The Customer Success Playbook

Send us a text This finale feels less like an ending and more like a graduation ceremony for everyone who has ever cared about Customer Success. In this closing chapter of the customer success playbook podcast, Kevin Metzger and Roman Trebon look back on a journey that started as a “ludicrous” idea over food and drinks and turned into a global community with nearly 13,000 downloads across countries like Australia, Israel, France, and beyond. They revisit how the show began as a simple networking experiment during a job transition and evolved into a platform for learning, connection, and real human stories behind Customer Success careers. Kevin and Roman share their favorite guests and moments—from foundational lessons on P&L and value with Dave Jackson, to onboarding excellence with Donna Weber, to conversations about imposter syndrome with Rachel Provan, and the future of AI and agents with Sam Cummings. They talk candidly about fear, courage, and the reality that neither of them knew the first thing about podcasting when they started. This episode is a reflective, warm, and occasionally cheeky goodbye to the show in its current form—and a clear pivot point toward what’s coming next for both hosts, their careers, and the evolving world of Customer Success and AI. Detailed Analysis From a business and leadership standpoint, this episode is a masterclass in experimentation, courage, and community-building. 1. Turning a career transition into a strategic platform Kevin initially launched the podcast as a networking tool while navigating a job transition. That decision paid off in multiple ways: expanded visibility, deeper relationships, and a strong professional brand. For leaders and CS professionals, this is a powerful example of turning uncertainty into leverage—using content as a strategic asset rather than just a marketing tactic. Key takeaways for operators and executives: 2. The Customer Success community as a force multiplier Roman highlights how generous and open the Customer Success community has been—guests freely sharing their time, their expertise, and even their networks by recommending future guests. This is more than feel-good community talk; it’s a blueprint for modern go-to-market. Business relevance: 3. Learning as a competitive advantage (and a personal operating system) A recurring theme in the conversation is learning: Kevin’s love for learning, Roman’s reflections on trying new formats, and the way every guest Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text Dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI with Adrian Swinscoe as we wrap up our three-part series on how to keep AI from becoming just another buzzword. This episode unpacks the flood of AI tools hitting the market, the challenge of maintaining a human touch in customer experience, and strategies to avoid the dreaded “tech for tech’s sake” trap. Adrian shares a fresh perspective on leveraging AI for operational efficiency—not by cutting costs but by unlocking capacity to deepen customer relationships. We also touch on often-overlooked ethical considerations, from AI’s environmental impact to the human labor hidden behind the scenes.In this episode of the customer success playbook, Adrian Swinscoe expertly navigates the AI hype cycle, reminding us that technology should never lead the charge without a clear strategy rooted in customer experience goals. Adrian advocates flipping the traditional tech-first approach on its head—start with the experience you want to create, then work backward to the data and technology needed. This disciplined mindset steers organizations away from buying shiny tools with no purpose and towards a deliberate, ROI-driven deployment of AI.What stands out is Adrian’s practical example of a forward-thinking e-commerce company that uses AI automation to free their agents from mundane inquiries. Instead of using this newfound efficiency to reduce headcount, they activate new channels to deepen direct customer interactions. This mindset flips the usual script focused on cost-cutting, proving that AI can be a genuine enabler of enriched customer success rather than a simple productivity hack.The episode also ventures into the less glamorous but crucial topics rarely discussed: the hefty energy consumption demanded by AI’s generative models and the ethical conundrum surrounding low-paid labor involved in data annotation. These insights serve as an important reminder that innovation must marry responsibility, aligning with broader business values and the global climate imperative.For customer success leaders, the takeaways are clear: educating teams on the art of the possible with AI, defining an experience-first strategy, and thoughtfully measuring impact are essential steps to harness AI’s power effectively. Above all, there’s a call to maintain the human element—after all, let’s not trade genuine connection for robotic efficiency. 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 - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text Ready to inject some punk spirit into your customer experience? In this episode of the Customer Success Playbook, Adrian Swinscoe joins Roman Trebon to explore the delicate art of reducing friction without losing that vital human touch. From the bustling cultural tapestry of Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival to personal tales of rock climbing and postponed trips to Japan, Adrian sets the stage with personality before diving into why not all friction is bad. He reveals why some “effortful” moments between a brand and its customers actually build loyalty, and how removing them in the name of efficiency can backfire spectacularly. If you’re looking to refine your customer journey without sterilizing it, this episode serves up the perfect balance of practical wisdom and a punk attitude.In a world obsessed with streamlining every process, this episode