Jim Steele has had a significant and influential career at Salesforce. His journey with the company is often referred to as a “Boomerang” story, symbolizing his departure and eventual return to Salesforce. Steele began his career with IBM, where he worked for 23 years before moving to Ariba in 2000. His transition to Salesforce occurred in 2002, following a decline in Ariba’s fortunes due to the .com bubble burst.

At Salesforce, Steele initially took on the role of President of Global Sales, where he faced the challenge of establishing Salesforce in the enterprise market, a sector that was initially reluctant to embrace the new company. Despite these challenges, Steele’s efforts gradually paid off, leading to a significant growth in Salesforce’s customer base and business scale.

In his eight years as President of Global Sales, Steele made a considerable impact before transitioning to the role of Chief Customer Officer. This role was a novel concept at the time, and it emphasized Salesforce’s commitment to customer-centricity. Steele’s responsibilities in this role involved a deep focus on customer needs and innovation, contributing to Salesforce’s reputation as a customer-focused company.

Steele left Salesforce in 2014 to explore opportunities in the startup world, joining companies like InsideSales.com and Yext, where he played a significant role in their development and success. In 2020, Steele returned to Salesforce as the President of Global Strategic Customers, then advancing to the position of President of Global Strategic Customers & Partners. This return marked his commitment to Salesforce and its values, including the importance of customer relationships and the company’s growth.

Throughout his career, Steele has emphasized the importance of reinventing oneself and the value of nurturing professional relationships. His story with Salesforce showcases the dynamic nature of careers in the tech industry and the potential for growth and learning in various roles​​​​.