Customer Success Talks: Real Challenges, Experts' Advice

Bayron Toruño
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Management
  • Updated Semiweekly

Customer success skills, career advice and real CSM conversations. Customer Success Talks is for CSMs in their first years and anyone breaking into customer success. We cover what the job actually demands: onboarding, adoption, churn, and expansion, plus the skills nobody trains you on, like communication, negotiation and reading human behavior. No theory for its own sake. Conversations with people who have done it, and things you can try this week. Hosted by Bayron Toruño, CS practitioner and co-organizer of the PxA CS Summit. New episodes every two weeks. Give it a try :)

  1. Sep 23

    VP of CS Reveals the The Biggest AI Mistake CSMs Make (And What to Do Instead)

    Are CSMs making AI harder than it needs to be? Yes, and it's costing us time, revenue, and customer relationships.In this episode, I sit down with Lukas Alexander, VP of Customer Success, to break down exactly where CS teams go wrong with AI and the step-by-step approach that actually works.Lukas has spent over a decade building and scaling global CS teams, driving NRR growth, and coaching CSMs to grow their impact. His customers? Other customer success managers. So when he talks about AI in CS, he speaks from both sides of the table.What you'll learn in this episode:- The #1 AI mistake CSMs and CS leaders make (and why it backfires)- Why you should automate ONE admin task before touching anything else- How signal-based AI agents protect revenue and surface expansion opportunities- Why you don't need clean data to get started with AI in customer success- What no AI tool will ever replace in the CSM role Episode Highlights:00:00 – Welcome & intro02:15 – Lukas's journey from PR to VP of CS11:30 – Why operations exposure sharpens business acumen15:40 – The biggest AI mistake in customer success20:25 – How to start with AI: one task at a time23:12 – AI fluency, revenue mindset & business acumen32:00 – Using AI agents for churn signals and expansion revenue38:20 – Do you need perfect data to start? (Spoiler: No)41:45 – What to do when you have zero AI tools43:43 – Why the human side of CS still wins About Lukas AlexanderLukas is the VP of Customer Success at ChurnZero, one of the leading AI-powered customer success platforms in the industry. He has spent over a decade building global CS teams, leading RevOps functions, and helping organizations drive net revenue retention through outcome-focused customer success. Connect with Lukas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukas-alexander-3b827280/Follow Bayron Toruno on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayron-toru%C3%B1o-solano-3a9408113/Follow us on:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cstalkspodcast/Tik-Tok @customer.success6Explore Our PodcastWebsite - https://cstalkspodcast.com/🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode👍 Like this video if you found it helpful💬 Drop your biggest AI question in the comments, we read every one

  2. Sep 9

    The CS Secret to Getting Feature Requests Prioritized Now

    Are your feature requests and customer feedback piling up in the backlog, with no movement, no ETA, and frustrated customers asking you for answers you don't have? You're not alone. One of the most common pain points for Customer Success Managers is the disconnect between CS and the product team. But the good news? It's fixable, and it starts with how you communicate, not just what you communicate. In this episode, Margo Barysheva, the first CS hire at a cybersecurity startup in Israel, discusses how she has been building the customer success function from the ground up. Margo brings hard-earned, practical experience from working across multiple high-growth startups, and she's developed a real system for turning messy customer feedback into product action. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: ✅ Why most CSMs submit feedback the wrong way, and what to do instead (hint: it's not "the button should be black")✅ How to translate customer requests into business value so product teams actually listen✅ How to set backlog timeframes in Jira so tickets don't disappear forever — and you can finally close the loop with customers✅ The beta/preview program strategy that turns customers into product advocates✅ The squad model for larger CS teams to stay aligned with product without losing context✅ The #1 mindset shift: stop acting as a customer advocate only learn to be a true peer to your product team Connect with Margo on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/margobarysheva/ Margo's Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/magbelyaeva/ Follow Bayron Toruno on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayron-toru%C3%B1o-solano-3a9408113/ Follow us on:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cstalkspodcast/Tik-Tok @customer.success6Explore Our PodcastWebsite - https://cstalkspodcast.com/

