We caught up with Sovan Bin, Founder and CEO of Odaseva, at Dreamforce ’19. Sovan was born in France

We caught up with Sovan Bin, Founder and CEO of Odaseva, at Dreamforce ’19. Sovan was born in France but now lives in San Francisco. He still frequently visits France to visit friends and family and to work with his team at the Odaseva Paris headquarters.

You studied business in school. How did you get started in Technology?

It all started with a misunderstanding.

The French university where I got my Master degree in Business was sharing a campus with a university delivering a Master degree in Computer Science. When I joined Capgemini in 2004, I was assigned to a large Oracle Siebel CRM project, in the Technology division.

After 1 year, during my employee review, I asked HR why I had not been assigned to the Capgemini Consulting and Strategy division that seemed to be a better fit with my business degree. Apparently there was a misunderstanding, they thought I had a Master degree in Computer Science.

They asked me if I wanted to change, I said no–technology is just awesome. I was passionate about technology since I was 11 years old, back in 1991 when I got my first Personal Computer; and got even more addicted to it after trying to create a software company in Neural Networks in 2003.

You were one of the first ten architects to pass the CTA exam and were the very first CTA from EMEA. How did you prepare for the exam?

When I joined Salesforce back in 2007, we were only a few in the Paris office. There was no Trailhead, but there was Salesforce University and I had the best mentor ever with Jean-Luc Antoine, CTA.

As a consultant working for the Salesforce Expert Services division, my job was to know everything about Salesforce technology, and “everything” puts the bar pretty high. So I studied and memorized every Salesforce documentation I could find (https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/).

Then I went through every Salesforce certification that existed at the time: the 201, 301, 401, 501, CON, Sales Cloud, Service Cloud. The 501 was the hardest certification of my life as I had never learned how to code before Salesforce, and the 501 contained a real code scenario.

It took me 12 months to prepare, by studying the thousands of pages of the Salesforce Soap API, Apex, Visualforce and the SControl (may it rest in peace) documentation. My mentor Jean-Luc coached me month after month: collaborating on a chess game developed in Apex/Visualforce, competing on THE fastest Sudoku solver written in Javascript, with macro and micro performance optimizations, collaborating on the PAD methodology (Parallel Apex Development) for complex Salesforce projects involving dozen or hundred of developers, etc

I had managed 40 Enterprise Customers delivery in 5 years at Salesforce and after leading the Architecture of what was the biggest Salesforce European project ever with Schneider Electric, I was informed that there was a brand new certification for Architecture, the CTA. There was no more documentation to read, no more project to learn from, no more Architectural challenge I felt i was not ready for; so I just applied and went there, “unprepared” but yet feeling super prepared from my real world experience. After the CTA panel I was not sure if I would get it, but apparently I did and I felt euphoric, and more importantly I felt honored and recognized by my peers; to me it was like receiving a Master Degree in Computer Science, and this time there was no misunderstanding :-).

I don’t know any other CTAs that have founded a product company that is on the AppExchange. What does the name Odaseva mean and what do you do?

The first part of Odaseva starts with Oda, from the French word “Audace” which means boldness and daring. We are a company that was founded upon the boldness of thinking out of the box and innovating, knowing that companies need a better way to manage their Salesforce data. Since 2012, we’ve addressed the challenges of enterprise-class Salesforce Data Architecture including data privacy automation, data protection, and data operations, while optimizing LDV performance and security. Seven years after our start I feel proud that we’ve been able to solve and automate the most complex Data Architecture challenges that I faced as a CTA and was not able to solve at the time.

The second part of the Odaseva name is seva, which is a Sanskrit word meaning “selfless service” or work performed without any thought of reward or repayment. It is the act of giving with no need to receive, where the act itself is a gift to everyone involved.

“Oda” +“Seva” accurately identifies the values of our company. We used our comprehensive Salesforce expertise and knowledge, world-class security to create the only Salesforce Data Architecture as a Service build by Salesforce Architects for Salesforce Architects. And we hope we’re contributing to making the world a better place in the process.

How do you give back to the architect community?

