March 8: An article for the global CS community in the International Women's Day

I won't go on too long in introducing this article.

For International Women's Day, I made a special invitation to some women in the Customer Success universe whom I admire for their work and the impact they have on the global CS community.

I was bold, inviting globally known figures who draw crowds wherever they go and always arouse much admiration.

But I was really surprised when I received a YES as an answer to this invitation.

So, below you will have the privilege of reading (in each guest's original language and then translated into Portuguese) the answers to each of the 8 questions asked about March 8th. I am absolutely certain that it will be a very enriching read, for the journey of anyone who works in Customer Success and for any woman.

Before presenting the answers, I would like to introduce the guests. I know that most people don't need an introduction, but it's also true that there are always new people coming into this market, so thinking especially about these people, here is a brief introduction to each of them:

Ajoke Yusuf - Co-Founder | CRO at zuri CircleCustomer Success Enthusiast | Business Operator | Top 100 Customer Success Strategist

Anika Zubair - Head of Customer Success at GriffinAward Winning Customer Success Leader | Podcast Host of The Customer Success Pro Podcast | Customer Success & Revenue Strategy Coach | Keynote Speaker | Startup Advisor

Kristi Faltorusso - CCO at ClientSuccessHelping leaders navigate the world of Customer Success. Sharing my learnings and journey from CSM to CCO

Lídia Gallardo - Co-founder at GenCS Driving growth, expansion and impact through Customer SuccessPassionate about CS and Community

Mari Magalhães - Head of Partnerships at RD StationHead de Parcerias na RD Station. Relacionamento com clientes e parceiros. Liderança de equipes. Mãe da Maria Valentina.

#IWD25: Ajoke Yusuf (Nigeria), Kristi Faltorusso (US) Lídia Gallardo (Spain), Sumi Jaiswal (India), Anika Zubair (England), Robs (Brazil), Irit Eizips (US), Jyo Shukla (India+Australia), Cinthia Silva (Perú+US), Mari Magalhães (Brazil)

Now, let's get to the questions and their respective answers:

1. What does March 8 represent for you, as a woman?

Ajoke 🇳🇬

March 8, International Women’s Day, is both a celebration and a call to action. It’s a moment to honor the progress women have made globally, but also to recognize that equity is still a work in progress. I appreciate the annual themes that spotlight different facets of women’s empowerment, but for me, the real impact comes from ensuring that these conversations translate into sustained, meaningful action.

Anika 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

For me, March 8 is a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come, while also remembering there’s still work to do. It’s about honoring the women who paved the way, and making sure we keep lifting each other up — not just today, but every day.

Cinthia 🇵🇪 + 🇺🇸

I have doubts about the relevance of International Women's Day. On the one hand, it is important to commemorate the achievements of women in all business sectors. On the other hand, it is a long road and sometimes it seems that we have made almost no progress in representation at the highest levels. But I am still hopeful that in the future we will reach 50% (or more) women in most senior leadership positions in business and government.

Irit 🇮🇱 + 🇺🇸

March 8 is a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we still need to go. It’s a day to celebrate the progress women have made in business, leadership, and beyond. It’s also a reminder to be bold and be our bold self albeit.

Jyo 🇮🇳 + 🇦🇺

For me, March 8 is a celebration of how far we’ve come in recognising the achievements of women in various fields and a reminder of how much further we need to go.

Kristi 🇺🇸

March 8 is a powerful reminder of how far women have come, but also how much further we have to go. It’s a day to celebrate the women breaking barriers, lifting each other up, and proving—every single day—that leadership, excellence, and impact have no gender. It’s also a call to action. Recognition is great, but real progress happens when organizations prioritize equity beyond just one day a year.

Lídia 🇪🇸

March 8 is not just a date, it is a declaration of principles, and a reminder that women in Customer Success are not only present, but we lead. What was once the exception is now the norm: in our industry, women occupy the majority of leadership roles. But this representation still needs to be translated into salary equity and equal access to all growth opportunities.

