The Hiring Edge

Send a text Are you hiring for "culture fit" or for outcomes? In 2026, that distinction will determine if your Salesforce team sinks or swims. Most hiring managers are falling into the "Mirror-tocracy" trap—hiring people just like them instead of the talent they actually need. In Part 2 of our ecosystem outlook, Josh Matthews and Scott Stafford reveal why "gut feel" is a career-killer and how the hiring landscape has shifted. If you want to build a high-performing team that can actually orchestrate AI, you have to change how you interview. In this episode: The 20% Rule:The Live Prompt Test:Data Literacy vs. AI:The Tom Graber Story:Merit vs. Familiarity:Featured Opportunity: We are currently hiring for a Salesforce Marketing/Data Cloud Pro (Chicago/Hybrid). View details at thesalesforcerecruiter.com. Connect with the Show: YouTube: Joshforce ChannelWeb:thesalesforcerecruiter.com

Send us a text Salesforce demand dropped 37% in 2024, but the 2026 recovery is already leaving "average" Admins behind. Are you catching the wave, or getting crushed by the coral? In this episode of The Hiring Edge, host Josh Matthews and 27x Certified Architect Scott Stafford break down the "75% Delta of Pain" currently hitting the ecosystem. We move past the Reddit rants and look at the actual data: who is getting hired, who is getting $25k premiums, and why "manual configuration" is a career dead-end. Key Insights for your 2026 Career Plan: The Surfing Strategy:beforeThe "Jimmy" Trap:The Premium Pivot:AI Orchestration:Featured Guest: Scott Stafford, 27x Certified Salesforce Architect. Stop guessing about your career. Listen now to get the 2026 Talent Roadmap.

Send us a text Cold calls, cold emails, cold everything — they’re dead. In this episode, Josh Matthews sits down with Drew Sechrist, one of the earliest Salesforce builders and now the founder of Connect The Dots, to break down how authentic relationships drive sales, recruiting, and growth in 2025. They unpack: trustIf you lead sales, recruiting, or you’re a founder trying to stand out in a noisy world — this one’s for you.

Send us a text Most companies hire too fast, fire too slow, and wonder why they stay stuck in the minors. Josh Matthews and business coach Chris Hallberg unpack how “slow to hire, quick to fire” really works — from using assessments and culture filters to holding leaders accountable and scaling simplicity. A masterclass in hiring and leadership without the corporate BS. Why do so many companies keep hiring the wrong people — and then keep them too long? In this straight-talking episode, Josh and Chris break down what “slow to hire, quick to fire” actually means — and why most organizations get it dead wrong. You’ll learn how to: Brutally honest and packed with takeaways, this one’s for leaders and recruiters ready to play in the majors. Connect with Chris Hallberg: 🔹 Website: https://bizsgt.com 🔹 GoExpand: https://goexpand.com 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishallberg/ 🔹 Book: The Business Sergeant’s Field Manual — available on Amazon: Connect with Josh Matthews: 🔹 Website: https://thesalesforcerecruiter.com 🔹 YouTube: https://joshforce.com/YouTube 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamatthews

Send us a text The recent Salesforce layoffs shook the tech world—over 4,000 jobs cut globally. But if you’re impacted, this isn’t the end of your career—it could be the turning point. In this episode of The Hiring Edge by Joshforce, Josh Matthews is joined by Michael Vukovich (CEO, Wise Wolves) and Peter Ganza to deliver practical, proven strategies to help Salesforce professionals navigate layoffs and land their next opportunity. What you’ll learn in this episode: If you’ve been affected by layoffs, this conversation offers both immediate tactics and long-term career management advice. 👉 Subscribe for more hiring insights from Joshforce and The Hiring Edge. 👉 Watch related episodes on navigating layoffs and career pivots. #SalesforceCareers #Layoffs2025 #TechJobs #CareerAdvice

Send us a text In this episode of The Hiring Edge, host Josh Matthews brings on Salesforce architect and founder of the People First Method, Jon Cline. This isn’t your typical tech talk — Jon breaks down how soft skills like empathy, communication, and collaboration are the real power plays in the tech world. He shares a powerful transformation story of Serena, a military spouse who went from jobless and discouraged to landing a major role and leading projects — all by shifting how she showed up in interviews and on teams. They unpack: not🚨 LIMITED OFFER: Use code shared in the podcast at PeopleFirstMethod.com to get 50% OFF the next cohort — only 12 spots available. Starts in September.

