Finding Home in the Salesforce Universe: Akash Mishra’s Journey from Community Connection to Purpose-Driven Growth

About Akash Mishra

Salesforce Community Champion | SI Partner Consultant | Nonprofit Advocate

Akash Mishra is a passionate Salesforce Principal Architect at Maantic Inc., a Salesforce SI Partner specializing in implementation, optimization, and strategic consulting. With 2-4 Dreamforce attendances since 2023, Akash brings a unique perspective shaped by deep community connections and a genuine commitment to creating meaningful impact through technology.

As an active member of the Salesforce nonprofit community, Akash has been instrumental in fostering connections that transcend traditional networking, focusing instead on building lasting relationships that drive collective purpose. His approach to the Salesforce ecosystem reflects a fundamental belief: technology is powerful, but community is transformational.

His Journey in Focus:

• 🏢 Salesforce SI Partner consultant at Maantic Inc.

• 🤝 Key contributor to Nonprofit Dreamin’ community initiative

• 🌍 Connected with global Salesforce nonprofit leaders since 2020

• 🎯 Focused on leveraging AI and Data Cloud for greater impact

• 💼 Helping organizations achieve their goals through strategic Salesforce consulting

If the Salesforce ecosystem were a universe, Akash would describe Dreamforce as stepping into the “mothership”—and his journey reflects exactly that sense of coming home to a community where purpose and technology intersect.

Stepping Into the Mothership: Dreamforce 2023

Walking into my very first Dreamforce in 2023 felt like stepping into the heart of the Salesforce universe—the “mothership” that has empowered my journey at every stage. But what I found there was far more profound than I had anticipated.

What stood out most wasn’t the impressive scale or the cutting-edge technology demonstrations. It was meeting the incredible Salesforce nonprofit community in person for the first time. These were people I had learned from, collaborated with, and admired from afar since 2020. Now they were right there, sharing stories, ideas, and genuine warmth.

It felt like coming home to a family I always belonged to.

I attended several technical sessions, each one expanding my horizons from understanding new features to exploring innovative ways to create impact for nonprofits. The learning was phenomenal. But beyond the sessions and technology, it was the human connections, the kindness, and the shared purpose to make the world better that made Dreamforce 2023 unforgettable for me.

The Community “Aha Moment” That Changed Everything

My biggest “aha moment” from my first Dreamforce was realizing the true power of the Salesforce community. I had always known that the community was strong online—I’d been part of it since 2020, during the difficult times of COVID-19. But seeing it in person was something else entirely.

Meeting so many generous, passionate, and knowledgeable people—all willing to share, support, and uplift each other—made me realize that Salesforce is not just a technology platform; it’s a movement driven by people. That sense of belonging, purpose, and collective impact was my biggest “aha” and continues to inspire me every day.

If I ever get the chance to write an autobiography of my professional journey, the first chapter would be titled “The Community,” and the final chapter would be “The Salesforce Community: My Extended Family.”

Beyond Expectations: People, Purpose, and Possibility

Before attending my first Dreamforce, I expected it to be a large tech conference with lots of sessions and product announcements. But being there in person far exceeded those expectations.

Dreamforce wasn’t just about technology, or the platform, or developers, architects, or admins—it was about people, purpose, and possibility. I was amazed by how welcoming and energizing the environment felt. The sense of community was stronger than I ever imagined, and every interaction reminded me why I love working in the Salesforce ecosystem.

It felt less like a conference and more like a celebration of what we can achieve together.

The Lasting Lesson: Leading with Community and Curiosity

The most valuable thing I learned at Dreamforce was the importance of leading with community and curiosity. Yes, I gained technical knowledge and new insights into Salesforce products, but what truly stays with me is the mindset I witnessed—people openly sharing ideas, asking questions without hesitation, and supporting each other’s growth.

Even today, I carry that lesson forward in my work at Maantic Inc.: to stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of community in creating meaningful impact.

Voices That Inspired: Keynotes That Resonated

Two speakers had the biggest impact on me at Dreamforce: Mark Benioff during the Main Keynote and Cori O’Brian during the Nonprofit Keynote.

Mark’s keynote was inspiring because it reminded me of the bigger purpose behind technology—to create a better world and uplift communities. His vision for business as a platform for change resonated deeply with me and reinforced why I chose to work in this ecosystem.

Cori O’Brian’s Nonprofit Keynote was equally impactful. Hearing her speak about real nonprofit success stories, innovation, and the roadmap for the sector made me feel seen as part of this community and motivated me to drive even greater impact through Salesforce.

Both speakers reinforced that technology becomes truly powerful when it serves a higher purpose.

Career Vision Expanded: Dreaming Bigger

Attending Dreamforce has expanded my vision for what’s possible in my career. It showed me that there’s a whole world of opportunities within the Salesforce ecosystem, far beyond what I had imagined before.

Being at Dreamforce made me realize that with the right skills, connections, and purpose, I can grow in directions that truly align with my values. It inspired me to think bigger, to dream of roles where I can create meaningful impact, and to keep learning so I can serve the community better every single day.

The event didn’t just show me career paths—it showed me career purpose.

