Gary Johnson

When hiring, what most influences my confidence in a candidate’s future performance? Is it skillset? Prior experience? The way they articulate their thought process? All of these matter. But if we are honest, the real question is not whether they are important — it’s which of them most accurately predicts future impact. This is a thoughtful question. Technical skill and experience open the door. But what ultimately drives performance is something deeper: mindset, communication, and the ability t ...Read More

I smile when I hear this question — not because it isn’t important, but because, over the years, I’ve truly seen it all. Some red flags may seem obvious. Yet you would be surprised how frequently they appear. And in Customer Success — a profession built on trust, credibility, and first impressions — the smallest missteps can carry disproportionate weight. First impressions are not superficial. They are predictive. If you want to succeed in Customer Success, approach every interview the way you w ...Read More

I have two favorite questions I intentionally save for the end of an interview. They are less tactical and more personal. By that stage, most candidates have moved through their rehearsed responses. These questions invite them to lower their guard, step away from “triggered” answers, and simply be themselves. Question #1: “Who is [Candidate’s Name]? Tell me about yourself.” Not your résumé. Not your job description.You. This question reveals authenticity, self-awareness, and confidence. It allow ...Read More

Preparation for a Customer Success interview should be intentional and strategic. This is not a role you “wing.” It is a discipline that rewards clarity of thought, emotional intelligence, and business acumen. I am an avid reader — or perhaps more accurately, an avid audiobook listener — and there are two books I consistently recommend to Customer Success professionals. First, The Essential Guide for Hiring and Getting Hired by Lou Adler.This book is particularly valuable for understanding how h ...Read More

Every individual is different — and that diversity is what makes progress possible. Engineers understand the physics of how things work. Athletes push the boundaries of physical and mental endurance. Doctors and nurses blend compassion with deep technical expertise. Entrepreneurs take risks and move industries forward and on it goes. Each discipline has its defining traits. So, what about those who pursue Customer Success?What separates the good from the exceptional? On the surface, we might say ...Read More