Mari 🇧🇷

March 8th is a day for reflection, not celebration. For me, it is a reminder of everything we have achieved so far, but also of how much we still need to advance. Not only in the corporate world, but in society in general! It is a day to celebrate the role and strength of women, but also to reinforce that equality is not a gift, it is a right.

Robs 🇧🇷

March 8th is a day that carries significant historical weight, a reminder of women’s struggles for equality and justice. However, I confess that I often feel that the date gets lost in superficial celebrations, without the deep reflection that it demands.

I believe that the true meaning of March 8th lies in the opportunity to reconnect with our feminine identity, to celebrate our achievements and to recognize the challenges that we still face. It is a day to honor the women who came before us and to inspire us to build a more just and equal future for the generations to come.

For me, March 8th is a reminder that my voice matters, that my body matters and that my existence matters. It is a day to give myself a pat on the back, but also to remind myself that there is still much to be done. It is a day to inspire me to be the best version of myself and to fight for a world where all women can reach their full potential.

Sumi 🇮🇳

It represents a day of celebration for women; though I strongly believe that all achievements of men and women should be celebrated with the same intensity every single day. It's not a birthday that has to come once a year!

2. What difficulties do you feel you have gone through to grow in CS, because you are a woman?

Ajoke 🇳🇬

Interestingly, in my region, Customer Success (CS) is a space where women are well-represented. So, my biggest challenge wasn’t about breaking into the field—it was about elevating CS to a level where it is recognized as a strategic function in business leadership. When I started 15 years ago, CS was still an emerging discipline, and one of my toughest battles was ensuring that it had a seat at the decision-making table. It wasn’t about my gender—it was about proving the indispensable role of CS in driving business growth.

Anika 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a woman in CS is being underestimated — especially in leadership roles. There were times when my ideas were questioned or my expertise was overlooked, even with years of experience. I’ve also had to navigate balancing confidence and approachability, something women are often judged on more harshly. But these challenges have only made me more determined to create space for other women to thrive in this industry.

Cinthia 🇵🇪 + 🇺🇸

Being a Latina in the United States who wants to break into the tech market is tough. This market is dominated by white men, so it can be difficult to overcome preconceived notions about how someone outside that mold can contribute. That’s why it’s important to identify and leverage sponsors (male or female) who see your particular experience and point of view as positive. Sponsors not only help open doors to joining companies, but they also help magnify your ideas, demonstrate why they work, and aid your career advancement.

Irit 🇮🇱 + 🇺🇸

My biggest challenge wasn’t just being a woman—it was battling the doubt, both my own and others’. Like many women, I had to push past the unspoken words: You Can’t! People questioned whether I could be a great consultant without following the traditional path. The hardest part wasn’t proving them wrong, it was having the audacity, grit and perseverance to continue the path and believe in myself before they did.

Jyo 🇮🇳 + 🇦🇺

As someone who grew quite quickly in a leadership role early on in my career and then restarted almost from scratch after immigrating to a new country, I’ve found that your skillset is often tied to your current job title rather quickly than the entirety of your professional experience.

Kristi 🇺🇸

Early in my career, I noticed that I had to work twice as hard to get the same level of recognition as my male counterparts. I’d see men being given opportunities based on potential, while women had to prove themselves—over and over again. I also encountered the classic double standard: being assertive was seen as “too aggressive,” while being collaborative was sometimes mistaken for a lack of leadership. But instead of letting those challenges deter me, I used them as fuel. I built my own path, made my impact undeniable, and surrounded myself with people who recognized my value.

Lídia 🇪🇸

Even though women are the majority in CS, even in leadership positions, we continue to face challenges. One of the biggest is the invisible burden of unpaid work: even today, many women have to balance their professional development with family or caregiving responsibilities, in a society that still distributes that burden unequally.