A Connection That Sparked a Movement

One of the most meaningful connections I made at Dreamforce was finally meeting Melissa Hill Dees in person. We first connected online back in 2020 during the difficult times of COVID-19, and our very first conversation laid the foundation for Nonprofit Dreamin’—a nonprofit community-focused event that stands as a testament to the power of community.

Meeting Melissa and many other nonprofit professionals face-to-face at Dreamforce took those connections to a deeper level. We shared our journeys, challenges, and hopes for creating impact through Salesforce. That in-person connection turned into ongoing mentorship, friendship, and collaboration.

It reminded me that Dreamforce isn’t just about sessions and technology—it’s about finding people who share your purpose and walk alongside you to amplify it. These relationships continue to inspire and support me every single day.

My Extended Family: The Salesforce Community

From the very beginning to where I stand today, it is the community that has shaped me, supported me, and given me purpose. The Salesforce community, in particular, has become my home—a place of inclusivity, love, and deep respect.

It is more than just a network; it is a family that continues to inspire me every single day. This community has been my constant source of learning, growth, and belonging throughout my professional journey.

Networking Philosophy: Authentic Over Transactional

My networking strategy at Dreamforce is simple: stay original, be intentional and curious, and focus on building genuine relationships over mere contacts.

For me, Dreamforce has been less about business deals and more about meeting my extended family—the Salesforce community. But that authentic connection has directly impacted our organization at Maantic Inc. by bringing fresh ideas, inspiring solutions, and partnerships that strengthen our work.

Being part of this community keeps us aligned with innovation while staying rooted in purpose.

Technology Discoveries That Transform Impact

At Dreamforce, I discovered Salesforce Data Cloud, Agentforce, and the latest innovations that are shaping the future of CRM. Learning best practices directly from experts transformed how we approach data, service, and impact at Maantic Inc.

These solutions have helped us think bigger, work smarter, and serve our community more effectively. The key was seeing these technologies not just as features, but as tools for creating meaningful change in the organizations we serve.

Success Stories Born from Dreamforce Conversations

One success story that started at Dreamforce was rooted in the powerful conversations we had there. Those discussions sparked new ideas and approaches that transformed how we solve problems for our customers.

Many of our success stories today can be traced back to the meaningful connections and insights gained at Dreamforce, which continue to shape our journey and the impact we create through our consulting work.

Looking Ahead: Dreamforce 2025 and the AI-First Revolution

I am most excited about Dreamforce 2025 because it will be all about the AI-first revolution and the future of intelligent solutions. I’m looking forward to learning how AI, Data Cloud, and Agentforce will transform the way we work, and to hearing bold ideas from visionary leaders.

But more than anything, I’m excited for the meaningful conversations and connections that Dreamforce always brings—the ones that spark new ideas and inspire greater impact in the work we do.

My main goal for Dreamforce 2025 is to make meaningful connections, meet inspiring people, build new relationships, and strengthen partnerships that can drive greater impact in the future.

Essential Advice for First-Time Attendees

My #1 tip for someone attending Dreamforce for the first time: Don’t try to do it all—focus on what matters most to you and make time to connect with people. That’s where the real magic happens.

What NOT to Miss:

• Main Keynote to understand Salesforce’s vision

• Nonprofit Keynote for powerful sector insights (if relevant to your work)

• Agentforce sessions and workshops for practical skills you can apply immediately

• Evening parties and networking events—that’s where some of the most meaningful connections truly happen

Preparation Strategy:

Before attending Dreamforce, take time to define your goals—what you want to learn, who you want to meet, and how it aligns with your work. Review the agenda in advance and plan your sessions strategically. Reach out to people you want to connect with and set up meetings early.

Most importantly, prepare to be fully present, open-minded, and ready to absorb and act on new ideas.

The Biggest Mistake:

The biggest mistake I see people make at Dreamforce is trying to attend too many sessions without leaving time for meaningful conversations and connections. Dreamforce is as much about the people you meet as it is about what you learn.

A Universal Experience

One thing I’d like to share is that Dreamforce is truly a must-attend event for everyone in the ecosystem:

• If you’re part of the Salesforce community, it’s where you find inspiration and connection

• If you’re a customer, it’s where you discover new possibilities for your organization

• If you’re an ISV or SI, it’s where you build relationships and shape the future together

Dreamforce is an experience that fuels purpose, learning, and growth at every level.

The Continuing Journey

Through my work at Maantic Inc., I help organizations leverage Salesforce effectively to achieve their goals through implementation, optimization, and strategic consulting. But what drives that work—what gives it meaning—is the community connections and shared purpose I discovered at Dreamforce.

The Salesforce ecosystem taught me that the most powerful solutions aren’t just technical—they’re human. They connect people, enable purpose, and create lasting impact that goes far beyond any single platform or feature.

That’s the real magic of Dreamforce: it doesn’t just show you what’s possible with technology. It shows you what’s possible when technology serves community, when innovation serves purpose, and when individual growth serves collective impact.

The mothership isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a mindset you carry forward, a community you belong to, and a purpose you serve every single day.

Akash Mishra is a Salesforce consultant at Maantic Inc., where he helps organizations achieve their goals through strategic Salesforce implementation and optimization. Connect with him on LinkedIn or X for authentic conversations about community, purpose, and the transformational power of the Salesforce ecosystem.