Welcome Stacey Cogswell – Girly Geek of the Week!

Headshot2

Every time I feature a WIT, I go through so many emotions – the feeling of amazement at how these women do so much inside and outside of work, the feeling of inspiration reading their stories, the feeling of humbleness reading their stories and most of all the feeling of happiness that they have shared their stories with us.  Stacey is another #SuperMom AND #SuperGrandMom – yes you read that correctly – a volunteer, a Salesforce AND Pardot certified Consultant, #AccidentalAdmin and so much more!  

My favorite quote from her is “Salesforce is always growing, and we should be doing the same”

Me:  How & when did you start working with Salesforce?

Stacey: Like so many, I fell into Salesforce by accident. Several years ago, I was working for a recruiting company, and they mentioned they were getting a new CRM system. I asked my manager if there were demo videos or a place I could get acquainted with the system before it was rolled out. Well, it ended up that Salesforce was the new system, and I ended up being handed the admin credentials. “Can you learn the system, set it up for us and teach everyone how to use it?” was the request. Me and my big mouth! I immediately fell in love with Salesforce and was excited to set it up for our company.  I love hearing the beginnings of #AwesomeAdmins!
FullSizeRender10556862_10152771628766800_320199765526410454_o

Me:  What is your current role working with Salesforce?

Stacey: I am a Pardot and Salesforce consultant for Nuvem Consulting, a partner that is intensely focused on helping organizations be more successful with the platform. I get to help customers in a variety of industries set up their Salesforce org, sync Pardot to Salesforce and ensure they are making the most of both systems. We see a lot of companies that for many reasons are not utilizing the full capabilities of either system. Our mission is to empower Admins to stop working with band-aids and make sure they have the knowledge, resources and technical configuration necessary for long-term success. It’s incredibly rewarding to help companies reach their growth goals with Salesforce and Pardot.  I love that philosophy – stop working with band-aids!  

Me:  What is your favorite thing to do in Salesforce and why?

Stacey: I am a data junkie so I really enjoy reports. I love how quickly I can build a report to show whatever information I need in that moment, without needing to call on a developer. And when the next user needs similar analytics, they can modify my report on the fly to accommodate their need.  #Empower your users!! 

Me:  Are you currently certified? And if so what certifications do you hold?

Stacey: Of course! I have three certifications including Advanced Admin and also Pardot Specialist.  WooHoo!  We dont see many Pardot Certifications on GGOTW!  🙂 ❤

Me:  What are some of your aspirations and/or goals when it comes to Salesforce?

Stacey: I just really want to stay immersed in the entire Salesforce and Pardot community. I really enjoy working in Salesforce because it’s such a great platform and the Pardot system is so powerful but the community is what really inspires me. It’s such a great place to learn and share, to help and be helped, and a place you can always get encouragement. When I walk into Mel’s Diner at Dreamforce I feel like I’m walking into a room full of friends from all around the world. Yesss Mel’s love that place!  And I second what you say here about the amazing Communities!  ❤ Here’s a couple pic with one of the amazing Community Members, MVP Phil Southern!

IMG_0410

Me:  Do you have any advice for women working with Salesforce?

Stacey: Realize that everyone has something to offer the community. Wherever you’re at in your Salesforce journey or Community, jump in and go for it. If you have 100 questions, ask them. Your question will empower another user when they know the answer: win! And you’ll feel better for having learned: win! Plus you’ve made a new connection: win again! Add your thoughts, comments, suggestions and feedback. What you have to say matters, and the Success Community is evidence that Salesforce is listening. Additionally, never stop learning. Trailhead really makes it easy. Blaze a new trail, earn a new certification, try something new in a sandbox. Then blog about it so others can learn too. Salesforce is always growing, and we should be doing the same.  “Salesforce is always growing, and we should be doing the same”  Amazing quote I could not agree more with!

Me:  What kinds of things are you involved in, and/or do you like to do outside of the Salesforce world?

Stacey: I have a great family with three boys, two daughters-in-law and three grand kids so any minute I can spend with them I take advantage of. I’m also involved with student ministry at my church, training new volunteers as well as hanging out with the middle school and high school ladies. I love to see the passion the next generation has for technology and for each other. OMG!!! You have just topped all of the other #Supermoms that i have featured!! Grandchildren??!! I am currently bowing in front of my computer at you!! You have a beautiful family! ❤

1468766_10151921177409733_228888759_n
1534888_10152884815246800_1562861001520587941_o
27786_416509631799_613984_n
1001822_10151705681716800_2087550481_n
1048017_10151740676211800_1387024079_o

Me:  Are you part of a WIT Chapter?

Stacey: Unfortunately, the closest WIT chapter to me is a couple hours away. It often isn’t possible for me to attend as I’d like. I am, however, involved in a local non-Salesforce group of Cape Fear Women in Tech, the Wilmington Salesforce User Group and the soon-to-launch Coastal Carolina Pardot User Group.  You’re involved.  Perfect!  Not sure when you find time though! 🙂

It was a pleasure getting to know you Stacey and thank you very much for sharing!

You are definitely an inspiration!

For those of you that want to follow Stacey, here are her links:
Linkedin:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceycogswell
Twitter handle:  @stay_sea_
Sfdc Community link:  https://success.salesforce.com/_ui/core/userprofile/UserProfilePage?u=0053000000Bi0iE
Company Blog:  http://nuvem.ly/20CdXTb

A little bit more about Stacey!

I’m a Salesforce and Pardot Consultant at Nuvem Consulting with a passion for sales and marketing technologies. With a background in customer success and marketing, I worked several years helping organizations drive more value with Salesforce and Pardot. I’m a Certified Salesforce Advanced Administrator and Certified Pardot Specialist. I’m based in Wilmington, North Carolina, and a member of the Wilmington Salesforce User Group and the Coastal Carolina Pardot User Group.

My interests include Pardot marketing automation training and optimization; completing audits on Salesforce performance and utilization; closed-loop sales and marketing reports.