A 5x MVP, Denise is the co-leader of the Chicago User Group. She’s also one of the first 500 Salesforce users to obtain the Admin certificate. She is the Director of Client Engagements at RelationEdge.
We’d like to know more about the fun side of the MVPs! And from what we heard, so do a lot of people in the community. Welcome to the Proust for Salesforce experts.
Q: How did your love for Salesforce start? Was it a conscious choice or did the whole universe just conspire and make it happen?
My Salesforce passion began after I became engaged in the Community, and it was all by chance. I attended my first user group meeting in 2005, I don’t even recall how I found out about it, we did not have the Success Community back then. I started to build my network of amazing resources and in 2008 I was asked if I was open to filling the role of a User Group Leader, I graciously accepted.
Q: What is your current role?
I’m a Delivery Director for an SI in Chicago, RelationEdge. This is my first role on the partner side, I was on the Customer side for over 12 years. I changed roles to grow personally and professionally.
Q: What does being a Salesforce MVP mean to you?
I’m completely humbled and honored to be included in this program. I respect this entire group, I am always learning from someone here, MVP’s are all about giving back. I was completely shocked when my Welcome Email arrived in my inbox from Erica Kuhl.
Q: If not a Salesforce expert, what would you have become?
Great question!! I did not aspire to become a Salesforce Expert. I would guess a Business Analyst, Change Management Professional or Corporate Trainer.
Q: Which blogs / channels do you follow to get your Salesforce elixir?
Q: How was this year’s Midwest Dreamin’ experience? Could you tell us how the idea of this event came in?
I was a little nervous this year because we had a new venue. Our goal is to bring people from the Community together for an event that is similar to DreamForce, but at a local scale, with a focus on great content, and networking opportunities. This was our 4th year hosting Midwest Dreamin in Chicago, the creator and founder of this event is Eric Dreshfield. We are set for 2018 (July 12 & 13), planning will start shortly, stay tuned!
Q: What’s next in line for you after the coveted MVP title?
My professional goals include obtaining more certifications and at some point in my career joining the “mothership” (aka Salesforce). I’m currently a 5X MVP, part of the Winter Class, I’ll find out in early 2018 if I am a 6X MVP. I am humbled and honored to be included amongst the others I admire.
Q: What would your advice be for the women who come into Salesforce?
Another great question! I don’t typically provide advice based on gender, I’d rather give advice to the individual after I know more about what that person is looking for out of a career, then make recommendations from that perspective.
If working for or with a company who has a reputation on supporting what is right, promoting equality and embraces giving back, “the Salesforce Ohana” is where you want to be.
To all women, never sell yourself short, be prepared so that you can ask for that seat at the table, always be kind to one another, be supportive and ask for help when you need it. The WIT Community is there for you!
Q: What has been your most memorable Dreamforce experience till date? What are you looking forward to the most this #DF17?
In 2013 (for those who remember the years by the band, it was the year Greenday played at AT&T Park in the rain), I was one of the MVPs invited to the Marc Benioff USC Benefit Gala at the Intercontinental, entertainment included Jerry Seinfeld and Tony Bennett. This was an amazing opportunity, I was a new MVP and was honored to attend!
This year, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the Ohana, maybe even take a certification exam while there!
2013 Benefit Gala – Photo Credit to Maria Belli 🙂
Q: Other than Salesforce, what does your world look like?
I enjoy good movies, comedy clubs, board games, wine, dogs (my dog is Bunsen, a one year old Golden Retriever), spending time with my family & friends. I’m a huge baseball fan, I grew up cheering for the Chicago Cubs, and last year we finally won a World Series after a 100+ year drought!
I feel blessed to have a great group of friends some of who I met in High School which means that I have been friends with some folks for 30+ years (yeah – I am not saying how old I am). I have been married to Jim Carbone for almost 14 years. You all got to meet him at India Dreamin!
Q: What’s something about you that you think would surprise others?
I am kind of an introvert, I love my alone, quiet time.
Q: Anything we missed?
Nope! I think you’ve covered it. Thanks for letting me be a part of this series! I wish you much success! You can follow me @DeniseCarbone4
A 5x MVP, Denise is the co-leader of the Chicago User Group. She’s also one of the first 500 Salesforce users to obtain the Admin certificate. She is the Director of Client Engagements at RelationEdge.