Send us a text Betrayal at work is the hidden threat sabotaging your culture, health, and performance. In this episode, Josh Matthews talks with Dr. Debi Silber, TEDx speaker, psychologist, and author of Trust Again, about how workplace betrayal damages trust and how you can heal. Learn why betrayal is different from any other trauma, the symptoms of Post-Betrayal Syndrome, and the five proven stages of recovery. Whether you lead a team or are healing yourself, you’ll discover actionable strategies to rebuild trust and create a thriving workplace. Keywords: workplace betrayal, rebuilding trust, team culture, leadership, trauma recovery, Dr. Debi Silber, TEDx speaker, Post-Betrayal Syndrome, employee well-being

Send us a text Is your pay strategy quietly driving talent out the door? In this no-fluff episode, Josh Matthews sits down with compensation expert Scott Trumpolt to break down pay transparency laws, broken bonus systems, and how to finally build comp plans that retain and motivate. If you're hiring, leading, or scaling, this one’s a game-changer. 🔍 Chapters: 00:16 – Why your comp strategy might be broken 01:27 – What pay transparency laws get wrong 05:06 – The problem with static pay bands 11:35 – Building trust through variable pay transparency 19:22 – The truth about salary data (Glassdoor, Salary.com, etc.) 22:58 – Pay equity in remote vs. on-site roles 🎙 Guest: Scott Trumpolt Founder, HRCompensationConsulting.com LinkedIn: Scott Trumpolt 📌 Host: Josh Matthews | The Hiring Edge – Smarter Teams. No Fluff.

Send us a text In this raw and real episode of Salesforce Hiring Edge, we sit down with David Kestenberg — former CIO, startup founder, and transformation leader — to talk about something no one is saying out loud in tech hiring: vulnerability is a weapon. From building authentic teams to calling BS on fake personas in interviews, David, Josh Matthews, and Josh LeQuire break down how to create a culture where people are safe to be real — and why that leads to better hires, better retention, and better outcomes. You’ll learn: 🎯 Whether you're hiring, getting hired, or leading a team — this episode is your blueprint for building something that lasts. 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn: Josh Matthews | David Kestenberg | Josh LeQuire 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app. 📺 Watch full episodes on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSmNMZJZbG-cywtt1nVYZWA

Send us a text Not all recruiters are equal — and hiring the wrong one could cost you time, money, and top talent. In this episode, Josh Matthews explains exactly how to vet a recruiter, what red flags to avoid, and how speed and quality can work together to deliver better hires. Learn why specialization, transparency, and relationship-building are non-negotiable if you want to build a high-performing Salesforce team. Listen in and upgrade your hiring strategy. #Recruiting #SalesforceHiring #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #HiringTips

Send us a text Your interview process might be broken—and costing you top talent. Ex-Google & Salesforce engineer Mike Mroczka, author of Beyond Cracking the Coding Interview, joins us again to break down what most companies get dead wrong about hiring. Whether you're building a Salesforce team or scaling a broader tech org, this episode dives deep into the mindset and mechanics of smarter hiring. You’ll learn: ✔ The #1 red flag in most tech interviews (and how to fix it) ✔ Why great engineers bomb interviews—and bad ones pass ✔ The truth about "chemistry" vs. bias in hiring ✔ How to vet technical talent when you’re not technical ✔ What makes Big Tech hiring so effective (and what you can steal) ✔ Why your interview process needs to be written down—yesterday 🔥 Whether you're hiring your first developer or your fiftieth, this is the real talk every leader needs. 🎧 Prefer audio? Listen to this episode on the Hiring Edge Podcast. 📌 Chapters 0:00 – Intro: Are You Hiring Wrong? 1:10 – Why You Need a Real Interview Process 3:30 – Vetting Engineers Without Being Technical 6:45 – Bias, Rapport & the "Likeability Trap" 9:10 – The Interview Systems That Actually Work 12:00 – Trial Periods: Good Idea or Red Flag? 14:20 – What Big Tech Gets Right (And You Can Too) 17:05 – Take-Home Tests: Pros, Cons, & Pay 19:30 – The Only Hiring Metric That Really Matters 21:45 – Final Thoughts & Podcast Info 👇 LINKS: 📕 Get Mike’s book: bctci.co/amazon🌐 Visit Mike: mikemroczka.com 📢 Subscribe for more unfiltered hiring insights. ⌚ Video Duration: 00:25:31 ⇉ Like this video? Smash that like button, share with your team, and don’t forget to subscribe. 🔔 New videos every week from the JoshForce crew. 🔗 Stay Connected: ★ WEBSITE – https://cutt.ly/ereKKTe9 ★ LINKEDIN – https://cutt.ly/7reKLyd7 ★ TWITTER – https://cutt.ly/DreKLDFf ★ SUBSCRIBE – /@joshforce ⚠ DISCLAIMER: entertainment only. This channel does not promote or encourage any illegal activity. All content is for education and #salesforce #techinterviews #hiringstrategy #scalefast #leadershiptips #engineeringteams #culturefit #salesforcehiring #teamgrowth #startupleadership #businessleadership #interviewprocess #recruitingtip

