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Dreamforce Speakers - Fast Facts
Posted on September 3, 2024 (Last modified on May 15, 2025) • 4 min read • 720 wordsPart one
If you plan to attend Dreamforce, make sure to allocate some time to sit in and listen to a “visionary speaker” session. They are curated sessions, with limited space, that allow you to meet and listen to inspiring individuals who contribute in some way, shape, or form to an industry within the ecosystem. They include a C-Suite executive, Actor, a Salesforce Ambassador, a Writer, and a Singer. They share insights and experiences within a keynote panel or a 1-to-1 discussion.
This installment of “DF Speakers - Fast Facts” will share some fun facts about these individuals which could be used as icebreakers at your next networking event.
Let’s Dive In!
Dr Lisa Su
Appointed as president and CEO of AMD in 2014, Lisa has been part of the tech industry for over 30+ years. Her contributions have helped deliver next-generation computing and AI hardware solutions. This session will include a 1:1 conversation with our very own Mark Benioff.
Fast Facts
- First-time speaker at Dreamforce
- A passionate chess player
- Strong advocate for work-life balance
- Enjoys hiking and exploring nature
- A cousin of Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang
- Got her BS, Masters, and PhD degrees over at MIT
- Says the secret to success is a combination of curiosity, perseverance, and willingness to take calculated risks
Attend This Session
- Session Link
- Wednesday, September 18th
- 4:30 pm (PST)
- Yerba Buena Theater, Keynote Room
Edward Norton
Actor, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Zeck a cloud-based software platform that transforms the board meeting process. This solution was first presented back in the NYC World Tour last year. Alongside his partner, Robert Wolfe will be discussing why they are investing in companies that are changing the world for the better.
Fast Facts
- First-time speaker at Dreamforce
- Fluent in Japanese
- Co-founder of Zeck in 2022
- Primal Fear (1996), first breakout role
- Has a passion for painting and sculpture
- Graduated from Yale University
Attend This Session
- Session Link
- Thursday, September 19th
- 12:45 pm (PST)
- Yerba Buena Theater, Keynote Room
Dev Patel
Actor, director, and producer Dev Patel will share his insights into balancing ambition, typecasting, representation, and creativity. This session will include a 1:1 conversation with Nathalie Scardino, CPO at Salesforce. For those who cannot attend in person, this session will be available on Salesforce+.
Fast Facts
- Born and Raised in London
- A huge fan of action movies while growing up
- Skilled in Martial Arts with a Black Belt in Taekwondo
- Slumdog Millionaire (2008), first breakout role
- Graduated from Whitmore High School
Attend This Session
- Session Link
- Wednesday, September 18th
- 9:00 am (PST)
- Yerba Buena Theater, Keynote Room
John Mulaney
Writer, comedian, and actor John Mulaney will help wrap up Dreamforce with a stand-up comedy hour. Prepare to laugh and enjoy a clean, storytelling, and observational style of humor.
Fast Facts
- Loves old-school musicals
- Enjoys writing about his personal experiences in life
- Influenced by Richard Pryor and Steve Martin
- Writer and host of Saturday Night Live
- Graduated from Georgetown University
Attend This Session
- Session Link
- Thursday, September 19th
- 3:00 pm (PST)
- Moscone South, LL, Keynote Room
Ayesha Curry
Chef, Actress, and Businesswoman Ayesha Curry is a Co-Founder of Eat. Learn. Play provides the resources kids and families need to help communities thrive. This session will include a 1:1 conversation with Amy Weaver, CFO at Salesforce. For those who cannot attend in person, this session will be available on Salesforce+.
Fast Facts
- Self-taught chef
- Married to NBA player Stephen Curry
- Enjoys making Trinidadian curry chicken
- Has a passion for interior design
- Actively involved in her children’s lives
Attend This Session
- Session Link
- Thursday, September 19th
- 9:00 am (PST)
- Yerba Buena Theater, Keynote Room
More Facts, Coming Soon!
There are over a hundred inspirational speakers headed to Dreamforce in the coming weeks. With attendees arriving from various countries around the world, many already have an agenda in mind which may include some inspirational speakers. Arrive early to secure your spot and get ready to be inspired.
Salesforce will continue to add more speakers leading up to the main event. Tune in as will keep our content coverage going. Let us know of inspirational speaker sessions you are interested in attending.
Until next time keep working hard, smart, and happy. And we’ll see you in the cloud!