Modernizing Salesforce with AI: Strategic Lessons from Velu Palani’s Enterprise Playbook

How McKesson’s Velu Palani Leads Saleforce Transformation with AI, Frameworks & Strategic Vision

In this episode of The Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer sits down with Velu Palani, Vice President and Salesforce IT Service Leader at McKesson, one of the largest healthcare companies in the world.

Velu shares hard-won insights from leading enterprise CRM transformations, implementing Salesforce at scale, and integrating AI-driven frameworks to deliver customer-centric outcomes. From lessons learned in the trenches to building scalable foundations for AI, this episode is packed with strategic advice for CIOs, IT directors, and digital transformation leaders.

We also explore Velu’s passion for mentoring, community learning, and the evolving role of technology leadership in the enterprise.

🎧 Whether you're rethinking your CRM stack or exploring AI in Salesforce, this is a must-watch for modern tech leaders.

🔹 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the Heartbeat Podcast

00:12 – Meet Velu Palani: A Leader in CRM Strategy

01:13 – The Journey of Writing a Book

02:10 – Velu's Path to IT Leadership

04:02 – The Importance of Frameworks in CRM

06:16 – Lessons from the Trenches

12:31 – Foundational Elements for AI in Salesforce

15:34 – Defining CRM Success

17:37 – Fostering Innovation and Best Practices

21:12 – Advice to the Younger Self

22:14 – Continuous Learning and Giving Back

23:20 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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