Welcome to the 6th episode of Inside the Salesforce Ecosystem, where we dive deep with the experts and trailblazers shaping the future of Salesforce. In every episode, we explore the unique journeys, challenges, and insights of those who make this ecosystem thrive.
Today, we’re joined by Daris Paulino, Salesforce Consultant and CEO of Lightning Leap Consulting. Lightning Leap Consulting comprises Salesforce-certified consultants specializing composed of Salesforce-certified consultants who specialize in delivering impactful solutions.
Daris is a certified Salesforce Developer and Administrator with expertise in building custom apps, automating processes, and maintaining complex infrastructures. He has worked with organizations ranging from small businesses to enterprises with over 1,000 users, always focusing on creating solutions that enhance productivity and drive growth.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at Lightning Leap?
Daris: I’m Daris Paulino, originally from the Dominican Republic. I moved to the U.S. at the age of nine and developed a passion for technology early on, thanks to my uncle’s radio shop. I used to sneak in after hours, tinkering with the equipment, which sparked my curiosity and love for tech.
I’ve been consulting in Salesforce for about seven years now. I started out solo, driven by a desire to tackle challenges, and eventually built a small team. At Lightning Leap, we work with clients who are innovative and always looking to push Salesforce beyond its standard capabilities—whether that’s customizing the UI to suit their needs or creating automations that save them time. My role is about finding creative solutions that align with our clients’ visions and make Salesforce work for them.
Q: Why Salesforce? What initially drew you to it?
Daris: I think Salesforce honestly almost picked me, it was like a sign!
After college, I kept seeing Salesforce job postings but I didn’t know much about it. I figured there must be a market for it with so many opportunities available. My wife encouraged me to apply, even though I didn’t feel qualified.
Long story short, I landed a role as a Junior Salesforce Developer. While the job was entry-level, I already had years of work experience and wanted more of a challenge, which eventually led me into consulting.
What made me stay in the ecosystem is the community. Unlike other industries, there’s no gatekeeping in Salesforce. People are always willing to share knowledge and help. That openness inspired me to do the same for others entering the ecosystem. I love mentoring and paying it forward because that’s exactly how I was welcomed when I started out.
Q: How have you seen the Salesforce community and ecosystem evolve over the past seven years?
Daris: The biggest evolution has been AI. Tools like Salesforce’s AI agents have streamlined complex processes that used to take hours. For example, when dealing with intricate formulas or writing scripts, AI can now provide a structure, cutting down the time spent searching for solutions.
Another major change has been flows. When I started, flows were still new, but now you can build entire applications with them. We’ve created solutions for clients, like an app that generates quotes and sends PDF documents via email—all powered by flows and third-party tools. This eliminates the need for constant developer support, making it easier for admins or tech-savvy users to manage systems efficiently.
Q: What’s a typical day like for you?
Daris: The typical day depends on the season. When things are busy, I delegate as much as possible to my team—many of whom know more than I do in certain areas.
I like to start my mornings with at least an hour for myself before diving into work. My day typically involves 5–10 calls, but I avoid back-to-back meetings to process information between clients. One moment, I might be working with a nonprofit, and the next, helping a client in door-to-door medical equipment sales—it’s important to have time to adjust.
This year, I’m focused on setting clear boundaries and maintaining proper structures to balance my responsibilities. Meetings, internal team syncs, and partnership discussions fill most of my day, ensuring projects progress and clients get the best solutions.
Q: What have been the highlights of your career so far?
Daris: One of the biggest highlights was working with a client to create a completely new, market-disrupting business. Within three months, we built an MVP in Salesforce, got it to market, and saw real-world impact. It was a tool that didn’t exist before and required navigating legal complexities to make it viable.
What’s even more rewarding is that I use this tool myself for health insurance—it was seamless to use, and it solved a problem I faced personally.
Q: Do you have strategies for staying focused and productive?
Daris: Absolutely. For me, eliminating distractions is key. I keep my office free of TVs, and my phone is often on mute or outside the room.
The biggest part of staying productive is having the right people in the right roles. I can’t do everything myself, and if the business relied entirely on me, it would come to a standstill if I took a break. I let my clients know that I trust my team, and they should too.
I also stay hands-on with my team, supporting them rather than just delegating tasks. Regular check-ins with clients are crucial, especially for long-term projects. Instead of waiting months to show progress, I involve clients at every stage to ensure we’re aligned. That way, we avoid last-minute surprises and deliver solutions that meet their expectations.
Final Advice from Daris
Daris left us with this powerful takeaway: “My biggest advice is to focus on learning and building relationships. Don’t worry about earning top dollar from day one—start by solving problems and building your expertise. Be honest about what you know and don’t know. There’s no need to fake it; be yourself, and the right people will find you. Relationships, trust, and a willingness to learn are the foundations of success.”
Thank you, Daris, for sharing your inspiring journey and valuable insights! Stay tuned for more episodes of Inside the Salesforce Ecosystem as we continue to spotlight remarkable Trailblazers.
