In this thought-provoking episode of the Salesforce Career Show, hosts Josh Matthews and Vanessa Grant—joined by expert guests Josh LaQuire and Jon Cline—tackle a crucial yet often overlooked skill: tone and professional communication.

Our tone of voice shapes how we are perceived in different professional settings—whether we’re speaking to executives, leading a meeting, presenting at a conference, or conducting an interview. But does a confident tone always mean success? Should you adjust your tone depending on your audience? Is “consultant speak” helpful or harmful? The panel dives deep into the nuances of communication, exploring when and how to adapt your tone for impact while staying authentic.

This episode also marks Vanessa Grant’s final show as co-host, as she reflects on three years of sharing insights, growing her platform, and helping thousands of Salesforce professionals advance their careers.

Key topics include:

• The power of tone: how musicality, pacing, and emphasis affect perception.
• When to adjust your tone—and when to stay authentic.
• Why confidence doesn’t always mean certainty and how to use uncertainty strategically.
• The difference between effective leadership communication and “sounding smart.”
• How to improve your vocal presence with a one-minute voice training exercise.
• A special farewell segment: Vanessa Grant reflects on her journey as co-host.

Whether you’re navigating high-stakes meetings, client interactions, or public speaking engagements, this episode will help you develop a strong, adaptable, and authentic professional voice that commands respect and fosters trust.

This episode is brought to you by Josh Matthews: thesalesforcerecruiter.com

For more terrific content, join our social network and get connected to our Salesforce community.

• Visit Salesforce Career Show: salesforcecareershow.com
• Connect with SalesForce Staffing on LinkedIn
• Connect on LinkedIn: Josh Matthews
• Follow us on Twitter: TheJoshForce
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome and Vanessa Grant’s Final Episode Announcement
00:12:45 - The Importance of Tone in Professional Settings
00:27:50 - Confidence vs. Authenticity: When to Adjust Your Tone
00:42:15 - How to Communicate Uncertainty Without Losing Credibility
00:55:30 - The “Consultant Voice”: Does It Build Trust or Push People Away?
01:10:45 - Mastering Tone: Pacing, Emphasis, and the Power of the Pause
01:25:00 - One-Minute Vocal Training Exercise for Stronger Speech
01:40:15 - Vanessa’s Reflections: Three Years of the Salesforce Career Show

Quitting vs. Conquering: How to Navigate Career Decisions in the Salesforce Ecosystem

In this insightful episode of the Salesforce Career Show, hosts Josh Matthews and Vanessa Grant are joined by industry experts Tom Graber, Brandon Stein, Reid Marquand, and Josh LaQuire to tackle one of the toughest career questions: Should you stay or should you go?

They dive deep into the reasons why people leave jobs, how to evaluate if quitting is truly the best move, and what steps you should take before making a final decision. Whether it’s about growth opportunities, compensation, leadership, or workplace culture, this episode is packed with real-world insights and practical strategies to help you make career decisions with confidence.

Key topics include:

• The top five reasons professionals leave their jobs—and how to address them.
• How to evaluate your career growth potential before deciding to quit.
• Compensation: Are you truly underpaid, or is there more to consider?
• The importance of work-life balance and how to determine if it’s the job or your habits.
• Toxic environments vs. personal responsibility: How to assess the real issue.
• Leadership challenges: What makes a bad boss and how to manage up.
• Actionable strategies to take control of your career and future-proof your success.

Before you make a move, listen to this episode and gain the clarity you need to make the right choice for your career!

This episode is brought to you by Josh Matthews: thesalesforcerecruiter.com

For more terrific content, join our social network and get connected to our Salesforce community.

• Visit Salesforce Career Show: salesforcecareershow.com
• Connect with Salesforce Staffing on LinkedIn
• Connect on LinkedIn: Josh Matthews
• Follow us on Twitter: TheJoshForce
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome and Career Decision Framework Introduction
00:12:45 - The Top Five Reasons People Quit: Breaking Them Down
00:27:50 - Career Growth: Are You Really Stuck or Just Not Taking Initiative?
00:42:15 - Salary vs. Reality: Are You Actually Underpaid?
00:55:30 - Work-Life Balance: Is It the Job or Is It You?
01:10:45 - Toxic Workplaces: When to Leave and When to Adapt
01:25:00 - Bad Leadership: What to Do When Your Boss Is the Problem
01:40:15 - Final Thoughts: Stay, Go, or Take Control of Your Career?

Discover the secrets to future-proofing your Salesforce career against AI with our special guest, Jon Cline from People First Method. He shares invaluable insights into bridging the gap between technical prowess and successful project outcomes through essential non-technical skills. You won't want to miss our exclusive giveaway of $28,000 in leadership training designed to empower Salesforce professionals across the globe. Plus, Vanessa Grant brings exciting news on Salesforce MVP nominations and what it truly takes to stand out in this rigorous process.

Join us as we explore the intricacies of the Salesforce MVP selection, the importance of geographical diversity, and the need for consistent leadership and diverse contributions. We’ll also spotlight new job opportunities for solution architects and nonprofit-focused consultants, offering a path to growth and career advancement. Our conversation dives into the challenges of adapting to AI advancements and the necessity of setting boundaries in the fast-paced tech world.

Get ready for a deep dive into team dynamics and negotiation strategies that can transform chaos into compliments. Drawing inspiration from People First Method, we unpack techniques that foster a supportive and efficient team environment. Through personal stories and professional insights, we uncover the benefits of A-plus teams and the critical role of communication in reducing drama and enhancing collaboration. This episode promises a wealth of knowledge for any Salesforce professional eager to navigate the complexities of modern work life.