Podcasts about Customer success

Hey CX Nation,In this week's episode of The CXChronicles Podcast #259, we welcomed Joe Anderson, Senior Director - Head of CX & Digital Transformation at TaskUs based in New Braunfels, TX.TaskUs is a different breed of BPO. They are a collective of highly capable humans, who understand how to deploy technology and data to best serve your purpose. From Digital CX to Trust & Safety, AI Services, Risk + Response, Consulting, and anything in between, we consider ourselves responsible for protecting our partners' interests and supporting their long term success through innovation and technology - powered by ridiculously smart people.In this episode, Joe and Adrian chat through the Four CX Pillars: Team, Tools, Process & Feedback. Plus share some of the ideas that his team at TaskUs think through on a daily basis to build world class customer experiences.**Episode #259 Highlight Reel:**1. Leading AI-safety initiatives at TaskUs  2. Developing and leveraging AI-powered analytics for customers 3. Partnering with Decagon and Regal focusing on augmentation 4. Constant monitoring & analysis of customer interactions to fuel sales5. Leveraging playbooks & how-to guides to create incredible EX Click here to learn more about Joe AndersonClick here to learn more about TaskUsHuge thanks to Joe for coming on The CXChronicles Podcast and featuring his work and efforts in pushing the customer experience & customer success space into the future.If you enjoy The CXChronicles Podcast, stop by your favorite podcast player hit the follow button and leave us a review today.For our Spotify friends, make sure you are following CXC & please leave a 5 star review so we can find new listeners & members of our community.For our Apple friends, same deal -- follow CXCP and leave us a review letting folks know why you love our customer focused content.You know what would be even better?Go tell one of your friends or teammates about CXC's content,  our strategic partners (Hubspot, Intercom, & Zendesk) + they can learn more about our CX/CS/RevOps On-Demand services & please invite them to join the CX Nation!Are you looking to learn more about the world of Customer Experience, Customer Success & Revenue Operations?Click here to grab a copy of my book "The Four CX Pillars To Grow Your Business Now" available on Amazon or the CXC website.Reach Out To CXC Today!Support the showContact CXChronicles Today Tweet us @cxchronicles Check out our Instagram @cxchronicles Click here to checkout the CXC website Email us at info@cxchronicles.com Remember To Make Happiness A Habit!!

In this episode of the Customer Success Pro Podcast, Anika Zubair emphasizes the importance of building genuine human relationships with customers. She discusses the challenges faced by Customer Success Managers in managing multiple accounts and the need to shift from transactional interactions to strategic partnerships. Anika outlines common mistakes CSMs make, such as only reaching out when they need something and failing to personalize communication. She introduces principles for building strong relationships, including being relevant, consistent, and human. The episode concludes with actionable challenges for listeners to enhance their customer relationships.Get your FREE QBR Revenue Guide: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/resourcesGet on the VIP Waitlist for RevUP Academy: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/revupChapters:00:00 Building Lasting Customer Relationships02:15 Customer Management in CS05:34 Myths in Customer Success10:10 Principles of Strategic Relationships15:44 Consistency Over Intensity19:34 The Human Element in Customer Success22:18 Actionable TakeawaysConnect with Anika Zubair: Website: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikazubair/CSM RevUP Academy: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/revupSend Anika a text :) Want to be our next guest? Apply here: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/podcast-guest Podcast Editor: https://podcastmagician.com/

Nico Wilsmann hat bei Spryker als SE angefangen, heute führt er das globale Team. In dieser Episode geht's nicht um Karrierewege aus dem Lehrbuch, sondern um Praxis. Um Ownership im PreSales, darum, früh Verantwortung zu übernehmen und Entscheidungen mitzutragen, statt nur zu begleiten. Er spricht offen über Reibungspunkte mit Vertrieb, klare Rollenteilung im Deal-Team und warum es SEs oft sind, die die Wahrheit über einen Case am schnellsten erkennen. Wer sich fragt, was es braucht, um als SE sichtbar zu werden, sollte hier genau hinhören. Niko bei LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/niko-wilsmann/ ----------

Send us a textSummaryThis episode kicks off a compelling three-part series featuring John Huber, founder of Customer Success Architects, who brings two decades of experience building CS functions across five different SaaS companies. The conversation centers on the fundamental question every growing business faces: how do you launch a customer success function that actually drives results? John shares his battle-tested approach, emphasizing the critical importance of aligning CS initiatives with company-wide strategic objectives rather than jumping straight into tactical execution. Through a fascinating case study involving a massive platform transformation for enterprise pharmaceutical and high-tech manufacturing clients, he demonstrates how proper alignment enabled a successful four-and-a-half-year migration from on-premise to cloud infrastructure without losing a single customer. This customer success playbook episode provides essential groundwork for any organization looking to build or rebuild their CS foundation.Detailed AnalysisThe discussion reveals several strategic insights that challenge conventional CS wisdom. Rather than immediately focusing on hiring CSMs or implementing technology platforms, John advocates for a "strategy-first" approach that ensures every CS initiative ladders up to broader business objectives. This methodology becomes particularly powerful when managing complex transformational projects, as evidenced by his experience migrating enterprise clients from legacy on-premise systems to modern cloud platforms.The episode highlights three critical success factors for new CS functions: strategic alignment with three-year company vision, cross-functional collaboration (especially with legal and finance teams), and allowing significantly more time than initially estimated for complex transitions. John's approach to contractual restructuring during platform migrations offers valuable lessons for companies navigating similar transformations, particularly the importance of providing financial incentives and flexible contract structures during transition periods.The conversation also underscores how customer success professionals must evolve beyond traditional support roles to become strategic business partners. John's team successfully positioned platform limitations as innovation opportunities, demonstrating the communication skills necessary to maintain customer relationships during potentially disruptive changes.For CS leaders and executives, this episode provides a practical framework for launching CS initiatives that deliver measurable business impact while maintaining strong customer relationships throughout complex organizational changes.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookPlease Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a textThe Customer Success Playbook podcast wraps up its enlightening three-part series with Kristen Nolan of Interview Valet by exploring the delicate balance between technology and human connection. In this forward-thinking discussion, Kristen reveals how she leverages AI as a strategic tool while maintaining authentic relationships. From using AI to identify unique client differentiators to employing dictation for efficiency, this episode offers practical ways to harness technology without sacrificing the personal touch. Hosts Roman Trebon and Kevin Metzger guide a conversation that demonstrates how AI can enhance rather than replace meaningful connections in customer success.Detailed AnalysisAs AI continues to transform business operations, customer success professionals face a critical question: Can technology actually strengthen human relationships rather than diminish them? This episode provides a refreshingly balanced perspective that avoids both technological evangelism and fearful resistance.Kristen Nolan's approach to integrating AI into client relationships stands out for its pragmatism and strategic focus. Working at Interview Valet, where "relationships are the ultimate currency" serves as a core value, Kristen has developed a methodology that leverages AI as a starting point rather than an end solution. Her process of using tools like ChatGPT to identify a client's unique differentiators demonstrates how AI can enhance relationship-building by providing deeper insights that might otherwise remain undiscovered.What makes this discussion particularly valuable for the customer success playbook is the emphasis on maintaining authenticity while embracing technological efficiency. Kristen's guidance on viewing AI outputs as "a baseline" that requires human refinement offers a practical middle path for CS professionals concerned about sounding robotic or inauthentic in client communications. As she notes, "AI can't make up personal stories for you," highlighting the irreplaceable value of human experience in building genuine connections.The hosts share equally practical applications, with Roman revealing how he uses AI to improve the tone and client-centricity of his communications—not by blindly copying AI outputs, but by using them as a mirror to recognize when his natural communication style might come across as too abrupt. This application addresses one of the most common challenges in customer success: ensuring that necessary direct communications don't damage valuable relationships.For customer success teams looking to scale their operations without sacrificing quality, this episode provides a framework for thoughtful AI integration. The discussion moves beyond theoretical benefits to share tangible techniques like using ChatGPT projects to maintain context, leveraging dictation for efficiency, and using AI to help craft more concise communications. These practical tips demonstrate how technology can free up time for meaningful relationship-building rather than replacing it.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CuPlease Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Alex Rastatuev is a Senior Product Manager for Keyhole, a social media insights company, and is passionate about product-led growth. He's also an active mentor, looking to pay it forward to the next generation of PMs. Alex's hot take? That thoughtful product onboarding and education is more important than showing all your features all at the same time, and will lead to better activation rates and product growth. Find Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-rastatuev/ or check out his mentoring profile: https://partnerup.intelligentpeople.co.uk/mentor/alex-rastatuev/.

