

Customer Success Talks
Real Challenges, Experts Advice
Welcome to Customer Success Talks: Real Challenges, Expert Advice – the podcast for everyone passionate about CS! Whether you're transitioning into CS or a CSM with around three years of experience, this podcast is here for you. Our discussions tackle day-to-day CSM challenges in a practical way, ensuring value for everyone. Hosted by Bayron Toruno, a true CS enthusiast, each episode features in-depth conversations with industry experts, real-life stories, and actionable advice. Join us and be part of our community, where we grow and succeed together!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 21, 2026 • 13min
CSM Quick Lesson: Customer Education Strategies with Vicky Kennedy
In today's CSM Quick Lesson with Vicky Kennedy, customer education can't be an afterthought! To scale, connect what your team already knows with what customers need. Listen, gather data, then build...You can find the full conversation below:YouTube: https://youtu.be/fb39GyCVtd0Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Wc5yh82UJkbWT8nln2VFALinkedin:Vicky Kennedy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickykennedy/Bayron Toruno - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayron-toru%C3%B1o-solano-3a9408113/Meet Echtus - https://www.linkedin.com/company/echtus/Follow us on:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cstalkspodcast/Tik-Tok @customer.success6Explore Our Podcast Website - https://cstalkspodcast.com/

Jan 14, 2026 • 53min
The Psychology of Customer Success: How Understanding Human Behavior Drives Retention & Change
In this episode, we have the pleasure of having a special guest, Rachel Provan, a seasoned customer success leader, to explore the intersection of psychology and customer success. We discuss the importance of understanding human behavior, the psychological barriers customers face, and how these insights can enhance customer engagement and retention. Rachel emphasizes the need for customer success managers to focus on change management, motivation, and effective communication to drive results. The conversation also highlights the significance of recognizing and rewarding small achievements to foster positive habits in customers. Ultimately, the episode provides valuable strategies for customer success leaders to navigate the complexities of their roles and improve overall customer satisfaction.Interested in Rachel's Programs? https://provansuccess.com/Check the first episode we recorded together back in 2023: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wSbKxhl60TWNWhUdKTZZWConnect with Us:Rachel Provan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelhprovan/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 Podcast Website - https://cstalkspodcast.com/

Jan 7, 2026 • 11min
CSM Quick Lesson: Authority, Consistency & Scarcity with Dr. Christopher Phelps.
In today's CSM Quick Lesson with Dr. Christopher Phelps, you will discover that authority isn't about boasting, it's about letting others showcase expertise. Motivate action through consistency and commitment, using small steps. Scarcity drives urgency, ethically combined with reciprocity. "People just want to get something off."You can find the full conversation below:YouTube https://youtu.be/C0HJy2uwxBgSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/79PwUiGOIiEOTiBofQytCC?si=_-D8vsmWRyaIZq92-kRH-ALinkedin:Dr. Christopher Phelps - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-christopher-phelps-2b48b718/Bayron Toruno - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayron-toru%C3%B1o-solano-3a9408113/https://cialdini.com/persuasion-power-course-for-dentistry/special-offer?via-rr=OA54EGAOFollow us on:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cstalkspodcast/Tik-Tok @customer.success6Explore Our Podcast Website - https://cstalkspodcast.com/

6 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 50min
How to scale Customer Success: Strategies for Growth
In this insightful discussion, Denny Burda, Chief Customer Officer at River Consultancy Group, shares his expertise on scaling Customer Success effectively. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging data and experimentation to identify growth opportunities, particularly among mid-performing customers. Denny discusses automating outreach while maintaining personal connections, and converting engaged users into advocates. He also highlights the need for evolving CS skills and cross-team collaboration to drive measurable SaaS growth, along with a sneak peek into his upcoming workshop, The Revenue Lab.

Nov 19, 2025 • 10min
CSM Quick Lesson: Career Growth with Marija Skobe-Pille
In today's CSM Quick Lesson with Marija Skobe-Pille you will discover unlock career potential! Explore how expanding your role, offering solutions, and envisioning long-term goals can lead to advancement. Don't just aim for a 9-to-5; bring value and watch opportunities unfold. 'Bring me solutions, not problems.' You can find the full conversation below:YouTube - https://youtu.be/iTHdf-qYWIYSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1GepzXfaMyiBufhAUq1EpU?si=nQaOQV_SQvugetgg3C_0lALinkedin:Marija Skobe-Pille - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mspilley/Bayron Toruno - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayron-toru%C3%B1o-solano-3a9408113/Check out Women in Customer Success - https://www.womenincs.co/Follow us on:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cstalkspodcast/Tik-Tok @customer.success6Explore Our Podcast Website - https://cstalkspodcast.com/

