Episodes

  • 121. How to Land a Customer Success Job You Actually Love (Not Just Any Job)

    121. How to Land a Customer Success Job You Actually Love (Not Just Any Job)
    May 20 2026
    The people landing the best Customer Success jobs right now are not the ones applying to hundreds of roles.In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest mistakes I see customer success job seekers making and why it’s actually keeping them stuck longer. I’m sharing the real data behind what’s helping people land interviews right now, why applying to more jobs is not the answer, and the four-step framework I teach my clients to help them land roles they’re genuinely excited about instead of settling for something they’ll regret eight months later.You’ll walk away with a completely different perspective on what it actually takes to land a customer success job you love and how to stop treating your job search like survival mode when you don’t have to. If you’re ready to be more intentional, land better interviews, and stop settling for roles that are not the right fit, hit play and let’s dive in.And if you want help figuring out how to land a Customer Success job that actually fits your goals instead of settling for the first offer that comes your way, apply for coaching HERE and let’s build your strategy together.1:19 – Who should skip this episode and why urgency changes your job search playbook2:34 – How a common job search strategy traps people in constant cycles of settling6:36 – The surprising number of applications that actually leads to more interviews8:04 – The move almost all top job seekers use to land interviews faster11:02 – What sets apart the candidates who quickly move up after landing a new role13:02 – The four-part framework for running an intentional, high-success customer success job searchOTHER EPISODES YOU’LL LOVE:🎙️ Episode 62: Power Questions: 10 Smart Questions to Ask in Your Next Customer Success InterviewFREEBIES & RESOURCES:🛎️ Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me HERE🛎️ Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resume🛎️ Learn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourself🛎️ Learn how to Master Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioralCONNECT WITH ME:❤️ Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/💭 Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.comHEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode121FOLLOW & REVIEW:Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things:👉🏻 Hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they drop👉🏻 And either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment over on Spotify!This helps me reach more customer success pros who need these insights.Thanks for tuning in to the Customer Success Career Coach podcast! I'll catch you next week.New episodes drop every Wednesday!Mentioned in this episode:We analyzed 1,474 CSM conversations to uncover why they’re leaving and what actually keeps them in 2026. Grab the free Talent Report here: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/report
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    27 mins
  • 120. He Applied to 1,000 CS Jobs and Got 0 Interviews. Here's What Finally Worked

    120. He Applied to 1,000 CS Jobs and Got 0 Interviews. Here's What Finally Worked
    May 13 2026
    You’re not getting rejected because you are unqualified. You’re getting rejected because you are playing the job search game the same way everyone else is.In this episode, I’m sitting down with Michael, who applied to nearly 1,000 Customer Success jobs without landing a single interview. We unpack the exact shifts that finally changed everything, from the networking strategy that started getting hiring managers to respond to the mindset changes that helped him stop “pre-failing” before interviews even started. Within six months, he landed not one but two CS jobs using a completely different approach.You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what is actually working in today’s CS job market and how to stop wasting time on strategies that are keeping you stuck. If you are ready to finally start getting interviews and feel confident in your job search again, hit play and let’s dive in.And if you’re exhausted from applying to jobs and getting ghosted, apply for 1:1 coaching HERE and let’s change the way you approach your job search.2:12 – Why applying to a thousand jobs got zero interviews and led to burnout7:22 – What made investing in coaching the turning point for building confidence and community9:41 – How shifting from resume tweaks to direct networking created instant momentum13:17 – Why modern job search networking is smarter than awkward meetups18:31 – How applying to fewer jobs but following up strategically leads to better results22:14 – Landing two customer success jobs in under 45 days using the networking-first strategyFREEBIES & RESOURCES:🛎️ Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me HERE🛎️ Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resume🛎️ Learn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourself🛎️ Learn how to Master Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioralCONNECT WITH ME:❤️ Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/💭 Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.comHEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode120FOLLOW & REVIEW:Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things:👉🏻 Hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they drop👉🏻 And either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment over on Spotify!This helps me reach more customer success pros who need these insights.Thanks for tuning in to the Customer Success Career Coach podcast! I'll catch you next week.New episodes drop every Wednesday!Mentioned in this episode:We analyzed 1,474 CSM conversations to uncover why they’re leaving and what actually keeps them in 2026. Grab the free Talent Report here: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/report
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    34 mins
  • 119. 4 Steps to Build a Business Case for Your Own Promotion in Customer Success

    119. 4 Steps to Build a Business Case for Your Own Promotion in Customer Success
    May 6 2026

    What if the reason you’re not getting promoted has nothing to do with your performance and everything to do with how you are positioning it?