Reinvention beats repetition every time. In a crowded market, it's reimagination that sets you apart.That's the real lesson behind The New Look, a drama that follows Christian Dior as he rebuilds a whole new vision of fashion. In this episode, we're taking inspiration from that spirit of transformation with the help of our special guest, Hrishi Kulkarni, Director of Customer Advocacy & Executive Programs at dbt Labs.Together, we explore what B2B marketers can learn from narrative-driven branding, thoughtful reinvention, and the power of showing up with both creativity and compassion.About our guest, Hrishi KulkarniHrishi Kulkarni leads customer advocacy and executive programs at dbt Labs. Previously, Hrishi served as Head of Customer Marketing & Executive Programs at New Relic. He has also worked at Salesforce in Customer Engagement and Marketing and QStream in Customer Success and Professional Services. Hrishi brings with him over 16 years of experience in customer engagement. He is also an equality champion, SF LGBT Center board member and founder of LGBTQ+ ERGs in India and Asia.What B2B Companies Can Learn From The New Look:Storytelling is your superpower. In The New Look, Christian Dior tells stories through his fashion. His work is infused with personal meaning, from tributes to his sister to inspiration from his mother. Hrishi says, “Marketing is all about storytelling. I joined marketing because I love storytelling… it emotionally connects your product and your services to your audience.” In B2B, storytelling isn't fluff, it's how you make people care. It's how you stand out. Don't just tell your audience what your product does, tell them why it matters.Innovation only works when it's authentic. Dior's most memorable move wasn't a massive runway spectacle; it was an intimate, unexpected fashion show that broke every rule. Hrishi explains, “He's not going to have a huge fashion show… He's going to create it in a very small space, a very personalized experience. Which never before any designer had done.” That decision wasn't flashy for the sake of it. It was deeply intentional. For B2B marketers, it's a reminder that innovation doesn't mean gimmicks. It means staying true to your values and finding fresh, genuine ways to express them.Repetition kills good content. Dior didn't copy what worked, he created what was next. Hrishi says, “As a customer marketer… we have to be creative in identifying and securing the right stories and then finding innovative ways to amplify those stories. If you keep amplifying different stories also in similar ways, at some point it is going to fall flat.” B2B marketers often default to the same formats: another case study, another quote, another video. But to keep your audience engaged, you have to rethink how you tell your stories, not just what stories you tell.Quotes*“ I love storytelling. It's because, if you think about it, storytelling truly impacts people's hearts and minds. It emotionally connects your product and your services to your audience. And that's exactly what Dior has done with his fashion. Like the perfume story you shared earlier, right? It's inspired by his sister. Like a lot of his design of his costumes, of his art, his all comes inspired from his mother. So he truly shows us how storytelling can drive the fashion industry. He started his fashion through the art of storytelling. Also thinking outside the box. If you saw the show, he's constantly innovating. He's constantly thinking outside the box. And as a customer marketer, you have to be constantly creative in identifying and securing the right stories and then finding innovative ways to amplify those stories. If you keep amplifying different stories also in similar ways, at some point it is going to fall flat. So it's always “how can I be innovative with these stories?” And then of course thought leadership, right? It's storytelling or thinking outside the box, being creative to showcase the thought leadership of your customers, their brand.”*“ In terms of B2B, customers love to hear how other customers are doing, how they're using your platform. .And I always say that what makes a kickass story is it has to be data driven and there has to be some human element to it. And now that's your recipe of a powerful story. ”*“ In a B2B world, we create all these customer stories, but what's our end goal? Our end goal is how are my sales teams, my how are my account executives going to leverage this story with other prospects, with other customers. So truly thinking that buyer journey, how are your different stories going to influence every stage in that buyer journey?”*“ Being authentic is so important in marketing. That is something we learned from The New Look. Be authentic in what you do. The passion comes across genuinely. It comes across easily. It's very evident. Be innovative. Don't be afraid to take risks.”Time Stamps[0:55] Meet Hrishi Kulkarni, Customer Advocacy & Executive Programs Lead at dbt Labs[01:10] Why The New Look?[04:19] Customer Advocacy & Executive Programs at dbt Labs[06:54] Origins of The New Look[11:54] B2B Marketing Takeaways from The New Look[24:57] Building a Strong Content Strategy[27:53] Measuring ROI in Customer Marketing[32:08] dbt Labs Executive Sponsorship Program[34:12] Advice for Marketing LeadersLinksConnect with Hrishi on LinkedInLearn more about dbt LabsAbout Remarkable!Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com. In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Head of Production). Remarkable was produced this week by Jess Avellino, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is “Solomon” by FALAK. Create something remarkable. Rise above the noise.

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Matt Maloney, SVP of Global Sales at Fireblocks. The discussion dives deep into Matt's background in B2B sales, his journey into the world of cryptocurrency, and how Fireblocks is revolutionizing blockchain security. Matt shares insights on the importance of adaptable, coachable sales teams and the application of traditional sales disciplines to new and emerging markets. The conversation also touches on strategic decision-making when entering new markets, the relevance of a strong ideal customer profile, and how foundational sales processes like MEDDPICC contribute to scaling success. The episode concludes with a nod to the influential book 'Inside the Tornado' by Geoffrey Moore and its relevance to Fireblocks' strategy.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESLearn more about Matt Maloney:https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-maloney-75698/Read Force Management's Guide to Embedding AI In Your B2B Sales Organization: https://hubs.li/Q03ldrzD0Download the CRO Strategy Checklist: https://hubs.li/Q03f8LmX0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:02:13] Matt Maloney's Journey into Crypto[00:02:55] Understanding Fireblocks and Blockchain[00:06:36] The Role of Stablecoins[00:10:28] Security Challenges in Crypto[00:23:18] Adapting Traditional Sales Disciplines to Emerging Markets[00:34:44] Mitigating Risk in Emerging Markets[00:35:07] The Importance of Continuous Development[00:37:11] Building Trust and Credibility[00:38:07] Characteristics of Successful Salespeople[00:39:41] Company Responsibility in Employee Development[00:41:02] Aligning Company Goals with Sales Strategies[00:46:05] Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome[00:48:36] The Role of Ideal Customer Profiles[00:49:43] Lessons from Mentorship and Experience[00:58:00] The Innovator's JourneyHIGHLIGHT QUOTES"Your job is to figure out hitting the number and making sure you're calibrating your resources, that you hit the number, because that's foundation to our jobs as sales leaders.""If you can be part of a disruptive movement... it could be game-changing.""You need people that are coachable that will take the time to listen and learn about what this market is."

In this special episode, live from Emerson Exchange, Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Marcelo Carugo, Vice President of Industry Solution Consulting and Customer Success and Doug Cooper, Director, Product Management, both from Emerson, to discuss new digital pathways and solutions for monitoring corrosion in the global refining industry.

Send us a textThe Customer Success Playbook podcast delivers a thought-provoking exploration of confidence building in this captivating episode featuring Kristen Nolan of Interview Valet. Hosts Roman Trebon and Kevin Metzger guide a discussion that dives into overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Kristen shares her personal journey from questioning "who cares what I have to say?" to becoming a confident podcast guest who now coaches others. With refreshing honesty about her own struggles and triumphs, she reveals how facing fears head-on can lead to remarkable personal and professional growth.Detailed AnalysisBuilding confidence isn't just a personal development goal—it's a critical professional skill, especially in customer success roles where relationships and credibility are paramount. This episode tackles the universal challenge of silencing the inner critic that so often holds professionals back from reaching their full potential.Kristen Nolan's approach to confidence building centers on one powerful concept: taking action despite doubt. She candidly shares her own hesitation when first approached about being a podcast guest, revealing that her immediate reaction was, "Who cares what I have to say?" This transparent admission resonates because it reflects a common barrier many customer success professionals face—questioning their expertise or value.What makes Kristen's perspective particularly valuable for the customer success playbook is her emphasis on how facing fears creates a feedback loop of growth. By "ripping the bandaid off" with her first podcast appearance (which she admits was "pretty terrible"), she developed skills and insights that now help her better serve clients. This practical example demonstrates how pushing through discomfort directly enhances client relationship capabilities.The conversation takes an even more profound turn when Kristen addresses self-sabotage—identifying it as one of the most significant barriers to achievement. For customer success professionals, this insight is especially relevant, as hesitation in challenging client conversations or strategic recommendations can undermine effectiveness. Kristen's advice to visualize goals and map the path backward (her "Z to A thinking") offers a tactical approach to overcome this tendency.Perhaps most powerfully, the discussion draws a connection to broader life satisfaction, referencing the common deathbed regret of "not having the courage to live authentically." This reminder elevates the conversation beyond mere professional development to touch on how building confidence impacts overall life fulfillment—a holistic perspective that aligns perfectly with the integrated work-life approach many customer success professionals strive to achieve.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookPlease Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

