Psychology of Customer Success

Rachel Provan

Humans don’t think and act like computers. So why are you setting your CS strategy based solely on logic?

Join Customer Success Expert turned Brain-based CS Leadership and Strategy Coach, Rachel Provan, each Wednesday as she pulls back the curtain on how to use Cognitive, Behavioral, and Evolutionary psychology to create positive influence with your customers, and your internal teams.

So if you want to unlock customer-led growth, get buy-in from the C-suite, and skyrocket your career - this show is for you.

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Top 10 Psychology of Customer Success Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Psychology of Customer Success episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Psychology of Customer Success for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Psychology of Customer Success episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

What Your Customers Aren't Telling You

Psychology of Customer Success

03/06/24 • 45 min

Bob London and I discuss the power of Radically Authentic Discovery in customer success, emphasizing deep listening and strategic questioning to uncover true customer insights and drive engagement. Bob shares practical tips and the psychological foundations behind his method, inspiring CS leaders to adopt a more human-centered approach in their conversations.
Have you ever been blindsided by a customer churning?

It’s not that your health score needs adjusting (again) or that they were being dishonest.

You just weren’t asking the RIGHT QUESTIONS

Join us for the first guest episode of “Psychology of Customer Success” and learn Bob London’s psychology-based method for getting the full story out of your customers, so you can understand their pain points, and highest priorities to provide the best guidance on how they can leverage your product to produce the outcomes their business needs - NOW.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER

How to stop talking AT your customers and start understanding THEM (and why that’s harder than you might think!)
Why you should “Go Deckless” at your next business review
What kinds of questions to ask to unlock the full story of your customer retention and expansion opportunities - as well as unearth hidden risk factors

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Share a post on LinkedIn and tag me (@Rachel Haynes Provan) and @Bob London!

While you’re there, make sure you follow me on LinkedIn so you can see behind the scenes of how I built and scaled World-Class CS departments for over 15 years, and how you can too.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.boblondon.co/ - Bob London’s Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/boblondon/ - Bob London’s LinkedIn Profile https://www.oscartrimboli.com/podcasts/ - Oscar Trimboli's Podcast
https://www.audible.com/pd/Youre-Not-Listening-Audiobook/1250263727 - Kate Murphy’s You’re Not Listening (AudioBook)

🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media.

Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

++++NEW FREE RESOURCE++++
💎 The Ultimate Onboarding Checklist for Customer Success Leaders - The Step-by-Step Checklist to demonstrate your leadership, value, and strategic expertise.
WORK WITH RACHEL:

🧑🏻‍🎓 The CS Leadership Academy

CONNECT WITH RACHEL
Follow at:
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WEBSITE

https://provansuccess.com

What it Takes to Make it to Executive Leadership

Psychology of Customer Success

05/15/24 • 44 min

Struggling to adapt to changes in your CS Leadership Role?

Feel like you’re always dealing with problems outside of your control?

Join Madelyn DePrey, Global VP of Customer Success at Aircall, as she shares her expertise on rising through the ranks to executive leadership by mastering change, overcoming victim mentality, and learning from sales to enhance customer success strategies. Discover the transformative power of building cross-functional relationships and resilience in this insightful episode.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

Effective Strategies for Handling Change: How to embrace and navigate through changes in the tech industry with agility and confidence.
Overcoming Victim Mentality: Techniques to shift from a mindset of constraints to one of proactive problem-solving within customer success.
The Power of Cross-Functional Relationships: How building strong relationships with sales, product, and other departments can facilitate smoother operations and better outcomes in customer success.
Learning from Sales: What customer success can adopt from sales techniques, including top of the funnel strategies and objection handling, to enhance customer retention and satisfaction.
Building Resilience in Leadership: Strategies to develop resilience, helping you to not only survive but thrive through challenges and adversity in your career.

Tune in to transform how you view your role in customer success and accelerate your path to leadership.
Find Madelyn on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelyn-deprey-29a91642/

🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media.

Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

🧑🏻‍🎓 The CS Leadership Academy

CONNECT WITH RACHEL
Follow at:
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WEBSITE

https://provansuccess.com

When You’re Promoted Above Your Peers

Psychology of Customer Success

10/09/24 • 34 min

Just got that big promotion and now you're leading your former peers? Feeling overwhelmed by the sudden shift in responsibilities and relationships? It's time to equip yourself with the leadership skills you need to excel in your new role!
In this episode, we break down the crucial lessons every new leader needs to learn when transitioning from peer to manager. Drawing from real-world experiences and psychological insights, we'll guide you through the dos and don'ts of this challenging career move.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:
- The critical difference between being a top performer and being an effective leader
- How to establish your authority without alienating your team
- The art of delegation and why it's essential for your success (and sanity)
- Strategies for handling difficult conversations and giving constructive feedback to former peers
- The importance of building alliances with other managers and departments
- Why playing to your team members' strengths is key to overall success
- How to balance nurturing your team with meeting company objectives
- The power of admitting mistakes and showing vulnerability as a leader
Don't stumble through your first leadership role - arm yourself with the knowledge and strategies you need to become the leader your team deserves. Tune in and take the first step towards leadership excellence!

🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media.

Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

🧑🏻‍🎓 The CS Leadership Academy

CONNECT WITH RACHEL
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WEBSITE

https://provansuccess.com

Gainsight's Easton Taylor on the Power of Human-First Leadership

Psychology of Customer Success

07/31/24 • 45 min

Are you struggling to balance business results with employee well-being?

Do you wonder how to create a high-performing team while treating them with humanity?

It's time to explore the transformative impact of human-first leadership in customer success.

Join Rachel Provan as she sits down with Easton Taylor, SVP of Customer Success at Gainsight, to uncover the secrets of creating a thriving, human-centric culture that drives business success.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

What human-first leadership really means beyond the buzzwords, and why it's more critical now than ever in the challenging tech economy
The 8 key ingredients of human-first leadership, including empathy, authenticity, and personalized experiences
How Gainsight's core values, including "childlike joy" and "Shoshin" (beginner's mind), shape their unique culture
Practical strategies for new leaders to build trust and transparency with their teams
The crucial role of psychology in developing effective leadership skills
How to maintain a human-first approach while driving results in challenging times

Don't let the pressure to deliver results destroy your team's morale and effectiveness. Tune in to learn how human-first leadership can transform your customer success department, boost employee engagement, and ultimately drive better business outcomes.
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This episode was sponsored by Vitally.io

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🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media.

Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media.

Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

🧑🏻‍🎓 The CS Leadership Academy

CONNECT WITH RACHEL
Follow at:
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WEBSITE

https://provansuccess.com

It's a Trap! (a.k.a. "My CEO LOVES Customer Success")

Psychology of Customer Success

03/13/24 • 34 min

Are You Falling for This Common Misconception About Your CEO's Support for Customer Success?

Many customer success leaders believe their CEOs fully support customer success just because they say they do.
But what if this belief is based on a misunderstanding?

This episode dives into the dangers of assuming your CEO's initial enthusiasm equates to ongoing support and how this can lead to the unexpected loss of your CS department.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

How cognitive biases like hyperbolic discounting and ambiguity aversion can lead to underinvestment in customer success.
Psychological tools to counteract those cognitive biases (including one that's ethically questionable)
Practical strategies to continuously demonstrate the value of customer success to the C-suite and secure their buy-in.

Don't let assumptions derail your customer success efforts.
Tune in to learn how to ensure your CEO's support translates into real investment and long-term success.
Links:
Verified Outcomes Presentation - check out this slide in particular
Article on Ebitda
Linkedin Post on Article for context
Priming

🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media.

Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

🧑🏻‍🎓 The CS Leadership Academy

CONNECT WITH RACHEL
Follow at:
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WEBSITE

https://provansuccess.com

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

Psychology of Customer Success

02/07/24 • 26 min

If you're feeling the weight of imposter syndrome in your leadership role, constantly battling with thoughts that you're not good enough, welcome to the club!
The pressure to appear perfect, handle everything on your own, and know everything can be overwhelming. Thankfully, none of those things are actually necessary.
Let's explore effective strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and step into your role with confidence and authenticity.

In this episode, you'll discover:

· Overcoming imposter syndrome empowers leaders to thrive authentically.

· Embracing vulnerability fosters genuine connections and personal growth.

· Mastering soft skills amplifies leadership effectiveness and team dynamics.

· Conquering negative thoughts cultivates a resilient and empowered mindset.

· Curbing social media usage enhances self-esteem and mental well-being.

You can't mentally beat yourself into success.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

· Download the accomplishment tracker from the Provan Success website to track your wins and boost your confidence.
· Learn the best ways to use it in this article

· Join the waitlist for the next round of CS Leadership Academy, opening for registration on February 15, 2024, to supercharge your CS Leadership and Strategy using Human Psychology

🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media.

Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

🧑🏻‍🎓 The CS Leadership Academy

CONNECT WITH RACHEL
Follow at:
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WEBSITE

https://provansuccess.com

Let's Talk Failure - and why you need it!