  3. Aug 26

    Your Customer Data Isn't Actionable Yet: Here's Why

    How should Customer Success Managers actually use data? In this episode, Denny Burda, Chief Customer Officer at River Consultancy Group, to break down a simple framework for turning customer data into insights, conversations, and actions that drive retention and expansion. Many Customer Success Managers have access to dashboards, metrics, and usage reports but struggle with what to do with the data. Instead of getting lost in spreadsheets or overwhelming QBR slides, Denny explains how CSMs can move from raw data to meaningful customer conversations using a practical appoach:Signals → Insights → Conversation → ActionTogether, we explore the three key phases of working with data in Customer Success: 1. Data AnalysisLearn how to identify meaningful signals in customer data and avoid the classic “garbage in, garbage out” problem. 2. Turning Data Into InsightsData alone doesn’t create impact. Denny explains how to interpret signals to uncover early warnings for churn, identify expansion opportunities, and prioritize the right customers. 3. Data Presentation & StorytellingMany CSMs rely too heavily on dashboards or QBR slides.This framework helps Customer Success Managers turn numbers into strategic conversations that build trust with customers and executives. Listen now to learn how to transform customer data into clear insights, stronger conversations, and better outcomes.

  4. Aug 12

    How the shifting global market, AI, and new pricing models are reshaping Customer Success right now

    In this episode we have the honor of having two of the most respected leaders in CS, Jan Young and Ralphie White, to unpack how the shifting global market, AI, and new pricing models are changing Customer Success, and what you can actually do about it. They get into why the market shift isn't temporary, how consumption and outcome-based pricing are changing the CSM role, why AI is pushing CS away from "gap-filling" toward specialized, technical, revenue-owning work and honest, practical advice for breaking into CS and protecting your career in 2026. Referenced in this episode:– ChurnZero 2026 CSM Confidential Report - https://churnzero.com/csm-confidential-2026-thank-you/?submissionGuid=f2ce52ae-f4d7-493d-8368-a00a764168e5 – Zylo 2026 SaaS Management Index - https://go.zylo.com/l/504631/2026-01-27/7ptsnt/504631/1769532725LybGFvUo/2026_saas_management_index_zylo.pdf?_gl=1*1e5otfv*_gcl_au*MTA2NzE2MDIyMy4xNzczNzY3ODk4 – S&P Global AI & Labor Landscape 2026 - https://www.spglobal.com/en/research-insights/special-reports/ai-impact-on-employment-2026– Book: The Strategic Customer Success Manager by Chad Horenfeldt - https://www.strategiccustomersuccess.com/– Podcast: AI Daily BriefConnect with our guests:Jan YoungLinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-young-cx/CxXchange SuccessHour - https://www.janyoungcx.com/#newsletterJan's community sessions: https://go.stepupxchange.com/nexgen-cs-leadershipRalphie WhiteLinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralphiewhite/Website — https://www.radicalcs.com/ Follow us on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/cstalkspodcast/ TikTok — @customer.success6 Explore our Website: Website — https://cstalkspodcast.com/

  5. Jul 29

    Why Most QBRs Fail And the 15-Minute QBR That Fixes Them

    What if your Quarterly Business Review didn’t need 30 slides and an hour-long meeting to deliver value? And to discover how to change this, I sat down with Customer Success leader Andrea Bumstead to break down her powerful 15-Minute QBR framework, a practical approach that is challenging the way SaaS companies run customer conversations. Andrea, former VP of Customer Success and founder of CS Impact, shares why traditional QBRs often fail to create real value for customers and how Customer Success teams can shift from reporting metrics to driving meaningful business outcomes. Together, we explore how Customer Success Managers can create high-impact executive conversations, connect product usage to customer value, and use AI and automation strategically to scale engagement without losing the human element. You’ll also learn how to structure a 15-minute QBR, how to prepare for it effectively, and how to adapt the framework across different customer segments to improve customer retention, engagement, and overall customer experience. If you’re a CSM, CS leader, or SaaS professional looking to run more strategic customer conversations, this episode is packed with practical insights. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN • Why many QBRs fail to deliver value for customers • The structure of the 15-Minute QBR framework • How AI can support Customer Success strategies • Why customer segmentation matters when scaling QBRs Here are the links to where you can find Andrea: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreabumstead Substack: https://csimpact.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/customersuccessimpact/ 15 minute QBR framework: https://csimpact.substack.com/p/the-15-minute-qbr-framework Connect with us: Andrea Bumstead -https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreabumstead/ Bayron Toruno - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayron-toru%C3%B1o-solano-3a9408113/ Follow us on: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cstalkspodcast/ TikTok @customer.success6 Explore Our Podcast Website - https://cstalkspodcast.com/

