How to Break Free from the ‘Essential but Invisible’ Trap in Your Career - Michael Stevens : 9

Accidental Salesforce Admins

Accidental Salesforce Admins

10:41

Are you tired of releasing episodes week to week and getting no download growth? In this episode, I’m kicking off a brand-new series where I’ll be breaking down the exact strategies you need to expand your podcast audience—starting with the essential foundations. In this first episode, I’m covering: Why podcast growth matters (and why it’s NOT just about big numbers) The 3 core growth strategies: organic, collaborations, and paid growth What sustainable, realistic growth actually looks like Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, this series will give you the tools you need to grow your show strategically. Today's episode is brought to you by Mic Check Society , our community for podcasters who are looking to take their podcast from good to great. Come join us for educational trainings, a private member's only community, and monthly calls! Get $10 off per month with code PODCAST at micchecksociety.com . Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative , a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com , plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Time-stamps: Why podcast growth matters (2:09) Three pillars of podcast growth (3:39) Organic growth (3:52) Collaboration and borrowing audiences (4:31) Paid growth opportunities (5:11) What sustainable growth looks like (6:36) Connect with Haylee: instagram.com/hayleegaffin Gaffincreative.com micchecksociety.com Review the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/Plzue2YOIAh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

about a year ago 36:37

MP3•Episode home

Key Discussion Points:

[00:00:43] Breaking free from the essential but invisible trap

[00:01:33] Michael's journey from SDR to VP of Product Marketing

[00:02:36] The mindset shift from individual contributor to strategic leader

[00:05:26] Building influence without a leadership title

[00:11:30] Seeing through the lens of others and getting outside yourself

[00:14:58] Aligning teams and competing priorities across functions

[00:19:19] Positioning critical work to get leadership buy-in

[00:27:30] Common characteristics of high performers

[00:31:35] Advice for young professionals starting their careers

Michael emphasizes the importance of:

Thinking beyond individual tasks to drive broader organizational impact
Developing domain expertise and curiosity about other roles
Constantly prioritizing and aligning work with key business objectives
Communicating value and self-promoting in a meaningful way
Bringing joy and optimism to the workplace while maintaining a strong work ethic
Seeking environments and people that foster personal growth

The episode highlights the value of understanding different perspectives, aligning with organizational priorities, and consistently delivering impact beyond your immediate role. Michael encourages listeners to embrace discomfort, continue learning, and focus on adding value rather than chasing titles or equity.

Guest Bio:

Michael Stevens is the VP of Product Marketing at SmartRecruiters, where he's revolutionizing hiring through AI-powered software. With a career spanning from SDR to executive leadership, Michael has worked across various revenue functions, including sales, customer success, and operations. His journey showcases the power of strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous personal growth in building a successful career in the tech industry.

16 episodes

How to Break Free from the ‘Essential but Invisible’ Trap in Your Career - Michael Stevens : 9

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Key Discussion Points:

[00:00:43] Breaking free from the essential but invisible trap

[00:01:33] Michael's journey from SDR to VP of Product Marketing

[00:02:36] The mindset shift from individual contributor to strategic leader

[00:05:26] Building influence without a leadership title

[00:11:30] Seeing through the lens of others and getting outside yourself

[00:14:58] Aligning teams and competing priorities across functions

[00:19:19] Positioning critical work to get leadership buy-in

[00:27:30] Common characteristics of high performers

[00:31:35] Advice for young professionals starting their careers

Michael emphasizes the importance of:

Thinking beyond individual tasks to drive broader organizational impact
Developing domain expertise and curiosity about other roles
Constantly prioritizing and aligning work with key business objectives
Communicating value and self-promoting in a meaningful way
Bringing joy and optimism to the workplace while maintaining a strong work ethic
Seeking environments and people that foster personal growth

Guest Bio:

16 episodes

All episodes

1
Why Data Alone Doesn’t Drive Results (with Paul Pacun, vablet) | Ep. 15 23:33

2 days ago23:33

23:33

Too many teams still believe the myth: more data equals better decisions. But when your field teams ignore your tools and CRM adoption stays low, it’s time to ask a different question—are we helping people understand the data or just piling it on? Host Robert Sur sits down with Paul Pacun, founder of Vablet, to explore how sentiment lives in behavior, not surveys—and how true sales enablement starts with listening. With 15 years of experience turning real feedback into business-ready tools, Paul shares how a tablet placed on a patient’s lap sparked insights that helped drive smarter content, better sales conversations, and CRM updates that actually happen. They unpack how refining data—like turning sand into silicon—requires clarity, context, and constant feedback loops. If you’ve ever rolled out a tool no one used or been asked to build a report no one reads, this episode will hit home. 👤 Guest Bio Paul Pacun is the founder of Vablet, a field sales platform designed to work in the real world—where reps can work offline, automate CRM updates, and close business without fighting their tools. For over 15 years, Paul has transformed live field feedback into sales enablement solutions that reduce friction and support business leaders. 🔗 Paul on LinkedIn 📌 What We Cover Why collecting more data won’t make your teams smarter A real-world story of 5,000+ media views and what they revealed about sales behavior Why true sentiment is found in content engagement, not optional survey buttons How “media view” metrics can offer more authentic insight than intent data The myth of full adoption and why finding early champions is key How Chipotle’s watch app inspired smarter UX through user intent A better way to name roadmap projects: lead with the problem, not the tech How pivoting from doctors to pharma saved a launch Why asking “what sand do I need to give you to build the next chip?” changes the admin’s mindset Why even a 99-page PDF can be improved by tracking what people actually look at 🔗 Resources Mentioned Vablet (field sales platform) ClearSlide (competitor reference) Salesforce Marketo Pardot Marketing Cloud Chipotle watch app Starbucks AI demo app Oura Ring Demofest Delegate — delegate.team/accidental…

1
How Do We Make AI Actionable—Not Just Aspirational? W/ Rich Radford : 14 24:35

9 days ago24:35

24:35

Boardrooms everywhere are buzzing about AI—but few know where to begin. In this episode, host Robert Sur welcomes Rich Radford , VP of Client Solutions at Seanergy.ai and a self-proclaimed “recovering accidental Salesforce admin.” Together, they confront the gap between AI hype and meaningful execution. Rich shares firsthand stories—from healthcare systems using AI to book appointments and chart patient notes, to a VP of operations discovering their company was tapping only 10% of AI’s potential. They examine why most companies are stuck in inertia, how fear of failure and fragmented data holds teams back, and what real readiness for AI looks like. You’ll hear what happens when leadership gives permission to fail fast, and how one Fortune 500 firm is turning 58,000 employees into AI bot managers—complete with employee numbers. For Salesforce Admins navigating AI adoption, this is your blueprint for making the leap from aspirational to actual. 👤 Guest Bio Rich Radford is VP of Client Solutions at Seanergy.ai. A veteran technologist with experience across cloud, security, and AI, Rich has implemented ERPs, consulted on Salesforce and marketing automation, and now builds AI-driven business solutions. A former accidental Salesforce admin himself, he now helps clients unlock strategic potential through practical AI use cases. 🔗 Connect with Rich on LinkedIn 📌 What We Cover How to close the gap between AI hype and real execution Why most companies only tap 10% of AI’s current potential The HP program training 58,000 employees to build AI bots with employee numbers What makes AI adoption succeed—push, pull, and focused execution Case study: AI agents that schedule medical appointments and reduce no-shows Case study: Doctors using AI to chart conversations with 30% more throughput Why company inertia, fragmented systems, and regulatory fears are blockers How to know if your company is ready for AI—and what to do if it’s not The importance of small, measurable proof-of-concept projects What AI readiness really means: cross-functional teams, clean data, and executive buy-in 🔗 Resources Mentioned Seanergy.ai ChatGPT Epic and Athena (EHR platforms) ZoomInfo Google Ads Facebook Ads Berkshire Hathaway (mentioned in context of AI investment discussion)…

1
The Roadmap Isn’t for You—It’s for Them : 13 8:13

4 weeks ago8:13

8:13

Ever feel like your roadmap is just a wish list no one reads? Host Robert Sur explores why execution often breaks down, not because of lazy teams or chaotic leadership, but because the operating system is invisible. In this solo episode, Rob shares why most Salesforce roadmaps get ignored—and how to turn yours into a tool of influence. Learn how a roadmap becomes more than just a tracker when it’s tied to business outcomes, made visible, and creates strategic pull. Rob breaks down what high-functioning teams get right, including how to make leaders want to reference the roadmap, the role of change discipline, and why the best roadmaps manage attention, not tasks. 📌 What We Cover Why invisible plans lead to execution breakdown The dangers of roadmaps that are too long, too technical, or too static How to make your roadmap a shared decision-making tool What it means to create strategic pull with leadership Real-world examples of high-functioning roadmap practices The Deep5ive framework questions to assess roadmap readiness The “one in, one out” change discipline that forces trade-offs How to know your roadmap is finally working 🔗 Resources Mentioned delegate.team/accidental…