In this episode, Anika Zubair discusses the importance of transitioning from a reactive to a proactive customer success strategy. She outlines a step-by-step approach to building a proactive customer success organization, emphasizing the need to define success from the customer's perspective, map the customer journey, automate touchpoints, and regularly review strategies. The episode provides actionable insights for customer success professionals to enhance their effectiveness and drive customer outcomes.Get your FREE QBR Revenue Guide: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/resourcesChapters00:00 The Shift from Reactive to Proactive Customer Success03:05 Building a Proactive Customer Success Strategy05:57 Defining Success for Customers08:47 Mapping the Customer Journey12:07 Automating Touch Points for Efficiency15:00 Creating a Risk and Opportunity Framework17:49 The Importance of Regular Strategy ReviewConnect with Anika Zubair: Website: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikazubair/CSM RevUP Academy: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/revupSend Anika a text :) Want to be our next guest? Apply here: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/podcast-guest Podcast Editor: https://podcastmagician.com/

Send us a textIn this eye-opening episode of the Customer Success Playbook podcast, hosts Roman Trebon and Kevin Metzger welcome Kristen Nolan, Senior Client Account Manager at Interview Valet. As a military spouse, mother of three, and active community volunteer, Kristen shares her battle-tested strategies for managing a packed schedule. Her number one tip? Taking control of your calendar through intentional time blocking. Discover how this simple yet powerful technique helps Kristen juggle professional responsibilities while maintaining flexibility for life's unexpected moments and personal priorities.Detailed AnalysisEffective calendar management might be the most underrated skill in today's busy professional landscape. Kristen Nolan, who juggles multiple roles with impressive grace, offers a masterclass in time management that any customer success professional can immediately implement.Kristen's approach centers on what she calls "Z to A thinking" - a methodology where she identifies all weekly tasks first, then strategically schedules them on her calendar. This proactive stance ensures nothing falls through the cracks while maintaining flexibility to adapt when needed. As Kristen points out during the conversation, this intentionality creates space for both productivity and spontaneity - a balance many professionals struggle to achieve.For customer success professionals, Kristen's advice is particularly valuable. The demanding nature of client-facing roles often leads to reactive scheduling practices, where calendars become overrun with meetings, leaving little time for focused work. By implementing Kristen's time blocking technique, CS teams can carve out dedicated space for deep work while still maintaining client availability.What makes Kristen's approach stand out is her holistic perspective - combining personal and professional commitments in a single calendar system. This integrated view prevents the common pitfall of overbooking and creates realistic expectations for what can be accomplished each day. For customer success teams looking to improve efficiency without sacrificing client relationships, this balanced methodology offers a practical framework that can transform productivity.The customer success playbook continues to evolve, but fundamental skills like time management remain essential building blocks for professional excellence. Kristen's insights remind us that sometimes the simplest strategies yield the most powerful results.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookPlease Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a textAs artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize project management, many professionals feel caught between excitement and overwhelm. In this AI Friday finale of their three-part series, Kevin Metzger and Roman Trebon explore with Elizabeth Harrin how to harness AI's power without losing the human touch. From security concerns to practical applications, Elizabeth delivers a refreshingly pragmatic approach to integrating AI into your project management toolkit without adding complexity to your already full plate.Detailed AnalysisThe episode begins with a reality check that resonates across industries: despite AI's massive potential, most project managers aren't using it – primarily due to security protocols and corporate restrictions. Elizabeth's survey findings reveal a gap between AI's promises and its practical adoption, setting the stage for a conversation about realistic implementation.Rather than pushing for revolutionary changes, Elizabeth advocates for evolution. Her advice? Start with AI functionality already embedded in your existing tools. Microsoft Copilot for meeting summaries, automated task suggestions, and workflow automation represent low-hanging fruit that sidesteps security concerns while delivering immediate value.Roman's observation about the basics strikes a chord – while early adopters race toward advanced AI applications, many professionals haven't even discovered time-saving fundamentals like automated meeting transcriptions. This highlights a crucial insight: successful AI adoption isn't about chasing the latest technology; it's about finding tools that solve real problems without creating new ones.Elizabeth's vision for AI focuses on eliminating repetitive work to create space for high-value activities like relationship building and strategic thinking. She paints a picture of AI as an assistant that handles data collection and analysis, freeing project managers to focus on what computers can't do – engage with people and build trust.The conversation takes a practical turn with specific examples. Imagine uploading a year's worth of monthly reports and asking AI to generate an annual summary – transforming hours of manual compilation into minutes of review. Or consider tools like ClickUp generating task lists from project ideas, or Tom's Planner and Nimble surfacing potential actions from historical data.Elizabeth's forward-looking perspective is particularly intriguing. She envisions AI analyzing historical performance data to predict deadline reliability – "Kevin has hit his deadlines 3% of the time" becomes actionable intelligence for better planning. While the percentage might sting, the insight enables smarter project management.The episode concludes with a powerful reminder: AI should support your work, not create more of it. For customer success professionals managing multiple projects, this means choosing tools that genuinely reduce cognitive load rather than adding another layer of complexity to master.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookPlease Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Today on the show we have Ryan Seams, the Head of Customer Success at  AssemblyAI.In this episode, Ryan shares his experience transitioning from Deloitte to the fast-paced world of startups, where he spent nearly a decade at Mixpanel scaling customer success and navigating product analytics.We then discussed the evolution of pricing models — from events-based to monthly tracked users and back again — and how that shaped customer behavior, retention, and satisfaction.We wrapped up by discussing how AI-native companies like  AssemblyAI are redefining usage-based pricing, customer segmentation, and churn forecasting in a rapidly changing landscape.Mentioned ResourcesAssemblyAI Mixpanel Google Analytics Adobe Omniture OpenAI Churn FM is sponsored by Vitally, the all-in-one Customer Success Platform.

Send us a textWhen multiple projects collide with competing deadlines, stakeholder management becomes an art form. In this dynamic episode of the Customer Success Playbook, Kevin Metzger and Roman Trebon continue their conversation with Elizabeth Harrin, exploring the intricate dance of aligning diverse stakeholder expectations. From financial services to healthcare, Elizabeth shares her cross-industry insights on what truly matters to different stakeholders and how to orchestrate harmony amid chaos.Detailed AnalysisThe episode opens with Elizabeth's compelling cross-industry comparison that immediately sets the tone for nuanced stakeholder management. Her transition from financial services to healthcare revealed a fundamental truth: what matters most varies dramatically by context. In finance, deadlines reign supreme; in healthcare, quality trumps timing when lives are at stake. This powerful example illustrates why understanding stakeholder priorities isn't just good practice – it's essential for project success.Elizabeth introduces her stakeholder prioritization grid, a tactical tool that transforms vague relationship management into strategic action. The framework helps project managers navigate the complex web of expectations by first identifying what each stakeholder values most – whether it's time, cost, quality, or social impact. This clarity becomes the North Star for prioritization decisions.The conversation takes a practical turn with Elizabeth's "Five Email Rule" – a communication strategy that recognizes when digital ping-pong needs to become actual dialogue. After five exchanges, pick up the phone or schedule a meeting. It's a simple yet powerful reminder that efficiency sometimes means stepping away from the keyboard.Roman's enthusiasm for tactical tools shines through as he highlights the real-world applicability of Elizabeth's methods. This isn't theoretical project management; it's battle-tested wisdom that acknowledges stakeholders are just as overwhelmed as project managers. Elizabeth's solution? Become "easy to do business with" by streamlining communications, creating consolidated reports, and establishing predictable patterns.The discussion culminates in a masterclass on transparency and trust. When competing demands surface, honest conversations about trade-offs become possible only when you've built that foundation of trust. Elizabeth emphasizes that while you can accomplish anything with enough resources, reality demands smart choices within constraints. By making these constraints visible, project managers empower stakeholders to guide prioritization effectively.This episode delivers a crucial message for customer success professionals: managing multiple projects isn't just about juggling tasks – it's about orchestrating relationships, understanding diverse priorities, and creating systems that make collaboration effortless.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookPlease Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

The future of robotics isn't about talent gaps. It's about the leaders building smarter teams and opening more doors. Jesica Chavez joins HIRED! The Podcast to share how robotics companies can scale by focusing on people first.From factory floors in Mexico to leadership roles in the U.S., Jesica brings a global view on scaling startups, building diverse teams, and the leadership lessons robotics companies still need to learn. If you care about the future of robotics, this one is for you.Jesica Chavez is a dynamic leader in robotics, boasting over 20 years of experience in Customer Success and Marketing. With a background in Industrial Engineering and currently pursuing her MBA, she has worked across various sectors, including manufacturing, SaaS, and robotics. She founded Robo Success, a specialized agency dedicated to helping robotics companies accelerate growth and effectively navigate their go-to-market strategies._________________________________________________Connect with:⏵ Jesica Chavez⏵ RoboSuccess_________________________________________________Want to stream our podcast on another platform?⏵ Apple Podcasts⏵ Audible⏵ Spotify#robotics #technology #engineering #automation #innovation #futuretech #AI

