In the ever-evolving world of technology, few professionals manage to stand out with their dedication, innovation, and leadership. Jaseem Pookandy is one such individual, with a remarkable journey in the Salesforce ecosystem. With over a decade of experience, Jaseem has made significant contributions to various organizations, leading projects that not only improved business productivity but also optimized cost savings. In this exclusive interview, we delve into his professional journey, the challenges he faced, and the insights he gained along the way.
Q1: Can you share a bit about your journey into the Salesforce ecosystem and how it all began?
A: My journey into the Salesforce ecosystem began in 2012 when I joined CDC Labs in Scottsdale, AZ, as a Salesforce Developer. It was an exciting time as Salesforce was rapidly gaining traction, and I was eager to dive into this dynamic field. Initially, I collaborated with technical leads and product owners to develop Apex and Visualforce solutions, which gave me a solid foundation in Salesforce development. Over the years, I transitioned through various roles, gaining extensive experience in Sales, Service, and Experience Cloud products. Each position allowed me to refine my technical skills and understand the broader business impacts of Salesforce implementations.
Q2: What was one of the most challenging projects you worked on during your time at Motorola Solutions?
A: At Motorola Solutions, one of the most challenging projects was the development of a new sales forecasting application for the North America sales organization.This project aimed to replace a 30-year-old manual, spreadsheet-based sales forecasting system with Salesforce automation, streamlining the entire sales forecasting process.The challenge was not just in the technical implementation but also in aligning the diverse needs of the stakeholders and ensuring the project delivered the desired outcomes. The successful completion of this project resulted in a $750k business value, showcasing the impact of effective Salesforce solutions on business performance.
Q3: How did you manage to achieve $1.6M in cost savings through Salesforce automation at Motorola Solutions?
A: Achieving $1.6M in cost savings was a result of implementing a Salesforce workflow-driven automation that improved efficiency from presale to post-sale handoff for system integration projects. By automating these workflows, we were able to eliminate manual processes, reduce errors, and streamline operations. This not only saved time but also significantly reduced costs associated with these processes. It was a testament to the power of Salesforce automation in driving operational efficiency and cost savings.
Q4: Can you tell us about a project at CarMax that had a significant impact on the business?
A: One of the most impactful projects at CarMax was the Vehicle Sync project, which integrated 500,000 daily inventory updates from over 200 CarMax store databases into Salesforce. This project provided CarMax associates with real-time inventory data, enhancing their ability to serve customers effectively. The project involved designing a scalable solution using Salesforce’s asynchronous framework and data integration via an ETL tool. This not only improved operational efficiency but also significantly enhanced customer satisfaction.
Q5: What strategies do you employ to manage and lead cross-functional teams effectively?
A: Managing and leading cross-functional teams requires a blend of clear communication, strategic planning, and fostering a collaborative environment. I prioritize understanding each team member’s strengths and aligning their roles with their skills to maximize productivity. Regular check-ins, transparent communication channels, and a shared vision for the project’s goals are crucial. Additionally, utilizing project management tools like JIRA and Confluence helps in maintaining transparency and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and celebrating small wins along the way also boosts team morale and performance.
Q6: How did your experience at DHI Group Inc. prepare you for future leadership roles?
A: At DHI Group Inc., I played a key role in the phase-I release of Community Cloud as a Senior Salesforce Developer. I led the technical implementation, collaborating with business teams to establish case management and Single Sign-On capabilities. This role sharpened my skills in translating complex business needs into technical solutions, a crucial aspect of leadership. Additionally, I oversaw the refactoring of the CPQ application, focusing on creating scalable and robust solutions. My experience also extended to vendor management, where I honed skills in decision-making, conflict resolution, and team collaboration. These diverse experiences have equipped me with the technical and managerial skills necessary for future leadership positions.
Q7: Can you describe a significant achievement during your tenure at Beyond Finance?
A: At Beyond Finance, one of the significant achievements was leading the Salesforce implementation of a modern UI with sales scripts for agents using LWC components. This project was crucial as it directly impacted the efficiency and effectiveness of our sales agents. By integrating Salesforce with two major CTI vendors, we enabled seamless call scheduling for agents with customers, thereby improving customer interaction and satisfaction. This project not only enhanced the operational capabilities but also demonstrated the potential of Salesforce in transforming business processes and improving overall performance.
Q8: How do you ensure continuous learning and staying updated with the latest Salesforce trends and technologies?
A: Continuous learning is essential in the ever-evolving field of technology. I ensure I stay updated with the latest Salesforce trends and technologies by regularly participating in Salesforce webinars, attending conferences, and engaging in community forums. Additionally, pursuing relevant certifications, such as Certified Platform Developer II, Certified Salesforce System Architect, and Certified Salesforce Application Architect, has been instrumental in keeping my skills current. I also actively seek opportunities to work on challenging projects that push the boundaries of my knowledge and provide hands-on experience with new tools and technologies.
Q9: What role does stakeholder management play in the success of Salesforce projects, and how do you excel in it?
A: Stakeholder management is crucial for the success of any Salesforce project. It involves understanding the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, effectively communicating project progress, and ensuring alignment with business goals. My approach to stakeholder management includes regular updates, transparent communication, and involving stakeholders in key decision-making processes. Building strong relationships based on trust and collaboration is essential. By actively listening to their concerns and feedback, I can ensure that the project meets their needs and delivers the expected outcomes.
Q10: What advice would you give to aspiring Salesforce developers and managers?
A: For aspiring Salesforce developers and managers, my advice would be to focus on continuous learning and building a strong foundation in both technical and soft skills. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone. Networking and building relationships within the Salesforce community can provide valuable insights and support. Additionally, always keep the bigger picture in mind – understand how your work impacts the business and strive to deliver solutions that provide real value. Lastly, never underestimate the power of collaboration and effective communication in achieving project success.
Jaseem Pookandy’s career is a compelling example of how expertise, innovation, and leadership can drive significant business transformation through technology. His ability to manage complex projects, integrate advanced solutions, and lead diverse teams has resulted in substantial value and efficiency gains for the organizations he has worked with. As he continues to explore new frontiers in the Salesforce ecosystem, Jaseem’s journey offers valuable lessons for professionals aiming to make a meaningful impact in their fields. His story is not just about technical prowess but also about the relentless pursuit of excellence and the drive to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