And although we have proven our worth time and again, there are still women whose careers are held back by outside decisions: they do not receive promotions “because they have just become mothers,” who see their potential reduced to stereotypes, or who are discarded before even raising their hand. It is not about asking for favors, it is about the fact that talent should have no barriers.

Mari 🇧🇷

The corporate world still carries remnants of a predominantly male environment. There's no denying that I've felt like I've had to prove my competence more often than my male colleagues. Female leadership is often questioned more harshly, and our assertiveness can be mistaken for aggressiveness. In addition, balancing career, family, and motherhood is a constant challenge — there's an invisible expectation that women will always find a way to do everything, without it affecting their performance in any of these areas! In my opinion, this peace of mind that sometimes one of the little dishes will have to be deprioritized in order to be able to handle the whole thing is super necessary. We shouldn't demand so much of ourselves, that we need to be "infallible" in all of our roles, all of the time!

Robs 🇧🇷

I believe that the difficulties we face in growing in CS, as women, are intrinsically linked to the patriarchal culture of the corporate world, where it is historically assumed that men have a greater aptitude for strategic decisions. This culture manifests itself in many ways, from the lack of recognition for our contributions to the difficulty in finding female role models in leadership positions.

The impostor syndrome, for example, is a constant challenge. The lack of recognition for our achievements, often invisible, undermines our self-esteem and makes us question our abilities. This difficulty is only compounded by the lack of female role models in CS leadership positions. When I started, a few years ago, it was extremely difficult to find women in executive positions or as consultants in the area. This lack of representation made it difficult for me to envision a career plan, a future in the job market and made me feel like I was not making the right decisions for my career and future.

However, it is important to recognize that we have made progress. I know so many incredible women who are currently in leadership roles in CS, and this gives me hope that we are building a more equal future. I believe that by sharing our experiences and supporting each other, we can overcome these challenges and pave the way for the next generation of women in CS.

Sumi 🇮🇳

I think women get an edge when it comes to getting a job at the starting or mid levels; but it is more difficult for them to get promoted to leadership. Somehow, they still need to showcase their impact more, for it to be visible esp. when it comes to career progression.

3. What do you think is the differential that a woman, at least in your culture, can add to the role of Customer Success Manager?

Ajoke 🇳🇬

Women from my culture bring a deep sense of intentionality, empathy, and resilience—qualities that are fundamental to Customer Success. We are raised to be solution-driven, to nurture relationships, and to handle challenges with grace. This makes us naturally adept at building trust with customers, understanding their needs, and driving long-term success. More representation of women from diverse backgrounds in CS would only enrich the profession, as we bring perspectives that are both strategic and deeply human-centered.

Anika 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

I think women naturally bring a lot of empathy, strong communication skills, and next-level multitasking to the CSM role. In my experience, that helps us build trust with customers, juggle a million priorities, and handle tough conversations in a really human way. Plus, we’re often great at balancing the people side with the business side — which is such a big part of being a great CSM.

Cinthia 🇵🇪 + 🇺🇸

My parents came to the United States to provide better opportunities for their family. As children, my siblings and I were taught that hard work and dedication are the key to achieving our goals and that nothing comes easy. As a result, I never wanted to pass up an opportunity to learn and grow in my career. This mindset has led me to take calculated risks in my career and focused on developing meaningful professional and personal relationships. Which has ultimately led me to work with clients and colleagues the way I do: with a collaborative spirit.

Irit 🇮🇱 + 🇺🇸

My family lived in Israel for hundreds of years, so even though I am a proud American living in California for the past two decades, I very much identify my culture as Israeli-Jewish. And in my culture, Israeli Jewish women are known for their chutzpah (boldness), resilience, and directness—qualities that make them exceptional in Customer Success.

We don’t shy away from tough conversations; we tackle problems head-on, negotiate like seasoned diplomats, and won’t take a vague answer for a response. There’s also an ingrained sense of communal responsibility—arevut hadadit—meaning we genuinely care about our customers’ success as if it were our own.

