In today’s fast-moving world of meetings, inboxes, and evolving job responsibilities, carving out time to read might feel like a luxury—but in reality, it’s a career advantage. Whether you’re building new skills, exploring new perspectives, or simply trying to stay sharp in a competitive field, reading can be one of the most powerful tools for professional growth.
That truth clicked for me early on. As a kid, summer reading lists were a regular part of my break—thanks to a very organized mom and a Type A personality that loved checking off each title. What started as a way to fill long summer days has evolved into a lifelong habit that continues to shape how I lead, grow, and serve others.
At Merivis, we see lifelong learning as more than a value—it’s a necessity. The Salesforce ecosystem and the broader tech industry thrive on curiosity, innovation, and the constant pursuit of knowledge. And while formal training programs and certifications play a big part, so do books. They give us a chance to go deeper, reflect more intentionally, and connect our career journey with broader conversations happening across industries and communities.
In the spirit of summer—and in celebration of growth beyond the classroom—we’ve pulled together a few favorite reads from the Merivis community. These titles come from our network of speakers, alumni, and volunteers, and each one offers something to inspire, challenge, or equip you for your next career move.
Summer Reading Picks from the Merivis Community
Marc Benioff – Trailblazer
(Salesforce Founder & Ecosystem Leader)
Salesforce’s founder shares how values-driven leadership and business can be a force for good in the world—and why building trust matters more than ever.
Jodi Hrbek – Rock Your Role as a Salesforce Admin
(Merivis Volunteer, 2025 Summit Speaker)
A practical and empowering guide for Salesforce professionals who want to step into their full potential, increase impact, and create meaningful change in their orgs.
Steve Dalton – The 2-Hour Job Search & The Job Closer
(Merivis 2022 Summit Speaker)
These two job search strategy books give tactical, time-efficient methods to land interviews and confidently close on offers—perfect for transitioning service members and career changers.
Joyce Avila – Snowflake: The Definitive Guide
(Merivis Alumni)
A comprehensive technical guide that walks readers through building, managing, and optimizing data solutions using the Snowflake cloud data platform—ideal for those looking to expand into the data space.
Melissa Hill Dees – Accelerating Nonprofit Impact with Salesforce
(Merivis Volunteer & Ecosystem Advocate)
A blueprint for nonprofit professionals on how to leverage Salesforce tools to drive mission impact, streamline operations, and enhance stakeholder engagement.
Steve Harper – The Ripple Effect
(Merivis 2025 Summit Keynote Speaker)
A powerful exploration of how small actions and meaningful connections can create massive waves of change—personally, professionally, and in your community.
Rebecca Leder – KNOCK: How to Open Doors and Build Career Relationships that Matter
(Merivis 2024 Summit Speaker)
A step-by-step relationship-building guide for job seekers and professionals looking to build genuine, human connections that lead to meaningful work.
Whether you’re upskilling for your next opportunity, stepping into leadership, or simply curious about how others have navigated their own journeys—these books offer valuable insights and inspiration.
What would you add to the list? A beach read? Something to support your career? A deep dive into current events or industry trends? Let us know—tag Merivis and share what’s on your summer reading list.
Here’s to learning, leading, and turning pages this summer.