HighlightsGoogle Cloud's AI Revolution and Customer Success (00:10)Renner talks about how, for Google Cloud, delivering great outcomes for customers must come before achieving returns. Efforts are underway to push brainpower and expertise directly to customers, while simplifying the sales process by infusing more industry-specific knowledge. Customers are focused on realizing tangible business outcomes with AI.Google Cloud's Ecosystem and Partner Ecosystem (02:02)Google Cloud is the fastest-growing company in the Cloud Wars, achieving $12 billion in revenue last quarter. A sharp focus on business outcomes, paired with a robust ecosystem of expertise, is credited for this success. Renner discusses Google Cloud's partner ecosystem development under Kevin Ichhpurani, president, global partner ecosystem. Growth across the partner ecosystem, including SIs, ISVs, and boutique functional experts, remains a key driver of momentum.Customer Success and Innovation at Google Cloud Next (03:46)Innovation and customer success were on full display at Google Cloud Next in Las Vegas, with major product launches and enthusiastic customer testimonials. Marking his two-year anniversary, Renner reflects on how AI has accelerated customer success' evolution. The volume of customer stories and advocacy is proof of exceptionally high engagement. Many customers have already moved beyond experimentation into full production.Customer Mindset and Business Outcomes (06:09)Today's customers are reimagining what's possible through AI, marking a profound shift in mindset. Renner talks about the eagerness and commitment of Google's engineering and consulting teams to work side-by-side with customers. As customers become more sophisticated, they are increasingly focused on identifying business impact and making strategic investments. A collaborative and creative problem-solving approach is central to how Google Cloud delivers value.Budget Shifts and Business Engagement (07:37)AI adoption is driving a major shift in spending away from traditional IT control toward broader enterprise engagement. Renner notes that while business engagement has always been important, AI has accelerated the breakdown of old barriers across industries. Teams are approaching go-to-market strategies more mindfully. Verticalization and deep industry focus have become essential in driving business outcomes.Ecosystem Growth and Customer Demand (11:17)Google Cloud's ecosystem continues to expand, with ISVs and SIs playing an increasingly critical role. Renner points to partnerships with Salesforce, ServiceNow, and others as key to expanding Google Cloud's reach, building credibility, and scaling to meet growing customer demand. The expansion of regional SIs is equally important, ensuring global customer needs are met effectively.Google Cloud's Growth and Market Position (13:23)Renner attributes Google Cloud's leadership as the fastest-growing company in the Cloud Wars to its focus on customer business outcomes. This strategy has fueled new customer acquisition, a growing sales backlog, and sustained high demand. AI is transforming how Google Cloud engages with customers, driving growth across every product line and deepening its market position.Leadership and Team Enabling (15:35)Under the leadership of CEO Thomas Kurian, Google Cloud has made extraordinary strides in customer success and growth. Renner praises Kurian's passion, energy, and clarity of vision. A major focus remains on providing field teams with the right assets, tools, and alignment to be successful. The addition of new talent to oversee the customer experience journey, reflects Google Cloud's commitment to strengthening its leadership bench.Final Thoughts and Future Plans (18:32)Renner shares his appreciation for the opportunity to reflect on Google Cloud's strategic focus and achievements. The interview closes with a reaffirmation of the AI revolution's significance and Google Cloud's central role in shaping the future of business innovation. The outlook is positive.Google Cloud's central role in shaping the future of business innovation. The outlook is positive. This episode is sponsored by Google Cloud.---The content displayed on the platform is the intellectual property of Acceleration Economy. You may reuse, republish, or reprint such content with attribution: Content by cloudwars.comAll information posted is informational purposes. Should you decide to act upon any information on this website, you do so at your own risk. While the information on this platform has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors.We reserve the right to change this policy at any given time.  

Send us a textEver feel like you're juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle? That's modern project management for you. In this episode of the Customer Success Playbook, Kevin Metzger and Roman Trebon welcome Elizabeth Harrin, the mastermind behind the award-winning Rebels Guide to Project Management. With over two decades of experience helping professionals navigate the chaos of multiple projects, Elizabeth reveals her battle-tested strategies for maintaining sanity when the pressure cooker of deadlines starts whistling.Detailed AnalysisThe conversation kicks off with Elizabeth dropping a truth bomb that resonates across industries: project management isn't just for project managers anymore. Whether you're in customer success, sales, or support, you're likely juggling multiple initiatives that directly impact client satisfaction. The beauty of Elizabeth's approach lies in its simplicity – she transforms overwhelming to-do lists into manageable "buckets of work."Her number one tip? Start with visibility. Most professionals treat their workload like an endless scroll of doom, but Elizabeth advocates for packaging work into digestible categories. Think of it as Marie Kondo-ing your project portfolio – group by client, deadline, or theme, then ruthlessly prioritize what truly sparks value.The discussion takes a practical turn when Elizabeth introduces her "top three goals" approach. By identifying three key objectives each evening for the next day, you create a roadmap that prevents the dreaded email rabbit hole. Roman Trebon enthusiastically validates this method, sharing his own success with a similar journaling practice – proof that even the busiest professionals can benefit from this deceptively simple strategy.What sets this episode apart is Elizabeth's emphasis on personalization. She acknowledges that traditional prioritization models (like the famous "eat the frog" approach) don't work for everyone, especially those with neurodivergence. The key is experimentation – test different systems, keep what works, and adjust what doesn't. This flexible mindset transforms project management from a rigid framework into a dynamic toolkit.The episode concludes with a compelling reminder: effective project management isn't about doing more; it's about doing what matters. In an era where burnout lurks around every deadline, Elizabeth's approach offers a refreshing perspective on sustainable productivity.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookPlease Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a textIn this final part of the Katie Smith trilogy on the Customer Success Playbook, we enter the brave new world of AI and marketing. Host Kevin Metzger explores the promises and pitfalls of generative tools with Katie, who brings her thoughtful and grounded take on how businesses can embrace automation while fiercely protecting their authenticity. If you've ever wondered how to use AI effectively without sounding like a robot, this one's for you.Detailed Analysis: AI isn't going anywhere—and that's exactly why it's time to get strategic. Katie Smith walks listeners through the essentials of adopting AI in a way that enhances rather than dilutes your marketing. The episode kicks off with her advice on building internal AI policies: what your team will use AI for, what it won't, and how to protect sensitive data along the way. Her mantra? Be proactive, not reactive.Katie also shares her go-to applications of AI in the creative process:Use AI as a co-creator to spark content ideas and draft early versionsTrain AI with your brand's voice and tone to maintain consistencyStay vigilant about hallucinations and homogenized contentShe emphasizes the importance of human review at every stage, especially when publishing customer-facing materials. AI is a brilliant assistant, but not a final authority.The discussion evolves into deeper insights on lead generation and real-time responsiveness. Kevin adds his own tricks for applying brand tone through prompt engineering and post-processing, offering a compelling use case that blends Claude, GPTs, and content repurposing magic.Finally, the two zoom out to a broader question: How do you optimize your brand for AI-driven search and recommendations? It's an emerging discipline with massive implications, and Katie teases what's to come from leaders in B2B and digital strategy.Whether you're testing the AI waters or already building internal GPTs, Katie's thoughtful approach provides the guardrails needed to preserve quality and trust in a world of automation.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookPlease Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

"Most companies focus on acquiring new customers, but in recurring revenue businesses, 70–90% of revenue comes from existing customers. If you're not investing in retention and expansion, you're leaving your biggest growth lever untapped.” Roee Hartuv In this episode of Revenue Boost: A Marketing Podcast titled, Revenue and Retention: Why Customer Success Is Key to Sustainable Growth host Kerry Curran is joined by Roee Hartuv, Head of Revenue Architecture at Winning by Design, to unpack a mindset shift that B2B companies must embrace to grow sustainably: true revenue growth doesn't end at the closed-won stage—it begins there. Drawing from his experience advising recurring revenue businesses around the world, Roee breaks down how the traditional go-to-market model focused almost entirely on new acquisition—is no longer enough. He introduces the “bowtie” framework, a more holistic approach to GTM that prioritizes retention, expansion, and customer lifetime value. Throughout the conversation, you'll learn: Why 70–90% of recurring revenue comes from existing customers—and why most companies are underinvesting in that opportunity How customer success can become a strategic growth engine not just a support function Why expansion is more efficient than acquisition, and how to resource accordingly How to structure high-performing CS pods to support mid-market and enterprise clients Ways to equip account managers with the mindset and messaging to grow accounts without sounding “salesy” The critical role of marketing in supporting post-sale growth, from product updates to thought leadership And why companies should stop thinking of GTM as a funnel and start treating it as a bowtie This episode is a must-listen for marketing, sales, RevOps, and customer success leaders who are ready to drive sustainable revenue growt not just this quarter, but long-term. If you're serious about building a revenue engine that lasts, this one's for you."