  6. Jul 15

    Getting Things Done with David Allen: Master Productivity

    The conversation delves into the origins and evolution of the Getting Things Done methodology, emphasizing the importance of capturing, clarifying, organizing, and reviewing tasks and commitments. It explores the universal principles of productivity, the popularity of the methodology, the role of the mind in idea management, the capture habit, the importance of capturing tasks and ideas, clarifying tasks and ideas, the weekly review, and the challenge of making decisions. The conversation delves into the importance of thinking and deciding, the management of personal and digital systems, and the impact of the GTD methodology on productivity. It emphasizes the need for clarity and organization in personal and professional life, highlighting the role of decision-making and the effective use of digital tools. Takeaways * Getting Things Done methodology by David Allen focuses on capturing, clarifying, organizing, and reviewing tasks and commitments. * The methodology emphasizes the importance of making decisions about tasks and commitments to reduce mental clutter and increase productivity. Thinking and deciding * Managing personal and digital systems * The impact of GTD methodology on productivityGetting Things Done (GTD) official website, where you can learn more about GTD and purshase David's book: https://gettingthingsdone.com/ Connect with Us: David Allen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidallengtd/ Bayron Toruno - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayron-toru%C3%B1o-solano-3a9408113/ Follow us on: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cstalkspodcast/ Tik-Tok @customer.success6 Explore Our Podcast Website - https://cstalkspodcast.com/

  7. Jul 1

    The Productivity Shift Every Customer Success Manager Needs to Make

    Struggling to stay productive as a Customer Success Manager while juggling endless tasks, Slack messages, and urgent requests?In this episode we break down what real productivity looks like for CSMs—and why being busy doesn’t always mean driving impact.Joined by Leslie Venetz, a top 1% B2B sales expert, speaker, and author of Profit Generating Pipeline, we explore how Customer Success professionals can move from reactive work to intentional, revenue-driving execution.This episode answers key questions every CSM faces:How do you prioritize when everything feels urgent?How do you stay focused in a reactive environment?How can productivity directly impact retention, expansion, and revenue?Leslie shares practical frameworks and proven strategies, including:Why “if it’s not repeatable, it’s not scalable” (and how to apply this in CS)The concept of a Key Result Area (KRA) as your single source of focusHow to use batching (task clustering) to eliminate context switching and increase efficiencyThe truth about “false urgency” and how it’s hurting your performanceThe Delegate, Delete, Diarize framework to manage overwhelming workloadsHow to use the Urgent vs Important Matrix to prioritize what truly mattersWhy top performers protect time to “work on the business,” not just in itYou’ll also learn how small changes—like time blocking, managing expectations with stakeholders, and creating thinking space—can significantly improve your productivity and long-term impact.🎯 By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to:Focus on what actually drives revenue and retentionBuild repeatable productivity systemsReduce stress from constant interruptionsBecome a more proactive and strategic CSMIf you’ve ever ended your day wondering “What did I actually accomplish?”—this episode is for you.Learn more about The Sales-Led GTM Agency - https://salesledgtm.com/services/Buy Your Copy of Profit Generating Pipeline - https://salesledgtm.com/shop/Connect with Us:Leslie Venetz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslievenetz/Bayron Toruno - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayron-toru%C3%B1o-solano-3a9408113/Follow us on:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cstalkspodcast/Tik-Tok @customer.success6Explore Our PodcastWebsite - https://cstalkspodcast.com/

  8. Jun 17

    The Hidden Reason Clients Aren't Getting Results - Maranda Dziekonski

    Most CSMs focus on product usage—but real impact comes from understanding the business behind the customer.In this episode of Customer Success Talks, I sit down with Maranda Dyskonski, Chief Customer Officer, to explore how to dig deeper, avoid assumptions, and create real, measurable value for your clients.We cover:- Why vertical SaaS can give deeper insights than horizontal SaaS- How to map customer personas for onboarding, engagement, and retention- Using AI to uncover actionable customer insights- Communicating value proactively and scaling your CS strategy Connect with Us: Maranda Dziekonski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marandaanndziekonski/ Bayron Toruno - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayron-toru%C3%B1o-solano-3a9408113/ Follow us on: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cstalkspodcast/ Tik-Tok @customer.success6 Explore Our Podcast Website - https://cstalkspodcast.com/ #CustomerSuccess #SaaS #CustomerInsights #CustomerEngagement #AIinCS #CustomerRetention

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Customer success skills, career advice and real CSM conversations. Customer Success Talks is for CSMs in their first years and anyone breaking into customer success. We cover what the job actually demands: onboarding, adoption, churn, and expansion, plus the skills nobody trains you on, like communication, negotiation and reading human behavior. No theory for its own sake. Conversations with people who have done it, and things you can try this week. Hosted by Bayron Toruño, CS practitioner and co-organizer of the PxA CS Summit. New episodes every two weeks. Give it a try :)

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