We approach relationships with warmth but also with urgency, balancing empathy with an unwavering focus on results. And let’s not forget the Israeli talent for improvisation—when a process isn’t working, we won’t just follow a broken system; we’ll challenge it, optimize it, and create something better on the spot. So, when an Israeli Jewish woman runs your CS strategy, expect a relationship built on trust, honesty, and relentless dedication—because for us, success is personal.

Jyo 🇮🇳 + 🇦🇺

Women often bring a unique mix of emotional intelligence, active listening, and relationship-building skills to CS. They also have a natural ability to read between the lines, understanding not just what customers say but what they mean, which helps in problem-solving and driving long-term customer value.

Kristi 🇺🇸

Women bring an incredible ability to balance empathy with execution. We’re natural relationship builders, we listen deeply, and we understand the nuances of customer challenges. But let’s be clear—this isn’t just about soft skills. Women in CS are also incredibly strategic, proactive, and results-driven. We don’t just build connections; we turn them into long-term customer value and business growth.

Lídia 🇪🇸

Customer Success is a discipline that goes beyond processes and data; it is about building strategic relationships and generating real impact on the business. Women in CS have demonstrated an exceptional ability to combine empathy and strategic vision, ensuring that decisions are not only correct, but sustainable.

Mari 🇧🇷

I believe that active listening and empathy are key differentiators. CS requires a sensitive approach to understand the client’s pain and, at the same time, firmness to lead them to success. Many women develop this skill throughout their lives, as they deal with complex expectations and challenges from an early age. We bring a more collaborative approach and are often able to create authentic and strategic connections that make a difference in client retention and expansion.

Robs 🇧🇷

I believe that being a CSM is a combination of technical and interpersonal skills, such as communication, empathy, problem-solving, and dealing with the wonderful “alphabet soup” of jargon and methods specific to the field. These skills are not exclusive to any gender, but rather qualities that can be developed by anyone.

Rather than focusing on the differences between men and women, I prefer to focus on the individual qualities that each person brings to the team. I recognize that diversity of perspectives and experiences is valuable on any team. I believe that having a diverse team, with members from different backgrounds and experiences, can lead to more creative and effective solutions.

I believe that if the question were about what sets men apart, it would be the same as what sets women apart. It is the skills, both technical and emotional, that make an excellent CS professional, regardless of gender.

Sumi 🇮🇳

Women have the advantage of having built some really strong skills naturally/ due to the societal expectations like empathy, listening, solving tricky situations, staying calm under pressure, not taking things personally - which are all golden in a CS role.

4. And what is the differential that a woman can add to the role of leader of a CS team?

Ajoke 🇳🇬

Women leaders add dimension, direction, and depth to Customer Success teams. We bring a collaborative leadership style, the ability to foster inclusive cultures, and a heightened focus on relationship-building—both internally and externally. In a field where success hinges on trust and retention, these qualities are invaluable. Women leaders have a natural ability to balance data-driven decision-making with emotional intelligence, which is a winning combination for any CS team.

Anika 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

As a CS leader, I think women bring a really powerful mix of empathy, adaptability, and strong communication — but also a natural ability to build a supportive, collaborative team culture. We’re often great at seeing the big picture while also paying attention to the little details that make a team feel valued. Plus, that multitasking superpower definitely comes in handy when you’re leading both customers and your own team!

Cinthia 🇵🇪 + 🇺🇸

One of the areas I find crucial to personal and professional success is the power of community. That’s why I’m a big advocate of Customer Success communities. The interactions, learning, and engaging with my colleagues helped me develop new ideas that I’ve successfully adopted in previous roles. It also gave me visibility and access to other leaders to work on independent projects. It keeps me inspired and engaged with the work I do, which inevitably inspires my colleagues.

Irit 🇮🇱 + 🇺🇸

Women leaders in CS are often highly attuned to people’s strengths, which helps in developing high-performing teams. They also bring a strong sense of collaboration and long-term thinking, ensuring CS isn’t just a reactive function but a strategic one. Many of us have mastered the art of multitasking, which comes in handy when leading cross-functional initiatives.

