What are some ways that junior and newer customer success managers can get greater exposure to the C-Suite?

Here are a few tried and true ways to gain greater exposure to the C-Suite: Get curious about the space, not just the product, and build your knowledge base.  Ask to shadow meetings with other CSMs, AEs, and other teammates who are closer to the C-Suite already Attend all hands/conferences/tradeshows/webinars where the C-Suite is speaking so you learn about their priorities and personality. Ask thoughtful questions at the appropriate opportunities and volunteer for initiatives where your skills ...Read More

My best advice is to take the risk and reach out, but be sure to clearly communicate your purpose. Avoid coming across as a new sales rep merely trying to close a deal. Instead, leverage your relationships with the sales team and develop a plan to strengthen those connections. Executives are often more receptive to talking with CS because there’s no immediate price tag attached. Once you secure a meeting or engagement, use that time wisely to ask discovery questions, especially during or after a ...Read More

Senior Executives love to learn things that they do not already know about the company, your product, or your industry. When an opportunity arises for you to interact with them, give them an opportunity to learn from you! Additionally, these leaders despise walking into a difficult conversation unprepared and it is your role as the CSM to make sure this NEVER happens within your book of business. When you have an Executive joining your meeting, over-index on the prep you put together for them. R ...Read More

If you’re newer in Customer Success, remember: the C-suite started where you are. My advice...start thinking like an executive now. Bring insights and a point of view, not just updates and asks. Consider: What are customers really struggling with? What value is your company delivering? What do customers expect from your company? When engaging with the C-suite, always frame your message around three components: What is the risk? What is the opportunity? What is the ask (if there is one)? Remember ...Read More

Direct exposure to the C-Suite is something you earn, not something you ask for. It’s not about getting a random meeting; it’s about making your work and your impact so visible that leaders take notice. Step 1: Master Your Domain (Nail Your Day Job First ) This is the non-negotiable foundation. Before you think about anything else, you have to be exceptional at your core job and build a rock-solid brand as a top performer. Become the CSM Everyone Wants: Are your customers happy and providing pos ...Read More

One of the most effective ways to gain visibility with senior leadership is to actively volunteer for opportunities that put you in the spotlight. This could be a special project, a cross-functional initiative, or simply stepping forward when you see an area where the business could improve. When you bring feedback or identify a gap, pair it with clear, actionable ideas for how it can be addressed. Executives are far more likely to remember someone who not only points out a problem but also offe ...Read More

Getting exposure to the C-Suite as a junior or newer Customer Success Manager (CSM) can be challenging, but it is definitely possible with the right approach. Remember, getting exposure to the C-Suite is not just about getting noticed, but also about contributing value to the organization and demonstrating your potential as a future leader. Approach it with a positive and proactive attitude, and seek out opportunities to learn, contribute, and build relationships. Here are some strategies to con ...Read More

Tie your work to a revenue driver, be a vocal advocate for company initiatives, and go the extra mile. Hit your numbers: While this sounds like a "duh" statement, it's important because it shows you know what you're doing. You were entrusted with a task and you demonstrated excellence. While it does not guarantee C-suite members will come knocking on your door, it does put you on their radar (in a positive way!). Revenue driver: At least in an Operations, Strategy, Analytics, or other similar fu ...Read More