Erika Villarreal's Linkedin Analytics

I did not choose Customer Success. Customer Success chose me. In 2020, I took a step back from my leadership role to go all in on Customer Success. I believe the best Customer Success leaders are those who have walked the path, understand the role inside and out, and know what it takes to drive results. This is the journey I’m on, building expertise and laying the foundation for impactful leadership in the future. In just four years, I’ve grown from an entry-level CSM to a Strategic CSM. Along the way, I discovered a deep passion for empowering other CS professionals to thrive in their roles. Through my newsletter and the two guides I’ve written—Onboard Yourself and Raising the Bar—I share actionable insights and strategies to help others navigate the complexities of this role. As a Strategic CSM, I’m focused on helping global enterprise organizations achieve their goals by leveraging data-driven strategies and tailored solutions for their specific needs. Whether it’s fostering collaborative cultures, driving change and adoption of innovative tools, or solving complex business challenges, I thrive on guiding customers toward measurable results. I’m a process addict with an engineering background, driven by curiosity and data. Numbers tell stories, and I love unraveling them to identify opportunities for expansion and growth. I believe in the power of people and data—track the right metrics, and improvement will follow. Customer Success is where I’ve found my true passion—helping customers achieve their desired outcomes and seeing their growth is incredibly rewarding. I believe CS is the catalyst for any company's growth, and when done right, it unlocks new revenue streams, enhances product adoption, and creates long-term partnerships. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn, problem-solve, and deliver results that matter. When I’m not creating Success Plans or building executive relationships, I’m traveling. I’ve visited over 20 countries and am always planning my next adventure. My favorite country so far? Japan, hands down.