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The CS Mentor - All things Customer Success

The CS Mentor - All things Customer Success

By Ankit Aggarwal

When I started my career in Customer Success, I used to get hundreds of questions around my role.
The situation hasn't changed much and I see that a lot of people are still unaware of Customer Success as a Career. Moreover, there is no single repository for budding CSMs and learn more about this role.

Seeing this gap, I thought of doing something about it, and 'The CS Mentor' is the result! I hope you would like my podcast.

Questions? Send me a LinkedIn message: linkedin.com/in/ankitify

Music by LiQWYD. Licensed under Creative Commons.
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Episode 00: What is the CS Mentor?

The CS Mentor - All things Customer SuccessJun 13, 2020

00:00
03:43
Customer Success Meetup (Bengaluru Edition) - June 17

Customer Success Meetup (Bengaluru Edition) - June 17

On June 17, 2023, Something spectacular is happening in the heart of Bengaluru. It's time for the biggest-ever Customer Success Meetup in India! Join me and a lineup of incredible speakers and panelists. We discuss the challenges in CS and how to resolve them at each level. Mark your calendars for June 17 and be part of India's most significant Customer Success Meetup. This is your opportunity to network, learn, and be inspired. #customersuccess #invite #meetup #bengaluru

Jun 12, 202302:24
S0304 - Why Customer Segmentation is important in Customer Success?

S0304 - Why Customer Segmentation is important in Customer Success?

Today, we'll be talking about customer segmentation and how it can help CS teams tailor their strategies, communication, and services to specific groups of customers.


#customersuccess #segmentation

May 10, 202305:32
S303 - Importance of Technology in Customer Success

S303 - Importance of Technology in Customer Success

With so much happening around us, It's essential to scale the business and technology can help you in the same. In this episode, I will discuss the role of technology and potential pitfalls of the same. #technology #chatgpt #customersuccess

Apr 07, 202305:11
S302 - Importance of Data in Customer Success

S302 - Importance of Data in Customer Success

Some companies have figured out the best way to deliver ROI to customers, While others are still struggling.  In this video, I'll talk about the secret tactics these top-notch companies use.  #customersuccess #data #csops

Mar 15, 202304:39
S301 - What is CS Ops?

S301 - What is CS Ops?

Understand what Customer Success Ops do at any organization. Why it started and future. 

#customersuccess #operations #career

Mar 01, 202303:27
S300 - What to expect from Season 3

S300 - What to expect from Season 3

Season 3 of The CS Mentor Podcast is launching next week. In this episode, I'll cover what you can expect out of it.

Feb 22, 202302:16
S204 - Setting up Customer Success Function within your Organization
Aug 30, 202153:11
S203 - Hiring and Growing the CS Team

S203 - Hiring and Growing the CS Team

Whether you're a job seeker or an employer, I highly recommend you to listen to this episode. In this episode, I am speaking to Emily Garza, AVP, Customer Success at Fastly Inc. Emily and I discuss why employers struggle to find the right talent and why candidates struggle to find the right job. We also discussed Emily's journey into Customer Success and how can someone do that too.

Jun 24, 202129:35
S202 - Wearing Multiple Hats as a CSM

S202 - Wearing Multiple Hats as a CSM

Ever wondered why CSMs are so busy? Well, It's because they wear multiple hats and held responsible for many things.

In this episode, I am discussing how CSMs can actually take care of everything while managing multiple things at once.

May 11, 202123:28
S201 - How to Accelerate Customer Relationships with Ronni Gaun

S201 - How to Accelerate Customer Relationships with Ronni Gaun

The CS Mentor is back with Season 2. In this first episode, I am speaking to Ronni Gaun who is a fellow Top 100 CSM. With over 25 Years of experience in Client Facing roles, Ronni is expert in accelerating the relationships. In this episode, I speak to her about the same.

Apr 06, 202122:45
Episode 30: OKRs for Customer Success Managers

Episode 30: OKRs for Customer Success Managers

Wondering how Customer Success Managers reach their goals? Well they have OKRs aligned according to the multiple stages. Listen to this episode to know what are OKRs and how it looks in Customer Success.

Nov 30, 202005:42
Episode 29: How much do CSMs earn
Nov 17, 202005:34
Episode 28: Let's talk about QBRs

Episode 28: Let's talk about QBRs

QBR or Quarterly Business Review is a term not commonly known to many (even to a lot of Customer Success Managers). In this episode, I would be sharing What exactly is a QBR, Why it is important and what all goes in a QBR.

Nov 09, 202004:36
Episode 27: A Typical Day in Life of a CSM

Episode 27: A Typical Day in Life of a CSM

Do you wonder how do Customer Success Managers handle so much work together? Well, The need is to have a balance in the work schedule. This episode of The CS Mentor Podcast tells you about a typical workday of a Customer Success Manager.

Nov 03, 202004:46
Episode 26: My Journey into Customer Success

Episode 26: My Journey into Customer Success

Do you wonder how I moved into Customer Success? Listen to this episode to know my journey!