is a refreshing reminder that operational efficiency is not always the hero of customer success. Adrian Swinscoe brings a nuanced perspective: friction isn’t the bogeyman it’s often made out to be. By distinguishing between “good friction” — those meaningful touchpoints that enrich customer relationships — and “bad friction” that truly hinders progress, organizations can avoid the pitfall of a too-easy, yet emotionally barren, experience. His example of a company that saw sign-ups soar but retention dive thanks to over-simplification is a cautionary tale for businesses tempted to sanitize their customer journey too aggressively.The actionable takeaway? Approach your customer journey analysis with deliberate care and use data combined with direct customer feedback to fine-tune that balance. This means digging deep into customer stories and operational metrics to identify where technology should speed things up and where human moments need to be preserved or even amplified. Adrian’s advice serves as a critical chapter in your customer success playbook, fueling smarter decisions that respect both business goals and the emotional dynamics that bind customers to your brand.Bonus: His reflections on rock climbing as a meditative, focus-driven hobby provide a clever metaphor for the customer success journey itself—it’s about balance, precision, and the right amount of challenge.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 - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text Ready to shake up your customer experience approach with some no-fluff, straight-to-the-point wisdom? In this episode, Adrian Swinscoe – author of *Punk CX* and *How to Wow* – joins Roman Trebon to deliver a masterclass on how real, actionable data combined with firsthand customer stories can transform your CX from good to unforgettable. Learn why "going to the gemba" (that’s Japanese for “go see where the work happens”) can be the secret weapon in your customer success playbook, and why less complexity often results in more memorable experiences.Adrian Swinscoe dives deep into a pragmatic, almost punk rock philosophy of customer experience that’s anything but conventional. His call to action? Don’t get lost in the sea of binary data points and over-engineered solutions. Yes, data is king – but raw numbers alone often feel like a monochrome sketch. True customer success leaders bring color and context by blending quantitative insights with rich, qualitative stories. It’s these narratives that move teams to act and innovate, bridging the gap between cold metrics and vibrant human emotion.Swinscoe invokes the Toyota-inspired practice of “going to the gemba,” encouraging CX leaders to ditch conference rooms and dashboards for direct observation—whether it’s sitting with frontline agents or experiencing the product as a customer would. This boots-on-the-ground approach fosters empathy, reveals friction points invisible in reports, and catalyzes meaningful change.Echoing his punk ethos, Adrian warns against the natural tendency to keep piling on features and processes under the guise of “improvement.” Instead, simplicity should be your compass. If you add one new element to a process, critique what two things you can eliminate. Complexity is easy; elegance and clarity require discipline—and they pay dividends in customer loyalty.Roman’s illustrated comic example highlights the paradox: an overcomplicated onboarding and an overly simplified offboarding process reveal where brands lose customers—not because of lack of effort, but too much of the wrong kind of effort.For anyone seeking practical, actionable guidance on staying ahead in the crowded CX arena, this conversation is a treasure trove. Tune in, challenge your assumptions, and enrich your customer success playbook with these hard-earned lessons on observation, storytelling, and ruthless simplicity.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 - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text How do you build AI governance that scales without becoming the innovation police? In our final conversation with tech lawyer Gayle Gorvett, we tackle the ultimate balancing act facing every organization: creating robust AI oversight that moves at the speed of business. From shocking federal court rulings that could force AI companies to retain all user data indefinitely, to the Trump administration's potential overhaul of copyright law, this episode reveals how rapidly the legal landscape is shifting beneath our feet. Gayle breaks down practical frameworks from NIST and Duke University that adapt to your specific business needs while avoiding the dreaded legal bottleneck. Whether you're protecting customer data or designing the future of work, this customer success playbook episode provides the roadmap for scaling governance without sacrificing innovation velocity. Detailed Analysis The tension between governance speed and innovation velocity represents one of the most critical challenges facing modern businesses implementing AI at scale. Gayle Gorvett's insights into adaptive risk frameworks offer a compelling alternative to the traditional "slow and thorough" legal approach that often strangles innovation in bureaucratic red tape. The revelation about the OpenAI versus New York Times case demonstrates how quickly the legal landscape can shift with far-reaching implications. A single magistrate judge's ruling requiring OpenAI to retain all user data—regardless of contracts, enterprise agreements, or international privacy laws—illustrates the unpredictable nature of AI regulation. For customer success professionals, this uncertainty demands governance frameworks that can rapidly adapt to new legal realities without completely derailing operational efficiency. The discussion of NIST and Duke University frameworks reveals the democratization of enterprise-level governance tools. These resources make sophisticated risk assessment