Shows
The Customer Success Pro PodcastMastering the Art of Strategic Negotiation in Customer SuccessSignup for the FREE Masterclass: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/masterclassIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro Podcast, Anika Zubair emphasizes the importance of negotiation skills for customer success managers (CSMs). She discusses how CSMs often overlook their negotiation role, leading to missed opportunities for renewals and upsells. Anika outlines common mistakes CSMs make during negotiations, such as lack of preparation, over-explaining, and avoiding directness. She introduces a four-step framework for strategic negotiation, focusing on preparation, leading with a clear starting point, framing around value, and using silence effectively. The...2025-06-2530 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastThe Expansion Mindset: How Great CSMs Drive Growth Without SellingIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro Podcast, Anika Zubair discusses how customer success professionals can drive customer growth without feeling like salespeople. She emphasizes the evolving role of customer success as a revenue-driving function and the importance of building trust with customers. Anika outlines common mistakes in customer expansion, the significance of the expansion mindset, and the need for collaboration between customer success and sales teams. She provides practical steps for engaging customers and highlights the importance of tracking expansion signals to unlock growth opportunities.Train AI to be Your Revenue Generating Co-Pilot Guide:2025-06-1830 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastThe AI-Powered CSM: What It Really Looks Like in 2025In this episode, Anika Zubair discusses the transformative impact of AI on customer success professionals. She emphasizes the importance of embracing AI to alleviate administrative burdens, avoid common mistakes in its adoption, and maximize its potential in daily tasks. Anika provides practical applications of AI in discovery calls, quarterly business reviews, and renewal forecasting, highlighting how it can save time and enhance strategic decision-making. She also introduces her new guide on training AI to be a revenue-generating co-pilot for customer success professionals.Train AI to be Your Revenue Generating Co-Pilot Guide: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com...2025-06-1129 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastBuild Your First Customer Success Retention Program with Parul BhandariIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro Podcast, host Anika Zubair and guest Parul Bhandari discuss the critical aspects of building effective customer retention programs. They explore the importance of understanding customer goals, the role of product market fit, and the necessity of tracking essential metrics from day one. Parul shares her journey from leading customer success teams to becoming a fractional consultant, emphasizing the growing trend of fractional roles in the current market. The conversation highlights the need for early-stage startups to prioritize retention strategies alongside acquisition efforts, ensuring a solid foundation for long-term success. In this...2025-06-0454 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastHow to Build Strategic Relationships with Your CustomersIn 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...2025-05-2827 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastTransforming Customer Success: From Reactive to ProactiveIn 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...2025-05-2119 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastImprove Your Storytelling Skills by 200% and Land Your Next UpsellIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro Podcast, Anika Zubair emphasizes the importance of storytelling in customer success and upselling. She discusses how effective storytelling can significantly enhance a CSM's ability to connect with customers, drive revenue, and create compelling narratives that resonate with clients. Anika outlines a structured approach to storytelling, including the 'before', 'trigger', 'after', and 'future' elements, and encourages listeners to practice their storytelling skills to improve their upselling techniques.Get your FREE QBR Revenue Guide: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/resourcesChapters:00:00 The Power of Storytelling in Customer Success02:16 Understanding...2025-05-1420 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastWhy Your Marketing Team is the Key to CS Revenue Growth with Ashna PatelIn 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...2025-05-071h 02
The Customer Success Pro PodcastHow to Identify At-Risk Customers and Save ThemIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro Podcast, Anika Zubair discusses the critical skill of identifying customer churn signs and implementing strategies to prevent it. She debunks common myths about churn, emphasizes the importance of proactive engagement, and outlines a five-step framework for recognizing at-risk customers. The episode provides actionable insights for customer success managers to enhance their strategies and improve customer retention.Signup to the FREE Masterclass: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/masterclassChapters:00:00 Introduction02:50 Myths About Customer Churn05:54 Proactive Strategies for Churn Prevention09:10 Identifying Early Warning Signs...2025-04-1638 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastThe #1 mistake CSMs make when trying to drive expansion — and how to fix itIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro podcast, Anika Zubair discusses the common pitfalls in customer expansion strategies and emphasizes the importance of proactive engagement. She highlights that expansion should not be treated as a one-time event but rather as an ongoing process that requires continuous conversations and guidance. Anika provides actionable strategies for identifying growth triggers, building expansion pathways, and reframing discussions around customer outcomes to drive successful upsell conversations.Signup to the FREE Masterclass: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/masterclassChapters:00:00 Introduction03:11 The Myth of Expansion Timing06:06 Proactive...2025-04-0923 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastThe Anti Check-In: How to CSM on a Daily Basis to Drive Value and Expansion with Melanie FayeIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro Podcast, host Anika Zubair speaks with Melanie Fay, an enterprise Customer Success Manager at Goldcast. They discuss Melanie's journey in customer success, her transition between various roles, and her innovative approach to customer engagement known as the 'anti-check-in.' Melanie shares her experiences managing a large book of business, the importance of delivering value in customer interactions, and strategies for understanding customer goals and outcomes. The conversation emphasizes the need for CSMs to adapt their approaches to meet the evolving needs of customers and to provide meaningful engagement beyond traditional check-in...2025-04-0252 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastThe One Thing That Will Make or Break Your Customer Success CareerIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro podcast, Anika Zubair discusses the critical role of strategic communication in customer success. She debunks common misconceptions about what defines success in the field, emphasizing that it's not just about product knowledge or churn prevention. Instead, she highlights the importance of effectively communicating value, influencing stakeholders, and navigating tough conversations. Anika provides actionable strategies for developing these skills, illustrating their impact on career growth and positioning oneself as a trusted advisor. The episode concludes with key takeaways for listeners to implement in their own customer success roles.Chapters:2025-03-1933 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastHow to Scale a Customer Success Team Without Losing Customer Value with Saahil KarkeraIn this episode, Anika Zubair discusses the challenges of scaling customer success teams without losing sight of customer value with guest Saahil Karkera. They explore the importance of understanding customer value, the need for continuous engagement with customers, and the significance of personal relationships in customer success. Sahil shares insights from his experience in scaling CS teams in SaaS companies and emphasizes the need for ongoing conversations to define and deliver value effectively. In this conversation, we explore the intricacies of customer success management, focusing on strategies for effective engagement, the balance between hiring and optimizing processes, and the...2025-03-0549 min