Jyo 🇮🇳 + 🇦🇺

Women leaders in CS often excel at fostering collaboration, championing team development, and creating inclusive work environments. We lead with empathy but also with strength, balancing data-driven decision-making with a deep understanding of people.

Kristi 🇺🇸

As leaders, women have the ability to create cultures where people feel both challenged and supported. We don’t just manage teams; we develop them. We create spaces where our people feel safe to fail, push boundaries, and grow into their full potential. And let’s not forget—many women excel at leading with both head and heart. We hold teams accountable while fostering a culture of inclusion, innovation, and impact. That’s a game-changer.

Lídia 🇪🇸

Women in CS don’t just lead, we transform. We don’t all lead in the same way, but there is a clear pattern: we prioritize collaboration over competition, team development over individual ego, and sustainable growth over short-term pressure. It doesn’t mean we can’t be firm, it means we understand that leadership is not synonymous with control, but with impact.

Mari 🇧🇷

A woman leader tends to bring a more human perspective to the team, encouraging an environment where feedback is constructive and individual development is valued. I also believe that we have a unique ability to balance results and culture, ensuring that the team's delivery is consistent, but without sacrificing people's well-being. I also believe that we bring a more inclusive vision, which directly impacts innovation and diversity in companies.

Robs 🇧🇷

I understand that we are still talking about March 8th, International Women's Day, but I reiterate my conviction that effective leadership in Customer Success transcends gender issues. What really matters are the skills and qualities that an individual brings to the table.

A CS leader, in my opinion, needs to master the art of clear and effective communication, cultivate empathy to understand the needs of customers and the team, have a strategic vision to guide the team towards goals, and have the ability to motivate and inspire their subordinates. I certainly believe that a woman can bring these skills to the table.

Sumi 🇮🇳

My take is that for becoming a leader you need leadership qualities that are gender agnostic.

Again our society puts the invisible expectation on women to nurture and well.. given that women do this a lot back at home - it comes back as a strong leadership quality for them in their team management skills.

5. Do you understand that it is more difficult to become a reference in the market, as you are, as a woman even today?

Ajoke 🇳🇬

Absolutely. Women still face systemic challenges in achieving thought leadership and recognition, and for me—as an African, Black, Nigerian woman—those challenges can be even more layered. Biases exist, whether implicit or explicit, and breaking through requires persistence, excellence, and a strong support system. That said, I refuse to be limited by these barriers. Instead, I focus on doing the work, amplifying my voice, and creating pathways for other women to rise alongside me.

Cinthia 🇵🇪 + 🇺🇸

Women are woefully underrepresented in leadership positions, especially in the tech sector. But that doesn’t mean we should give up. Let’s keep learning, share our ideas, come up with initiatives that we know will work and even if they fail, learn from what went wrong and do better next time. We have to work twice as hard to get recognition, but every time we accomplish something, it’s a milestone that opens the door for the next female leader to walk through.

Irit 🇮🇱 + 🇺🇸

Women often have to be twice as consistent and twice as bold to be taken half as seriously. That’s why I’ve always focused on bringing my unique stance and perspective to the table. The good news? Once you break through, you become an example for others to follow.

Jyo 🇮🇳 + 🇦🇺

It is far from easy to establish your presence in any space, CS is no exception. But we have some incredible female leaders making waves in the global CS community and I am incredibly excited to see their growth and contribution to this space.

Kristi 🇺🇸

Yes, it’s still harder. The reality is, women have to be louder, more consistent, and often prove themselves more than their male counterparts to be seen as industry thought leaders. I’ve had my insights overlooked in meetings, only for the same idea to be acknowledged when repeated by a man. But here’s the thing—women in CS are reshaping this industry, and we’re not waiting for a seat at the table anymore. We’re building our own tables.

