What started as a seemingly casual interview turned into a surprise and major accomplishment for one of our own, 12x Ranger, 11x Certified, Medhanie Habte. We sat down with Medhanie to learn more about this major milestone.
Ebony Beckwith, Salesforce Chief Philanthropy Officer, met Medhanie a few months ago during a series of interviews with fellow Trailblazers in the Salesforce ecosystem. Weeks later, Ebony contacted Medhanie once again, extending an invite to the Success Anywhere World Tour in Los Angeles -- just 3 blocks from where he grew up. Needless to say, he was very interested. During an interview covering how his learning on Trailhead led to becoming a 12x Ranger, 11x Certified, and a job he loves, a well-orchestrated ambush surprise occurred on stage where Medhanie was awarded the industry-coveted “Salesforce Golden Hoodie.”
“Golden Hoodie” eligibility requires you to be a Trailblazer. Otherwise known as the people who have "transformed" their careers via Trailhead, the Salesforce version of an online learning service. The “Goldie” as it has been coined on social media platforms has been awarded to fewer than 50 people globally amongst the nearly 10,000,000 “Trailblazers” expected by 2022.
Q: What does being a recipient of the “Golden Hoodie” mean to you?
A: This really encourages me to work harder and continue to do all the things I'm doing and even more. Engaging, teaching, and learning from others are at the core of what I want to continue to do. I strive to apply the “Multiplier Effect” to my life. Teaching one person one skill and passing it on to others and over time it will continually grow, thrive and multiply to the community at large.
Q: How were you selected for the “Golden Hoodie?”
A: It comes as a complete surprise. The reality is that there are people out there with more badges and certifications. I think it comes down to heart and one’s deeper involvement -- being active in social, trailblazer communities, and community groups. I believe in learning, making mistakes, celebrating accomplishments, and imparting everything you’ve experienced on to others. That’s what blazing your trail is all about. I don’t know exactly how I got here but all I can say is “Thank God I am here.”
"I believe in learning, making mistakes, celebrating accomplishments, and imparting everything I've experienced onto others. That’s what blazing your trail is all about."
Q: When did you first learn about the “Golden Hoodie”?
A: At Dreamforce in 2018, I remember the first time I saw it was during the keynote address with David Liu. He was the first to be awarded the “Developer Golden Hoodie.” David is someone I’ve followed since the inception of my love for Salesforce and seeing him achieve this honor definitely piqued my interest.
Q: How did you get started in Salesforce?
A: Luck. All luck and chance. Over a decade ago, I was with a buddy who was a Salesforce admin for a small social media company. He constantly talked about Salesforce and the power of the technology. Around that time, I was at a small startup and my then boss made a transition to a nonprofit organization that happened to be rolling out Salesforce. He asked if I’d be interested in joining him and I said yes. We leveraged Salesforce to expand engagement and create more connectivity. Once I was able to directly see the impact Salesforce was making, I knew that Salesforce was all that I wanted to do.
Q: For someone just learning about Salesforce and Trailhead, what would you tell them?
A: Check out your local trailblazer community and get started with Trailheads. Learn as much as you can and really get to know the platform -- ultimately, one day you’ll be able to go above and beyond.
Q: What are your future aspirations?
A: I want to continue to learn and grow. I plan to further my education in programming language and add new skill sets. At Prolocity, every day is a blessing, centered around teamwork, and I look forward to opportunities to mentor and enable growth in others. Oh, I’d also love to see another Prolocity team member receive a Golden Hoodie!
We are thrilled Medhanie has been recognized with this honor and even more proud to have him on the Prolocity team. He is a true team player and exudes passion in all that that he does. We look forward to what is to come for Medhanie and seeing the impact he has on the world.
CONGRATULATIONS, MEDHANIE!
