As a long-term software developer and technology product leader, I am passionate about great design. It all begins with the customer – whether corporate end-users or internal development teams – and I focus intently on their ongoing feedback, needs, and ambitions. An intimate understanding of the customer leads to product design that is always forward-thinking and fresh. I am also aware of competing products in the marketplace and factor this into my design. I’m not satisfied in merely keeping up with others, but rather want to design products that outflank competitors.I also pride myself on innovation and enjoy working with cross-functional teams to build breakthrough products that push beyond conventional thinking. My teams have created a variety of “first-in-kind” products for Salesforce and the market in general, including two that now have patents. Finally, I am a service-oriented leader who has a soft spot for the underdog. I like to take junior internal developers under my wing so that they circumvent avoidable mistakes. Small business owners without enterprise-level purchasing power are another group where I focus my support. In the end, standing in someone else’s shoes opens your eyes to the needs of groups that are often unsung.