accessible to organizations of all sizes, eliminating the excuse that "we're too small for proper AI governance." This democratization aligns perfectly with the customer success playbook philosophy of scalable, repeatable processes that deliver consistent outcomes regardless of organizational size. Perhaps most intriguingly, the conversation touches on fundamental questions about intellectual property and compensation models in an AI-driven economy. Kevin's observation about automating human-designed workflows raises profound questions about fair compensation when human knowledge gets embedded into perpetual AI systems. This shift from time-based to value-based compensation models reflects broader changes in how customer success teams will need to demonstrate and capture value in an increasingly automated world. The technical discussion about local versus hosted AI models becomes particularly relevant for customer success teams handling sensitive customer data. The ability to contain AI processing within controlled environments versus leveraging cloud-based solutions represents a strategic decision that balances capability, cost, and compliance considerations. Gayle's emphasis on human oversight— Kevin's offering Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text When AI systems fail spectacularly, who pays the price? Part two of our conversation with global tech lawyer Gayle Gorvett tackles the million-dollar question every business leader is afraid to ask. With federal AI regulation potentially paused for a decade while technology races ahead at breakneck speed, companies are left creating their own rules in an accountability vacuum. Gayle reveals why waiting for government guidance could be a costly mistake and how smart businesses are turning governance policies into competitive advantages. From the EU AI Act's complexity challenges to state-by-state regulatory patchwork, this customer success playbook episode exposes the legal landmines hiding in your AI implementation—and shows you how to navigate them before they explode. Detailed Analysis The accountability crisis in AI represents one of the most pressing challenges facing modern businesses, yet most organizations remain dangerously unprepared. Gayle Gorvett's revelation about the federal government's proposed 10-year pause on state AI laws while crafting comprehensive regulation highlights a sobering reality: businesses must become their own regulatory bodies or risk operating in a legal minefield. The concept of "private regulation" that Gayle introduces becomes particularly relevant for customer success teams managing AI-powered interactions. When your chatbots handle customer complaints, your predictive models influence renewal decisions, or your recommendation engines shape customer experiences, the liability implications extend far beyond technical malfunctions. Every AI decision becomes a potential point of legal exposure, making governance frameworks essential risk management tools rather than optional compliance exercises. Perhaps most intriguingly, Gayle's perspective on governance policies as competitive differentiators challenges the common view of compliance as a business burden. In the customer success playbook framework, transparency becomes a trust-building mechanism that strengthens customer relationships rather than merely checking regulatory boxes. Companies that proactively communicate their AI governance practices position themselves as trustworthy partners in an industry where trust remains scarce. The legal profession's response to AI—requiring disclosure to clients and technical proficiency from practitioners—offers a compelling model for other industries. This approach acknowledges that AI literacy isn't just a technical requirement but a professional responsibility. For customer success leaders, this translates into a dual mandate: understanding AI capabilities enough to leverage them effectively while maintaining enough oversight to protect customer interests. The EU AI Act's implementation challenges that Gayle describes reveal the complexity of regulating rapidly evolving technology. Even comprehensive regulatory frameworks struggle to keep pace with innovation, reinforcing the importance of internal governance structures that can adapt quickly to new AI capabilities and emerging risks. This agility becomes particularly crucial for customer-facing teams who often serve as the first line of defense Kevin's offering Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text Ready to navigate the complex world of AI governance without getting lost in legal jargon? This episode delivers a masterclass in building ethical AI frameworks that actually work for your business. Global tech lawyer and fractional general counsel Gayle Gorvett breaks down the essential guardrails every company needs before diving headfirst into AI implementation. From her work with Duke University's AI working groups to real-world enterprise applications, Gayle reveals why treating AI like the "shiny new toy" without proper governance is a recipe for disaster. Whether you're protecting customer data or safeguarding your company's future, this customer success playbook episode provides the foundational knowledge to approach AI adoption with confidence and compliance. Detailed Analysis The AI revolution isn't just changing how we work—it's fundamentally reshaping the legal and ethical landscape of business operations. Gayle Gorvett's expertise in AI governance comes at a crucial time when companies are rushing to implement AI solutions without adequate safeguards. Her comparison of current AI hype to the blockchain frenzy of a decade ago serves as a sobering reminder that sustainable innovation requires thoughtful planning, not just technological enthusiasm. The multidisciplinary approach Gayle advocates represents a significant shift in how businesses should structure their AI initiatives. Gone