Send us a text Welcome to the Salesforce Hiring Edge, hosted by Josh Matthews and co-host Josh LeQuire. In this powerful episode, we break down exactly what it takes to hire the right Salesforce SI (System Integrator) partner — and why making the wrong choice could cost you your career. From uncovering the #1 factor in Salesforce implementation success (spoiler: it’s client engagement), to red flags in partner pitches, to protecting your investment through smart, small-bite projects — this conversation is a goldmine for any leader navigating the Salesforce ecosystem. 👉 Whether you’re running a Fortune 100 or a 5-person startup, this is required listening before you sign another consulting contract. 💼 Links & Resources: 🔗 Ccurrents.com – Proven Salesforce SI partner delivering enterprise results with startup hustle. 🔗 TheSalesforceRecruiter.com – Your source for Salesforce recruiting and talent acquisition across the ecosystem. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why Client Engagement Trumps Everything 01:00 – Navigating the 2,000+ SI Partners on AppExchange 03:00 – What Salesforce AEs Won’t Tell You 07:00 – Why Most Implementations Fail 10:00 – How to Vet Partners (Questions That Matter) 14:00 – The Power of Weekly Status Reports 18:00 – Root Causes of Technical Debt 21:00 – Bite-Sized Projects to De-Risk Big Decisions 23:00 – Final Thoughts: Protect Your Career First Listen in, take notes, and remember: a good partner tells their story. A great one tells yours. Subscribe now to never miss a brutally honest take on hiring within the Salesforce ecosystem.

Send us a text This episode is WILD. We sit down with Mike Mroczka—author, ex-Googler, ex-Salesforce employee, and interview coach—to talk about the growing epidemic of AI-assisted cheating in technical interviews. We're not talking theory—this is what’s actually happening in the trenches. Mike breaks down: 💡 If you’re hiring in tech or interviewing for a tech role, this conversation is non-negotiable. It’s time to outsmart the system—without compromising integrity. 📕 Get Mike’s book: bctci.co/amazon 🌐 Learn more: mikemroczka.com 🎧 Thanks for listening to Hiring Edge — formerly the Salesforce Career Show. For the full visual - check out JoshForce on YT!

What does it really take to scale a Salesforce team from 10 to 200—without chaos? In this episode of Salesforce Hiring Edge, Josh Matthews and Josh LeQuire are joined by David Kestenberg: former CIO, Salesforce transformation leader, and 5-time Dreamforce speaker. David shares hard-won lessons on hiring for trajectory, building leadership layers, and maintaining clarity and accountability—even when you're growing at warp speed. From ‘sniper’ developers to culture-building rituals, you’ll learn how to balance technical needs with human dynamics, set your managers up for success, and create systems that scale. Packed with real-world advice for tech leaders, consulting partners, and hiring managers who want to build high-performing teams the smart way. takeaways Sound Bites interview process, vibe check, team dynamics, technical skills, hiring, management, leadership, organizational culture

n this episode of Salesforce Hiring Edge, Josh Matthews and Josh LeQuire break down two real-world Salesforce hiring stories—one a textbook win, the other a slow-motion fail. You’ll learn exactly what separates high-velocity teams who land top talent from the ones who lose momentum and miss out. Josh unpacks a step-by-step playbook on how one fast-moving company hired a Salesforce pro in under 48 hours—from job order to offer. No red tape, no games, just clear priorities, time-blocked interviews, and decisive leadership. 💡 Learn why: cost you bigPerfect for Salesforce hiring managers, delivery leaders, and anyone tired of watching top talent slip through their fingers. 🔗 Subscribe, review, and share this with someone who needs to hear it. Keywords: Salesforce hiring, remote hiring strategy, talent acquisition 2025, Salesforce recruiter, fast hiring process, staffing strategy, candidate experience, HR tech, Twilio hiring automation, AI recruiting tools