What exactly does a GROW with SAP project look like?  ASUG Talks digs deep into this question during a conversation with Jeff Suellentrop, Chief Information & Technology Officer at Phoenix Global, a metals and mining services company. In an effort to jumpstart AI innovation and eliminate technical debt, the enterprise chose GROW with SAP to help facilitate its implementation of SAP S/4HANA Cloud. During the discussion, Jeff walks listeners through:   Why GROW with SAP was the best option for Phoenix Global's digital transformation project and IT ecosystemHow the team overcame specific hurdles during the go-liveAdvice for listeners about to embark on their own GROW with SAP project Check out these ASUG resources mentioned in the episode to stay up-to-date on what's happening around the SAP ecosystem:   2025 ASUG Pulse of the SAP Customer Research: Gain insights into the top focus areas and challenges reported by 787 ASUG Members.ASUG Talks Executive Interview: Andre Bechtold, SAP: Listen to Andre's conversation with Geoff Scott, ASUG CEO & Chief Community Champion, about how SAP is encouraging a culture of innovation and learning—both internally and among its customers.  

Customer expectations have skyrocketed—people now demand instant, personalized, and seamless interactions across every touchpoint. But are companies truly meeting these expectations, or are they still stuck in reactive customer service models? What if AI could completely transform the customer experience into something proactive, predictive, and even empathetic? Joining me today is Vinod Muthukrishnan, VP & COO of Webex Customer Experience at Cisco. Vinod is a leader in the future of customer experience (CX), helping organizations use AI to anticipate customer needs, deliver seamless automation, and create personalized interactions at scale. Vinod Muthukrishnan is the VP & COO for the Webex Customer Experience Business Unit, overseeing Go To Market, Customer, and Business Operations. In this role he collaborates with Cisco field teams, partners, and customers to deliver innovative solutions. His passion lies in creating products that solve real customer pain points and providing a seamless customer experience. He also values building strong communities, teams, culture, and operating rhythms.Previously, Vinod spent three years in Enterprise AI at Uniphore, a Cisco Investments Portfolio Company, where he developed a product enabling Citizen Developers to create AI and automation solutions. He managed Uniphore's customer functions, including Delivery, Technical Support, Customer Success, and AI consulting, helping enterprises align their business goals with AI roadmaps.Vinod was also VP & COO at the Webex Contact Center Business Unit during a period of significant growth and innovation. During his tenure at the BU, the IMI CPaaS business was acquired, and Webex Contact Center was launched. These two initiatives now serve as the foundations of the Webex Customer Experience Business Unit. Vinod oversaw all GTM functions.He joined Cisco when his startup, CloudCherry, was acquired in 2019. As Co-Founder and CEO of CloudCherry, he and his team developed a Customer Experience Platform that became Webex Experience Management. They also built the foundations of the Customer Journey Data Service, essential to the Webex Portfolio today.Coming from a military family, Vinod began his career in the Merchant Marine at 18, becoming a certified First Officer with Maersk Line and sailing to over 60 countries. He later joined the founding team at MarketSimplified, which introduced mobile trading to major brokerages like TD Ameritrade and OptionsExpress. RESOURCESCisco: https://www.cisco.com Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsOnline Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrandDon't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnowThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

In the financial services industry, we often see a critical gap between technological potential and practical implementation. Financial institutions must bridge this divide, moving beyond the excitement of new technology to achieve measurable outcomes that impact both customer experience and operational efficiency. Today, we're joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by Tara Lacey, Regional Vice President of Customer Success at Backbase. Tara has made her career focusing on what truly matters in financial technology – not just helping to build innovative solutions, but ensuring they're effectively deployed to create real business value. We explore the evolving philosophy of customer success in banking technology – where the emphasis isn't on selling solutions but on ensuring their successful deployment and adoption. We also discuss why implementation strategy is often more important than the technology itself.

Send us a text Back for part two with Katie Smith on the Customer Success Playbook, and this time we're tearing down silos. In this Wednesday edition, host Kevin Metzger guides a conversation focused on how to bring marketing and customer success into harmony. Katie—founder of Wild Path Consulting and fractional CMO—shares a blueprint for unifying teams, streamlining customer journeys, and turning internal collaboration into a competitive advantage.Detailed Analysis: This episode is less about theory and more about execution. Katie Smith gets candid about why alignment between marketing and customer success isn't a nice-to-have—it's the lifeline of sustainable growth. Her argument is clear: the closer these departments work together, the more seamless and authentic the customer experience becomes.Katie emphasizes that customer success is the closest link a company has to real-time customer sentiment. And yet, too often, that feedback gets lost in the shuffle. Her proposed fix? Cross-functional meetings, shared goals, and a top-down commitment to break the silos. She outlines how marketing can use insights from customer success to better tailor messaging, avoid overpromising, and reinforce consistent value.The conversation gets practical with ideas on how to structure interdepartmental communication, including:Setting up regular syncs between CS and marketingReporting loops where both sides share qualitative and quantitative insightsShared definitions of success, ideal customer profiles, and journey checkpointsKatie also urges organizations to think beyond marketing and CS. Sales, product, ops—even the loadout teams in a manufacturing company—all contribute to the customer experience and need to be part of the marketing ecosystem. It's a holistic view that turns internal collaboration into customer satisfaction.And if you've ever felt the pain of over-promised marketing and under-delivered onboarding, Katie's advice on co-created alignment is a must-listen.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookPlease Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a textIn this episode, Anika Zubair discusses the vital collaboration between customer success and marketing with guest Ashna Patel. They explore how aligning these two functions can drive growth, retention, and upsells. Ashna shares her journey from customer success to marketing, emphasizing the importance of messaging and cross-functional teamwork in enhancing the customer experience. The conversation highlights the need for customer success professionals to leverage marketing resources and insights to better serve their customers and achieve organizational goals. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the critical alignment between marketing and customer success teams, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to enhance customer retention and product adoption. They explore how effective messaging and nurturing relationships can drive growth, and the role of AI in shaping the future of customer success. The discussion highlights practical strategies for cross-functional collaboration and the need for open communication to ensure that both teams work towards common goals.Signup to the VIP Waitlist for RevUP Academy: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/revupTimestamps:00:00 Introduction 02:52 Ashna Patel's Transition from Customer Success to Marketing06:06 Understanding the Bow Tie Model in Customer Journey09:10 The Role of Marketing in Customer Success11:53 The Importance of Messaging in Customer Engagement15:02 Aligning Marketing and Customer Success Teams17:54 Leveraging Marketing for Customer Retention and Growth20:54 Building Cross-Functional Relationships for Success32:39 Team Alignment for Customer Success35:05 Marketing's Role in Customer Retention39:55 Nurturing Customer Relationships42:04 Effective Messaging Strategies48:15 Cross-Functional Collaboration for Success55:30 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysConnect with Anika:LinkedInYouTubeTikTokInstagramWebsite: thecustomersuccesspro.comCoaching with Anika: CSM RevUP AcademyConnect with Ashna Patel:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashnapatel92/Ashna Patel is a former award-winning Customer Success leader turned Marketer, bringing over a decade of experience in customer engagement, retention, and growth. After years of driving customer success strategies, she transitioned into marketing to bridge the gap between pre- and post-sales, leveraging her deep understanding of customer needs to fuel demand generation and customer marketing. Apart from this, Ashna is also passionate about helping professionals build personalized systems to prevent burnout, enhance productivity, and achieve sustainable success (personally and professionally).  Podcast Editor: https://podcastmagician.com/

Text us your questions and thoughts!Can you believe it's been five years since we launched the Women in Customer Success Podcast?What started as a conversation in your earbuds has grown into a global movement. Now, after hundreds of episodes, bringing these discussions into the physical world feels like coming full circle.We hosted our second Women in Customer Success live podcast recording in Berlin, where Marija Skobe-Pilley welcomed Cara Benecke, Sally Stoewe and Pia Schümann-Hoppe. We discussed:✨ Redefining what "having it all" means in today's professional landscape✨ Setting 'non-negotiables' for work-life integration✨ Building success on your own terms✨ Setting boundaries that stick✨ Leading authentically across diverse European culturesThis was a perfect night where our incredible audience engaged in deep conversations, asked thoughtful questions, and shared experiences with each other.And now, you get to hear it all. Whether you're an aspiring leader or looking to advance your career, this session offers invaluable advice and inspiration. Tune in and enjoy!***Special thanks to our sponsors Gainsight and Braze for making this happen!

