People Behind the Certs – Karri Webster – saasguru

SG: Let’s get started. Why don’t we start from the beginning? Please tell us about your education/ career before entering the Salesforce ecosystem.

Karri Webster: I received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a Marketing emphasis from Western Washington University. A couple of years out of college, I worked as a Marketing Coordinator in the Seattle area – that’s where I was first introduced to Salesforce (2007 – yikes!). 

Our family grew FAST! I became a 4x certified Mom in five years. While I loved my Professional Career, I always knew I wanted to be home with our kids in their younger years. On top of that, my husband’s military career was intense. When our oldest turned 4, my husband had only been home for 18 months. This is not uncommon in the military world. We (military spouses) learn a lot on our own and lean into our community. 

I volunteered for several support roles and participated in military groups over the years. I set up Mommy Mondays and Book Clubs – knowing the importance of being with other people in similar situations. I was an early adopter of grocery delivery and sang praises to any organization that made our military lifestyle just a little bit easier.

I homeschooled our kids in their younger years. Fun fact, the first year all four of our kids were in school was when Covid hit. I had a tiny dose of freedom but was probably the most prepared to have them back home for remote learning. Life is a little ironic sometimes!

At some point, I added Property Manager to my title. We moved around quite a bit – but not for normal military reasons. Our family grew so fast, and I loved investing in real estate. 

Right before my husband was ready to retire from the military, we received military orders – which simply meant they could tell us where and when to move. We packed up our crew, rented out the house, found a new place to live (purchased from 3,000 miles away), took a 30-day road trip across America (WA -> NC), and settled in. Our plans are not always the same as the military plans that come down. We adjusted, and looking back, we are grateful it happened as it did.   

SG: That’s awesome. Now we would love to know what was the tipping point when you said, “I want to make this change,” and what was the trigger for that?

Karri Webster: Our family has been planning for my husband’s military retirement. Part of that process was deciding my next step. Right before I resigned as a Marketing Coordinator, I was given the opportunity to go to training and expand my role. I was bummed to turn it down, but I knew it was for a great reason.

Fast forward to these last couple of years, I started looking into Salesforce again. I was shocked when I discovered an entire community of military-connected Trailblazers. Honestly, I think I shed a tear when I learned about Salesforce Military. It made what could have been a major barrier – getting back to work after 14 years of being a Stay-at-Home-Mom – achievable.

SG: You achieved many certs along the way. Can you share three things with us?

1. Why do you value certificates?

2. What are the challenges associated with the process?

3. What are your top tips for being successful in cert exams?

Karri Webster: Certifications validate that you are serious about your Salesforce career and are committed to the journey ahead. 

Achieving certifications can be hard. Some may click easier than others. Finding the time and dedicating yourself to the process – even after failing are some of the challenges associated with the journey.

Start with the end in mind. I use various tools when studying. Focus on Force is a popular tool in the Salesforce ecosystem that does a great job in this area. Set a date and plan backward from there – it’s not the end of the world if you have to shift your date, but this process will help you get organized and moving. 

So if you are taking a Consultant exam, think like a Consultant! Rather than thinking if the answer is right or wrong, start thinking about how you would advise a client in that particular situation. If you get the answer wrong, then dissect it and figure out why.

Change up the process. I like seeing the same material in various forms. First, I make my way through the Trailmix. Depending on what you are studying, the Trailmix is normally titled, “Prepare for your (enter cert name here) Credential.” If I am able to get Live training – that’s an extra bonus. Then I start working through Focus on Force Study Guides and various Practice Exams (including saasguru). I build along the way. If there’s something in particular that is really challenging me, I build it out. I have a Lightning Record Page that I’ve designed recently that I built out working through a Practice Exam. It’s one of my favorites and will probably be used as a template for many projects throughout my career.

Finally, study groups! Find people that are working on the same certification. Here’s the most important piece – get study sessions on your calendar and make it a priority to show up! I have been part of a couple of different study groups. We’ve gone through various Practice Exams and have had gamified study sessions. We have a lot of fun and cheer each other on along the way.

SG: What do you enjoy most about your work as a certified Salesforce professional?

Karri Webster: I did it! I’m proud of the fact that I can call myself a certified Salesforce professional. There were a lot of obstacles along the way, and I kept pushing!

SG: Time for gratitude!! Finally, is there anyone (individual or company) that you would like to take this opportunity to thank for their role in helping you along your journey? If Yes, what was their role in your success?

Karri Webster: There is literally a village of people that have either directly helped me or I have been inspired by throughout my journey.

David Scott Nava

He’s a role model to many of us in the ecosystem. I have had the privilege of volunteering with Military Trailblazer Office Hours as the Analytics Manager for the last ten months. I am inspired by his journey. I have learned SO much from the MTOH sessions and a TON about operating on a remote team. Thank you, David!

Shelley Bolt

She knows who she is but wishes to stay anonymous. She reached out to me early on and taught me how to use Camtasia to edit my videos. I still have some room to go and need the time to get back to creating content, but I have the right tools because of her generosity. She’s a quiet leader with a big heart, and I am forever grateful for her help! Thank you.

Bradley Rice

He has been my source of truth over the last year when it comes to Personal Branding. The Talent Stacker Program was such a great tool for me along the way. I always tell folks to test out the free resources first, then slowly and wisely decide if the investment makes sense in their situation. It’s nice because I have had access to amazing resources along the way, and the program continues to evolve over time to meet the needs of Salesforce professionals. Thank you, Bradley!

Salesforce Military

I have had access to many free resources along the way because of Salesforce Military. If you are a military spouse or veteran – signing up for Salesforce Military should be your first step. I appreciate their support. Thank you, Salesforce Military!

There are many more people and organizations to thank – I could literally list 100 more. I am saving the best for last! 

My husband and kids

Transitioning into full-time work has been a major shift for our family. Adjusting to new things (again) can be hard. I am so grateful for their support and patience as we figure out this new path and chapter for our family. Thank you, fam-bam!