Nov 12, 2025 • 44min
How to Speak Memorably: Communication & Presentation Skills with Bill McGowan
In this episode, I had the pleasure of recording with Bill McGowan—Emmy Award-winning journalist, bestselling author of Speak, Memorably: The Art of Captivating an Audience, and communication coach to leaders at Amazon, Facebook, Uber, LinkedIn, and more.We dive deep into what it really takes to communicate memorably in today’s remote-first business world. From avoiding jargon and filler words to mastering storytelling and empathy, Bill shares practical strategies for making every conversation, presentation, and client interaction impactful.You’ll learn:- The art of listening with empathy to build trust.- How storytelling makes you stand out from the noise.- Ways to structure a presentation like a filmmaker for maximum impact.- A simple technique to deliver bad news without damaging relationships.Whether you’re an early-career Customer Success Manager or a professional who wants to sharpen communication skills, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you rise above the noise, engage your audience, and be remembered.Check out Bill's website, where you can find his book and more resources - https://www.claritymediagroup.com/speakmemorablyConnect with Us:Bill McGowan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-mcgowan-7103b/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 Podcast Website - https://cstalkspodcast.com/

Nov 5, 2025 • 11min
CSM Quick Lesson: Building Loyal Relationships with Ali Cudby
In today's CSM Quick Lesson with Ali Cudby you will discover the secrets to transforming casual customers into dedicated advocates. Learn strategies for recognition, celebration, and leveraging data to build lasting relationships and drive revenue growth. 'It's not always necessary to over-engineer stuff.' You can find the full conversation below:YouTube - https://youtu.be/d8XNsK7F-oYSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2sRCJDKXImSsoa14PyEYEU?si=h2wwXmhqT-2npTFyBZhGfwIn today's CSM Quick Lesson with Ali Cudby you will discover the secrets to transforming casual customers into dedicated advocates. Learn strategies for recognition, celebration, and leveraging data to build lasting relationships and drive revenue growth. 'It's not always necessary to over-engineer stuff.' You can find the full conversation below:YouTube - https://youtu.be/d8XNsK7F-oYSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2sRCJDKXImSsoa14PyEYEU?si=h2wwXmhqT-2npTFyBZhGfwLinkedin:Ali Cudby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicudby/Bayron Toruno - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayron-toru%C3%B1o-solano-3a9408113/Check our Ali's book: Keep your customers - https://alignmintforgrowth.com/book/Follow us on:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cstalkspodcast/Tik-Tok @customer.success6Explore Our Podcast Website - https://cstalkspodcast.com/

Oct 29, 2025 • 52min
Strategic Customer Success: How CSMs Win Trust & Influence Action | Chad Horenfeldt
Chad Horenfeldt, VP of Customer Success and author of The Strategic Customer Success Manager, shares insights from his 20 years in SaaS. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and becoming a strategic advisor rather than just a problem-solver. Discover how AI tools can streamline preparation and the significance of clear agendas in meetings. Chad also reveals the SOON Funnel technique for collaborative success, and he highlights essential skills like growth mindset and business acumen for CSMs aspiring to advance their careers.

Oct 22, 2025 • 13min
CSM Quick Lesson: Boost Customer Onboarding Strategies with Donna Weber
Donna Weber, a customer onboarding expert and author of "Onboarding Matters," shares her insights on fostering trust and long-term partnerships. She emphasizes the importance of engaging stakeholders early and tailoring communication to executives. Donna discusses managing change resistance and the value of respectful, efficient meetings. She highlights the effectiveness of digital communication in maintaining momentum and suggests visualizing the onboarding journey to set clear expectations. Tune in for actionable strategies that drive customer success!

Oct 15, 2025 • 41min
Thriving as a New Customer Success Manager in a Startup with Priscila Fletcher
Priscila Fletcher, a seasoned Customer Success leader and founder of Latinos in Customer Success, shares her insights on thriving as a new CSM in startups. She discusses the critical first 90 days, highlighting a structured 30/60/90-day plan for success. Priscila emphasizes the importance of prioritization, building influence maps, and seeking mentors early on. She also offers practical tips for demonstrating impact and aligning with management goals, helping listeners navigate the chaos of startup life with confidence.


