Welcome to Meet the #SalesforceOhana, a blog series that’s all about getting to know the people behind the World’s Most Innovative Company. We’ll be sitting down with employees like you to chat about what matters to them most. Then, we’re bringing you their stories — real, uncensored, and straight from the source. By sharing the perspectives of our diverse employees, we can all learn from one another and grow together as one Ohana.

Jyoti Gupta, Senior Manager, Curriculum - Boston

My mother was born on the day that India gained independence from the U.K. India was still largely under martial law, so my family couldn’t technically leave the house. So, my uncles jumped rooftop to rooftop to reach the obstetrician’s house for help with the delivery. Each time they passed a soldier enforcing martial law, they threw down some jewelry as bribery for safe passage. We lost generations worth of heirloom jewelry, all to ensure a safe birth for my mom.

Later, my father, a Punjabi, came to the U.S. to study petroleum engineering at Texas A&M. He married my mother, also a Punjabi, and then she came to the U.S. I was born in the Permian Basin area of Texas. So, that makes me not Indian-American, but Punjabi-Texan. That’s not something you see every day, but at Salesforce, I feel just like anyone else, and feel truly welcome.

My team, hands-down, is the number one reason I come to work each day. People talk about winning the lottery, and with my team, I know already have! I currently manage a team of four employees and three contractors, and I’m genuinely thrilled, inspired, and energized by who they are as employees and as individuals, brothers, sisters, fathers, daughters ... I LOVE them.

Elena Rossi, Senior Program Manager, Salesforce.org - Dublin

I’m originally from Milan, Italy, and in my 20s I decided to come to Ireland to spend time in an English-speaking country. Ireland gave me not only the gift of learning about a new culture, but also the opportunity to grow as an individual and professional. I consider Dublin my home now: this is where my family lives and where my children are growing up.

Working for Salesforce.org means that I have the privilege to use all my time and energy to benefit our community. I’m always excited to hear how my work is helping others – whether that means helping a nonprofit, helping a kid in the slums in Kenya, or helping a Salesforce employee understand how to make a difference.

I have so many good memories at Salesforce, and I have met so many great people. One of the most special moments was meeting the Irish Prime Minister during the official Dublin office launch, showcasing our philanthropy programs and seeing him impressed … that was amazing.

Bill Patterson, GM, Service Cloud - San Francisco

I grew up in Boston with an Irish-Italian background. My mom’s family meets every Sunday. My dad’s family never sees each other. Growing up, we were unified by sports – the culture around me was based on how the Red Sox performed.

I have always prided myself on being a well-rounded leader, at Salesforce and in my previous roles. My purpose is to grow great employees, a great team, and great products. I am here for others more than I am here for myself. I believe in constantly building up a sense of team – it helps me achieve more.

I also believe in surrounding myself with diversity. It’s important to know which questions to ask, and be willing to try – and seek – failure. Too often we are polarized around success and failure and, to me, success comes from taking calculated risks.

Ready to join the #SalesforceOhana? We’re hiring! Find opportunities at salesforce.com/careers.