are the days when technology decisions could be made in isolation. Modern AI governance demands collaboration between business functions, technical teams, and legal counsel—creating a new paradigm for cross-functional leadership in customer success organizations. For customer success professionals, the implications extend far beyond internal operations. When AI systems interact with customer data, handle support tickets, or predict customer behavior, the governance framework becomes a direct reflection of your company's commitment to customer trust. Gayle's emphasis on informing customers about AI usage highlights how transparency has evolved from a nice-to-have to a business imperative. The Duke AI Risk Framework and NIST guidelines she references provide actionable starting points for organizations feeling overwhelmed by the governance challenge. These resources democratize access to enterprise-level AI governance, making sophisticated risk assessment accessible to companies of all sizes. This democratization aligns perfectly with the customer success playbook philosophy of scalable, repeatable processes that drive consistent outcomes. Perhaps most importantly, Gayle's 26-year perspective in technology law offers historical context that many AI discussions lack. Her experience through previous technology waves—from the early internet boom to blockchain—provides valuable pattern recognition for identifying sustainable AI strategies versus fleeting trends. This wisdom becomes particularly relevant for customer success leaders who must balance innovation with the reliability their customers depend on. Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at ht Kevin's offering Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text The final episode of this transformative series tackles the ultimate challenge: scaling AI experiences without sacrificing empathy. Jake McKee reveals why most companies approach AI transformation backwards—focusing on tools instead of relationships, replacement instead of enhancement. This customer success playbook episode demonstrates how successful AI transformation mirrors the digital transformation of the past decade, requiring fundamental changes to business processes, not just technology adoption. McKee's framework for maintaining authentic human connections while scaling AI across enterprise environments provides practical guardrails for companies navigating the complex balance between efficiency and empathy. From addressing AI hallucinations transparently to designing trust through micro-moments, this conversation offers a roadmap for AI implementations that enhance rather than diminish human relationships. Detailed Analysis McKee's perspective on AI transformation represents a sophisticated understanding of organizational change management applied to emerging technology. His comparison to digital transformation provides crucial context—just as companies had to fundamentally rethink business processes when moving from analog to digital, AI transformation requires reimagining workflows, decision-making processes, and human-machine collaboration models. The conversation reveals critical insights about trust-building in AI systems, emphasizing that trust develops through consistent micro-moments rather than singular grand gestures. This mirrors human relationship dynamics and provides a practical framework for designing AI experiences that build confidence over time. McKee's examples of internal process failures—particularly the 13-screen system requiring hours of work before allowing saves—illustrate how poor experience design destroys trust regardless of underlying functionality. Perhaps most valuable is McKee's nuanced approach to AI transparency and hallucination management. Rather than attempting to eliminate AI limitations, he advocates for honest communication about system capabilities and uncertainties. This customer success playbook approach recognizes that users can develop healthy relationships with imperfect AI systems when expectations are properly set and limitations are communicated clearly. The discussion also addresses the critical challenge of scaling empathetic AI across large organizations. McKee's emphasis on relationship design over feature development provides a sustainable framework for maintaining human-centric experiences even as AI implementations grow in scope and complexity. His insights about contextual AI behavior—understanding when users need speed versus thoughtful interaction—offer practical guidance for enterprise AI strategy. Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybook Kevin's offering Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text What happens when passionate customer feedback clashes with cold, hard data? Jake McKee tackles this age-old product dilemma with wisdom earned from years at Lego and building communities for Fortune 500 brands. This episode of the customer success playbook reveals why treating community building as relationship development—not just feedback collection—transforms how companies balance emotional customer input with analytical metrics. McKee's "everybody goes home happy" philosophy demonstrates how sustainable product decisions emerge when companies design mutually beneficial relationships rather than extracting value from user communities. From scale modeling to high-end fusion restaurants, this conversation weaves personal insights with professional strategies for community-driven product development. Detailed Analysis McKee's approach to resolving the tension between passionate customer feedback and data-driven metrics represents a sophisticated understanding of modern product development challenges. His framework moves beyond the traditional either/or mentality to reveal how qualitative community insights can actually strengthen quantitative analysis when properly interpreted through relationship context. The discussion illuminates