In the final live episode of the Salesforce Career Show, hosts Josh Matthews and Josh LaQuire are joined by a powerhouse panel including Vanessa Grant, Mike Mikula, and Anthony Rodriguez to discuss the question everyone in the ecosystem is asking: How will AI reshape our careers? This extended finale delivers a deep, honest, and highly detailed breakdown of how artificial intelligence is already impacting Salesforce roles—from project managers and admins to developers, BAs, and architects. Drawing on a research-backed report of 56+ sources, the hosts provide concrete statistics, real-world examples, and industry predictions that range from exciting to alarming. But this episode isn’t just about disruption—it’s also about opportunity. From leveraging AI for documentation, delivery, and development, to building human-centric skills like communication and emotional intelligence, this episode offers a roadmap for anyone who wants to adapt, lead, and thrive in the AI era. Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes look at the rebrand to “Salesforce Hiring Edge,” what’s changing, what’s coming next, and a heartfelt tribute to a fallen friend whose legacy inspired the show’s evolution. Key Topics Include: The real stats: 30–65% of some Salesforce roles may be disrupted by AIWhich skills are future-proof—and which ones need urgent developmentHow DevOps, prompt engineering, and ethical AI expertise will define new rolesWhat hiring managers now expect from candidates and consultants alikeThe future of live shows, Clubhouse nostalgia, and what’s next for the podcastA powerful tribute to Tom Graber and a message about embracing your authentic selfWhether you're an admin, consultant, developer, or PM, this episode will change how you view your career—and help you make smarter, faster, and more human-centered moves going forward. This episode is brought to you by Josh Matthews: thesalesforcerecruiter.com For more terrific content, join our social network and get connected to our Salesforce community. Visit Salesforce Career Show: salesforcecareershow.comConnect with SalesForce Staffing on LinkedInConnect on LinkedIn: Josh MatthewsFollow us on Twitter: TheJoshForceSubscribe to our YouTube Channel Chapters 00:00 - Opening Introductions and Show Format Updates 06:57 - Show Rebrand: From Salesforce Career Show to Hiring Edge 14:20 - The Role of AI in the Salesforce Ecosystem 20:08 - Deep Dive: AI’s Impact on Business Analysts (BAs) 23:57 - Developer Perspective: Building With and Beyond AI 30:44 - Real-World AI Stats and Predictions Across Salesforce Roles 42:08 - High-Impact Skills and Certifications for AI-Era Salesforce Pros 53:33 - Government, Compliance, and AI: Security Concerns and Limits 1:01:52 - Can AI Fully Automate Salesforce Implementations? 1:12:11 - PMs and AI: Will AI Replace Project Managers? 1:23:55 - Final Reflections: How to Future-Proof Your Career With AI

The AI revolution isn’t coming—it’s already here. And for Salesforce administrators, this means big changes. AI-powered tools like Einstein and AgentForce are now handling 40-50% of manual tasks, automating processes such as user permissions, report generation, and workflow creation. With AI evolving at an unprecedented speed, the role of the Salesforce admin is shifting from configurator to strategic orchestrator. In this episode of the Salesforce Career Show, hosts Josh Matthews and Josh LeQuire welcome David Forder, founder of Sentia AI, a leading company in AI-powered Salesforce automation. They dive deep into what these changes mean for current and aspiring admins, including what skills will be essential to stay competitive and thrive in an AI-driven ecosystem. Beyond just automation, the panel explores how AI governance, DevOps practices, and business analysis will shape the next generation of Salesforce careers. Whether you’re a seasoned admin or just breaking into the ecosystem, this episode provides the critical insights and strategies you need to future-proof your career. Key Topics Include: This episode is brought to you by Josh Matthews: thesalesforcerecruiter.com For more terrific content, join our social network and get connected to our Salesforce community. salesforcecareershow.comConnect with SalesForce Staffing on LinkedIn Josh MatthewsTheJoshForceYouTube Channel Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction to AI’s Impact on Admins 00:07 - The AI Revolution: Why It’s Changing the Salesforce Ecosystem Now 00:25 - Einstein GPT, AgentForce, and the Future of Automation 00:54 - The Admin Role Shift: From Configurator to Strategic Orchestrator 01:17 - The Salesforce Career Show’s New Name & Format Announcement 01:41 - Introduction to Guest: David Forder, Founder of Sentia AI 02:28 - How Sentia AI is Innovating AI-Powered Salesforce Workflows 03:09 - What AI Means for Admins: Opportunities & Risks 05:30 - How AI Will Automate 50% of Current Admin Responsibilities 06:41 - Admin Survival Guide: The Skills You Must Learn Now 09:35 - Why DevOps is Becoming Essential for Salesforce Admins 12:44 - AI Governance: What Admins Need to Know About Data & Ethics 14:09 - The 30% Reduction in Admin Jobs: Who Will Be Left Behind? 17:54 - How Admins Can Become AI Experts (And Secure a 22% Pay Raise) 22:37 - The Business Impact of AI: How to Align with Company Needs 25:45 - The Role of AI in Business Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement 31:05 - What Hiring Managers Now Expect from Salesforce Admins 36:28 - Actionable Career Advice: How to Stay Relevant in