Customer Success TalksDriving Business Growth as a Strategic Advisor with Anika ZubairIn this episode, we explore how to become a strategic advisor in Customer Success with Annika Zubair, Head of Customer Success at Griffin and host of the Customer Success Pro Podcast with 13 plus years in CS.Learn how to move beyond product expertise and start driving real business impact for your customers.Highlights:- What it really means to be a strategic advisor in CS.- How to shift from reactive support to proactive value creation.- The key questions CSMs should ask to unlock business growth....2025-02-2639 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastThe Power of Data Driven Decision Making in Customer Success with Guy RahamimBeing a Customer Success Pro is no easy job, but this podcast will help. Remember that Customer Success is not a destination, but a journey and I am here to help you on your journey.Enter the Planhat Giveway to win an all expense trip to Planhat Open: www.planhat.com/giveawayIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro Podcast, host Anika Zubair speaks with Guy Rahamim, a Senior Manager of Customer Success at Linear B. They discuss Guy's unique journey from studying dentistry to thriving in customer success, the innovative strategies he employs...2025-02-1248 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastFrom CS to Sales Growth: Turning Upsells into New Sales with Ejieme EromoseleIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro podcast, host Anika Zubair speaks with Ejieme Eromosele, an award-winning customer success leader, about her journey from customer success to general management. They discuss the importance of customer advocacy in driving new sales, strategies for upselling and expansion, and the evolving role of customer success in the go-to-market strategy. Ejieme shares her insights on using data to drive urgency, the significance of a discovery-focused mindset, and the need for value-based storytelling in customer success. The conversation highlights key learnings and the future of customer success as a driver of sustainable growth.2025-01-0843 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastFirst time Customer Success Leader to a Revenue Leader with Stijn SmetIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro podcast, host Anika Zubair speaks with Stino, the head of customer success at whale.io. They discuss the evolving role of customer success in the SaaS industry, emphasizing the importance of a revenue-focused mindset. Stino shares his journey from being a tax attorney to a customer success leader, the challenges he faced in his first leadership role, and the strategies he implemented to drive revenue through customer success. The conversation highlights the significance of authenticity, team dynamics, and practical approaches to achieving customer outcomes and business growth. In this conversation...2024-12-0451 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastCustomer Success Metrics That Drive Growth with Jay NathanIn this podcast episode, Anika Zubair interviews Jay Nathan, COO of Churnkey, about his extensive experience in the SaaS industry and the evolving role of customer success. They discuss the key metrics that drive growth in SaaS, such as retention, customer lifetime value, and profitability, emphasizing the need for agility in tracking and adjusting these metrics. Jay shares insights into his role as COO, the strategic importance of aligning CS with business goals, and the dual focus on customer and company needs. They also explore how customer success is shifting to a more strategic, revenue-driving function within SaaS companies...2024-11-0651 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastHow to Get Promoted into an Enterprise CSM with Caly AgarBeing a Customer Success Pro is no easy job, but this podcast will help. Remember that Customer Success is not a destination, but a journey and I am here to help you on your journey.In this episode of the Customer Success Pro podcast, host Anika Zubair discusses with Carly Agar, founder and CEO of Carly Agar Training, about effective strategies for landing promotions in customer success. The conversation covers the importance of aligning customer success strategies with business objectives, identifying upsell opportunities, and the nuances between a standard CSM role and an enterprise CSM role. Carly...2024-10-0246 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastUsing AI in Your Daily Customer Success Routine with Alex TurkovicBeing a Customer Success Pro is no easy job, but this podcast will help. Remember that Customer Success is not a destination, but a journey and I am here to help you on your journey.The podcast episode features Alex Turkovic discussing the integration of AI in customer success routines. Key topics include practical applications of AI, tools for customer success professionals, and tips for using AI effectively. The episode aims to provide insights on how AI can save time and enhance customer value, with a focus on real-world examples and best practices.00:00 - Introduction...2024-09-0448 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastLeading with Value and Increase Revenue in Customer Success with Madelyn DePreyLearn more about our show sponsor CSM RevUP Academy: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/revupBeing a Customer Success Pro is no easy job, but this podcast will help. Remember that Customer Success is not a destination, but a journey and I am here to help you on your journey.In this episode of the Customer Success Pro Podcast, host Anika Zubair speaks with Madelyn DePrey, VP of Customer Success at Aircall. Together, they dive into how leading with value can contribute to customer and revenue growth, the integration of sales strategies in customer success, and the...2024-08-0736 min
The Customer Success Pro PodcastDriving Customer Retention and Customer Growth at Scale with Daphne Costa LopesBeing a Customer Success Pro is no easy job, but this podcast will help. Remember that Customer Success is not a destination, but a journey and I am here to help you on your journey.In this episode, Anika Zubair talks with Daphne Costa Lopez, Director of Customer Success at HubSpot, about strategies for driving and growing customer retention at scale. They explore a range of models from renewals to segmentation, customer success qualified leads (CSQLs), and automating success plans and QBRs.00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:03 Introductions of Daphne Costa Lopez 02:12 Daphne's Background and Ca...2024-07-1051 min