    In this episode, I’m walking you through a simple four-step framework to build a business case that actually makes it hard for your company to say no. I dive into how to connect your work to what leadership cares about, how to prove your impact with real numbers, and how to think about your promotion like a strategic decision, not a hope. I also get into what most people miss when it comes to stakeholder buy-in and skill growth.

    You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to position yourself as the obvious next choice. If you’re ready to stop waiting and start making your promotion inevitable, hit play and let’s dive in.

    And if you are tired of waiting to get promoted and want a clear strategy to position yourself as the obvious next choice, apply for 1:1 coaching HERE and let’s build your business case together.

    01:52 – Why waiting for your promotion usually doesn’t work

    04:13 – How business impact wins over personal goals every time

    06:36 – Proving your value with numbers even without perfect data

    09:43 – Mapping key stakeholders to get your promotion approved

    12:39 – Building your growth playbook before you ask for a raise

    17:24 – Using this framework to land higher roles in interviews

    FREEBIES & RESOURCES:

    🛎️ Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me HERE

    🛎️ Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resume

    🛎️ Learn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourself

    🛎️ Learn how to Master Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioral

    CONNECT WITH ME:

    ❤️ Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/

    💭 Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.com

    HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode119

    FOLLOW & REVIEW:

    Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things:

    👉🏻 Hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they drop

    👉🏻 And either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment over on Spotify!

    This helps me reach more customer success pros who need these insights.

    Thanks for tuning in to the Customer Success Career Coach podcast! I'll catch you next week.

    New episodes drop every Wednesday!

    Mentioned in this episode:

    We analyzed 1,474 CSM conversations to uncover why they’re leaving and what actually keeps them in 2026. Grab the free Talent Report here: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/report

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    23 mins
  • 118. 7 Mistakes That Are Making Your CSM Interview Stories Land Flat

    118. 7 Mistakes That Are Making Your CSM Interview Stories Land Flat
    Apr 29 2026
    Why do you walk out of interviews thinking you nailed your answers… but still don’t get the offer?In this episode, I’m breaking down the seven mistakes I see candidates make when answering tell me about a time questions and why their stories just aren’t landing the way they think they are. I’ll show you what’s actually going wrong inside your answers, what hiring managers are really paying attention to, and how to fix your stories so they feel clear, structured, and impactful without overthinking every word. These are the exact shifts I teach my clients to help them stand out in a crowded interview process.You’ll leave knowing how to turn your experience into answers that feel confident and convincing instead of scattered or forgettable. If you want to walk into your next interview knowing exactly how to answer any question with confidence, hit play and let’s dive in.And if you’re tired of your interview answers falling flat and costing you offers, apply for coaching HERE and let’s turn your stories into answers that actually get you hired.2:22 – Why leaving out numbers in your interview stories causes interviewers to underestimate your impact6:21 – How jumping straight into tactics without sharing what’s at stake makes your story less compelling8:38 – When you spend too much time on context, you risk losing the interviewer before you get to your actions10:48 – Why giving a general approach instead of a specific example makes it seem like you’re not listening12:42 – The habit of saying “we” instead of “I” in your stories causes interviewers to question your ownership14:25 – When your interview answers go over two minutes, you lose attention and risk not being put in front of customersFREEBIES & RESOURCES:🛎️ Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me HERE🛎️ Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resume🛎️ Learn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourself🛎️ Learn how to Master Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioralCONNECT WITH ME:❤️ Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/💭 Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.comHEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode118FOLLOW & REVIEW:Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things:👉🏻 Hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they drop👉🏻 And either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment over on Spotify!This helps me reach more customer success pros who need these insights.Thanks for tuning in to the Customer Success Career Coach podcast! I'll catch you next week.New episodes drop every Wednesday!Mentioned in this episode:We analyzed 1,474 CSM conversations to uncover why they’re leaving and what actually keeps them in 2026. Grab the free Talent Report here: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/report
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    23 mins
  • 117. From Laid Off to Director of CS in 60 Days (the 2 Moves That Made it Happen)

    117. From Laid Off to Director of CS in 60 Days (the 2 Moves That Made it Happen)
    Apr 22 2026

    What if one message could instantly get you into a final round interview?

