
Psychology of Customer Success
Humans don’t think and act like computers. So why are you setting your CS strategy based solely on logic? Join Customer Success Expert turned Brain-based CS Leadership and Strategy Coach, Rachel Provan, each Wednesday as she pulls back the curtain on how to use Cognitive, Behavioral, and Evolutionary psychology to create positive influence with your customers, and your internal teams.So if you want to unlock customer-led growth, get buy-in from the C-suite, and skyrocket your career - this show is for you.
Latest episodes

May 1, 2024 • 21min
How to "Manage Up"
Managing up isn't what you think...Do you ever feel like your boss just doesn't "get it"? It's time to get on the same page and rebuild your working relationship from the ground up.This episode breaks down a new perspective on "managing up" that prioritizes collaboration and mutual consideration over power struggles.YOU'LL DISCOVER:What managing up is and what is and what it isn't.10 concrete tactics for managing up effectivelyHow managing your team shows you how to manage upHow gratitude can spark a positive cycle of engagementDon't resign yourself to a toxic work relationship. Learn how to reset dynamics, reduce friction, and propel your career by mastering the art of managing up.🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com ++++ATTENTION++++🧑🏻🎓 The CS Leadership Academy is opening back up July 15! Ready to stop figuring out CS leadership the hard way? The Customer Success Leadership Academy VIP Notification List gets you early bird pricing (that's $250 off!) plus first access when enrollment opens. No obligation to join! But you'll want that discount when you see what's inside... 🎉 Add me to the VIP list 🎉 CONNECT WITH RACHELFollow at: LinkedInTikTokInstagramYouTube WEBSITE https://provansuccess.com

Apr 17, 2024 • 41min
The Loyalty Trap: Are You Fooling Yourself?
Are your "best customers" actually as loyal as you think?Or could it just be a matter of convenience?Join me as I talk to the brilliant Ali Cudby and she shares her insightful take on the different levels of customer loyalty, and how we can help get more of our customers to the highest level - the Lucrative Loyal!BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN: The three different tiers of customer loyalty - lazy loyals, limited loyals, and lucrative loyalsHow to identify which type of loyal customers you have, and why that distinction is so importantPractical strategies for turning limited loyal customers into highly engaged, "lucrative" loyal customersWhy fostering authentic advocacy from your best customers is so valuable (and how to avoid the pitfalls)The hidden costs of acquiring the "wrong" customers, and why it's critical to have a clear ideal customer profileWhen you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today's episode. Share it on LinkedIn and Tag me and Ali!Find Ali CudbyAlignmint for GrowthLinkedinAbout Ali Ali Cudby, Founder, and CEO of Alignmint Growth Strategies, is a dynamic force in transforming businesses through intentional customer experiences. With a mission to architect superior customer interactions that drive growth, Ali's expertise lies in aligning strategy and implementation for uncontainable growth.As the author of the #1 bestselling book "Keep Your Customers," Ali provides a fresh perspective on customer relations, offering insights from real-world consumer behavior stories, business best practices, and CEO-led case studies. Her proven four-step MINT Method, outlined in the book, has been the cornerstone of her work at Alignmint, helping clients achieve transformational customer loyalty.With over 20 years of experience, Ali has honed her craft, having started in corporate planning at The New York Times Company and later delving into strategic marketing at the Golf Digest Magazine Group and Animal Planet TV Network. Her journey continued with the founding of Alignmint Growth Strategies in 2014, focusing on making a difference for small to mid-sized companies.Beyond her role as a business leader, Ali taught Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Purdue University, embodying her commitment to nurturing the next generation of business minds. In her podcast appearances, Ali brings a wealth of knowledge on customer experience, growth strategies, and the intersection of intentional p🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com ++++ATTENTION++++🧑🏻🎓 The CS Leadership Academy is opening back up July 15! Ready to stop figuring out CS leadership the hard way? The Customer Success Leadership Academy VIP Notification List gets you early bird pricing (that's $250 off!) plus first access when enrollment opens. No obligation to join! But you'll want that discount when you see what's inside... 🎉 Add me to the VIP list 🎉 CONNECT WITH RACHELFollow at: LinkedInTikTokInstagramYouTube WEBSITE https://provansuccess.com