1
Making Change Stick (Even When the System Is a Mess) : 12 48:14

5 weeks ago48:14

48:14

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins , host Robert Sur welcomes Ernest Wong , VP at Delegate, to discuss what it really takes to lead change from inside an organization, especially when dealing with broken systems, misaligned teams, and unclear mandates. Best Moments: (00:42) Introduction to the topic of leading change from inside an organization (03:22) Starting with the humans, not just the technology, when fixing broken systems (05:22) Learning through experience that technology failures are often symptoms of human system failures (10:56) Building coalitions and finding allies to help implement significant changes (15:27) Using French and Raven's bases of power to influence without direct authority (20:20) Prioritization frameworks for deciding where to start with limited resources (24:42) The value vs. cost two-by-two framework for prioritizing initiatives (32:57) Using simple frameworks like urgency scales to make decision-making more efficient (38:42) The critical lesson that perception is reality in organizational settings (42:52) What people often misunderstand about how change really happens Guest Bio Ernest Wong is the VP of Delivery and Operations at Delegate. With over 20 years of experience in tech, Ernest has rebuilt chaotic systems at early-stage companies like Talkdesk and navigated M&A complexity at enterprise organizations like Adobe. Known for his holistic approach to problem-solving, Ernest excels at understanding how incentives, behaviors, and systems design drive momentum. His expertise spans aligning teams post-acquisition, rebuilding product organizations, and helping clients establish data foundations at scale.…

1
You’re Essential. But Are You Strategic? : 11 9:16

6 weeks ago9:16

9:16

You look up. It’s midnight. You haven’t eaten. Slack’s clear, backlog’s cleared, and you’ve helped twelve people, but somehow, nothing actually moved forward. In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins, Robert Sur , CEO at Delegate , breaks down a familiar cycle for many Salesforce admins: you’re the go-to operator, always solving, always fixing—but never shaping what gets done and what you can do to break the vicious cycle. Being essential isn’t the same as being strategic. And working harder won’t get you there. The key shift? Changing the altitude of your work. Robert introduces real, practical tools that have helped Salesforce operators across dozens of orgs step out of reactive chaos and into intentional leadership. This episode explores why strategic rhythms matter more than fancy titles, how simple frameworks can shift momentum, and how credibility starts with better questions—not more output. 📌 What We Cover The hidden cost of being the go-to person for everything Why essential ≠ strategic—and what separates the two The altitude problem faced by sharp, trusted operators What the “Deep5ive” lens really helps unlock for ops leaders Using the Five Whys technique to reframe unclear requests A 3-question scoring model to prioritize work with clarity Rhythms like “One In, One Out” that force leadership trade-offs Why pushing back—done right—actually builds credibility Three specific actions to start working more strategically this week 🔗 Frameworks Mentioned Deep5ive Five Whys (root cause analysis method) “One In, One Out” planning rule (team-level decision tactic)…

1
The Leadership Blind Spot – Why Tech Fails Without Strategic Ownership : 10 12:32

7 weeks ago12:32

12:32

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins, host Robert Sur dives into the common struggle of the "leadership blind spot" and how to overcome it. Rob shares insights on breaking the cycle of reactive decision-making and shifting towards strategic, outcome-based leadership in Salesforce administration. Key Discussion Points: [00:00:43] Introduction to the leadership blind spot phenomenon [00:01:52] Real-world example of a multinational firm's tech chaos [00:04:32] The hard truth about leadership's unintentional chaos [00:05:37] Breaking the cycle: Starting with leadership clarity [00:08:12] Building a roadmap with structured flexibility [00:09:20] Repositioning tech operators as strategic leaders [00:10:23] Turning chaos into an opportunity for growth and leadership [00:11:55] Closing thoughts and call to action for listeners Rob shares a compelling case study of a large multinational professional services firm struggling with chaotic tech management. He introduces Sarah, an operator caught in an endless loop of reacting to leadership's ever-changing priorities. Rob then outlines a strategic approach to break this cycle, emphasizing the importance of: Viewing technology holistically through the Deep5ive framework Implementing a structured decision-making process Creating a flexible but disciplined roadmap Repositioning tech operators as strategic leaders He encourages listeners to see chaos as an opportunity for leadership and transformative change. He emphasizes that the ability to bring order to noise and align priorities is what sets true leaders apart in the field of Salesforce administration and tech management. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to identify areas of chaos in their work and use them as opportunities to lead and drive clarity in their organizations.…