    In this episode, I’m breaking down the real story of how one senior CS leader went from getting rejected in final rounds to landing a Director role in under 60 days. I’ll show you the exact move that got her into a final round interview when she was completely overlooked, and the subtle shift that helped her turn objections into a yes. This is not about working harder, it is about thinking differently.

    If you want to stop getting passed over and finally start landing offers, hit play and let’s dive in.

    And if you’re done getting so close to offers but still missing out, apply for 1:1 coaching HERE and let’s fix what’s actually holding you back.

    00:43 – The one thing that changed everything for Kelly’s job search as a senior CS leader

    04:53 – Why strategic outreach matters way more than resume tweaks in landing interviews

    06:47 – How a simple outreach message made Kelly the third candidate in a final round, even after the role seemed closed

    09:14 – Identifying and crushing objections before they become reasons not to hire you in senior-level interviews

    11:26 – The difference between just acknowledging a skill gap and actually showing how you’ll close it for the hiring manager

    15:08 – The two learnable skills that turn job searches around

    FREEBIES & RESOURCES:

    🛎️ Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me HERE

    🛎️ Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resume

    🛎️ Learn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourself

    🛎️ Learn how to Master Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioral

    CONNECT WITH ME:

    ❤️ Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/

    💭 Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.com

    HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode117

    FOLLOW & REVIEW:

    Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things:

    👉🏻 Hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they drop

    👉🏻 And either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment over on Spotify!

    This helps me reach more customer success pros who need these insights.

    Thanks for tuning in to the Customer Success Career Coach podcast! I'll catch you next week.

    New episodes drop every Wednesday!

    Mentioned in this episode:

    We analyzed 1,474 CSM conversations to uncover why they’re leaving and what actually keeps them in 2026. Grab the free Talent Report here: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/report

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    18 mins
  • 116. 8 Negotiation Mistakes CS Job Seekers Make (That Cost Them Money)

    116. 8 Negotiation Mistakes CS Job Seekers Make (That Cost Them Money)
    Apr 15 2026

    What if the only thing standing between you and a higher offer is how you negotiate it?

    In this episode, I’m breaking down the 8 negotiation mistakes I see customer success job seekers make that quietly cost them thousands. We’re getting into when to actually negotiate, how to handle that first salary question without boxing yourself in, and the overlooked levers you can pull beyond base salary that most people miss.

    If you want to approach your next offer with confidence, use real leverage, and stop leaving money on the table, hit play, because one of these mistakes? You’re probably making it without even realizing.

    04:09 – When to negotiate that will give you the most leverage

    05:22 – How to answer phone screen salary questions

    10:50 – What else you can negotiate besides your salary

    16:14 – Why respectful negotiation won’t cost you the offer and exposes red-flag companies

    18:31 – Why you shouldn’t skip applying for jobs with low posted salary ranges (even though they are negotiable)

    FREEBIES & RESOURCES:

    🛎️ Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me HERE

    🛎️ Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resume

    🛎️ Learn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourself

    🛎️ Learn how to Master Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioral

    CONNECT WITH ME:

    ❤️ Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/

    💭 Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.com

    HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode116

    FOLLOW & REVIEW:

    Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things:

    👉🏻 Hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they drop

    👉🏻 And either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment over on Spotify!

    This helps me reach more customer success pros who need these insights.

    Thanks for tuning in to the Customer Success Career Coach podcast! I'll catch you next week.

    New episodes drop every Wednesday!

