In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the role of customer experience (CX) and digital transformation has become more crucial than ever for businesses seeking to stay competitive. At the intersection of these industries stands Robin Leonard, a name you may not yet know, but certainly should. Based in Sydney, Australia, Robin Leonard has built a career as a thought leader and partner in Salesforce consulting, helping organizations around the world leverage disruptive technologies to enhance customer experience and drive business growth. With a track record that spans over a decade in the fields of CRM, marketing, data, and technology, Leonard’s contributions have made a lasting impact across various industries.
From New Zealand to the Digital Frontier
Robin Leonard’s journey to becoming one of the most respected figures in Salesforce consulting didn’t follow the traditional Silicon Valley route. Originally from New Zealand, Leonard’s early passion for technology and data-driven solutions laid the foundation for a career that would eventually shape the digital transformation strategies of some of the most notable brands in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC).
Leonard’s formal education at Auckland University of Technology, where he pursued degrees in Business Management and Information Systems, as well as Engineering, provided a unique combination of business acumen and technical prowess. This background has given Leonard the ability to bridge the gap between technology and business, understanding the intricate needs of organizations and translating them into innovative technological solutions.
The Founding of AFDigital and the Birth of Xenai Digital
In 2011, Robin Leonard co-founded AFDigital, a Salesforce Platinum Consulting Partner that focused on delivering cutting-edge CX and cloud technology solutions. AFDigital quickly became known for its ability to balance technology consulting with creative services, helping companies not only implement complex technical systems but also design customer journeys that aligned with modern consumer expectations.
Under Leonard’s leadership, AFDigital expanded its footprint across the APAC region, with offices in Auckland, Sydney, Singapore, and Manila. The company became a trusted partner for businesses across industries, including not-for-profit organizations, retail, travel, hospitality, property, and telecommunications. Leonard’s deep expertise in Salesforce products such as Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, and Marketing Cloud allowed AFDigital to help clients maximize the potential of their customer relationship management (CRM) systems, streamlining processes, enhancing customer engagement, and driving revenue growth.
In December 2023, AFDigital was acquired by Digital Alchemy, leading to its rebranding as Xenai Digital. The acquisition marked a new chapter for Leonard and his team, as they integrated into a larger, global organization while continuing to provide business transformation consulting services with a focus on the Salesforce ecosystem. Xenai Digital is now at the forefront of helping mid-market companies modernize their operations and improve customer experience, making Leonard’s influence felt across an even broader spectrum of industries.
Master of Customer Experience and Salesforce Strategy
Robin Leonard’s deep expertise in Salesforce and customer experience management sets him apart as a true visionary in the digital consulting space. His work has been instrumental in helping organizations understand the complexities of their customer journeys and how they can be optimized through the use of cutting-edge technology. Whether it’s implementing Salesforce solutions or designing CX strategies that align with modern consumer demands, Leonard has a unique ability to turn technical complexity into business simplicity.
One of Leonard’s key strengths is his understanding of the Salesforce ecosystem—one of the most powerful CRM platforms in the world. Salesforce is known for its ability to unify marketing, sales, service, and IT teams through a single platform, providing a 360-degree view of customers. Leonard has made it his mission to help organizations harness the full potential of this platform, guiding them through the intricacies of Salesforce to create a seamless customer experience that improves loyalty, engagement, and profitability.
A Leader in Digital Transformation
Beyond his work with Salesforce, Robin Leonard is a leader in digital transformation, helping companies navigate the challenges of an increasingly digital-first world. In a time when traditional business models are being disrupted by technological advancements, Leonard is at the forefront of guiding organizations through this transformation. His expertise in areas such as marketing automation, social customer service, and social listening and analytics has enabled companies to not only keep up with the digital revolution but to lead it.
For Leonard, digital transformation is not just about implementing the latest technology—it’s about fostering a culture of innovation and agility within organizations. His agile project management expertise ensures that businesses can quickly adapt to changing market conditions, while his knowledge of enterprise business analysis helps them identify key areas where technology can be leveraged to drive efficiency and growth.
A Visionary Beyond Business
While Robin Leonard’s professional achievements are impressive, his impact extends beyond the boardroom. Leonard is passionate about using technology to create positive social change, particularly in the not-for-profit sector. His work with organizations in this space has helped them modernize their operations, enabling them to serve their communities more effectively. Whether through the use of CRM solutions or marketing automation, Leonard’s goal is to empower these organizations with the tools they need to achieve their missions.
Furthermore, Leonard is a strong advocate for corporate sustainability, recognizing the critical role that businesses must play in addressing the global challenges of climate change and social inequality. Through his consulting work, he encourages organizations to adopt sustainable practices and to use technology as a force for good. His belief in the ethical use of technology aligns with the core values of Salesforce—trust, customer success, innovation, and equality—and drives his approach to consulting.
Leading the Future of Digital Transformation
As a Partner at Xenai Digital and a key figure in the Salesforce consulting ecosystem, Robin Leonard continues to shape the future of digital transformation across industries. His thought leadership on customer experience, agile project management, and the ethical use of technology has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor to businesses looking to thrive in the digital age.
Leonard’s influence extends to his role as Chairperson of the ANZ Partner Advisory Board for Salesforce.org, where he works alongside other top partners to guide Salesforce on programs, product development, and industry solutions. His contributions ensure that Salesforce’s offerings remain current and relevant, aligning with the evolving needs of businesses and communities.
A Legacy of Innovation and Social Impact
Robin Leonard’s career is a testament to the power of combining business strategy with technological innovation. Over the years, his work has helped transform the customer experience landscape and empower businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive digital world. Yet, what truly sets Leonard apart is his commitment to leveraging technology not just for profit, but for social good.
As he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in CX and digital transformation, Robin Leonard is undoubtedly a name to watch. Whether through his work with Xenai Digital, his thought leadership in the Salesforce community, or his advocacy for sustainability and social impact, Leonard is helping shape the future of business—one innovative solution at a time.
