The Sneaker Trick That Makes People Trust You Faster (Salesforce SVP Mark Grimwood)
Fri Feb 06 2026
Can a pair of sneakers teach you more about leadership than another “how to network” post?
In this episode of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast, I’m joined by Mark Grimwood, Senior Vice President at Salesforce, where he leads global Sales and Distribution Recruiting and Talent Attraction.
Mark is well known for #sneakerwars, but this conversation is not really about shoes. It’s about authentic connection, trust, and how to bring more joy into the hustle without pretending work is always fun.
We talk about:
- The joy of recruiting and being part of someone’s career story
- Why #sneakerwars works as a relationship builder and community builder
- What leaders get wrong about vulnerability and how to make it practical
- How AI and agents will change recruiting and what must stay human
- The values Mark anchors on, like trusted relationships and intellectual humility
Connect with Mark:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgrimwood/
Follow Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachfulcoaching
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/41Cz5gI
If this episode resonates, please follow, rate, and share it with a leader who could use more joy in the hustle.
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Can a pair of sneakers teach you more about leadership than another “how to network” post? In this episode of the Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast, I’m joined by Mark Grimwood, Senior Vice President at Salesforce, where he leads global Sales and Distribution Recruiting and Talent Attraction. Mark is well known for #sneakerwars, but this conversation is not really about shoes. It’s about authentic connection, trust, and how to bring more joy into the hustle without pretending work is always fun. We talk about: - The joy of recruiting and being part of someone’s career story - Why #sneakerwars works as a relationship builder and community builder - What leaders get wrong about vulnerability and how to make it practical - How AI and agents will change recruiting and what must stay human - The values Mark anchors on, like trusted relationships and intellectual humility Connect with Mark: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgrimwood/ Follow Coachful Coaching Leadership Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachfulcoaching Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/41Cz5gI If this episode resonates, please follow, rate, and share it with a leader who could use more joy in the hustle.