Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing series to spotlight Equality Group leaders and how they serve Salesforce’s global employees. Be sure to check out additional interviews with the leaders of BOLDforce, Faithforce, and Vetforce.
Salesforce Women’s Network (SWN), founded in 2008, is Salesforce’s largest and longest-standing Equality Group with more than 18,000 members and allies. Challenging the status quo and empowering women to unlock their potential is at the heart of this group.
For Women’s History Month, we spoke with Shreya Sethi, Regional Vice President of Sales and Global President of SWN. She shared her passion for giving back to the Salesforce community through this role, and her commitment to ensuring more women have a seat at the table where decisions are made.
Q. Tell us about your background and how you got involved with Salesforce Women’s Network.
Before Salesforce, I worked at the global consulting firm McKinsey on various diversity initiatives including their annual Women in the Workplace report. The report outlines women’s career ambitions and how organizations can advance women and improve gender diversity in the workplace. I was a subject matter expert in Australia and New Zealand and was responsible for taking the findings and making a difference for women in the region.
Later, I joined Salesforce, and after about six months at the company, I wanted to find a way to give back. A mentor I was working with at the time encouraged me to get involved directly with SWN in Australia and New Zealand, and then later with some initiatives at the Asia-Pacific (APAC) regional level. Over time, I became the APAC regional vice president for SWN and joined the global board. That was three years ago, and I’ve been a part of SWN ever since.
Q. What motivates you to advocate for women in tech?
As a brown woman from India, I’ve experienced my fair share of prejudice and bias throughout my career — both in the workplace and outside of it. I’m passionate about changing that for others. I’ve had a strong network of sponsors and mentors, and I want to be able to provide the same for other women around me.
As a brown woman from India, I’ve experienced my fair share of prejudice and bias throughout my career — both in the workplace and outside of it. I’m passionate about changing that for others.
Shreya Sethi, Regional Vice President of Sales and Global President of SWN
Learning and growing as an individual also fills my cup. I am constantly learning new things in this role from our global board, our executive sponsors, and our members about the issues that are important to women across the globe and how we can best support them.
Q. What’s your vision as President of Salesforce Women’s Network?
I want women to know they belong in every room they enter. I also believe what we see is what we become, which is why I’m so passionate about having equal representation at the executive level. Salesforce’s global gender goal to reach 40% women and non-binary employees globally by the end of 2026 is one of the ways we’ll get there. Beyond that, the SWN continues to strive for gender parity in all aspects of the workplace
Our main priority this year is to continue the momentum of some of the amazing programs we launched last year. These include quarterly all-hands calls with Salesforce executives, global tours in local hubs, a recognition program called Women of Impact, events and programming for Women’s History Month, and most importantly, a focus on upskilling, especially around AI.
AI is impacting every industry and the way we work. We want women to be able to step into meetings and contribute to conversations about how AI affects their role and their customers. Later this month, we’re hosting a Women in AI Day, where we’ll bring in expert speakers and host panels that focus on skill-building, ethics, equality, accessibility, and more.
We’re also focused on helping our members develop soft skills, such as negotiating, presenting, networking, engaging with executives, and personal brand building.
Salesforce Women’s Network President and members of SWN’s global board participate in Salesforce’s Global Equality Leadership Summit.
Q. What are some of the challenges women face and how does SWN help?
I’m committed to making sure SWN is where women find strength in community. Many of the members of Salesforce Women’s Network are caregivers who have to balance work with their responsibilities at home, which has become increasingly difficult in this era of hybrid work.
Our events celebrate women, help them build community, and empower them with resources to navigate everything they’re juggling. For example, we often partner with Salesforce’s benefits and employee success teams to help explain what benefits are available to them and how they can prioritize their mental health and well-being.
Q. Why is it important for women to have a seat at the table?
Well first, it’s absolutely the right thing to do! Our leadership and decisions must have equal representation, and our workplace should reflect the communities we live in and the customers we serve. One of the main reasons I joined Salesforce is because of its commitment to Equality as a value since its founding 25 years ago. I’m proud to be living that value every day.
One of the main reasons I joined Salesforce is because of its commitment to Equality as a value since its founding 25 years ago. I’m proud to be living that value every day.
Shreya Sethi, Regional Vice President of Sales and Global President of SWN
It is also the smart thing to do. Women have unique ideas, skills, and abilities to contribute to the workplace. McKinsey estimates diverse teams outperform non-diverse ones by 25%. There are studies that also show that gender equality can add $12 trillion to global GDP, and companies with diverse boards embrace more sustainable business practices. These are all more reasons to speed up our progress and push ourselves to achieve more.
Q. What’s the most surprising or unexpected thing you’ve learned during your time as a leader?
Imposter syndrome is real — irrespective of your level. I have imposter syndrome. But most surprising has been realizing what can break it. I have worked with many phenomenal, strong leaders on the SWN board, but often they underestimate themselves. Once you push them a little and show faith and belief in them, they learn, grow, and thrive.
I’m also blown away by how many women want to give back to the community. Participating in Salesforce Women’s Network is volunteer-based, and we regularly find ways to volunteer with our local communities. Watching all of these women around me juggle all that’s on their plates is inspiring.
Getting to Know Shreya
- What is your favorite book on leadership?
- Centered Leadership is a book that I often go back and reread. It outlines how many executives have learned to open up and center themselves as leaders. I also enjoy Atomic Habits, which breaks down how consistent habits can result in the right outcomes.
- What has been your favorite Equality Group moment or event?
- I joined SWN during the Covid-19 pandemic, so the first time I met my team in person was a highlight. For two years, we had experienced high highs and low lows together without ever meeting each other in person, and we all had tears of joy once we met.
- Outside of your work, what are some of your personal interests or hobbies that bring you joy?
- I love running — it’s the only thing that helps me switch off my brain. I’m always in “drive” mode, so it helps me find peace. And I absolutely love dogs. I have three and cuddling them is my happy place!
More information:
- Learn more about Salesforce’s commitment to Equality and Equality Groups