1
How to Break Free from the ‘Essential but Invisible’ Trap in Your Career - Michael Stevens : 9 36:37

8 weeks ago36:37

36:37

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins, host Robert Sur welcomes Michael Stevens , VP of Product Marketing at SmartRecruiters , to discuss the journey from problem-solver to strategic leader. Michael shares insights on breaking free from the "essential but invisible" trap and becoming a more influential player in your organization. Key Discussion Points: [00:00:43] Breaking free from the essential but invisible trap [00:01:33] Michael's journey from SDR to VP of Product Marketing [00:02:36] The mindset shift from individual contributor to strategic leader [00:05:26] Building influence without a leadership title [00:11:30] Seeing through the lens of others and getting outside yourself [00:14:58] Aligning teams and competing priorities across functions [00:19:19] Positioning critical work to get leadership buy-in [00:27:30] Common characteristics of high performers [00:31:35] Advice for young professionals starting their careers Michael emphasizes the importance of: Thinking beyond individual tasks to drive broader organizational impact Developing domain expertise and curiosity about other roles Constantly prioritizing and aligning work with key business objectives Communicating value and self-promoting in a meaningful way Bringing joy and optimism to the workplace while maintaining a strong work ethic Seeking environments and people that foster personal growth The episode highlights the value of understanding different perspectives, aligning with organizational priorities, and consistently delivering impact beyond your immediate role. Michael encourages listeners to embrace discomfort, continue learning, and focus on adding value rather than chasing titles or equity. Guest Bio: Michael Stevens is the VP of Product Marketing at SmartRecruiters , where he's revolutionizing hiring through AI-powered software. With a career spanning from SDR to executive leadership, Michael has worked across various revenue functions, including sales, customer success, and operations. His journey showcases the power of strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous personal growth in building a successful career in the tech industry.…

1
Getting leadership to actually listen to a perspective from a product leader - Elvis Ha : 8 37:52

9 weeks ago37:52

37:52

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins , host Robert Sur welcomes Elvis Ha , VP of Product at Paradox, to discuss strategies for securing leadership support and resources for vital projects. They dive into common challenges faced by accidental admins and product managers, offer insights on communicating value to different stakeholders, and share tips on learning from rejections. Best Moments: (00:59) The frustration of not getting resources for critical systems improvements (01:40) Introduction of guest Elvis Ha and his background in product management (02:32) Elvis’s approach to getting leadership buy-in for important projects (08:33) Example of successfully pitching a technical infrastructure project (16:41) Advice for accidental admins on gaining leadership attention (20:39) Three tasks for understanding stakeholders better (27:14) Dealing with rejected proposals and learning from failures (34:24) The connection between neuroscience, AI, and product development Guest Bio: Elvis Ha is the VP of Product at Paradox, where he builds AI-driven hiring solutions. With over a decade of experience in product management, Elvis has worked in organizations ranging from startups to public companies. His background in neuroscience and psychology informs his approach to product development, especially in AI and user experience.…

1
Warrior for a Cause? Become the Advocate Who Actually Leads Change : 7 13:21

10 weeks ago13:21

13:21

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins , host Robert Sur shares how he transitioned from a frustrated Salesforce admin—struggling to get sales reps to enter data—to a strategic leader who effectively drives change. He explores the turning point in his approach and how understanding, alignment, and team-focused strategies can replace forceful reminders. Best Moments: (00:59) The frustration of seeing a problem but facing resistance to change (02:13) Struggling to get sales reps to enter data—and the toll it takes (05:19) The turning point in Robert’s approach to stakeholder management (07:46) Understanding the sales team’s perspective and challenges (08:18) Creating a team-oriented approach to data entry (09:45) Introducing “data entry greatness” and its positive impact (10:30) Building accountability and reinforcement into daily rhythms (11:35) Moving from forceful tactics to understanding and alignment (12:25) Encouragement to lean into discomfort and try new approaches…

1
Mastering TEAM RHYTHMS In Salesforce Administration! Transforming From Reactive to Strategic Leader : 6 14:45

11 weeks ago14:45

14:45

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins , host Robert Sur dives deep into the concept of rhythms in team management and leadership, focusing on Salesforce administrators who have found themselves in their roles unexpectedly. He explains how mastering these rhythms can transform a reactive problem-solver into a strategic leader, and why it's essential for Salesforce admins to adapt their approach to leadership for greater success. Best Moments: (00:01:05) Introduction to the rhythms lens of the framework (00:02:33) Keeping up when the beat changes: adapting to shifting priorities (00:06:16) Changing the rhythm without losing the flow: the importance of communication (00:10:05) Laying the groove before the melody: building relationships proactively (00:13:17) Recap and challenge to listeners…