We are fortunate to have very talented people at Odaseva, including 3 CTAs. I think the one thing we all have in common is that all truly believe in the importance of giving back to the architect community. Beyond Dreamforce ‘19 where we just delivered 18 sessions, members of the Odaseva team are MVPs, User Group Leaders, and contribute to the Salesforce Architect and Certification program as SMEs and instructors. There really is no one way to help and everyone can contribute. You don’t need to be a CTA to help others. The Ladies Be Architects study groups are perfect examples of this. They have helped so many achieve Salesforce certifications. Personally, I enjoy writing thought leadership articles. I have published numerous articles on the Salesforce Developers blog, including a four part series Salesforce Backup and Restore Essentials. The series details experiences and best-practice recommendations for anyone working with enterprise backup and restore processes.

If you could have any job besides CEO of your own company, what would it be?

I would enjoy being a code developer who works at night and sleeps during the day, with a pizza and a beer on my desk, I would enjoy becoming an instructor helping those on the #JourneytoCTA.

I would also enjoy doing politics to make the world a better place. But I’m so happy in my life with that sense of fullfillness and pride of the technology we conceived that help 10 Millions of Salesforce users, that I feel blessed, I would not change anything 🙂

Spotlight Series: Tami Lau

Hello! We’re thrilled to introduce you to Tami Lau, Salesforce MVP and Senior Salesforce Engineer at Presence Product Group! As well as being such a great advocate for women in technology (she also coaches for our friends at Rad Women Code), Tami is co-lead for the Oakland Trailblazer community group and has been working really hard on her #JourneyToCTA.

Tami lives in California in the Bay Area, and she’s been working on the Salesforce platform since 2012, when she “jumped in the deep end as an admin and fell in love”. Tami had been a Raiser’s Edge and Convio admin for several years and she doesn’t have a “traditional” tech background. She was an Environmental Sciences major in college; and worked almost exclusively for government and non-profits. Tami was also a National Park Service ranger for a year and has a deep love for parks, nature and the outdoors.

” I’m as surprised as anyone to find myself in a tech job right now!” - Tami Lau

Tell us how you heard about Ladies Be Architects?

“I heard about Ladies Be Architects from a fellow Women in Tech Developers member (thanks Kate Vickery!). I was immediately intrigued – I had heard about CTAs (Certified Technical Architects) and there was such an air of mystery around them that I wanted to find out more.”

What feelings did Ladies Be Architects inspire within you?

“It has been such an inspiration! Ladies Be Architects was the first place I encountered actual people, and many women, who were on the architect path, and the first time I felt like perhaps this was something I was interested in and capable of doing.”

Tell us why the architect journey is important to you...

“This journey is important to me because it will improve my skills to be a better Salesforce admin, developer, and architect, but also because it’s a way to show others that not all architects (and developers) look like the stereotype.”

What’s the next step for you on your Journey to CTA?

“I achieved Application Architect (the “left side of the pyramid”) last year. The next step for me is to work on System Architect and the optional exams – I just passed Development Lifecycle and Deployment Designer, and am working on Community Cloud Consultant next.

“My main concern right now is whether preparing for and doing the board review is realistic while working at a non-profit (and having had only non-profit experience). But one step at a time…still plenty to tackle before I need to think about that!”

Interesting……well, if you share the same concerns as Tami, take a look at this slide deck from the Connected Non Profit conference in London, where Ladies Be Architects addresses architectural thinking in a non-profit context! Keep going girls – looking forward to catching up with you a little further down the line Tami :0)

Connected-Nonprofit-Conference-Channelling-Inner-Architect.pptx

Download PPTX • 64.99MB

Spotlight Series: Blanca Leon-Carter

Blanca V. Leon-Carter started her career early in the non-profit sector and quickly moved to specialize in non-profit technology. She has over 18+ years of experience and recently came to a crossroads.