critical flaws in conventional product development cycles, particularly the tendency to collect requirements upfront, disappear into development "black boxes" for months, then emerge with solutions disconnected from evolving customer needs. McKee's community-driven product development methodology keeps customer voices actively engaged throughout the development process, creating real-time feedback loops that prevent costly misalignments. Perhaps most valuable is McKee's perspective on starting small with community building. Rather than investing in expensive platforms and complex infrastructure, he advocates for beginning immediately with simple relationship-building activities—introducing customers to each other, facilitating peer connections, and treating community development as an ongoing relationship rather than a marketing project. This customer success playbook approach recognizes that authentic communities emerge from genuine value exchange, not sophisticated technology platforms. The conversation also explores the nuanced art of community participation, whether in branded platforms or external spaces like Reddit. McKee's guidance on "showing up" rather than "taking over" provides practical wisdom for companies looking to engage authentically with existing customer communities rather than disrupting established dynamics. Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybook Kevin's offering Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text The future of AI isn't just about technology—it's about relationships. Jake McKee, renowned as "the community guy," delivers a paradigm-shifting perspective on AI adoption that goes far beyond features and functionality. Rather than getting caught up in the technical capabilities, McKee advocates for designing the emotional connection between humans and AI systems. This customer success playbook episode reveals why the most successful AI implementations focus on relationship design, helping users feel comfortable whether they're interacting with a clearly identified robot or a humanistic assistant. McKee draws from his extensive experience at Lego and Fortune 500 companies to demonstrate how thoughtful AI experience design can transform user adoption and trust. Detailed Analysis McKee's revolutionary concept of "AI Experience Design" (AIX) represents a fundamental shift in how organizations should approach AI implementation. His core principle—"design the relationship, not the functionality"—challenges the prevailing rush to launch AI features without considering the human emotional experience. The discussion reveals critical insights about user psychology, particularly how people naturally anthropomorphize AI systems, using phrases like "please" and "thank you" even when they know they're communicating with machines. The conversation explores the delicate balance between AI enthusiasm and appropriateness, referencing recent challenges with overly enthusiastic AI responses. McKee emphasizes that successful AI relationships require the same nuanced understanding we apply to human interactions—matching energy levels, providing appropriate friction for creative processes, and recognizing when users need quick answers versus thoughtful collaboration. Perhaps most importantly, this customer success playbook demonstrates how AI transformation requires understanding context and purpose. A customer service agent dealing with frustrated callers needs rapid, efficient AI assistance, while a creative professional benefits from AI that provides "good friction"—intentional slowdowns that prompt deeper thinking rather than overwhelming users with instant responses. This strategic approach to AI experience design ensures technology serves human needs rather than creating additional complexity. Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybook Kevin's offering Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text AI Friday delivers cutting-edge insights as John Huber reveals how artificial intelligence is transforming customer success operations. The conversation explores practical AI applications that are already delivering results, from conversation intelligence tools like Chorus for team coaching and customer context gathering, to emerging platforms like Sturdy that analyze unstructured data across email, Slack, and support tickets to identify churn risks and expansion opportunities. John challenges the overhyped notion that AI will replace CSMs, emphasizing instead how it amplifies human capabilities and enables more strategic engagement. The discussion culminates with an intriguing experiment: using custom GPTs for renewal pricing strategy that combines deal structure recommendations with benefit articulation. This customer success playbook episode demonstrates how forward-thinking CS leaders are leveraging AI to scale their impact while maintaining the human connections that drive customer loyalty. Detailed Analysis The episode showcases a mature understanding of AI implementation in customer success, moving beyond theoretical possibilities to practical applications with measurable business impact. John's progression from early adoption of Chorus to exploration of comprehensive platforms like Sturdy illustrates the rapid evolution of AI tools specifically designed for CS operations. The discussion of unstructured data analysis represents a significant leap forward in customer intelligence capabilities. Traditional CS platforms focus primarily on structured data points, but John's experience with AI-powered analysis of emails, support tickets, and communication channels opens new possibilities for early risk detection and opportunity identification. This capability addresses a long-standing challenge in customer success: the inability to systematically analyze the vast amount of unstructured communication that contains critical insights about customer health and growth potential. John's perspective on