Lídia 🇪🇸

If we look at the numbers, we might think we have already won the battle: women are not only the majority in CS, but also in leadership positions. But when we dig deeper, the story changes. The gender pay gap in Europe is still 16%, and although we are at the forefront of leadership positions, it is not enough to just be there – we need to make sure we are seen and valued in the right way.

Mari 🇧🇷

Here I have my doubts... I think we have already experienced much more challenging scenarios. I see many women rising, inspiring and creating legacies nowadays, which makes me very happy! Of course, there are still barriers, networking, for example, has always been a challenge — many decision-making spaces are still predominantly male. Furthermore, recognition does not always come at the same speed as for men, which means we need to fight harder to occupy positions of influence. But more and more women are conquering their space and what's better, pulling others up. I had (and have) many women who played this role in my career so far and I am very grateful for that.

Robs 🇧🇷

It is undoubtedly more difficult for women to become leaders in the market. Cultural issues play a significant role, especially with the encouragement of female competition/rivalry and the persistence of gender stereotypes that limit our opportunities. In addition, the structure of the labor market still favors "male strength" and "male loyalty", creating barriers to women's advancement.

The metaphor of "musical chairs" illustrates this situation well. While men often find "reserved chairs" for themselves, women have to fight for every opportunity, often feeling as if they are "circling the chair, listening to the music", without ever finding a place to sit.

Sumi 🇮🇳

Our workplaces are businesses and here everything comes down to numbers.

Sometimes we do not give enough opportunities to women who want to choose when to focus on work and when to focus on their families esp. kids.

On the other hand women who are successful and great leaders are usually put in a bracket of humans who neglected the other aspects - which is not really true or kind.

6. What is the main advice you would give to a woman who wants to achieve a leadership role in Customer Success?

Ajoke 🇳🇬

Own your brilliance. Don’t wait for permission, and don’t underestimate your ability to lead. Customer Success is a field that rewards strategy, resilience, and the ability to build relationships—qualities you likely already possess. Invest in sharpening your business acumen, understand the impact CS has on revenue, and position yourself as a driver of growth. Most importantly, never shrink yourself in rooms where decisions are being made—speak up and claim your space.

Anika 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

My biggest advice is to own your expertise and speak up — even when it feels uncomfortable. Don’t wait for someone to recognize your leadership potential, show them you’re already a leader by sharing your ideas, driving impact, and advocating for yourself. And most importantly, find a community of other women in CS who can support you along the way — you don’t have to do it alone!

Cinthia 🇵🇪 + 🇺🇸

There are many changes in SaaS businesses, especially with the emergence and growth of AI. That’s why the smartest leaders should take the opportunity to distinguish themselves by adopting sensible AI initiatives. Focus on the impact your initiatives have on customer outcomes and quantify your team’s efforts (tied to revenue or cost savings). By being the leader who develops and acts on your initiatives (rather than waiting for permission), you will distinguish yourself as a forward-thinking leader.

Irit 🇮🇱 + 🇺🇸

Own your expertise. Don’t wait for permission to lead—start making an impact where you are. Speak up, share your insights publicly, and don’t shrink yourself to fit into outdated expectations. Surround yourself with people who support your ambition, and most importantly, take up space.

Jyo 🇮🇳 + 🇦🇺

Own your expertise. share your insights publicly, and build your network. Find mentors and also actively seek sponsorship from leaders who can advocate for your growth. Take space, don’t shrink yourself to fit into outdated leadership molds—bring your whole self to the role.

Kristi 🇺🇸

Own your expertise. Speak up. Advocate for yourself the way you advocate for your customers. Stop waiting for permission to lead—step up and show why you belong in the room. Build your network, find mentors (male and female), and never let anyone tell you that being ambitious makes you “too much.” Your impact is your power—own it.

Lídia 🇪🇸

Don't just grow in silence. Make yourself known. Take the floor, share your experience, write, participate in events. And above all, understand that the best investment you can make is in yourself. Surround yourself with women who inspire you, learn from them, and be generous with those who come after you.

