2021 Recap & Reflections from R&P CEO Tracey Zimmerman
As 2022 approaches, I’d like to take a minute to express my gratitude to every client and friend of Robots & Pencils. I hope you and your loved ones are continuing to manage through the many challenges of the last couple of years, and making the most of the silver linings.
Despite those challenges, each of you helped to make this year the best it could be. 2021 was my first year as CEO, and I couldn’t be prouder of what our team and clients accomplished.
Celebrating Wins in EdTech, FinTech and Elsewhere
This year, our talented developers, designers and strategists worked with over 60 clients to create better digital products and experiences for employees, customers and individuals around the world.
We worked with organizations like Arizona State University, 2U, and Western Governors University to make education more accessible and impactful for learners of all ages. As avid Slack users (and official services partner), we especially love how ASU has gone all in on using Slack as a digital campus, including for onboarding and supporting students.
Another powerful tool being used in education is Salesforce. Our new product (official launch coming soon!), R&P Student Apps, is a student-centric, mobile-first solution with a Salesforce backend specifically extended for education. With Student Apps, schools can optimize and personalize learning experiences, including offering targeted, just-in-time support based on a student’s enrollment in specific courses, quarantine status, primary campus location, learning modality (online, on-campus, or hybrid), and more.
In financial services, Greenwood (named one of the year’s top fintech companies) has launched their digital banking experience that supports Black and Latino communities in building generational wealth, and Varo reached an impressive $2.5 billion valuation.
Elsewhere, we’re building tools that let people live more independent, healthy lives. In May, TELUS Health launched Canada’s first professionally-monitored emergency services that use Apple Watch. Not long after, LunaYou introduced a custom mobile web app built on Salesforce Experience Cloud that empowers pregnant women to be their own best health advocate.
I can’t wait to see what the next 12 months hold!
Exploring the Power of Salesforce + Slack, Digital HQs & More
To ensure we’re always learning and growing, our talent attended 20+ industry events, with several being featured speakers. Personally, I was honored to be on some great panels, podcasts, and a DisrupTV episode discussing Digital HQs and the future of work.
Our team shared insights and advice at 9 of our own events, including a Digital Transformation webinar series now available on demand. (Look for more events in 2022, hopefully with in-person options!)
Among our favorite 2021 events were those discussing the benefits of Slack and Salesforce teaming up. R&P threw our own “wedding” event celebrating their union, and both Dreamforce and Slack Frontiers highlighted the opportunities that can be unlocked by integrating these powerhouses.
(Our Salesforce Practice lead, Dan Peter, couldn’t pass up a chance for a selfie with the Slack sign at Dreamforce!)
I see so much potential here for organizations to ignite collaboration, efficiency, and innovation by connecting their people, data, and tools in Slack and Salesforce.
As for next year, I’m so excited to continue our work as an innovator, problem-solver, and thought leadership partner in this fast-paced digital world. I look forward to seeing what all of us achieve together in 2022!
Tracey Zimmerman
President & CEO, Robots & Pencils
