In recent years, rapid technological advancements and a challenging macroeconomic climate have compelled the Customer Success sector to adapt faster than ever. This July, we assembled five of London’s leading Customer Success leaders to discuss strategies and share insights on navigating the future.
Hosted at Multiverse HQ in Paddington, the sold-out event drew a large and diverse crowd, predominantly SaaS Customer Success professionals keen on gaining insights and networking opportunities.
Our panel consisted of:
Eliza Cheyney(opens new window) - Manager, EMEA Commercial Customer Success, Salesloft
Sarah Patel(opens new window) - Head of Customer Success, BlueOptima
Amy Newbury(opens new window) - Head of Customer Success, Kleene
Nick Cornforth(opens new window) - Manager, Customer Success, Adobe
Moderating the panel was Theo Vadgama(opens new window), Regional Director of Enterprise Customer Success at Multiverse, who also shared Multiverse’s perspective on the evolving role of Customer Success.
The event was kicked off by Jimmy Lee,(opens new window) Multiverse’s SVP of Revenue Operations. Jimmy has founded, scaled, and sold 3 Silicon Valley startups, and is a leading figure in the Customer Success and Revenue Operations space.
Jimmy began with a rousing overview of the industry’s current landscape. He highlighted the economic environment and the revenue pressures faced by many SaaS companies today, underscoring the increased importance of Customer Success (CS). As he pointed out, retaining existing customers is as important as acquiring new ones. According to Jimmy, the best CS teams now serve as high-touch, critical advisors who ensure renewals become seamless non-events.
Something everyone on the panel agreed with was the changing perception of CS. Traditionally seen as a support-only function, CS is now increasingly viewed as an essential part of the sales team, integrating with clients early on — right alongside Account Executives. This strategic alignment develops customer champions from the outset, eliminating stop-start handovers and enabling CS teams to have greater influence on customer satisfaction and retention.
When discussing enablement in the evolving landscape, the panelists were asked about the strategies they're employing to support their teams:
- Deeper discovery of customer pains: The panel emphasized the importance of a thorough and continuous understanding of customer challenges. It’s no longer sufficient to identify just one problem; teams must delve deeper to uncover multiple pain points and address them proactively.
- Reinforcing the CS-Sales relationship: Strengthening the partnership between CS and Sales was universally acknowledged as vital. The panelists discussed the need for consistent communication and collaboration, ensuring both teams work towards common goals to enhance the overall customer experience.
- Weekly risk reporting and forecasting: Regular risk assessment and forecasting have become crucial. Panelists stressed the discipline required to identify and attach risk factors as early as possible, enabling teams to manage potential issues before they escalate.
- Driving accountability with metrics: Establishing clear metrics and holding teams accountable to them was another key takeaway. Metrics provide a tangible way to measure performance and drive continuous improvement across CS teams.
Despite the event's focus on change and adaptation, the general sentiment among both the panelists and the audience was one of excitement. The conversation was overwhelmingly positive, with panel members expressing their enthusiasm for the evolving landscape. They noted the transformation within the profession highlighting the influx of diverse profiles, such as consultants, who are bringing fresh perspectives and skills.
The shift towards a more sales-oriented function and the accompanying increase in responsibility has empowered CS leaders and their teams. This empowerment allows them to deliver greater value and foster stronger accountability within their organizations. The panelists stressed CS is not merely a remedy for a poor product or an unsatisfactory sales experience. Instead, it plays a crucial role in enhancing already exceptional products and effective sales teams, making their work even more rewarding.
Ultimately, this optimism and positive momentum in the CS field suggest a promising future, positioning Customer Success professionals as key drivers of growth and customer satisfaction. If you want to join a CS team where the above is certainly true, Multiverse are hiring(opens new window).
