Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce, recently shared in an interview with The Economic Times that a spiritual experience in Kerala played a key role in shaping the values of his $248 billion company. He talked about his visit to Amritapuri in Kollam, Kerala, back in 1996–97, where he met the spiritual leader Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, whom he considers his guru.
During this visit, Benioff shared his vision for a new technology and business model with Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. He recalls her emphasising the importance of philanthropy alongside innovation, advising, “In your quest to change the world, don’t forget to do something for somebody else.” This counsel, encapsulated by Benioff as “Be nice to people,” has since become a guiding principle for Salesforce’s corporate culture and philanthropic initiatives.
Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, often referred to as “Amma,” is renowned for her humanitarian work and spiritual teachings, including her practice of offering hugs as a form of blessing. She is the founder of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, which oversees various charitable activities and educational institutions, such as Amrita University, Amrita Hospitals, etc.
