Mastering Your Journey: Key Strategies for Career Ownership | Marija Skobe-Pilley
Mar 19, 2024
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In this discussion, Marija Skobe-Pilley, Founder of Women in Customer Success and a top Customer Success leader, shares her inspiring journey from musician to industry leader. She highlights the diverse career paths within Customer Success and emphasizes the importance of owning your career through clear vision and proactive strategies. Marija discusses adapting to change in today's dynamic landscape and the vital role of leadership in supporting team transitions. Her insights empower listeners to take charge of their careers while advocating for women in the field.
Taking ownership of one's career involves proactive communication with managers to align on growth opportunities and aspirations.
The customer success field offers diverse career paths beyond traditional roles, encouraging individuals to explore specialized positions for skill enhancement.
Deep dives
The Importance of Career Ownership
Taking ownership of one's career is crucial for customer success managers (CSMs) to shape their professional trajectory effectively. It involves proactively voicing aspirations and engaging in transparent communication with managers to align on growth opportunities. Individuals should understand that career advancement is a personal journey that requires self-reflection on values, strengths, and desires. Emphasizing a mindset where one is the 'boss' of their career can significantly empower CSMs to seek out roles and responsibilities that resonate with their personal and professional goals.
Diverse Opportunities in Customer Success
Customer success roles extend beyond the traditional titles of manager and director, presenting numerous specialized positions that allow for diverse career paths. Individuals are encouraged to explore roles such as onboarding specialists, customer enablement officers, and strategic CSMs that offer valuable experiences and skill enhancement. The landscape of customer success is evolving, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various roles, as traditional pathways become less rigid. CSMs should remain open to opportunities both within and outside their organizations, fostering portfolio careers and side projects that align with their passions.
Adapting to Change Effectively
Change is an inherent aspect of the customer success field, and adapting to new roles or responsibilities requires a constructive mindset. CSMs should seek clarity on role expectations and maintain open communication with their managers to understand new key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets. Embracing feedback and proactively identifying areas for upskilling can help navigate transitions more smoothly, turning challenges into growth opportunities. By focusing on the positive aspects of change and cultivating a proactive attitude, CSMs can ease their transition into new environments.
Leadership's Role in Navigating Change
Effective leadership plays a vital role in facilitating transitions during periods of change, with communication being a key factor. Leaders are responsible for clearly articulating the value and benefits of the changes, ensuring team members understand the opportunities ahead. Providing structured strategies and timelines for implementing changes helps team members adapt more comfortably and reduces uncertainty. By fostering an environment of support, upskilling, and positive reinforcement, leaders can empower CSMs to embrace change as an exciting aspect of their career development.
Join us in this episode of Customer Success Talks as we explore the key pieces of career ownership and navigating through change in the dynamic field of Customer Success. Marija Skobe-Pilley is a multi-talented individual who has gone from a musician to a Customer Success leader. She grew her career from a CSM to a Director of Customer Success in 4 years. Marija is the founder of Women in Customer Success, a network promoting and showcasing industry women. She’s also been named a Top 100 CS Strategist for 3 consecutive years.
In This Episode, You'll Discover:
- Marija's Unique Journey: From her early days as a musician to becoming a leader in Customer Success, learn how Marija's diverse background has shaped her approach and philosophy in the industry.
- Exploring Career Opportunities: Dive deep into the myriad of career paths available for Customer Success professionals, breaking the mold of traditional trajectories.
- Owning Your Career Path: Marija shares her expert strategies for taking control of your career, emphasizing the importance of having a clear vision, proactive learning, and transparent communication with managers.
- Adapting to Change: Understand the essentials of effectively adapting to new roles, expectations, and the evolving landscape of Customer Success, with insights into how leadership can facilitate this transition for their teams.
Marija's journey is a testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and leadership in shaping a successful career in Customer Success.
Resources:
Visit Marija’s website for more insights
Explore the power of mindset with "The Secret."
Dive into negotiation and communication skills with "Never Split the Difference."
Connect with us through LinkedIn:
Marija Skobe-PilleyNavneeth ThomasBayron Toruno
You can also reach out to us through email to customersuccesstalks@gmail.com
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