Entrepreneurs
5 Critical Lessons Every Technology Entrepreneur Can Learn From Marc Benioff
In a recent Publication by Forbes, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, was termed as the Top Innovator of the decade. Well, it’s just fair enough confessing that he deserves it. Critically looking at his business life and tracing his steps, you’ll find something to take home.
If you are an emerging entrepreneur in the technology realm, here are a few things you can implement from Marc Benioff:
1. Get inspiration from what you do
Observing him speak at any conference, you would admit that Benioff is excited about Salesforce. The passionate way he talks about Salesforce not only brings forth inspiration but also challenges the listeners to be motivated by what they do.
This sparking revelation might as well be the magic force behind the ever-rising success of Salesforce. Be inspired and passionate about what you’re doing.
“Life grows relative to one’s investment in it.” – Marc Benioff
2. Strive for innovation
New discoveries are being made in the technology realm, almost every day. The only way one can remain relevant is being innovative and brewing up with new ideas each growing day.
Just recently, Salesforce launched the artificial intelligence technology, a feature that is set to skyrocket the growth of Salesforce github for the coming decade. Under his leadership, Salesforce has always had something cooking, waiting to be unveiled at the right time! Continue to strive for innovation or you will be left behind.
3. See beyond your niche
Technology is all about easing business operations and providing solutions to emerging problems in the corporate sector. For Benioff however, being a technology entrepreneur stretches far beyond that. One philosophy summarises his belief and vision; ‘’the business of doing business is to improve the state of the world.’’
His philanthropic model that oversees the donation of the company’s products, equity, and employee’s time to community best explains this. His vision for an equitable world might have as well challenged other giants like Yelp, Atlassian and Twillio to adopt an almost similar model.
Even more, Marc Benioff has taken stands in other issues like equal pay rights. If you are an upcoming technology innovator, you must be prepared to see well beyond your business niche.
4. Learn when to delegate
The ability to take your innovation to the next level lies in the power of having a trustworthy and dependable executive. You have to choose, very carefully, the people you have in your innermost circles.
At times, you will just need to advise and give directions, then sit back and watch how it rolls out. That was well portrayed in his interview statement with Forbes, ‘I can only advise here, or it won’t work.’’ Knowing when to delegate is a major key to moving forward.
5. Never let go of the “Beginner’s Mind”
If there is one thing that Benioff has always insisted on, it is the “beginner’s mind’ perspective.” For most innovators who are getting off the ground without any expertise, the willingness to learn and the open-mindedness is key for greater innovations. That is what has kept Salesforce at the centre of tech innovation for close to a decade.
“You must always be able to predict what’s next and then have the flexibility to evolve.” – Marc Benioff
One stops living the day he stops learning. For any emerging technology entrepreneur therefore, the least you can do is learn from the inside lives of successful technocrats, like Marc Benioff.
What are some ways you are improving your professional life on a daily basis? Please leave your thoughts below!
Business
The Entrepreneur’s Reading List That Transforms Ideas Into Empires
These must-read titles and writing insights reveal how entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into empire-level success.

Entrepreneurship is powered by stories—of accomplishment, failure, and decision moments that define businesses. Books are maps, providing insight from individuals who’ve traversed the road ahead. (more…)
Entrepreneurs
The Leadership Shift Every Company Needs in 2025
Struggling to keep your team engaged? Here’s how leaders can turn frustrated employees into loyal advocates.

In workplaces around the world, there’s a growing gap between employers and employees and between superiors and their teams. It’s a common refrain: “People don’t leave companies, they leave bad bosses.”
While there are, of course, cases where management could do better, this isn’t just a “bad boss” problem. The relationship between leaders and employees is complex. Instead of assigning blame, we should explore practical solutions to build stronger, healthier workplaces where everyone thrives.
Why This Gap Exists
Every workplace needs someone to guide, supervise, and provide feedback. That’s essential for productivity and performance. But because there are usually far more employees than managers, dissatisfaction, fair or not, spreads quickly.
What if, instead of focusing on blame, we focused on building trust, empathy, and communication? This is where modern leadership and human-centered management can make a difference.
Tools and Techniques to Bridge the Gap
Here are proven strategies leaders and employees can use to foster stronger relationships and create a workplace where people actually want to stay.
1. Practice Mutual Empathy
Both managers and employees need to recognize they are ultimately on the same team. Leaders have to balance people and performance, and often face intense pressure to hit targets. Employees who understand this reality are more likely to cooperate and problem-solve collaboratively.
2. Maintain Professional Boundaries
Superiors should separate personal issues from professional decision-making. Consistency, fairness, and integrity build trust, and trust is the foundation of a motivated team.
3. Follow the Golden Rule
Treat people how you would like to be treated. This simple principle encourages compassion and respect, two qualities every effective leader must demonstrate.
4. Avoid Micromanagement
Micromanaging stifles creativity and damages morale. Great leaders see themselves as partners, not just bosses, and treat their teams as collaborators working toward a shared goal.
5. Empower Employees to Grow
Empowerment means giving employees responsibility that matches their capacity, and then trusting them to deliver. Encourage them to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and problem-solve independently. If something goes wrong, turn it into a learning opportunity, not a reprimand.
6. Communicate in All Directions
Communication shouldn’t just be top-down. Invite feedback, create open channels for suggestions, and genuinely listen to what your people have to say. Healthy upward communication closes gaps before they become conflicts.
7. Overcome Insecurities
Many leaders secretly fear being outshone by younger, more tech-savvy employees. Instead of resisting, embrace the chance to learn from them. Humility earns respect and helps the team innovate faster.
8. Invest in Coaching and Mentorship
True leaders grow other leaders. Provide mentorship, career guidance, and stretch opportunities so employees can develop new skills. Leadership is learned through experience, but guided experience is even more powerful.
9. Eliminate Favoritism
Avoid cliques and office politics. Decisions should be based on facts and fairness, not gossip. Objective, transparent decision-making builds credibility.
10. Recognize Efforts Promptly
Recognition often matters more than rewards. Publicly appreciate employees’ contributions and do so consistently and fairly. A timely “thank you” can be more motivating than a quarterly bonus.
11. Conduct Thoughtful Exit Interviews
When employees leave, treat it as an opportunity to learn. Keep interviews confidential and use the insights to improve management practices and culture.
12. Provide Leadership Development
Train managers to lead, not just supervise. Leadership development programs help shift mindsets from “command and control” to “coach and empower.” This transformation has a direct impact on morale and retention.
13. Adopt Soft Leadership Principles
Today’s workforce, largely millennials and Gen Z, value collaboration over hierarchy. Soft leadership focuses on partnership, mutual respect, and shared purpose, rather than rigid top-down control.
The Bigger Picture: HR’s Role
Mercer’s global research highlights five key priorities for organizations:
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Build diverse talent pipelines
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Embrace flexible work models
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Design compelling career paths
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Simplify HR processes
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Redefine the value HR brings
The challenge? Employers and employees often view these priorities differently. Bridging that perception gap is just as important as bridging the relational gap between leaders and staff.
Treat Employees Like Associates, Not Just Staff
When you treat employees like partners, they bring their best selves to work. HR leaders must develop strategies to keep talent engaged, empowered, and prepared for the future.
Organizational success starts with people, always. Build the relationship with your team first, and the results will follow.
Entrepreneurs
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Learn essential lessons, success strategies, and mindset shifts every aspiring entrepreneur needs to overcome challenges and build a thriving business.

Back in July 2017, I attended a business seminar on entrepreneurship in India. With my appetite for learning and meeting new people, I wanted to explore the latest developments in the entrepreneurial world. (more…)
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