Oct 19, 202004:32
Episode 25: CSM Interview Prep - Managing Internal Communication

Episode 25: CSM Interview Prep - Managing Internal Communication

Communication is bread and butter for a Customer Success Manager! And we often need to communicate both internally and externally. In this episode of the CS Mentor Podcast, I am discussing why Internal communication is important and what could you do to make it easier.

Oct 12, 202005:43
Episode 24: CSM Interview Prep - CSAT vs. NPS

Episode 24: CSM Interview Prep - CSAT vs. NPS

If you can't measure it, You can't improve it!

In this episode of The CS Mentor Podcast, I am sharing insights on Customer Satisfaction Metrics viz. NPS and CSAT. Tune in to this episode to know what are these are how are they used.

Oct 05, 202005:43
Episode 23: CSM Interview Prep - Answering Previous Time based Questions

Episode 23: CSM Interview Prep - Answering Previous Time based Questions

The second-most popular type of question asked during the CS interview is "Tell me about a time..". Interviewers love this question! While you have to tell your story here, What if you can add an interesting element to it and outperform the competition? Listen to this episode where I share a framework to leave an impact on the interviewer with your answer!

Sep 28, 202003:37
Episode 22: CSM Interview Prep - Answering Situation based Questions

Episode 22: CSM Interview Prep - Answering Situation based Questions

Situation based questions are the most common questions in a CS interview. Unfortunately, a lot of times we don't prepare for them ahead and fail to answer it correctly. Listen to this episode where I share a framework to leave an impact on interviewer with your answer!

Sep 21, 202005:54
Episode 21: CSM Interview Prep - Why is Customer Success Important to you

Episode 21: CSM Interview Prep - Why is Customer Success Important to you

In this new series, I would be giving a framework to answer the top 5 questions being asked during the Customer Success Interviews. In this first episode of this series, I answer the question, "Why is Customer Success Important to you?"

Sep 14, 202004:47
Episode 20: How to Nail Virtual Interviews with Shubha Joshi

Episode 20: How to Nail Virtual Interviews with Shubha Joshi

With the new normal, Things have changed considerably. It has also impacted the way interviews are conducted. Today on the CS Mentor Podcast, I speak to Shubha Joshi who is the founder of The Image Launchpad. She specializes in Image consulting and one of the few AICI accredited Image Consultants in India. Listen to this episode to learn the tips to nail your next virtual interview.

Wait! There is more to it. Shubha has agreed to provide a FREE Virtual Image consulting session worth 110USD to one of our lucky listeners. During this interview, You would hear a code. Just go to Shubha's website i.e., theimagelaunchpad.com, and put the code and your details.

So, What are you waiting for? Listen to the episode now and enter into the giveaway!

Sep 08, 202023:17
Episode 19: Top 5 questions for your next Customer Success Interview

Episode 19: Top 5 questions for your next Customer Success Interview

Preparation always comes before Success, Even in the dictionary.

What if I tell you the questions you might need to answer during your next Customer Success Interview?

No, I am not joking and I am not applying any mind-reading techniques here.  If you zoom out a bit and identify what hiring managers would be looking, You would be able to guess the questions.

Listen to this episode and find out the Top 5 questions people ask during Customer Success Manager interviews.

Aug 31, 202004:60
Episode 18: Do you need a specialised degree to be a Customer Success Manager?

Episode 18: Do you need a specialised degree to be a Customer Success Manager?

Do you think Customer Success Managers need a specialised degree?

In this episode, I discuss how your education impacts your job and what companies look for when they look out for Customer Success Managers.

Aug 24, 202004:08
Episode 17: Why Customer Success is the best role ever made!

Episode 17: Why Customer Success is the best role ever made!

Love Customer Success?

Listen to this episode of The CS Mentor podcast to understand why Customer Success Managers are loved within an organization and why there is a huge demand in this profession!

Aug 14, 202004:46
Episode 16: Going out of the Box and Getting more Interviews

Episode 16: Going out of the Box and Getting more Interviews

It is often said that 'When something doesn't work the traditional way, Do something out of the box'.

How do you think out of the box during job search? Well, This episode has the answer!

You can literally follow the same process during the job search and I did the same a while ago. This approach helped me out in fixing interviews with the target companies and eventually landing up a job at MoEngage.

Aug 10, 202005:31
Episode 15: LinkedIn - How to start conversations and get interviews

Episode 15: LinkedIn - How to start conversations and get interviews

Okay, So you have an awesome LinkedIn profile. You are getting some profile views and probably some recruiters' messages in your inbox. But, You still long for that dream company! How can you probably get the job there? You could do all this by making the first move. Yes, By reaching out to the right people in right way, You can land interviews and probably your dream job too!

In this episode of 'The CS Mentor' Podcast, I discuss the strategy that has worked for me as well as many other candidates that I have coached.

Aug 07, 202006:15
Episode 14: LinkedIn - Your experience matters

Episode 14: LinkedIn - Your experience matters

Do you know the secret to accelerate your career and get a job via LinkedIn?