Mari 🇧🇷

Build your authority with confidence and without fear of taking up space. Invest in technical knowledge, but also strengthen your network of contacts and your presence in the market. And, above all, don't try to fit into a male leadership profile — leading by being who you are, with your skills and your unique perspective, is what will set you apart. Be AUTHENTIC!

Robs 🇧🇷

Go beyond basic CS knowledge and delve into the study of human behavior. Understanding the nuances of communication, motivation, and conflict resolution is essential to leading high-performance teams. Develop your people and process management skills, master the art of public speaking, hone your critical thinking, and cultivate emotional intelligence applied to business. These skills will be much more valuable than knowing how to “calculate an NPS.”

Seek mentorship from experienced leaders, participate in workshops and training, and seize every leadership opportunity that comes your way. Leadership is a journey of continuous learning, and you have the potential to become an inspiring leader in Customer Success.

Sumi 🇮🇳

Be ruthless, make your career your priority, do not shy away from demanding what you deserve, stop underplaying your worth, do not stay in a job that does not value you, stability is over-rated.

7. And what would you say to male leadership, still closed to opening space for women in management positions, about the power of CS women?

Ajoke 🇳🇬

You are limiting your own growth. Companies that embrace gender diversity in leadership consistently outperform those that don’t. Women bring fresh perspectives, strong decision-making abilities, and a unique ability to foster customer loyalty. By keeping leadership opportunities closed off to women, you’re not just being exclusionary—you’re leaving innovation, growth, and profitability on the table. The data is clear: inclusive leadership isn’t just good ethics; it’s good business.

Anika 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

I’d say this — there’s room for everyone at the table, so make the space. Bringing more women into leadership doesn’t take anything away from anyone else, it only adds value. Women bring fresh perspectives, strong relationship skills, and a natural ability to balance people and business needs — all of which make Customer Success (and the business overall) stronger. If you’re not opening space for women, you’re holding your own company back.

Cinthia 🇵🇪 + 🇺🇸

There is room for everyone! And if you are confident in what you bring to the table, don't be afraid of being outdone by a woman. In my experience, the few men who saw a spark in me and took a chance on me were rewarded by the results I achieved. And in the end, they got to share the spotlight with me for being the geniuses who hired me. That could be the case for you too!

Irit 🇮🇱 + 🇺🇸

You’re leaving money on the table. Women bring perspectives, strategies, and skills that will improve your business outcomes. If you’re still hesitant, you’re not just behind the times, you’re actively hurting your company’s potential.

Jyo 🇮🇳 + 🇦🇺

If you’re not opening space for women in leadership, you’re actively holding your company back. The best CS teams are diverse, and the best leaders bring different perspectives. If you’re still skeptical, look at the data—companies with more women in leadership consistently outperform those that lack diversity.

Kristi 🇺🇸

If you’re not actively creating space for women in leadership, you’re limiting your company’s growth—plain and simple. The data is there: diverse leadership teams drive better business outcomes. Women bring perspectives, skills, and leadership styles that elevate teams, improve decision-making, and strengthen company culture. So, if you’re not opening doors for women in CS leadership, you’re not just being unfair—you’re making a poor business decision.

Lídia 🇪🇸

Customer Success is not just a metrics business, it is a people business. And women have repeatedly shown that we know how to read, interpret and understand them, in order to generate connections that go beyond a simple transaction. Today, business is no longer just B2B or B2C, business is H2H: human to human. When customer experience is not optional, female leadership stops being an extra and becomes a competitive advantage.

Mari 🇧🇷

I would say that they are missing out on a great opportunity for innovation and growth. Companies that value diversity of thought are more successful, and women in Customer Success bring a strategic and relational perspective that makes all the difference in customer retention and expansion and, consequently, revenue for the company. I think the question that male leaders who are still closed off to this should ask themselves is not why make room for more women?, but rather what is my company missing out on by not doing so?

