In this episode of Accidental Salesforce Admins, host Robert Sur welcomes Michael Stevens, VP of Product Marketing at SmartRecruiters, to discuss the journey from problem-solver to strategic leader. Michael shares insights on breaking free from the "essential but invisible" trap and becoming a more influential player in your organization.

Key Discussion Points:

[00:00:43] Breaking free from the essential but invisible trap

[00:01:33] Michael's journey from SDR to VP of Product Marketing

[00:02:36] The mindset shift from individual contributor to strategic leader

[00:05:26] Building influence without a leadership title

[00:11:30] Seeing through the lens of others and getting outside yourself

[00:14:58] Aligning teams and competing priorities across functions

[00:19:19] Positioning critical work to get leadership buy-in

[00:27:30] Common characteristics of high performers

[00:31:35] Advice for young professionals starting their careers

Michael emphasizes the importance of:

1. Thinking beyond individual tasks to drive broader organizational impact
2. Developing domain expertise and curiosity about other roles
3. Constantly prioritizing and aligning work with key business objectives
4. Communicating value and self-promoting in a meaningful way
5. Bringing joy and optimism to the workplace while maintaining a strong work ethic
6. Seeking environments and people that foster personal growth

The episode highlights the value of understanding different perspectives, aligning with organizational priorities, and consistently delivering impact beyond your immediate role. Michael encourages listeners to embrace discomfort, continue learning, and focus on adding value rather than chasing titles or equity.

Guest Bio:

Michael Stevens is the VP of Product Marketing at SmartRecruiters, where he's revolutionizing hiring through AI-powered software. With a career spanning from SDR to executive leadership, Michael has worked across various revenue functions, including sales, customer success, and operations. His journey showcases the power of strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous personal growth in building a successful career in the tech industry.