Discuss Corporate Philanthropy Ideas
May 07, 2025 at 12:00 PM (10 days ago) • Chicago, IL

Marc Benioff
Chair & CEO at Salesforce
Professional Interests
Personal Interests
Make an Impression
Marc is a tech pioneer and philanthropist, leading Salesforce and advocating for a "new capitalism" that benefits all. He is deeply committed to societal impact through innovative cloud solutions and equality in tech.
Ice-Breaker Topics
- Philanthropy: Passionate about the 1-1-1 model and Pledge 1% movement.
- Cloud computing: Marc is recognized as a pioneer in this field.
- Equality in tech: Honored for his leadership on equality.
- Personal impact on society: Interested in integrating business performance with societal progress.
Communication Style
- Engage with respect to his achievements in tech and philanthropy.
- Be concise and clear; Marc values innovation and efficiency.
- Reflect enthusiasm for tech advancements and social impact.
- Use examples when discussing tech or philanthropic strategies.
Dive Deeper
Marc, co-founder and CEO of Salesforce, has led the company's rise as a top enterprise software provider. His vision extends beyond business to societal impact, pioneering philanthropic efforts like the 1-1-1 model.
Career Path
Career Highlights
- Co-founded Salesforce in 1999, revolutionizing CRM with cloud computing.
- Named “Innovator of the Decade” by Forbes.
- Led Salesforce to become a Fortune 150 company.
- Initiated the 1-1-1 philanthropy model impacting over 20,000 companies globally.
Ideas & Quotes
- “We need a new capitalism” where businesses serve all stakeholders. (The New York Times)
- “The business of business is improving the state of the world.” (Forbes)
- Advocates for leading with a beginner’s mind in innovation. (Salesforce Blog)
- Emphasizes the importance of trust in customer relationships. (Salesforce Webinar)
Personality Insights
Build the Relationship
You and Marc share a passion for technology and philanthropy, making your connection potentially rich with shared interests and mutual respect for societal impact and innovation.
Interpersonal Dynamics
- Both Marc and Drew are entrepreneurial leaders with a focus on innovative technology.
- Their communication styles are decisive, driven, and direct, indicating a potential compatibility.
- Marc's focus on philanthropy and social impact could contrast with Drew's more business-centered approach.
- Their high pace and low risk-aversion traits may lead to energetic and dynamic conversations.
Ways to Create Connection
- Discuss the potential of AI in improving Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
- Share your mutual interest in entrepreneurship and building successful tech companies.
- Acknowledge Marc's efforts in integrating business performance with societal progress.
- Explore the shared value of long-term strategies and sustainable business growth.
Things to Avoid
- Don't disregard the importance Marc places on philanthropy and social equality.
- Be careful when discussing short-term strategies, as both value long-term business perspectives.
- Refrain from focusing too much on business achievements without considering societal impact.
- Make sure not to overlook the importance of trust, customer success, and innovation in Marc's company values.
Company Insights
As CEO of Salesforce since 1999, Marc oversees strategic direction, technological innovation, and global operations. He focuses on CRM solutions, cloud computing, and corporate philanthropy.
Learn about each of the companies Marc has worked for.
Sources
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