Psychology of Customer Success

01/17/24 • 27 min

Failure happens to all of us.
In this episode, we'll delve into the often-feared concept of failure and discover its hidden potential for growth and learning.
We'll explore the essential role of mindset, how to differentiate between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and uncover sneaky signs that a fixed mindset holding you back in both your personal and professional life.
Embrace a fresh perspective on failure, seeing it not as a setback, but as a vital stepping stone to success.
Come learn to approach challenges with curiosity, openness to new experiences, and resilience against setbacks. This episode also highlights the crucial distinction between your self-worth and your failures, empowering you to define your worth independently of your setbacks. By the end, you'll be equipped to view failures as valuable experiments and embrace change as a key driver of growth.

Takeaways for You:

Understand how shifting your view of failure can unlock opportunities for learning and growth.
Learn to identify and overcome your limitations using curiosity.
Recognize the symptoms of a fixed mindset and how they might be impeding your progress.
Discover how to separate your self-worth from your failures, establishing a resilient sense of self.
Transform your approach to challenges, viewing failure as an experimental learning opportunity and change as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Mindset - Carol Dweck

🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media.

Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

🧑🏻‍🎓 The CS Leadership Academy

CONNECT WITH RACHEL
Follow at:
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WEBSITE

https://provansuccess.com

How to "Manage Up"

Psychology of Customer Success

05/01/24 • 20 min

Managing up isn't what you think...
Do you ever feel like your boss just doesn't "get it"?
It's time to get on the same page and rebuild your working relationship from the ground up.

This episode breaks down a new perspective on "managing up" that prioritizes collaboration and mutual consideration over power struggles.

YOU'LL DISCOVER:

What managing up is and what is and what it isn't.
10 concrete tactics for managing up effectively
How managing your team shows you how to manage up
How gratitude can spark a positive cycle of engagement

Don't resign yourself to a toxic work relationship. Learn how to reset dynamics, reduce friction, and propel your career by mastering the art of managing up.

🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media.

Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

🧑🏻‍🎓 The CS Leadership Academy

CONNECT WITH RACHEL
Follow at:
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WEBSITE

https://provansuccess.com

The Language of the Executive Suite

Psychology of Customer Success

02/28/24 • 20 min

Are you struggling to get your ideas across to the C-suite in your Customer Success role?
Do you feel like they just don't see the urgency or importance of your CS initiatives and customer feedback, despite your best efforts?

If this sounds familiar, you might be missing a crucial tool in your arsenal: strategic presentations. But it's not just about the slides; it's about understanding the psychology behind effective communication with senior leadership based on their point of view

In this episode, we dive into the common pitfalls CS leaders face when communicating with the C-suite and how a well-crafted visual aid, combined with psychological insights, can make all the difference.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

The importance of using visual aids to convey urgency and financial impact, tapping into the C-suite's visual and analytical processing.
What to include in a presentation - and how it doesn't have to take you hours!
How to structure your presentations to keep the C-suite engaged and informed, leveraging psychological principles of attention and memory.
Tips for making your data and proposals visually compelling and memorable, using psychological insights into how people process and retain information.
Strategies for anticipating and addressing questions and objections from senior leadership, understanding their psychological biases, and decision-making processes.

Don't let your valuable insights go unheard! Tune in to learn how to elevate your communication game and get the C-suite on board with your Customer Success initiatives, using the power of psychology.

🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media.

Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com

🧑🏻‍🎓 The CS Leadership Academy

CONNECT WITH RACHEL
Follow at:
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WEBSITE

https://provansuccess.com

Outsource Your Brain: Productivity Tools for Customer Success Professionals

Psychology of Customer Success

07/17/24 • 40 min

More customer success leaders than ever report being overwhelmed by the never-ending demands of their careers. Are you?

In this episode of Psychology of Customer Success, Rachel reveals her favorite tools designed to help CS leaders stay organized and efficient - even when things are coming at you a million miles an hour!
Discover how to build faster knowledge centers, delegate tasks effortlessly, and leverage AI to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Get practical insights on using tools like Fathom Notetaker and Anthropic’s Claude, offering you the keys to a more focused and productive workday for maximum efficiency. Tune in and learn how to outsource your brain for maximum efficiency!

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:40 - My favorite tools

00:02:29 - Managing tasks

00:03:55 - Discovering Fathom Notetaker

00:08:24 - Superior AI with Claude

00:15:42 - Easy SOPs and knowledge center resources

00:23:34 - Outsource your brain with my favorite productivity tool

00:26:22 - Immediate focus on demand with this music app

00:27:39 - Wake up more easily and improve sleep quality

00:29:11 - The app that will make you happier in 5 mins a day

00:34:51 - Reflecting with a bullet journal