Wow, what a week at Salesforce Sales Kick-Off (SKO) FY ‘26. It was a whirlwind of innovation, inspiration, and connection, with so many familiar faces — partners, clients, and Salesforce folks — all energized for the new fiscal year. The conversations were buzzing, the energy was high, and the happy hour TechWise hosted was a great way to celebrate and reconnect.

And let’s be honest, it was pretty awesome being back in Chicago! As a former Chicagoan (go Ramblers!), it was a trip down memory lane to return to my old stomping grounds. (Though, I wouldn’t mind a slightly warmer locale next year… perhaps somewhere we can ditch the winter coats, scarves, and gloves and break out the sunscreen!)

But seriously, as I reflect on the informal chats, shared insights, and overall vibe, I’m excited about the future of financial services and the transformative power of the Salesforce platform.

The Atrium crew (from left to right): Valerie Weis, Laura Koch, Chad Karstens, and Kara Lawhorn

With that, here are my top 5 takeaways from SKO FY ‘26 — gleaned not from formal sessions, but from the invaluable connections made and conversations had — and what they mean for banks, credit unions, wealth management firms, asset management firms, mortgage companies, and commercial banks.

1. Agentforce is the real deal, but requires the right expertise

The buzz around Agentforce was undeniable, and it’s clear this technology is poised to revolutionize how financial institutions operate. But to truly unlock its potential, Agentforce needs to be implemented strategically, with a focus on user needs and business outcomes. This requires deep Financial Services Cloud (FSC) expertise and AI knowledge — something we pride ourselves on at Atrium.

2. Service transformation is key (and Atrium can help)

Financial institutions are feeling the pressure to deliver exceptional service while controlling costs. The key is to adopt a user-centric approach, designing solutions that empower your workforce and deliver personalized customer experiences. This is where Atrium’s expertise in FSC and our focus on user-centered design can make a real difference.

3. A focus on client needs, driven by data and design

The week in Chicago reinforced the importance of understanding the “why” behind client challenges. It’s about going beyond surface-level requirements and uncovering the root causes of their pain points. At Atrium, we achieve this through deep discovery, persona identification, and data-driven insights, ensuring we deliver solutions that truly align with your unique needs and drive meaningful business outcomes.

4. AI is everywhere — and those not planning for it are behind

No surprise here — AI was a hot topic. But what struck me was the sense of urgency. It wasn’t just excitement about the potential; it was a realization that those not actively exploring and implementing AI are falling behind. The conversations were less about “if” and more about “how” to integrate AI, how to ensure responsible use, and how to maximize its impact. The shift is happening now: from AI as a copilot to AI as a true digital workforce, freeing up human capital for higher-value tasks. Salesforce’s AI-first approach is clearly resonating.

5. The Salesforce Ohana is strong

Connecting with the Salesforce Ohana — partners, clients, and Salesforce employees — is truly energizing. The shared passion, the collaborative spirit, and the genuine sense of community are what make this ecosystem so special. As a first-timer, I was truly impressed by the welcoming atmosphere and the willingness to share knowledge and insights.

What’s ahead? Optimizing for success in the age of AI

Last week confirmed that institutions are seeking more than just digital transformation; they need optimization. They need to move beyond large-scale overhauls and prioritize agile, outcome-driven initiatives that deliver tangible business value. This requires a shift in focus from technology deployment to strategic outcomes, powered by AI and data-driven insights.

AI is the hot topic of the moment, but at Atrium, it’s not just a trend; it’s what we do. We’ve been pioneering data and AI solutions for years, building up a deep well of expertise along the way. We understand the financial services landscape inside and out, and we’ve helped countless institutions achieve their goals. When it comes to AI, we’re not newbies; we’re seasoned pros.

Why Atrium is the ideal partner

Okay, so you’re probably thinking, “This all sounds great, but how can Atrium actually help my financial institution?” Well, here’s the thing: we’re not just another Salesforce partner. We’re a team of passionate, experienced professionals who live and breathe financial services. We understand your challenges, we speak your language, and we’re obsessed with helping you succeed.

Here’s what makes us different:

• FSC fanatics: We’re not kidding when we say we love Financial Services Cloud. Our team has a deep understanding of FSC’s capabilities, and we’re experts at tailoring it to meet your specific needs. I have the pleasure of sitting on the Salesforce FSC Partner Advisory Board, where I get to help shape the future of the product, advocate for our clients, and get an insider’s view of Salesforce’s strategic investments and roadmap. This gives us a significant advantage when it comes to advising our clients and helping them stay ahead of the curve.
• Your needs come first: Technology should work for you, not the other way around. That’s why we put your users at the center of everything we do. We take the time to understand your business processes, identify your personas, and design solutions that are both powerful and user-friendly.
• Data is our jam: We’re data geeks at heart, and we’re passionate about helping you unlock the power of your data. We build modern data foundations, leverage predictive analytics and generative AI, and create intuitive visualizations that deliver actionable insights, right where and when you need them.
• Agility is key: We get it — you need to move fast and see results quickly. That’s why we’ve built an AI-enabled delivery model that optimizes every step of the process. We’re focused on delivering value, not just presentations, so you can start seeing a return on your investment sooner.

What you can expect when you partner with Atrium

• A true partnership: We’re not just a vendor; we’re your partner and are fully invested in your success. We’ll work closely with your team every step of the way, offering guidance, support, and expertise.
• Measurable results: We’re not just about implementing technology; we’re about driving real business outcomes. We’ll help you track your progress, measure your ROI, and celebrate your successes.
• A smart start and scalable future: We’ll help you get up and running quickly, identifying your immediate needs and building a foundation for future growth. And as your business evolves, we’ll be there to help you scale your solutions and adapt to new challenges.

Ready to optimize your financial services business for the AI era?

Whether you’re just starting out with FSC, migrating from a legacy system, or looking to enhance your existing implementation, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to learn more about our top-tier team and how we can help you achieve your goals.