A little over 12 months ago, she took a huge risk on a leap of faith and invested in herself. Without a plan, with a 9-month-old, near heart attack, worn down and like many non-profit professionals, near burnout. This type of risk was foreign to her as she is very much a planner and prefers the stability of all facets. After a trip to the emergency room where she was first tested for a heart attack and later diagnosed with acute anxiety and post-partum depression, she decided something had to change. She chose her wellbeing and family when she decided to resign from her tenured position in mid-February of 2018. She has stated, “It was the BEST decision I’ve ever made.”

She started the RAD Women Code course in February 2018, passed the Salesforce Certified Administrator exam in June 2018, transitioned and revitalized her career. In July she secured a position as Salesforce Administrator at her 2x alma mater, Devry University. She proudly works alongside a very supportive CRM team of five women in tech. A few months after securing the position at the university she passed the Platform App Builder certification. Over the course of seven months, she has led two Ladies Be Architects study groups, focused on PD1 content and learning to code. She also volunteers for RAD Women Code.

Blanca proudly celebrates the announcement of her passing the Platform Developer I certification exam in March 2019!

She is passionate about community empowerment, lifelong learning, and breaking down barriers. In her spare time, she embraces family fun with #babyblazer (now 22 months old), her eldest son, husband, family, and friends. She finds calm in practicing yoga.

Tell us how you heard about Ladies Be Architects?

“On May 15, 2018, I received a Twitter DM from Ladies Be Architects. I would have never imagined in a million light years that my admin learning adventures (shared on Twitter) would catch Charly’s attention. In her message, she expressed excitement of my studies to become a Salesforce Certified Administrator. She went on to extend a helping hand by offering to set up a “quick mini study group” to help me prep for any areas that were tough and answer any questions I had.

“I just want you to know we are here to support you!” was Charly’s next statement.

“I remember thinking to myself, “Oh my – this is Ladies Be Architects, this is Charly Prinsloo! If she has time in her very busy day and life to extend a helping hand, if she is investing time to support newbies like me- I have to pass!” I was immediately excited to learn more about Ladies Be Architects. Mostly, I had to find out how I too could get involved and help others feel like they have a safe space to learn something new, grow professionally, and thrive.”

What feelings did Ladies Be Architects inspire within you?

“Hope. My learning adventures mattered. I mattered. This may not seem big for some people, however, for a Latina woman in tech who always had to prove her worthiness in the tech area to even be considered the equivalent to a “tech guy” by a vendor and/or technology provider, this was HUGE. When Charly introduced herself to me and introduced me to Ladies Be Architects, I was immediately afforded support and a safe space to be my true self.

“Shortly after, I saw the need for a Platform Developer 1 study group. I reached out to Charly and Gemma to express my interest in volunteering to lead the #LBAjourneytoPD1 group. They welcomed my interests and provided the thumbs up. I was empowered. They taught me that I didn’t have to know all the answers or to be an expert, and most importantly it was okay to not know everything. My tenacity to learn, curiosity to dive into the PD1 content, and my passion to help others was appreciated and respected.

“Overwhelmed with positivity and encouragement, this would spark the beginning of my study group leader journey. I was about to embark in unchartered waters, to continue to learn how to develop for the Salesforce platform.

“Throughout this journey, Gemma, Charly, and Susannah have consistently provided guidance. They supported us with the tools we needed to conduct successful virtual study groups. Often they would sacrifice their valuable time to join us for live sessions and present of some of the most challenging topics.

“Extreme joy and gratitude are what being a part of the Ladies Be Architects initiative have continuously made me feel. I have a strong appreciation for each one of my fellow #LBAjourneytoPD1 & #LBAapex16 study buddies who study hard, invest their time with our group, and to cultivate their professional development. Words cannot express how incredibly thankful I am for Charly, Gemma, Susannah, and all my study buddies. I would not be here today if it weren’t for each and every one of you!!!

“Inspiration in knowing there are many others like me, Apex code newbies who will move mountains to excel and achieve great success in becoming PD1 certified.

“Pride to be part of a community that is truly inclusive and uplifts women and allies on this journey, not only to PD1, but to CTA, too.”

Author’s Note: Since Blanca completed her study group in August 2018, we’ve recorded 28 Platform Developer I achievements!

Tell us why the CTA journey is important to you...

