salesforce ecosystem isn’t just about technology—it’s about community, inclusion, and making a tangible difference.

A Defining Moment: Creating Spaces for Growth and Inclusion

One of the proudest moments in my career was being recognized as a Salesforce MVP, a title I held for seven consecutive years before being inducted into the MVP Hall of Fame. But what I value most isn’t the title itself—it’s the journey and the impact that led me there.

When I co-founded Phoenix SalesforceSaturday, I had no idea how transformative it would become. What started as a small gathering for knowledge-sharing and support grew into a thriving space where professionals took their first steps in the Salesforce ecosystem. Watching participants develop their skills, land dream jobs, and even launch their own initiatives was incredibly fulfilling.

Building on that success, we launched 100DaysofTrailhead, a global initiative that connected people across borders. It was heartwarming to see individuals from diverse backgrounds earn certifications, collect Trailhead badges, and transform their careers. Some of these connections even turned into lifelong friendships, proving that learning and collaboration can transcend geographical and cultural barriers.

For me, the greatest accomplishment isn’t a title—it’s creating spaces where others can learn, grow, and shine. The joy of mentoring, fostering inclusion, and witnessing others achieve their dreams has been the most rewarding part of my journey.

Why a Salesforce Career is Incredibly Rewarding

I believe a career in Salesforce is unlike any other. It offers a rare combination of cutting-edge technology, problem-solving opportunities, and the ability to make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s helping nonprofits scale their missions or transforming business operations, the work we do in this ecosystem creates real-world change.

What makes Salesforce truly special is its culture of support and collaboration. The ecosystem is built on community—trailblazers mentoring each other, sharing knowledge, and celebrating collective success. I’ve seen lives change dramatically as people gain financial stability, build fulfilling careers, and find their sense of purpose within this space.

Trailhead has democratized learning, making it accessible to people from all walks of life. This flexibility and inclusivity mean that anyone with curiosity and determination can thrive in this ecosystem. It’s not just about technology—it’s about creating opportunities, fostering connections, and building a career that empowers you to give back.

Also Read: Salesforce Career Success Stories

My Top 3 Tips for Aspiring Salesforce Professionals

1. Commit to Lifelong Learning
   The Salesforce ecosystem evolves rapidly, and staying ahead requires a mindset of continuous learning. Use resources like Trailhead, webinars, and community events to keep your skills sharp. Explore new areas like AI and automation to future-proof your career.
2. Learn from the Community—and Give Back
   The Salesforce community is one of the most supportive I’ve ever encountered. Seek out mentors, participate in local user groups, and attend events like SalesforceSaturday. When you’re ready, give back by mentoring others, sharing your story, or contributing to community initiatives.
3. Empower Others as You Grow
   A Salesforce career isn’t just about personal success—it’s about lifting others as you climb. Through initiatives like 100DaysofTrailhead, I’ve seen how empowering others creates ripple effects of positive change. Whether you’re helping someone prepare for an exam or building tools to simplify workflows, collaboration and inclusion will amplify your impact.

Preparing for the Future of Salesforce

The future of Salesforce is centered on AI and automation, with tools like Agentforce bringing personalized, AI-powered assistance into workflows. This evolution will make customer interactions more proactive, workflows smarter, and decisions more data-driven.

To prepare for this future, I’ve dedicated myself to learning about AI and its intersection with Salesforce. I’ve earned certifications like Salesforce AI Associate and completed advanced courses in generative AI. At Watsonify, I help organizations navigate this shift by building strategies that drive meaningful outcomes.

What excites me most about Salesforce’s evolution is its potential to create smarter, more adaptive solutions. By staying curious, adaptable, and engaged with the community, I’m ready to embrace the changes ahead—and help others do the same.

End Note

Salesforce has been an extraordinary journey of growth, learning, and giving back. It’s a career that has allowed me to create meaningful impact while connecting with an inspiring global community. The best part? The journey is far from over. 

I’m excited to see what the future holds and to continue empowering others through the incredible Salesforce ecosystem.