Learning, adapting, succeeding: Gael Butereli’s growth story at UPEO

At UPEO, everyone gets a chance – no matter what their background, career history or where they started. This philosophy comes to life in the story of Gael Butereli, who has been with UPEO for nearly three years. His career path has been shaped by adaptability, continuous learning and personal resilience. Today, he works as a Salesforce Consultant, helping clients optimise their processes and customer relationships.

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How would you describe the added value that UPEO has for its customers and what your role is in that?

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Gael: We use Salesforce to help companies improve their processes and relationships with customers. It’s about making the system work as seamlessly as possible for the users, so they can focus on what matters most in their job, rather than tedious administrative tasks. My role is to understand a client’s business needs and then adapt Salesforce to fit those needs, not the other way around. When I was a Junior Consultant, I always thought of the technical solution first, but I learned to understand that the business aspect is more important than the functional aspect. 

What does a typical working week look like for you?

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Gael: I usually spend two days a week at the UPEO office, a couple of days on-site with clients, and the rest working remotely. I like the mix, you learn a lot from seeing how clients operate in their own environment. Working embedded at a customer also tells you a lot about their environment. 

My current work ranges from administrative support to implementation projects alongside senior consultants. And I work for customers from different lines of business, which is very insightful. 

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A personal collaborative environment

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You didn’t start your career in Salesforce. How did you find your way into this field?

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Gael: My first studies were in marketing, where I gained a bachelor's degree. Then after a bridging programme I became a Master in ICT at the ULB. Not really knowing where to start after that degree, I decide to follow a hands-on course at Molengeek where I set my first steps in the Salesforce ecosystem. And that eventually led me to UPEO. 

What attracted you to UPEO, and why choose a smaller company over big names like Deloitte or Accenture?

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Gael: In large consultancies, analysis and execution are often separated. You might spend most of your time writing documents while teams overseas do the actual configuration. I prefer working hands-on with the tool. Big firms can also have a highly competitive, extroverted culture, a culture where it’s every person for themselves. That is not my style. UPEO offered a more personal, collaborative environment.

You’ve faced personal challenges growing up. How has that shaped you as a professional?

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Gael: I was born in Rwanda and lost my parents in the genocide. I moved to Belgium before my first birthday, spent time in a foster family and eventually had to look after myself from a young age. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience. When there’s a lot of work, I just get on with it. I don’t complain. I rarely panic under pressure. That mindset comes from my past.

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How has your role evolved since you joined UPEO?

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Gael: I started as a junior consultant on an internship. At first, I had small tasks and a lot to learn. It wasn’t easy, as there was a huge skills gap between the experienced people and myself, but I showed every day that I really wanted to learn, that I wanted to be involved in bigger projects. I guess they liked that attitude, as they soon offered me a full-time contract. Over time, I moved into a medior role with more autonomy and responsibility. The jump means being trusted to deliver quality work without constant supervision, which I enjoy.

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Supporting the business

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Would you recommend friends or family to apply for a job at UPEO?

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Gael: It depends. As I said, the gap between the senior consultants and me was very big. So perhaps I would not recommend it to someone who just graduated and needs a good structure and a lot of guidance. Although I must say that it has helped me grow, having to go through that challenge. And I can’t complain about the support; everyone was always ready to answer my questions. But it was up to me to go and ask the questions. 

What skills and qualities are essential to succeed as a Salesforce consultant?

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Gael: The willingness to learn is key, because Salesforce is always evolving. Adaptability is important too, as every client and project is different. And you have to understand the client’s perspective – it’s not about forcing their processes into the platform, but tailoring the platform to support their business. Understanding these challenges is something you really need to master if you want to become a Senior Consultant. That’s why I don’t mind studying in my own time, just to keep learning. 

What makes UPEO a unique place to work?

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Gael: It’s a great company with great values, like inclusivity, fairness and conviviality. Inclusivity means accepting each other’s differences in personality, background and working style, as long as the work for the client is delivered. You’re not supposed to become the template of a consultant, as is the case in larger consultancies.

Fairness means making sure everyone gets the support they need and deserve. Conviviality is about maintaining a friendly, collaborative atmosphere. 

How do you see your career path in a fast-changing world shaped by AI and technology?

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Gael: I don’t plan my career 10 years ahead anymore. With AI and automation changing the job market, some roles might disappear. Instead of chasing job titles, I focus on building competencies that let me adapt as the professional world changes. If that means changing careers in the future, I’m fine with that. 

What advice would you give to someone starting their career today?

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Gael: Don’t lock yourself into a fixed career plan – build the skills you’re curious about and keep learning. When people give you advice, take a step back and consider whether it works for you. Even well-meaning advice isn’t always right for your situation. The world of work is changing fast, so flexibility is your best asset.

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