1
Maximizing CAPABILITIES In Salesforce Administration! Building Sustainable Operating Models : 5 10:14

12 weeks ago10:14

10:14

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins , host Robert Sur explores the capabilities lens of the Deep Five framework. He dives into the challenges organizations face when they underestimate the effort required to support and scale their Salesforce systems. Robert shares strategies for evaluating team capabilities, avoiding costly missteps, and building a sustainable operating model for long-term success. Best Moments: (00:42) Introduction to the capabilities lens of the Deep Five framework (01:55) The importance of evaluating team skills and bandwidth (02:23) Comparison of maintaining Salesforce to owning a home (03:46) Real-world example of underestimated capabilities in a CPQ project (04:48) Strategy 1: Recognize the full scope of technical ownership (05:36) Strategy 2: Build a holistic team, not just a technical one (06:51) Strategy 3: Focus on what drives the most value (08:33) The importance of offloading technical complexity and investing in strategy (09:18) Preview of the next episode on the rhythms lens…

1
TECHNOLOGY Lens In Salesforce Administration! Leveraging Your Unique Perspective for Lasting Impact : 4 10:26

13 weeks ago10:26

10:26

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins , host Robert Sur dives into the technology lens of the DeepFy framework. He discusses how accidental Salesforce admins can use their unique perspective to make better decisions, align with stakeholders, and drive meaningful change. Robert shares strategies for balancing speed and sustainability, shifting from a "we can't" mindset to a "here’s how" approach, and effectively communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Best Moments: (00:42) Introduction to the technology lens of the DeepFy framework (01:29) The challenge of communicating technical complexities to stakeholders (02:02) The importance of implementing technology with competency and precision (03:14) Case study: Salesforce Unity project and its challenges (04:58) Three practical strategies for using the technology lens effectively (05:01) Strategy 1: Balancing speed versus sustainability (06:00) Strategy 2: Shifting from "we can't" to "here's how" (07:27) Strategy 3: Making complex technical concepts understandable (09:01) The power of technology when implemented with precision and clarity (09:22) Challenge to listeners: Document trade-offs and improve stakeholder communication…

1
The HUMAN Element In Salesforce Administration! The "Humans Lens" For Effective System Management : 3 17:18

15 weeks ago17:18

17:18

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins , host Robert Sur dives into the humans lens of the Deep Five framework, explaining how understanding and harnessing the human factors in system management can lead to more effective Salesforce projects. Robert shares key strategies to align priorities, perspectives, and processes, ensuring that system implementations truly work for the people using them. Best Moments: (00:42) Introduction to the "humans lens" of the Deep Five framework (01:26) The importance of recognizing human factors in system management (02:18) Understanding different perspectives in a typical Salesforce project (03:28) Case study: Placement Precision 25 project with a boutique recruiting agency (05:11) Three key tips for applying the human lens (05:21) Tip 1: Build relationships before you need them (09:00) Tip 2: Position the project as a win for everyone (11:16) Tip 3: Avoid surprises and communicate effectively (14:35) The importance of seeing people's humanness in project management (15:46) Challenge to listeners: Connect with people, position projects as wins, and avoid surprises…

1
Focus On OUTCOMES, Not Solutions! The Outcomes Lens In Salesforce Admins : 2 10:30

15 weeks ago10:30

10:30

In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins , host Robert Sur introduces the outcomes lens from the Deep Five framework, highlighting its importance in transforming how accidental Salesforce admins approach their work. Robert explains how focusing on outcomes, rather than solutions, can help Salesforce admins deliver real value and drive success in their organizations. Best Moments: (00:42) Introduction to the outcomes lens of the Deep Five framework (01:46) Explanation of what the outcomes lens is and its importance (02:54) Real-world example of a client onboarding project (04:15) Three strategies for applying the outcome lens (04:17) Strategy 1: Start with the press release (06:00) Strategy 2: Change the way we speak about projects (07:05) Strategy 3: Challenge stakeholders' solution speak (08:47) The importance of the outcome lens in successful projects (09:38) Preview of the next episode on the human lens…

1
The Deep5ive Framework For Salesforce Admins! Aligning Priorities & Driving Success : 1 23:04

15 weeks ago23:04