Robs 🇧🇷

I urge male leaders to rethink their beliefs and make room for women in management positions. Provide opportunities for development and mentoring, and create an inclusive and equal work environment. By doing so, you will not only be promoting gender equality, but also driving the success of your company.

In fact, gender diversity in leadership positions can bring numerous benefits to the company. Women in management positions bring different perspectives, ideas and solutions, which can drive innovation and growth. In addition, gender diversity improves the organizational climate and the brand’s reputation.

It is time to challenge the gender stereotypes that still persist in the workplace. Women are just as capable and ambitious as men, and they deserve the same opportunities for growth and development.

Sumi 🇮🇳

I think anyone who is stupid enough to neglect 50% of the human population is not worth my time or any woman's.

Bias is human - but stupidity, well it is just stupid.

8. Would you like to leave a final message to the global Customer Success community?

Ajoke 🇳🇬

The evolution of Customer Success has been nothing short of remarkable, and I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in positioning CS as a strategic function. But there’s still so much more we can do. Let’s continue to push the boundaries, elevate our voices, and ensure that CS is seen as a powerhouse for business growth. More importantly, let’s uplift each other—when one of us wins, we all win. Here’s to the future of Customer Success!

Anika 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

To the global Customer Success community — let’s keep pushing for more diversity, more voices at the table, and more opportunities for women to lead. When we uplift each other, the whole industry grows stronger. And to every woman in CS: your voice matters, your ideas matter, and your leadership matters. Keep showing up, because we need you.

Cinthia 🇵🇪 + 🇺🇸

Customer Success is going to continue to change and evolve. Right now everyone is obsessed with AI, but next year or five years from now, it will be something different. Stay agile, continue to learn, and be open to change because that alone can make you more relevant than the person who is resisting it. And aren’t we the masters of the change process anyway?

Irit 🇮🇱 + 🇺🇸

Whether you’re a CS professional, leader, or executive, never stop pushing for better - better results, better experiences, and better opportunities for the next generation of leaders - men or women.

Jyo 🇮🇳 + 🇦🇺

Customer Success thrives on connection, innovation, and resilience. As a global community, let’s continue to uplift each other, challenge outdated norms, and create more opportunities for diverse leadership. The future of CS is one where every voice is valued.

Kristi 🇺🇸

Customer Success is about impact, and the most impactful teams are built on diversity, inclusion, and strong leadership. If we want CS to continue evolving as a profession, we need to champion the voices, ideas, and leadership of women in this space. Let’s make sure that supporting women in CS isn’t just a conversation we have on March 8—but a commitment we uphold every single day.

Lídia 🇪🇸

Women in Customer Success are setting the course for the industry, but true success will come when it is so obvious that we no longer have to point it out. Until then, let's continue to push each other forward, because when a woman advances, we all advance.

And for those who want to be allies on this path: supporting female talent is not just a matter of equity, it is a commitment to collective success. Expanding spaces, recognizing merits and challenging biases benefits us all.

Because success is not about shining alone, but about lighting the way together. And when we walk together, we go further. 💜✊

Mari 🇧🇷

Customer success is about building valuable relationships, and this starts within companies, with diverse teams and leaders who promote talent without gender barriers. May we continue to transform this market so that it is increasingly inclusive and human. Women, take your place without fear — the market needs our voice!

Robs 🇧🇷

To the global Customer Success community, my message is one of hope and encouragement.

I encourage each of you to challenge gender stereotypes and make room for women in leadership roles. Remember that cognitive ability is not determined by gender, and that diversity of perspectives and experiences can drive innovation and success for our companies.

And most importantly, may we have added more items to our list of celebrations on March 8th.

Believe in your potential and pursue leadership with determination. Remember that each of you has the power to make a difference and build a more just and equal future for our industry.

Sumi 🇮🇳

I feel lucky to be a part of an amazing set of people (all genders) in the global CS community.

I learn so much from everyone in my network, I get so much love, every second invested on me/ my content is something I cherish.

I just want to say, "Thank you! let's keep doing more, keep becoming better"