Apr 10, 2024 • 30min
The Psychology of Customer Onboarding
Is your onboarding process falling flat? Are you struggling with low adoption rates despite your best efforts? It's time to rethink your approach and consider the psychology behind effective onboarding.Dive into the reason why traditional onboarding methods often fail and what you can do to revolutionize your onboarding process for better customer adoption.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:The crucial difference between implementation and onboarding, and why you should focus on onboarding people, not just softwareWhy long implementation times, one-size-fits-all training, and information overload can sabotage your onboarding effortsThe science behind the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve and how to combat it using spaced repetition and emotional engagementHow to identify the "first value" moment for your customers and why it's the true end of onboardingPractical tips for creating an effective onboarding process, including kickoff calls, targeted training, and a comprehensive knowledge centerDon't let ineffective onboarding lead to churn and disappointment. Tune in to learn how you can leverage psychology to create an onboarding experience that sets your customers up for success and long-term adoption.🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com ++++ATTENTION++++🧑🏻🎓 The CS Leadership Academy is opening back up July 15! Ready to stop figuring out CS leadership the hard way? The Customer Success Leadership Academy VIP Notification List gets you early bird pricing (that's $250 off!) plus first access when enrollment opens. No obligation to join! But you'll want that discount when you see what's inside... 🎉 Add me to the VIP list 🎉 CONNECT WITH RACHELFollow at: LinkedInTikTokInstagramYouTube WEBSITE https://provansuccess.com

Mar 27, 2024 • 30min
How to Improve Employee Morale (When You Can't Give Them A Raise!)
Is it possible to motivate your team without paying them more?In a time when workloads are doubling and raises are scarce – How can you keep your team motivated - even EXCITED - to give it their all? Money matters - no question about it. But it's only a small piece of what actually impacts job performance. Now I'm not saying to be cheap! Pay your people as well as you possibly can!But if you're getting no wiggle room from the C-Suite on budget - that doesn't have to mean your team will automatically stop trying. Other things matter too. People WANT to feel motivated. Come find out how.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:How to avoid resentment during "Do more with... (you know.)"The career development hack that gets employees taking work off your plate - and thank you for it!The human-first leadership techniques that tripled the effectiveness of my CS teams within the first six months. When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today's episode. Tag me in a post on LinkedIn and let me hear what you learned! 🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com ++++ATTENTION++++🧑🏻🎓 The CS Leadership Academy is opening back up July 15! Ready to stop figuring out CS leadership the hard way? The Customer Success Leadership Academy VIP Notification List gets you early bird pricing (that's $250 off!) plus first access when enrollment opens. No obligation to join! But you'll want that discount when you see what's inside... 🎉 Add me to the VIP list 🎉 CONNECT WITH RACHELFollow at: LinkedInTikTokInstagramYouTube WEBSITE https://provansuccess.com

Mar 21, 2024 • 32min
Why your SMART goals aren't working
Learn about the effectiveness of SMART goals in customer success and explore alternative goal-setting strategies that align with human psychology and brain science, including practical tips on setting and achieving goals that are more motivating, achievable, and relevant to the priorities of CS professionals.Are SMART goals stupid? Do you struggle to stay motivated by SMART goals? Well, there's a reason for that. SMART goals may not always be the best fit for the human brain and creative thinking. We'll dig into how to set goals that resonate with your brain's natural way of thinking, to keep you motivated, and making progress every day.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL KNOW: :How the structure of SMART goals can hinder creative thinking.The need for natural language and simplicity in goal setting.Questions to ask yourself to ensure your goals are aligned with your top priorities.The importance of emotion and motivation in achieving your goals.Plus, how setting goals for yourself should be DIFFERENT than setting goals for your team!Resources mentioned in the episode: goblin.tools🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com ++++ATTENTION++++🧑🏻🎓 The CS Leadership Academy is opening back up July 15! Ready to stop figuring out CS leadership the hard way? The Customer Success Leadership Academy VIP Notification List gets you early bird pricing (that's $250 off!) plus first access when enrollment opens. No obligation to join! But you'll want that discount when you see what's inside... 🎉 Add me to the VIP list 🎉 CONNECT WITH RACHELFollow at: LinkedInTikTokInstagramYouTube WEBSITE https://provansuccess.com

