We like to say that Salesforce is a team sport. So it comes as no surprise that this month’s MVP is Kayleigh Roberts, an Associate Sales Engineer and true team player in Salesforce’s Toronto office.

In her first two years at the company, Roberts has consistently gone the extra mile to arm her team with the resources, knowledge and motivation they need to power through their quotas. And that’s not all: she also provides the sugar they need to power through their afternoons. In fact, her legendary baking is spotlighted on our internal social network in the Chatter group “Did Kayleigh bake today?”

Which begs the question: how does Roberts manage to take her team to the top and still find time for the sweeter things in life? Our October Woman of the Month sat down with us to share her best tips and tricks for success. Here, Roberts sounds off... 

...on being productive

Multi-tasking and distractions make it impossible to be efficient. Block your schedule to allow time to focus on similar tasks; otherwise, you’ll get stuck in the day-to-day minutiae and forget to take time for the things that are most important.

...on managing stress

“I’m stressed” is usually the workplace code word for “I’m afraid.” The next time you feel stressed, take a step back and reflect on what’s really bothering you. Overcoming the fear of something specific is a lot easier to tackle than “managing stress,” a seemingly ongoing process that can never be beaten. I focus instead on identifying the root of what concerns me, then come up with a specific strategy to overcome the obstacle.

...on professional development

I surround myself with people who challenge me. I write down my goals and try review them on a monthly or quarterly basis. My mentors hold me accountable for creating “stretch goals” and being ambitious enough to achieve them. 

...on work/life balance

I can work anytime, anywhere, and am passionate about my job, which means the line between “work time” and “personal time” becomes blurred very quickly. To maintain balance, I try to spend a few hours each day without any interaction with a screen: no computer, tablet, TV or phone. This helps me efficiently manage my working hours, getting everything done before I “disconnect” so I can be present in my personal life without work distractions.

...on pursuing outside interests

I love to bake. Baking is how I disconnect from my job and manage stress. As I create new recipes, I constantly have to identify, articulate and prevent problems — skills which also come in handy in the workplace. Plus, my colleagues love having treats around the office!

...on finding happiness at work 

Be excited about what you do, and why you do it! It can be easy to have blinders to the bigger picture of how we contribute as individuals. The daily minutiae can be a grind for anyone. However, Salesforce helps to truly transform our customers, and that the big picture is worth being excited about!

...on paying it forward

My proudest accomplishments in my day-to-day work are when I help others reach “light bulb moments.” Helping others learn new concepts or overcome their obstacles is what drives me, and I find it very fulfilling to be able to help.

...on believing in yourself

Ask for challenges that make you uncomfortable...and just go for it! Don’t let the doubting voice in your head asking “Am I enough?” get in the way of what you truly want to achieve. And asking for help is perfectly okay too!

...on achieving success

Don’t lose sight of your dreams. Goals are helpful for short-term performance, but dreams are what guide long-term ambitions. Your dreams bring you fulfillment and a sense of purpose. To move ahead isn’t necessarily to race up the ladder, but to align your current role towards your dreams. 

To hear more from Roberts, connect with her on Twitter and LinkedIn. And stay tuned for more career tips and tools for success from our next Salesforce Woman of the Month, coming your way in November.

The Salesforce Woman of the Month campaign turns the spotlight on the amazing women who help make Salesforce the World’s Most Innovative Company (according to Forbes) and one of Fortune Magazine’s Best Companies to Work For. Honorees are nominated by fellow employees and selected by a dedicated committee that works to ensure a variety of roles and regions are honored.

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