Send us a textThis episode of the Customer Success Playbook podcast is a breath of fresh Livingston, Montana air. Kevin Metzger sits down with Katie Smith, fractional CMO and founder of Wild Path Consulting, to unpack how strategic marketing and proactive customer listening can transform customer relationships and drive sustainable growth. Katie dives into tactics that ensure continuous customer engagement, especially in volatile markets, and shares actionable insights on how aligning customer feedback with marketing can unlock next-level success.Detailed Analysis: Katie Smith's marketing philosophy is simple but potent: Always keep your ear to the ground. As a fractional Chief Marketing Officer, she specializes in building scalable strategies by embedding listening loops throughout the customer lifecycle. In this episode, Katie unpacks the critical role of subtle, continuous feedback gathering—from onboarding questions like "What are you most excited about?" to reflective prompts such as "What has changed the most for you?"She emphasizes integrating these questions into everyday interactions rather than relying on clunky surveys. It's about embedding marketing intelligence into the customer success function. And here's the kicker: Katie makes a strong case that the insights from customer success should be fueling marketing strategy just as much as sales data does. That shift in mindset helps brands stay ahead of the curve—adjusting messaging, realigning offerings, and reinforcing value in real time.The conversation also touches on the broader organizational alignment between marketing and customer success teams. With fast-moving market shifts, this collaboration isn't just beneficial; it's essential. Katie leaves us with a compelling preview of part two, where the focus sharpens on co-owning long-term value across departments.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookPlease Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

In this insightful episode, hosts Sean and Ibby sit down with Meaghan Kaplan from Cleo, an end-to-end caregiving platform, to discuss the intricacies of customer success and commercial operations in today's evolving business landscape. Meaghan, who oversees Cleo's commercial operations department, shares her unique perspective on building strong customer relationships and driving business growth through effective data utilization and cross-functional collaboration.The conversation delves into the importance of asking the right questions to truly understand customer needs and pain points. Meaghan emphasizes that great customer success managers and salespeople are not afraid to ask probing questions, even if the answers may be uncomfortable. This approach builds trust and allows for more meaningful, value-driven interactions with clients. The discussion also touches on the challenges of information sharing within organizations and the need to find tools and processes that work best for each team's unique dynamics.As the business world continues to evolve, Meaghan highlights the shifting focus towards ROI and the importance of adapting to changing customer bases. She shares insights on how Cleo has expanded from primarily serving employers to now working with health plans and other groups. The episode concludes with valuable advice on leveraging AI in customer success and the critical role of cross-functional collaboration in driving business growth. Whether you're in customer success, sales, or operations, this episode offers practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of modern business relationships. Tune in to gain actionable insights that can help elevate your customer-centric strategies.https://hicleo.com/

Today on the show we have Ziv Peled, the Chief Customer Officer of AppsFlyer.In this episode, Ziv shares his experience using AI to radically improve customer success performance.We then discussed the shift from product expertise to growth partnership and wrapped up by exploring how AI is changing internal team dynamics and go-to-market strategies.Mentioned ResourcesAppsFlyerMatik.ioChurn FM is sponsored by Vitally, the all-in-one Customer Success Platform.

Send us a textClose out the week with a power-packed episode of the Customer Success Playbook, as Roman Trebon and Kevin Metzger welcome Joe Di Grande for a lively Friday discussion on AI in customer success! Joe shares an honest look at how AI can supercharge your customer success playbook—but only if deployed with clarity and purpose. Learn how to avoid the common pitfall of chasing shiny AI tools without aligning them to your actual goals. From automation to predictive analytics, this episode is a must-listen for forward-thinking CS and product marketing teams.Detailed Analysis: In a world where every scroll brings a new "game-changing" AI app, Joe Di Grande brings much-needed sanity to the conversation. Returning to the Customer Success Playbook, Joe shares practical ways AI can drive serious gains—faster customer engagement, smarter predictive analytics, better documentation—but not without a word of caution: it's not about the tool, it's about the goal.Joe lays out a clear decision framework: start by asking what business problem you're solving, measure the potential time savings, and always weigh the cost versus value, much like any traditional tech investment. He shares examples from his own consulting work, including custom GPT bots, clever workflow automation with tools like Tango, and AI-driven stakeholder management.Kevin and Roman add extra layers of wisdom, emphasizing that AI project evaluation is not fundamentally different from any other project: start with objectives, measure value, manage implementation smartly. Along the way, they give a shoutout to innovative tools like Cast.app and discuss how to stay grounded when AI hype is everywhere.If you want to integrate AI into your customer success playbook—without losing focus or budget—this episode delivers practical, optimistic, and realistic strategies.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookPlease Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

In this special episode of Sales Pipeline Radio from the Forrester B2B Summit 2025 marketplace floor, Matt spoke with Nora O'Leary-Roseberry, Director, Digital Success and Leslie Smith, Manager, CS Operations at Conga. Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Sales Pipeline Radio or tune in live Thursdays at 11:30 PT | 12:30 MT | 1:30 CT | 2:30 ET on LinkedIn (also available on demand). In just 20 fast-paced minutes, host Matt interviews the brightest minds in sales and marketing, delivering actionable advice, best practices, and insights for B2B sales and marketing professionals. Sales Pipeline Radio was recently recognized as one of the 25 Best Sales Management Podcasts and Top 60 Sales Podcasts—don't miss out! You can subscribe right at Sales Pipeline Radio and/or listen to full recordings of past shows everywhere you listen to podcasts! You can even ask Siri, Alexa and Google or search on Audible!

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Marcello Gallo, Chief Revenue Officer at Sigma Computing. The discussion dives into Marcello's extensive experience in enterprise sales leadership, including his non-traditional path, lessons from leading roles at various companies, and the importance of structure, mentorship, and continuous learning. Marcello shares valuable insights on transitioning from technical roles to sales, territory management, and the significance of aligning with customer needs to drive value. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset, understanding customer environments, and leveraging product-market fit for sustained success.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESLearn more about Marcello Gallo:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gallomarcello/Download the CRO Strategy Checklist: https://hubs.li/Q03f8LmX0Read Force Management's Guide to Increasing Company Valuation: https://hubs.li/Q038n0jT0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:01:53] Marcello's Journey into Enterprise Sales[00:08:13] The Importance of Structure in Sales[00:28:37] Navigating Major Accounts and Complex Sales[00:34:32] Understanding the Champion's Role in Sales[00:35:15] Building Strong Relationships with Champions[00:37:59] The Importance of Predicting and Preparing for Objections[00:39:14] Role-Playing and Preparation Techniques[00:40:05] Leadership and Helping Teams Get Unstuck[00:42:03] Lessons from Climbing the Corporate Ladder[00:43:21] The Value of Enablement and Territory Management[00:46:20] Adapting to Market Changes and Customer Feedback[00:53:59] Choosing the Right Opportunities and Taking Risks[01:04:50] Sigma Computing's Growth and OpportunitiesHIGHLIGHT QUOTES“If you can't bet on yourself, who can you bet on?"“Knowledge is courage.”“You get delegated to those that you sound like.”“Hire the people commensurate to the territory that you have open.”“Don't confuse position with opportunity.”

#updateai #customersuccess #saas #businessJosh Schachter, Co-Founder & CEO of UpdateAI, sits down with Carly Van Kirk, Head of CS at AngelList. Carly pulls back the curtain on AngelList's unique approach to supporting emerging and established GPs and shares her journey into this pivotal leadership role amidst rapid company growth and industry transformation. Join us as Carly shares how AngelList is reshaping customer segments, dealing with the challenges of scaling an increasingly complex platform, and balancing high-touch professional services with tech-driven solutions.Timestamps0:00 - Preview1:45 - Overview of AngelList2:35 - COVID-Era Growth & Rolling Fund at AngelList4:12 - Carly's Role, Team Structure & Customer Segmentation at AngelList9:30 - Hunting for a New Job13:20 - Carly's Priorities in Her First 180 Days at AngelList14:45 - Key Challenges and Initiatives Identified14:45 - Automation, Tooling, and Workflow Inefficiencies22:43 - Understanding and Improving Time to Value24:24 - AI's Current and Future Role in AngelList and CS27:36 - Customer Success as a Commercial Center___________________________

Ever wonder why your resume keeps getting ghosted, even when your experience checks every box? After combing through 11 before-and-after resumes from job seekers who actually landed CS roles, I uncovered six patterns that turned their apps from invisible to irresistible. And spoiler: it's not what those cookie-cutter career blogs are telling you.In this episode, I walk you through the exact framework we used with these clients, including the exact resume rewrites that worked, what we changed, why it worked, and how you can apply it today. If you're ready to stop guessing and finally get recruiters to stop scrolling, hit play!

