Dreams, Dubai, and the Power of Connection: Reflections from Salesforce World Tour
June 3, 2024
Y’all, it’s a Marvelous Monday, and I’m still pinching myself after an unforgettable week in Dubai! 💭✨ This was my first-ever trip to this vibrant, awe-inspiring city, and let me tell you—the experience was absolutely spectacular. From the dazzling skyline to the Salesforce World Tour to the warmth of the people I met, every single moment reminded me why we dream big and aim higher.
Dubai: A City of Culture, Connection, and Innovation
Dubai isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. 🌍 This melting pot of cultures embodies the universal language of community, and it was an honor to share this journey with my GridMate partners—Rey Perera, Hicham El Mansouri, and Dasun Ratnasekera.
Throughout the week, from business meetings 🤝🏾 to exploring the city, every interaction highlighted one simple truth: relationships matter. Whether we were building connections at the Salesforce World Tour or bonding over the incredible sights and flavors of Dubai, the message was clear—proximity, community, and collaboration are the cornerstones of success.
5 Key Themes from My Time in Dubai
1️⃣ The Power of Proximity: Great things happen when you’re in the right rooms with the right people. Dubai reinforced that being intentional about your connections can open doors you never even knew existed.
2️⃣ Dedication to Hard Work: Everywhere you look, Dubai is a testament to what happens when vision meets relentless execution. The city itself is a masterpiece of ambition and effort.
3️⃣ Community & Collaboration: From Salesforce leaders to local professionals, everyone I met emphasized the importance of working together to achieve greatness.
4️⃣ Unparalleled Care & Service: The hospitality in Dubai? Next level. Every interaction was a reminder that exceptional service isn’t just about doing a job—it’s about creating experiences.
5️⃣ The Joy of Relationships: Whether it’s a quick hello or a deep conversation, the connections we form make all the difference. Relationships aren’t just business assets—they’re life’s greatest treasures.
BONUS: FUN! 🥳 Dubai was electric. From the high-energy Salesforce World Tour to late-night adventures in the city, the vibe was bumpin’ from start to finish. 😎
The Magic of Cross-Cultural Experiences
One of the most profound takeaways from my time in Dubai was how much we grow when we immerse ourselves in different cultures. These experiences remind us that while we may come from different places, our shared humanity is what connects us. 🌈
Every person I met brought their unique perspective, and I walked away enriched, inspired, and ready to embrace the world’s diversity even more. A special shoutout to the incredible people I connected with—Pam Muthukrishna, Alex Alleyne, Jenny Mathieson, Peter Lindholm, Catherine Mandungu, Tamilselvan Chinnathambi, Bhakti Shetty (Pingale), Manika Goyal, Oussama, and so many others. You all made this week unforgettable. 🫶🏾
Dreams Really Do Come True
Reflecting on this experience, I’m reminded of how far we can go when we step into our vision and live intentionally. A HUGE thank-you to my coaches—Becca Egger, Kristin Frade, and Trey McKnight—for helping me not only create this dream but also make it my reality.
Dreams aren’t just meant to be imagined—they’re meant to be lived. And when you combine vision with action, the results can be extraordinary.
Here’s to More Adventures and Shared Successes! 🚀
As I settle back into the week, I’m carrying the energy, insights, and inspiration from Dubai with me. Whether you’re working on a new project, exploring new opportunities, or just embracing life’s everyday adventures, let’s make the most of every moment.
Let’s celebrate diversity, lean into connection, and have FUN along the way. 😋 Wishing you a week filled with possibility and progress.
Cheers to building relationships, chasing dreams, and embracing the amazingness of the world,
✌🏾 Larry Long Jr.
P.S. What’s one new adventure or opportunity you’re excited about this week? Drop me a note—I’d love to hear about it! 🌟