AI replacing CSMs demonstrates thoughtful leadership in an era of technological disruption. His emphasis on AI as an enabler rather than a replacement aligns with successful digital transformation strategies across industries. The human element remains crucial for building trust, navigating complex customer relationships, and making nuanced decisions that require emotional intelligence. The custom GPT experiment for renewal pricing represents the frontier of AI applications in CS operations. This use case demonstrates how AI can be trained on specific business contexts to provide both analytical recommendations and strategic guidance, potentially transforming how CS teams approach contract negotiations and renewal conversations. For CS leaders, this episode provides a roadmap for AI adoption that balances innovation with practical implementation, emphasizing tools that enhance rather than replace human capabilities. Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybook Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text Wednesday brings the burning question that divides CS and sales teams everywhere: who should own expansion revenue? John Huber tackles this contentious topic with nuanced insights drawn from his experience managing both dedicated CS-led expansion models and hybrid partnership approaches. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all answer, John presents a thoughtful framework for determining the optimal structure based on deal complexity, sales cycle length, and organizational maturity. He shares specific examples of successful implementations, including a sophisticated model where CSMs handled straightforward upsells and renewals while account executives managed complex expansion opportunities. The discussion dives deep into compensation structures, forecasting methodologies, and the critical importance of clearly defining roles to avoid territorial conflicts. This customer success playbook episode provides practical guidance for leaders struggling to optimize their expansion strategy without sacrificing customer relationships. Detailed Analysis This episode addresses one of the most politically charged topics in revenue operations: expansion ownership. John's approach demonstrates sophisticated thinking about organizational design, moving beyond simple "CS versus Sales" debates to examine the underlying factors that should drive structural decisions. The hybrid model John describes represents an evolution in CS thinking, recognizing that different types of expansion opportunities require different skill sets and engagement approaches. His 70/30 compensation structure (70% quota-oriented, 30% experience-focused) within the variable component offers a practical framework for balancing commercial accountability with customer-centric behaviors. Particularly valuable is John's emphasis on forecasting churn and renewal business with the same rigor as new logo acquisition. His practice of conducting detailed risk assessments 4-5 months before fiscal year start demonstrates the proactive mindset required for successful renewal management. The recommendation to begin renewal conversations 12 months in advance challenges the reactive approach many organizations take to customer retention. The discussion also highlights the importance of cross-functional partnerships, especially between CS and finance teams, in developing accurate forecasting models. John's collaborative approach with his CFO shows how CS leaders can elevate their strategic influence by speaking the language of business operations. For revenue leaders, this episode provides a decision-making framework for expansion ownership that considers deal complexity, resource allocation, and organizational capabilities rather than defaulting to territorial thinking. Now you can interact with us directly by leaving a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/CustomerSuccessPlaybook Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text Summary This 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 Analysis The 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/CustomerSuccessPlaybook Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text The 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 Analysis As 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/Cu Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text The 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 Analysis Building 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/CustomerSuccessPlaybook Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text In 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 Analysis Effective 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/CustomerSuccessPlaybook Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text As 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 Analysis The 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/CustomerSuccessPlaybook Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text When 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 Analysis The 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/CustomerSuccessPlaybook Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text Ever 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 Analysis The 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/CustomerSuccessPlaybook Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe. You can also find the CS Playbook Podcast: YouTube - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.

Send us a text In 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: She 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/CustomerSuccessPlaybook Check 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 - @CustomerSuccessPlaybookPodcast Twitter - @CS_Playbook You can find Kevin at: Metzgerbusiness.com - Kevin's person web site Kevin Metzger on Linked In. You can find Roman at: Roman Trebon on Linked In.