    Mentioned in this episode:

    We analyzed 1,474 CSM conversations to uncover why they’re leaving and what actually keeps them in 2026. Grab the free Talent Report here: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/report

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    22 mins
  • 115. The Passive Job Search Is Dead (And Hiring a Recruiter Won't Save You)

    115. The Passive Job Search Is Dead (And Hiring a Recruiter Won't Save You)
    Apr 8 2026
    What if the reason you’re stuck in your job search… is because you’re not actually searching at all?In this episode, I’m breaking down why “passively looking” isn’t a strategy (it’s a comfort zone), why handing your resume to a recruiter won’t magically land you opportunities, and the subtle mindset shift that’s keeping you stuck way longer than you need to be. I’ll walk you through what an actual job search looks like and why it’s probably a lot simpler (and more doable) than you think.By the end, you’ll see exactly where you’ve been spinning your wheels and what to do instead to start creating real momentum. If you want to stop “passively looking” and start landing real opportunities that actually move your career forward, hit play and let’s dive in.And if you’re ready to stop “passively looking” and start running a job search that actually gets results, apply for coaching HERE and let’s build a strategy that moves you forward.02:49 – Why Being “Open to Opportunities” Isn’t a Real Strategy03:42 – Passive Job Searching as a Coping Mechanism (and Why It Keeps You Stuck)05:47 – The Critical Flaw in Thinking Being Selective Means You Should Be Passive08:03 – Why Relying on Recruiters Won’t Land You Your Next Role10:18 – What an Active Job Search Actually Looks Like (And Why It Doesn’t Have to Be Exhausting)11:28 – How to Be Selective AND Strategic: The Three-Ingredient Formula14:23 – Why the “Passive” Job Search Is Dead and What to Do Instead15:36 – What It’s Costing You to Stay Passive in Your Job SearchFREEBIES & RESOURCES:🛎️ Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me HERE🛎️ Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resume🛎️ Learn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourself🛎️ Learn how to Master Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioralCONNECT WITH ME:❤️ Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/💭 Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.comHEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode115FOLLOW & REVIEW:Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things:👉🏻 Hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they drop👉🏻 And either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment over on Spotify!This helps me reach more customer success pros who need these insights.Thanks for tuning in to the Customer Success Career Coach podcast! I'll catch you next week.New episodes drop every Wednesday!Mentioned in this episode:We analyzed 1,474 CSM conversations to uncover why they’re leaving and what actually keeps them in 2026. Grab the free Talent Report here: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/report
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    17 mins
  • 114. From Senior CSM to People Leader: How to Bridge the Experience Gap

    114. From Senior CSM to People Leader: How to Bridge the Experience Gap
    Apr 1 2026

    What actually separates a great Senior CSM from someone who’s ready to lead a team, and why does that jump feel so much harder than it should?

    In this episode, I’m breaking down the real gap no one talks about when stepping into people leadership and why being exceptional at your role isn’t the same as being ready to manage others. I’ll walk you through the mindset shifts, skill gaps, and behind-the-scenes expectations that quietly determine whether you get promoted or passed over.

    If you’re ready to stop feeling overlooked and start positioning yourself like a future leader, this will show you what to focus on next. Hit play and let’s dive in.

    And if you’re ready to bridge the gap and position yourself as the obvious next leader, apply for coaching HERE and let’s map out your next move together.

    01:33 – Why Moving from Senior IC to Leadership Feels Impossible and Why It Isn’t Your Fault

    03:16 – Why Waiting For An Internal Promotion Can Keep You Stuck

    05:16 – How Targeting Early-Stage Or Founding CSM Roles At Startups Can Be Your Ticket To Player-Coach and Leadership Positions (If You Find The Right Fit)

    07:41 – How to Identify Real Player-Coach Opportunities (and Avoid the Trap Roles)

    14:37 – The Must-Have Experiences to Compete for Startup CS Leadership Roles

    17:19 – How to Position Yourself as the Solution Startups Are Actually Searching For

    FREEBIES & RESOURCES:

    🛎️ Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me HERE

    🛎️ Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resume

    🛎️ Learn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourself

    🛎️ Learn how to Master Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioral

    CONNECT WITH ME:

    ❤️ Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/

    💭 Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.com

    HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode114

    FOLLOW & REVIEW:

    Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things:

    👉🏻 Hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they drop

    👉🏻 And either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment over on Spotify!

    This helps me reach more customer success pros who need these insights.

    Thanks for tuning in to the Customer Success Career Coach podcast! I'll catch you next week.

    New episodes drop every Wednesday!

    Mentioned in this episode:

    We analyzed 1,474 CSM conversations to uncover why they’re leaving and what actually keeps them in 2026. Grab the free Talent Report here: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/report

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    21 mins