Mar 13, 2024 • 35min
It's a Trap! (a.k.a. "My CEO LOVES Customer Success")
Are You Falling for This Common Misconception About Your CEO's Support for Customer Success?Many customer success leaders believe their CEOs fully support customer success just because they say they do. But what if this belief is based on a misunderstanding?This episode dives into the dangers of assuming your CEO's initial enthusiasm equates to ongoing support and how this can lead to the unexpected loss of your CS department.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:How cognitive biases like hyperbolic discounting and ambiguity aversion can lead to underinvestment in customer success.Psychological tools to counteract those cognitive biases (including one that's ethically questionable)Practical strategies to continuously demonstrate the value of customer success to the C-suite and secure their buy-in.Don't let assumptions derail your customer success efforts. Tune in to learn how to ensure your CEO's support translates into real investment and long-term success.Links:Verified Outcomes Presentation - check out this slide in particularArticle on EbitdaLinkedin Post on Article for contextPriming🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com ++++ATTENTION++++🧑🏻🎓 The CS Leadership Academy is opening back up July 15! Ready to stop figuring out CS leadership the hard way? The Customer Success Leadership Academy VIP Notification List gets you early bird pricing (that's $250 off!) plus first access when enrollment opens. No obligation to join! But you'll want that discount when you see what's inside... 🎉 Add me to the VIP list 🎉 CONNECT WITH RACHELFollow at: LinkedInTikTokInstagramYouTube WEBSITE https://provansuccess.com

Mar 6, 2024 • 47min
What Your Customers Aren't Telling You
Discover the power of Radically Authentic Discovery in customer success through deep listening and strategic questioning. Learn how to ask the right questions to understand customer pain points and priorities. Uncover hidden risk factors and improve customer retention. Embrace a more human-centered approach in your conversations for successful outcomes.

Feb 28, 2024 • 20min
The Language of the Executive Suite
Struggling to convey your Customer Success initiatives to the C-suite? Learn how strategic presentations can turn the tide! Discover the power of visual aids to express urgency and financial impact. Explore techniques to structure presentations for maximum engagement while tapping into psychological insights. Gain tips for making your data compelling and memorable, and understand how to anticipate executive questions. Elevate your communication skills and ensure your insights resonate with senior leaders!

Feb 7, 2024 • 28min
Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
If you're feeling the weight of imposter syndrome in your leadership role, constantly battling with thoughts that you're not good enough, welcome to the club! The pressure to appear perfect, handle everything on your own, and know everything can be overwhelming. Thankfully, none of those things are actually necessary. Let's explore effective strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and step into your role with confidence and authenticity.In this episode, you'll discover:· Overcoming imposter syndrome empowers leaders to thrive authentically. · Embracing vulnerability fosters genuine connections and personal growth. · Mastering soft skills amplifies leadership effectiveness and team dynamics. · Conquering negative thoughts cultivates a resilient and empowered mindset. · Curbing social media usage enhances self-esteem and mental well-being. You can't mentally beat yourself into success. The resources mentioned in this episode are:· Download the accomplishment tracker from the Provan Success website to track your wins and boost your confidence. · Learn the best ways to use it in this article· Join the waitlist for the next round of CS Leadership Academy, opening for registration on February 15, 2024, to supercharge your CS Leadership and Strategy using Human Psychology🎬 This content was edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com ++++ATTENTION++++🧑🏻🎓 The CS Leadership Academy is opening back up July 15! Ready to stop figuring out CS leadership the hard way? The Customer Success Leadership Academy VIP Notification List gets you early bird pricing (that's $250 off!) plus first access when enrollment opens. No obligation to join! But you'll want that discount when you see what's inside... 🎉 Add me to the VIP list 🎉 CONNECT WITH RACHELFollow at: LinkedInTikTokInstagramYouTube WEBSITE https://provansuccess.com

Jan 31, 2024 • 28min
You Don't Know What You Don't Know
Dive into the Dunning-Kruger effect and learn how overestimating abilities shapes customer success. Discover the four stages of competence that can enhance skill development. Unpack strategies for navigating the Gartner hype cycle to manage expectations effectively. Overcome onboarding challenges for smoother transitions and delve into the link between imposter syndrome and cognitive biases. This engaging discussion reveals why understanding what you don't know is vital for success in both leadership and customer relationships.