“I am a minority. Throughout my life, I was doubted, discouraged, and at times rejected. I’ve always had to work triple hard to prove that I was competent and worth an opportunity. I have worked tirelessly hard to find ways to not only survive but to be resilient. This journey to PD1 and CTA is no doubt challenging but I know with my Ladies Be Architects study buddies, we will prevail. Together we will jump outside our comfort zones, break down barriers and bridge gaps for women in technology. Together we will grow the number of women as platform developers and CTAs.

“The learning curve for certifications for the Salesforce platform is steep and rightfully so. I have been tempted to slow down. I have been distracted with managing work, family, and life’s curveballs. I have for a split millisecond thought, “maybe I should wait to try next year when I am more prepared, and life is calmer”. Being a part of the study groups and have the Ladies Be Architects ohana alongside made it easier to keep going when content and times got tough. The high levels of motivation, many levels of enthusiasm and expertise and helping others cultivates a force of learning that you cannot avoid. You cannot fail, you can only grow with. Therefore, I will never study for a Salesforce certification alone again.

“The benefits and comfort knowing that we have each other’s back through the ups, downs, and all around, is invaluable. It is an honor to learn from and with so many individuals who share my passion. Everyone brings a wealth of knowledge, differed interpretations of content and approaches to code solutions and more. Everyone brings their stories of success and pain points and it is as real as it gets. There is no other way I’d rather invest time and share my learning experiences.”

What’s the next step for you on your Journey to CTA?

“I have finally passed the Salesforce Platform Developer I certification exam at the fifth attempt. That’s right folks, 5th! I know this is only the very beginning of a lifetime love affair with learning to code and develop for the Salesforce platform. I have had times where I strongly disliked the content, the many hours understanding materials and debugging code, or that I struggled intensely. Despite all those times, I have hit the jackpot in finding something that I love enough to do, even when it is tough. I have gained many study buddies, mentors, and have grown my Ohana worldwide. I study with individuals of all backgrounds and walks of life. This journey to CTA is sure to bring many benefits and great adventures.

“I am sure that I am on the path I want to be, that I deserve to be on and that I enjoy with all my heart. I will continue up the #JourneytoCTA pyramid, however, I may focus on Community and non-profit certifications next. While they will not expedite my climbing up the pyramid, those topics are where I have the biggest interest in, having come from an 18.5-year nonprofit tech career previously.

“I will continue to volunteer for Ladies Be Architects and RAD Women Code. It is because of initiatives like these that I was enlightened as to what a career as women in tech could be. I was afforded an opportunity to learn from highly skilled and compassionate coaches and mentors. For this, I am forever indebted to Ladies Be Architects and RAD Women Code.

“A fire has been ignited in me and it shall forever provide light to keep me on this wild path to CTA!” – Blanca Leon-Carter

What allies and resources contributed to learning successes?

“I’d like to thank our allies who have contributed content in support of our study groups, dedicated time to help us start off on the right foot and remain on a strong path to developing for the platform.

Don Robins, we appreciate the tremendous amount of resources you gathered for us and provided access to. They were of great quality and incredibly helpful on our learning expedition.

David Liu, thank you for developing the Apex curriculum, SFDC99.com blog, and for taking time to join us for a live Q&A session.

Mike Topalovich for teaching Intro to Apex workshops in Chicago and in other cities.

Andres Perez for sharing exemplary content during Salesforce & Trailhead’s #CertificationDays and for the abundance of resources of your blog to help break down complicated topics when it comes to Salesforce platform development.

Martin Gessner & Mike Wheeler, we appreciate the courses and practice exams that help us get a small sample of what we must prepare for.

I’d also like to give a shout out to my Chicago ohana members, Chicago Women in Tech User Group, Chicago Salesforce Saturdays, and WITdevs for all that they do to host in-person and virtual meetups for the ecosystem.

“Salesforce staff, we tremendously appreciate the extensive resources available throughout all your sites, including Trailhead, Salesforce docs, and the Success community. There is no better way to learn than hands-on experience and we appreciate your efforts to provide us with tools we need to succeed!”