Good engineers search for what’s next. Great ones recognize it and run toward it. That’s what brought Krista Hardeback, Simeon Dimitrov, and Usman Nasir, three leaders of our Forward Deployed Engineering teams, back to Salesforce to build with Agentforce.
They each recognized the potential of Agentforce to shape the future of work, especially when powered by a culture they already trust. They share what drew them back to Salesforce, how this moment is different, and why returning for Agentforce felt like the most forward-thinking move they could make.
Back for the Future with Agentforce
When Salesforce first launched Data Cloud and Agentforce, Krista, now RVP, Forward Deployed Engineering, was working for an AI startup. “I immediately saw the potential,” she says. “Salesforce is the best place to be when it comes to AI and data, especially with thousands of companies already invested in the platform,” she notes. “Salesforce isn’t playing catch-up in the industry; we’re setting the pace.”
Simeon, Deployment Strategist Director, returned to Salesforce after 18 months in Services AI, noting that Agentforce has the “strongest value proposition in the industry.” Because Agentforce is built on a verticalized model, FDE teams can deliver value at an accelerated pace. “This proximity to customer data and workflows means our teams can go from idea to impact fast, and that’s incredibly satisfying as a technologist,” he says.
The Intersection of Code and Commerce
“Agentforce isn’t just the future of our company, but of the technology world,” Usman, VP, Forward Deployed Engineer, says excitedly. He sees the FDE role as being on the front lines of this revolution, providing a unique vantage point. “We have an exceptional opportunity to understand both the technology and future business trends across different industries around the world, enabling FDEs to anticipate our customer needs faster,” he says.
Simeon, with his consulting background, knows how rare it is to move from prototype to production in a short timeframe. But with the FDE pod model — a nimble team of two FDEs and one Deployment Strategist — Agentforce projects can be scoped, built, and launched faster than many customers, and even our teams, were used to. “You gain insight quickly, whether the approach delivers the right business value or needs to be adapted,” he explains. “And that speed gives you leverage to deliver better outcomes, in weeks, not months or quarters.” He and Usman both find it gratifying to see how their work translates into increased customer confidence and their ability to invest more in our technology and services.
A Dynamic Combination of Speed and Scale
Krista was pleasantly surprised to find the pace of her new FDE team felt just like the startup she had left behind. “We’re building a new product in a new team, so we need to be quick to adjust, similar to a startup,” she says. “But the difference is we already have customers, we already have data, and we have the resources to do things right — I still get to build, while also working with some of the world’s biggest companies,” she adds.
Simeon shares a similar excitement. “Personally, It’s been exciting to shape the product and the FDE team at the same time,” he says. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The Power of Partnership: FDEs and Product
Because FDEs work directly with customers, they provide real-time feedback to the product team and serve as the voice of the customer. “The relationship between FDEs and Product is the best I’ve seen,” Krista says. “There’s a real sense of partnership, not just process.” And because they work with our biggest customers, FDEs often get the opportunity to provide feedback on new features and share their perspective on what does or does not work. “For those of us who love to build, that’s an incredible opportunity,” she adds.
FDEs provide a crucial feedback loop that often directly impacts our own product roadmap. “I’ve seen where features have been moved up six months because of the urgency of what we’re seeing in the field,” Usman says. “FDEs are in a really influential position, not just for customers but for the future of Agentforce.”
“This collective spirit is special to Salesforce,” Simeon adds. “I’ve never experienced anything like this at any other company. It is why we have so much success together.”
The Momentum of Meaningful Growth
With direct exposure to customers, product teams, and emerging Agentforce technology, FDEs develop a versatile skill set that opens doors across the business. Usman attributes his longevity at Salesforce — to this constant opportunity for new experiences, allowing for “career discovery as much as career growth.” He adds that “the FDE organization is a hypergrowth area of Salesforce, and its rapid expansion creates a wealth of career opportunities.”
Krista describes the FDE role as a “build-your-own-adventure” career launchpad. She says there are opportunities to specialize within a specific industry, lead new teams, or even move to different teams within Salesforce, as the FDEs gain invaluable hands-on experience building with Agentforce for customers. She notes, “It’s really up to you how far you want to go.”
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
These leaders’ experiences confirm what we’ve always known: that the best innovation happens when you have the freedom to move fast and the resources to go far. Krista, Simeon, and Usman’s stories all share that common thread of growth: of their impact, of their skills, and of their career. Salesforce is the place where they can push boundaries and build the future of AI on a massive scale.
Now, it’s your turn. Make your next move your greatest yet.
Ready to lead the AI revolution? Explore our open Forward Deployed Engineer roles and apply today.
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