Integrating onboarding coaching into your strategy can improve customer success and drive acquisitions, especially if your SaaS product is more complex or targets enterprise users. But where do you begin? In this episode, Wes is joined by Clate Mask, CEO and founder of Keap, to talk about the importance of understanding user needs and delivering tailored solutions through coaching sessions. Doing so bridges the gaps in product understanding, knowledge, and skills.    Key Takeaways: [2:30] What SaaS companies benefit the most from onboarding coaches  [8:20] Why Keap started using coaching  [16:30] The economics of hiring onboarding coaches [19:45] Must-have skills for these coaches [26:00] Ways to tailor coaching to your SaaS product [33:30] Clate's new book Conquering the Chaos About Clate Mask: Clate is the CEO and co-founder of Keap, the leading provider of business automation software for small businesses, and co-authored Conquer the Chaos: The Six Keys to Success for Entrepreneurs. Links: Clate Mask | LinkedIn Conquer the Chaos

Send us a textGear up for an energizing discussion on tech stacks and smart scaling! In this midweek episode of the Customer Success Playbook, Kevin Metzger and Roman Trebon welcome Joe Di Grande back to tackle a pressing issue: bloated CS tech stacks. Joe shares why so many organizations fall into this trap and delivers actionable advice on how to avoid or fix it. From building cross-functional committees to starting tech ops planning early, Joe's wisdom is essential for anyone striving to build a lean, mean customer success machine.Detailed Analysis: Joe Di Grande's return to the Customer Success Playbook is like having your favorite professor hand you the cheat sheet to a passing grade. In this session, he unpacks why bloated tech stacks happen: a lack of operational foresight, siloed decision-making, and the absence of data-first strategies. Acquisition fever might keep the lights on, but without systems thinking, organizations find themselves in a tangled mess of redundant tools.Joe highlights a proactive cure: form a cross-functional committee that includes sales, marketing, CS, and product voices. Bonus points if you find your "ops-minded" champions by tapping the power users of existing tools! His approach is practical, tactical, and refreshingly unpretentious.For those starting from scratch (aka "dream budget approved!" scenarios), Joe delivers a fantasy list of tech essentials: a reliable CRM, a centralized data warehouse, sales engagement tools, data enrichment platforms, marketing automation solutions, and customer success platforms—all strategically selected to foster scalability and transparency.Joe's core advice? Think operations early, communicate often, and let your data be the thread tying it all together. It's a masterclass in balancing ambition with operational excellence for any customer success playbook.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookPlease Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

In this special edition of CPM Customer Success, host Andy MNA welcomes Mark Nichols, Sales Director at OneStream Software, for a behind-the-scenes look at the OneStream Splash Conference. With Nashville as the backdrop, Mark discusses what makes Splash a can't-miss event for finance and accounting professionals. Listeners will hear Mark's career journey from Hyperion to OneStream, his perspective on the unique culture that drives customer success, and a deep dive into what attendees can expect—from targeted tracks for FP&A, accounting, and executives, to immersive demos on OneStream's unified platform and practical AI innovations. You'll also learn how: Splash helps prospects validate OneStream as a strategic solution Existing customers expand platform use cases like forecasting and reconciliations Sensible AI is driving better forecast accuracy without overwhelming finance teams To network effectively with peers, consultants, and OneStream leaders (costumes encouraged!) Plus, get a preview of Nova Advisory's customer spotlight with Morton Salt, and tips on post-conference follow-up to build a solid internal business case for OneStream adoption.

Get 90 days free with Fellow's AI Meeting Assistant - https://fellow.app/coo Key Takeaways:RevOps aligns and optimizes sales, marketing, and customer success, ensuring efficient and sustainable growth.Effective RevOps requires balancing strategic planning, data-driven analytics, and tactical execution.Successful RevOps integration hinges on clear communication, cultural alignment, and strategic hiring decisions.AI is poised to significantly impact RevOps by improving efficiency, though human judgment remains crucial.Metrics and KPIs in RevOps must directly correlate to revenue growth, profitability, and organizational efficiency.Brad emphasizes proactive disruption, transparency, and alignment to navigate the rapid evolution of sales operations.  Timestamps:(02:00) What is RevOps and how Brad transitioned into it from finance(07:00) Common misconceptions and early mistakes in RevOps(11:00) Building a robust RevOps foundation and data hygiene(15:00) Creating alignment across sales, marketing, and customer success(20:00) Key metrics and strategic decision-making in RevOps(24:00) AI's impact on RevOps and potential pitfalls(30:00) Real-world experiences with AI-powered sales calls(33:00) RevOps vs. SalesOps and defining terms clearly(36:00) Advocating for RevOps budgets and demonstrating value(40:00) Lessons learned about effective communication and internal alignment Links:90 Days Free of Fellow's AI Meeting Assistant: https://fellow.app/cooBrad Rosen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradrosen1/Michael Koenig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-koenig514/  Sales Assembly: https://www.salesassembly.com/Between Two COO's: https://betweentwocoos.com Episode URL: https://www.betweentwocoos.com/sales-assembly-president-brad-rosen-on-unlocking-growth-and-why-revops-is-critical-for-sustainable-scaling 

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom sits down with industry veteran Dave Wilber, whose four-decade journey in turf has taken him from ranches and fairways to a global consulting career. Now in a new role as Director of Customer Success and Agronomy at TerraRad Tech, Dave shares how he's helping bring game-changing soil moisture technology to the turf world. The conversation explores how TerraRad's L-band microwave sensors are enabling smarter irrigation and better decision-making—and why tech like this is becoming essential. But the discussion also dives into leadership, mentorship, and the evolving challenges facing today's superintendents. Dave opens up about career reinvention, burnout, and the importance of lifelong learning in a fast-changing industry. Whether you're managing a course, mentoring a team, or just thinking about what's next, this episode offers real talk, sharp insights, and a clear look at where the turf industry is headed. What we learned from this episode: ✅ Career Reinvention is Possible – Dave transitioned from decades of turf consulting into a tech-forward role at TerraRad Tech, proving that adaptation and lifelong learning keep you relevant. ✅ Technology is Shaping the Future of Turf – TerraRad's L-band microwave radiometry sensors go beneath the surface—literally—by measuring soil moisture 3-4 inches deep and integrating with platforms like Toro Lynx for intelligent irrigation management. ✅ ROI-Driven Innovation Matters – With water and budget pressures growing, the ability to visualize and act on moisture data is a game-changer for many operations. ✅ Mentorship + Curiosity = Longevity – Dave's career longevity is rooted in staying curious, reading outside of the turf world, and helping others grow through mentorship. Links mentioned: TerraRad Tech - https://terraradtech.com/turfrad/  David Wilber LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-wilber-53696730a/

Send us a textReady to rethink your approach to customer success without draining your budget? In this episode of the Customer Success Playbook, hosts Roman Trebon and Kevin Metzger sit down with Joe Di Grande, founder of Joe DE's Tech Touch, to demystify tech touch strategies. Joe shares practical methods for building a tech touch framework even when your data is scattered and your budget is tight. You'll discover how understanding your goals, auditing your current data, and leveraging freemium tools can set the foundation for scalable and impactful customer success initiatives.Detailed Analysis: Joe Di Grande dives into the evolution of "tech touch" — from a basic method of handling long-tail customer segments to a full-fledged strategic pillar within modern customer success playbooks. He emphasizes that success doesn't start with the fanciest tools but with a clear understanding of your goals and the data you already have. Joe cleverly outlines how even spreadsheet-based strategies can kick off a winning initiative if you keep your eyes on key lifecycle markers like contract dates.Resourcefulness takes center stage as Joe highlights a roster of budget-friendly tools — including Zapier, Apollo.io, and Tango.io — that can empower even the scrappiest startups to automate engagement and education touchpoints. By focusing first on aligning data and customer lifecycle stages, organizations can set up low-cost experiments that yield big insights and pave the way for future investment in tech success platforms.Whether you're a startup looking to stretch every dollar or an enterprise recalibrating your customer success operations, this conversation offers a refreshing, grounded take on scaling smartly. Joe's energy and real-world examples make this a can't-miss episode for anyone seeking to modernize their customer success playbook with tech touch strategies.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookPlease Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Today on the show we have Sivan More, the VP of Customer Success at HiBob, an HR tech company driving company culture and employee engagement.In this episode, Sivan shares her experience in the evolution of customer success and how it has transformed over the years.We then discussed the role of AI and personalization in enhancing customer journeys, and we wrapped up by diving into how to build scalable, skills-based customer success teams in the age of AI.Mentioned ResourcesHiBobVitally.ioChurn FM is sponsored by Vitally, the all-in-one Customer Success Platform.

