Over Time, I Realized That Ensuring Customers Derive Value From Products Was Not Just a Component of My Job but a Passion: Elise Marengo

Elise Marengo is a recognized leader in customer success, known for building strong relationships and making a lasting impact. As the Director of Customer Success at Engineer Up, she works closely with teams to ensure customers feel supported, engaged, and confident.

In a recent conversation with SME Business Review, Elise Marengo discussed her approach to customer success, the challenges businesses face in enhancing client engagement, and how Engineer Up is working to create meaningful customer experiences. Here’s what she had to say.

Interview Excerpts

What initially drew you to the field of customer success?

My journey into customer success was quite organic. I began my career in roles that were closely tied to client interactions and product management. Over time, I realized that ensuring customers derive value from products was not just a component of my job but a passion. This realization led me to focus exclusively on customer success.

How do you ensure a deep understanding of each client's specific needs?

It starts with active listening. We engage in regular conversations with our clients to understand their goals, challenges, and feedback. This dialogue helps us tailor our support and resources to their specific needs, ensuring they achieve success.

What challenges have you encountered in your role, and how have you addressed them?

One of the common challenges is managing diverse client expectations. To address this, we have developed a flexible framework that allows us to adapt our strategies to different client needs while maintaining a consistent standard of service. This approach ensures that we can meet varying expectations effectively.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in customer success?

Continuous learning is crucial. I regularly participate in industry webinars, attend conferences, and engage with professional communities. These activities help me stay informed about emerging best practices and evolving client expectations.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to build a career in customer success?

Focus on empathy and active listening. Understanding your clients’ perspectives and challenges is key to helping them succeed. Additionally, be adaptable and open to continuous learning, as the field of customer success is always evolving.

How do you balance the use of technology and the human element in customer success?

While technology provides valuable tools for scalability and efficiency, the human element remains irreplaceable. We leverage technology to automate routine tasks, allowing our team to focus on building meaningful relationships with clients through personalized interactions.

What are your future aspirations for your role and the field of customer success?

I aim to continue driving initiatives that enhance client satisfaction and product adoption. On a broader scale, I hope to contribute to the evolution of customer success as a strategic function that plays a pivotal role in business growth.

Elise Marengo, Director, Engineer Up

We engage in regular conversations with our clients to understand their goals, challenges, and feedback. This dialogue helps us tailor our support and resources to their specific needs, ensuring they achieve success.