Are you ready to step into a leadership role—or are you being pushed into one for the wrong reasons? In this episode of The Salesforce Career Show, we uncover the reality of leadership and whether it’s the right path for you. Join host Josh Matthews, co-host Josh LaQuire, and leadership expert Whitney Farris as they dive deep into the challenges of Salesforce leadership, career progression myths, and how to thrive as a people leader. Learn the key skills that separate great leaders from struggling managers and how AI is reshaping business, hiring, and career development. We also break down highlights from the Salesforce Spring 2025 Release Notes and introduce our new segment: AI Spotlight, where we explore the latest in AI for leadership and career growth. 🎧 Subscribe now to stay ahead in your Salesforce career! (Relevant topics: Salesforce leadership, career growth, people leadership skills, becoming a manager, Salesforce career advice, AI in business, AI in leadership, Salesforce Spring 2025 Release.)

In this thought-provoking episode of the Salesforce Career Show, hosts Josh Matthews and Vanessa Grant—joined by expert guests Josh LeQuire and Jon Cline—tackle a crucial yet often overlooked skill: tone and professional communication. Our tone of voice shapes how we are perceived in different professional settings—whether we’re speaking to executives, leading a meeting, presenting at a conference, or conducting an interview. But does a confident tone always mean success? Should you adjust your tone depending on your audience? Is “consultant speak” helpful or harmful? The panel dives deep into the nuances of communication, exploring when and how to adapt your tone for impact while staying authentic. This episode also marks Vanessa Grant’s final show as co-host, as she reflects on three years of sharing insights, growing her platform, and helping thousands of Salesforce professionals advance their careers. Key topics include: Whether you’re navigating high-stakes meetings, client interactions, or public speaking engagements, this episode will help you develop a strong, adaptable, and authentic professional voice that commands respect and fosters trust. This episode is brought to you by Josh Matthews: thesalesforcerecruiter.com For more terrific content, join our social network and get connected to our Salesforce community. salesforcecareershow.comConnect with SalesForce Staffing on LinkedIn Josh MatthewsTheJoshForceYouTube Channel Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome and Vanessa Grant’s Final Episode Announcement 00:12:45 - The Importance of Tone in Professional Settings 00:27:50 - Confidence vs. Authenticity: When to Adjust Your Tone 00:42:15 - How to Communicate Uncertainty Without Losing Credibility 00:55:30 - The “Consultant Voice”: Does It Build Trust or Push People Away? 01:10:45 - Mastering Tone: Pacing, Emphasis, and the Power of the Pause 01:25:00 - One-Minute Vocal Training Exercise for Stronger Speech 01:40:15 - Vanessa’s Reflections: Three Years of the Salesforce Career Show

Quitting vs. Conquering: How to Navigate Career Decisions in the Salesforce Ecosystem In this insightful episode of the Salesforce Career Show, hosts Josh Matthews and Vanessa Grant are joined by industry experts Tom Graber, Brandon Stein, Reid Marquand, and Josh LaQuire to tackle one of the toughest career questions: Should you stay or should you go? They dive deep into the reasons why people leave jobs, how to evaluate if quitting is truly the best move, and what steps you should take before making a final decision. Whether it’s about growth opportunities, compensation, leadership, or workplace culture, this episode is packed with real-world insights and practical strategies to help you make career decisions with confidence. Key topics include: Before you make a move, listen to this episode and gain the clarity you need to make the right choice for your career! This episode is brought to you by Josh Matthews: thesalesforcerecruiter.com For more terrific content, join our social network and get connected to our Salesforce community. salesforcecareershow.comConnect with Salesforce Staffing on LinkedIn Josh MatthewsTheJoshForceYouTube ChannelChapters: 00:00 - Welcome and Career Decision Framework Introduction 00:12:45 - The Top Five Reasons People Quit: Breaking Them Down 00:27:50 - Career Growth: Are You Really Stuck or Just Not Taking Initiative? 00:42:15 - Salary vs. Reality: Are You Actually Underpaid? 00:55:30 - Work-Life Balance: Is It the Job or Is It You? 01:10:45 - Toxic Workplaces: When to Leave and When to Adapt 01:25:00 - Bad Leadership: What to Do When Your Boss Is the Problem 01:40:15 - Final Thoughts: Stay, Go, or Take Control of Your Career?