Send us a textIn the final chapter of a compelling three-part series on the Customer Success Playbook, hosts Kevin Metzger and Roman Trebon sit down once more with communication strategist Mary Schmid to explore whether artificial intelligence can play a meaningful role in building trust. With AI Fridays in full swing, the conversation veers into uncharted territory: can AI actually help us become better listeners, or are we outsourcing our empathy to machines?Detailed Analysis: AI in customer success is no longer theoretical; it's operational. From onboarding workflows to meeting recaps, AI is here to streamline. But the question Mary Schmid challenges us with is not can AI help, but how and where should it be used? With characteristic wit and wisdom, she makes it clear: AI can emulate empathy, but it can't feel it. The result? AI may simulate care, but it can't substitute human connection.The group reflects on how AI, while useful for efficiency and summarization, may inadvertently encourage disengagement. Roman candidly shares how AI-generated transcripts have made him a lazier listener—a relatable confession for many knowledge workers navigating tech overload. Mary counters with a powerful reminder: presence is a choice. No matter how smart your tools, nothing replaces being fully in the conversation.This episode offers a practical and philosophical blueprint for integrating AI responsibly. Use it for insights, yes. Use it for speed, definitely. But never let it replace your human instinct to connect. Mary leaves us with a challenge: show up with your eyes, ears, and heart—because no algorithm can replicate that.Bonus treat: Mary created a downloadable resource exclusively for Customer Success Playbook listeners. Grab it at maryschmid.com/csb — it includes free resources and even complimentary access to her book.Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybookCheck out https://funnelstory.ai/ for more details about Funnelstory. You can also check out our full video review of the product on YouTube at https://youtu.be/4jChYZBVz2Y.Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast:YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcastTwitter - @CS_PlaybookYou can find Kevin at:Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web siteKevin Metzger on Linked In.You can find Roman at:Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Ever find yourself thinking, “There's gotta be a better way to do this”? If you're the CSM who's constantly rebuilding broken processes in your head, secretly obsessed with structure and scale, and lowkey bored of the same playbooks, this episode is your permission slip to explore CS Ops.In this episode, I'm chatting with Justin, who went from traditional CSM to building CS Ops teams at IBM and transforming them at VMware. We break down what CS Ops actually is, why it's way more strategic than people realize, why companies are hunting for strategic operators like you, and how your curiosity and love for structure might just be your secret weapon. If you've ever thought, “I want to level up but I don't want to manage a team,” hit play! This might be the career move you didn't know you were looking for.

Welcome to the Rialto Marketing podcast. Today's episode is a Revenue Acceleration Series interview with seven-figure B2B business owners and their growth-minded executives who are actively trying to grow their business and get to the next level. We discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly so that you can learn from their experience.>>> Whenever you are ready, here are 4 ways we can help you reach your revenue goals faster...#1 Unlock the full potential of your marketing engine. We'll provide you and your team with the direction, insights, and tools necessary to excel in the complex landscape of modern marketing. - Marketing Advisor On Call#2 Discover the marketing strategies & tactics that will guide your next quarter and unlock explosive growth in 90 minutes. - Quick-Start Marketing Strategy Game Plan#3 Discover a tailor-made strategy for unprecedented growth to transform your marketing in 30 days. - Unlock Your Growth Opportunities#4 If you need guidance on the most effective direction for your marketing, then schedule a call with us today! - Get Your Free Discovery Call Now

This week we are joined by Ejieme Eromosele, an award-winning Customer Experience and Success Executive, with two decades of experience building high-impact customer programs. She has led CX strategies for Fortune 500 companies and early to mid-stage startups.  Specializing in customer-led growth, Ejieme helps organizations drive business value by delivering customer outcomes. She has built Customer Success programs from the ground up and expanded global operations as General Manager for EMEA.  As the Founder of Success in Black, she champions DEI in Customer Success, fostering a thriving community for Black professionals.  Beyond her corporate work, she is a respected advisor, speaker, board member, and angel investor, backing pre-seed and seed-stage startups across DTC, consumer tech, social/creator economy, and B2B SaaS.(3:13) Who is Ejieme inside and outside of the office?  (7:25) Who was Ejieme right out of college and how has she changed over the years?  (10:29) Why did Ejieme choose the path of customer success?  (12:25) What differentiates Ejieme from an influencer and key thought contributor?  (15:21) Ejieme shares her idea of vulnerability as a skillset.  (18:50) She walks us through a recent post after a tough life experience.  (26:35) Who inspires Ejieme?  (28:58) What advice does Ejieme want to leave the community with?Connect with Ejieme Eromoselehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ejieme/  Subscribe: Warriors At Work Podcasts Website: https://jeaniecoomber.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/986666321719033/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanie_coomber/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeanie_coomber LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanie-coomber-90973b4/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbMZ2HyNNyPoeCSqKClBC_w

Imagine onboarding a new employee who never sleeps, speaks every language, knows all your products, and can handle thousands of customers at once.That's the reality Salesforce is building with Agentforce — and it's already transforming customer success, marketing operations, and revenue growth.In this episode, Salesforce SVP of Digital Customer Success Bernard Slowey joins us to break down how they became Customer Zero for Agentforce, what went wrong (and right), and why agentic AI is reshaping the future of marketing and operations.If you lead marketing, operations, or customer success — and you're serious about not falling behind — this episode is your AI playbook.Key Moments:00:00: What Is Agentforce? Introducing Salesforce's Digital AI Workforce 01:21: Meet Bernard Slowey: VP of Digital Customer Success at Salesforce 01:46: From AOL to Salesforce: Bernard's Career Path Through the Tech Revolution 03:57: The Rise of AI Agents: Why Chatbots Are Officially Obsolete 06:36: AI Agents vs. Chatbots: What They Are and Why They Matter 11:22: Lessons from the Frontlines: What It Takes to Implement AI Agents 15:16: Inside Salesforce: How Agentforce Came to Life 18:55: How Salesforce Launched Agentforce in Just 4 Weeks (And What They Measured) 30:27: Rethinking Success: Metrics That Actually Matter in AI Rollouts 38:25: Why Traditional Customer Service Automation Is Failing Us 42:36: Real Use Cases: How Salesforce Clients Are Winning with Agentforce 44:11: AI Implementation Challenges (And How to Solve Them) 50:32: Cross-Functional Teams and the Future of AI Collaboration 57:18: Why AI Still Needs a Human Touch in Customer Experience 58:33: The New Job Titles and Skills Emerging in an AI-First Era 01:04:02 Human Intuition vs. AI Logic: Finding the Right Balance 01:09:35 Customer Obsession in the Age of Automation  Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org.

Being a standout CSM today isn't about working harder… it's about working smarter. And if you're not already using AI to do that, you're missing a massive opportunity to save time, impress leadership, and build deeper customer relationships.In this episode, I'm sharing four creative ways you can leverage AI that have completely changed the game. From building thought leadership content, to optimizing your schedule, to making sense of messy data. If you've been curious about how to bring AI into your workflow and make your job a whole lot easier, this one's your blueprint.

Think you're in control of your sales process? Think again. “You can't force people to buy stuff they don't want to,” says today's guest, Brent Keltner.  And that simple statement shows who's really in charge. But it begs the question, if the customer is king, how do we guide the sales process while allowing them to remain in control? In episode 107 of How to Sell More, Mark Drager and guest Brent Keltner tackle this problem head-on. They cover why your team needs to shift from a “show up and pitch” approach to a guided approach to create a stickier sales process.   You'll also learn: ✅ The three-part framework for structuring effective sales conversations ✅ How to move from product-centric pitching to journey-first selling ✅ Simple ways to prepare for meetings that take just 10-15 minutes ✅ Why customer stories are your most valuable sales assets (and how to collect them) ✅ How third-party customer interviews can reveal insights your team might miss ✅ How to create follow-up emails that actually move deals forward   Meet today's guest: Brent Keltner is the President of Winalytics and the Author of The Revenue Acceleration Playbook: Creating an Authentic Buyer Journey Across Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success.    Listen to the full episode now!

ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS: SPFs for Short-Term Change: Use SPFs to drive short-term behavior changes. Long-term shifts should align with consistent metrics in your "iron square" framework. Strict Holdover Rules: Allow one quarter for closing open opportunities after a territory change if they're past stage two. No exceptions ensure fairness and consistency. The Iron Square: Track rep productivity with win rate, AE-sourced pipeline, total pipeline generation, and forecast accuracy, with quota attainment as the central North Star. Customer-First Processes: Avoid letting internal rules disrupt customer experience. Build buffer zones in ROEs and territories to minimize deal handoffs. ELEANOR'S PATH TO PRESIDENTS CLUB: Head of Sales @ Retool Global Head of Commercial Retention & Regional Director of Commercial Sales @ Segment Global Head of Commercial Renewals and Retention @ Segment Head of Customer Success and Solutions engineering @ Clever Inc RESOURCES DISCUSSED: Join our weekly newsletter Things you can steal