In this second episode of the LinkedIn Optimisation series, I talk about two important sections that not only help you give more profile views but also helps in holding the first impression you were able to make. With the right content, These sections take you one step closer to your dream job.

Aug 03, 202005:02
Episode 13: Making the first Impression with LinkedIn

Episode 13: Making the first Impression with LinkedIn

Do you know the secret to accelerate your career and get a job via LinkedIn?

In this first episode of the LinkedIn Optimisation series, I talk about the 4 key elements you need to change to make the first impression with your LinkedIn profile.

These 4 things are Your Profile Photo, Headline, Cover Photo, and About me. I'm sure that these tips would help you give more exposure to your LinkedIn profile and hence better chances of getting interviews.

Jul 31, 202006:48
Episode 12: Getting more Interviews via LinkedIn

Episode 12: Getting more Interviews via LinkedIn

Do you know the secret to accelerate your career and get a job via LinkedIn?

During Feb 2020, I was in a bit of situation, CoronaVirus had already started impacted the jobs and I was scheduled to come back to India. I started my job search with no luck. My applications were just landing nowhere. So, I changed my strategy altogether and optimise my LinkedIn strategy. In this series of episodes, I am going to share the tips and tricks you could use to get more interviews.

Jul 27, 202002:34
Episode 11: Framing a perfect 'About Me'

Episode 11: Framing a perfect 'About Me'

We have been always told that the first impression is the last impression. In this episode of The CS Mentor Podcast, I reveal a framework I use to draft a perfect about me. Any Customer Success Manager can use this to make an impact and improve the chances of getting hired!

Jul 24, 202006:11
Episode 10: Customer Success as a Career with Atma Gunupudi (Part 2)

Episode 10: Customer Success as a Career with Atma Gunupudi (Part 2)

I'm really excited to bring you the first-ever interview podcast at 'The CS Mentor'. In this second part of my conversation with Atma, I am covering the following things:

  • Skills Hiring Managers look for when they hire CSMs
  • How to move into Customer Success without any knowledge
  • The most important skill for a Customer Success Manager
Jul 20, 202014:56
Episode 09: Customer Success as a Career with Atma Gunupudi (Part 1)

Episode 09: Customer Success as a Career with Atma Gunupudi (Part 1)

I'm really excited to bring you the first-ever interview podcast at 'The CS Mentor'. In this first part of my conversation with Atma, I am covering the following things:

  1. Customer Success as a Career
  2. Customer Success in 2010.
  3. Future of Customer Success
  4. Impact of Covid19 on CS Role
Jul 17, 202016:19
Episode 08: How should a Customer Success Manager's Resume look like?

Episode 08: How should a Customer Success Manager's Resume look like?

Are you looking out for Customer Success job? This episode talks about Customer Success Manager's resume. Use the tips and tricks shared in this episode to stand out from the crowd and get your next job easily!

Jul 13, 202007:46
Episode 07: Do you need technical skills to be a CSM?

Episode 07: Do you need technical skills to be a CSM?

Technical or non-technical? Without a doubt, This is one of the most debatable questions in Customer Success. I decided to take a poll on it and share my findings.

Jul 10, 202004:53
Episode 06: Hacking into the Customer Success Career

Episode 06: Hacking into the Customer Success Career

Are you aware of this secret 'hack' which people use to land their first Customer Success job?

Jul 03, 202004:02
Episode 05: Why moving into Customer Success is easier than you think

Episode 05: Why moving into Customer Success is easier than you think

How many times you have said this to yourself: "Damn, It's so hard to move into Customer Success". Well, If you have said it, Listen to this episode where I am demystifying this myth and give you a 'hack' to supercharge your career!

Jun 27, 202006:17
Episode 04: 8 Important Skills for a Customer Success Manager

Episode 04: 8 Important Skills for a Customer Success Manager

Do you know what makes a good customer success manager? In this episode, I am going to reveal the 8 important skills needed to become a successful CSM.

Jun 23, 202007:11
Episode 03: Customer Success Terminologies

Episode 03: Customer Success Terminologies

You can't become a Customer Success Manager in a day but this episode would make you would sound like one! In this episode, I am going to talk about the 10 most frequently used jargon in Customer Success space.

Jun 19, 202008:21
Episode 02: The History of Customer Success

Episode 02: The History of Customer Success

Do you know When the term 'Customer Success' was coined? It's important to know the history so that you understand why Customer Success is an integral part of SaaS these days.

Jun 19, 202005:09
Episode 01: Defining Customer Success

Episode 01: Defining Customer Success

If you're like me, You would have been asked a question like: "Customer Success? No, I am not aware of it! What's it's like?". Trying to answer the question may not have resulted in anything. However, This episode would help you understand "What is Customer Success?" and how to answer this question.

Jun 19, 202005:56
Episode 00: What is the CS Mentor?

Episode 00: What is the CS Mentor?

Last month, I started helping out people who wanted to transition into Customer Success. Some of my mentees were in a similar field but there were a few who had no idea about Customer Success. 

When I tried pointing them to the right content, I realize that it doesn't exist. That's when I thought of starting my own Podcast to bridge this gap.

Jun 13, 202003:43