Climbing the career ladder in the competitive world of sales is no small feat — especially when you do it at the World’s Most Innovative Company. But that’s just what Megan Oleson did, and she’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Oleson started her career with Salesforce almost eight years ago as a Sales Representative, then worked her way up the sales ranks. After a few years closing business as an Account Executive, she pursued a leadership role that combined her two biggest professional passions: mentoring and driving results. Now Oleson is helping propel the company forward as Director for our East Coast and Marketing Cloud Business Development Representatives. When she’s not bringing in business and managing a killer team, you can probably find Oleson reaching new heights  in the great outdoors: cycling, camping, and hiking. Talk about a woman on top. 

So what exactly does it take to get to the top...and keep right on going? Here, our February Woman of the Month shares her top tips for career success.

1. Top way to advance your career

Take risks and push yourself to maximum capacity. If you’re not a bit uncomfortable and a bit stressed to perform, that means you’re not improving and growing. When you think you can't take on a project or additional responsibility, get in the right state of mind and stop questioning your abilities. Challenge yourself, go the extra mile, step up to the challenge, and prove to yourself that you can succeed!

2. Top way to get recognized for your work

Once you complete a project with excellence, let it be known. Share your experience with your management team and ask for more--don't be afraid to shine! By taking on more responsibility, delivering on the tasks of the role you ultimately want, and raising awareness about your actions, your hard work and dedication will be recognized.

3. Top way to compete

Compete with yourself. You know what you are capable of, and at times can be either your biggest catalyst or biggest roadblock. Be the catalyst.

4. Top advice for women

Give back to other women in the workplace. We likely all have mentors (if not, we all need to get one...or five!), but a mentorship is a mutual relationship. Don't just take from your mentor—be sure to also help others grow and develop. This is how we will continue to empower other women.

5. Top tip for being productive at work

Write down a “to do” list every morning and commit to completing the top three tasks no matter what. There will always be be more work to be done, but this will help you prioritize. Creating a daily task list is also valuable as a leader: I analyze every task and gain an understanding of how I can empower my team to take on more responsibilities and projects that align with their career goals. This not only allows me to be more productive, but also to engage my team in a way that expands their skill sets.

6. Top way balance work and life

Disconnect from your phone and computer when you are at home. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m obsessed with work--it’s my passion. However, I’ve found that I can have a larger impact on my team when I am refreshed. Disconnecting from work and refocusing my energy towards health, family, and home allows me to recharge so I can think clearly and work more productively.

7. Top advice you’ve ever received

My father, an influential mentor in my life, has always said, "Your character is demonstrated by your actions, specifically what you do when no one is looking." I live by this every day, in both my personal and professional life. Moving ahead in your career starts with your character; a high level of integrity will earn you the right and respect to move forward. 

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.

To hear more from Meg Oleson, make sure to connect with her on LinkedIn. And stay tuned for more career tips and tools for success from our next Salesforce Woman of the Month, coming your way in March.

Ready to find your #dreamjob at Salesforce? Visit salesforce.com/careers.