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

What if I told you that 85% of CSM turnover is completely preventable — and most leaders are missing the real reason their top performers are walking out the door?

In this episode, I break down insights from 1,474 Customer Success professionals who told us exactly why they’re job hunting. And spoiler alert, it’s not layoffs, pay, or return-to-office mandates. I reveal the surprising truth about what CSMs want most in their next role, and how even your most loyal team members start considering exits.

I’ll also unpack the three types of CSMs who leave for growth, the invisible ceiling stopping your best people, and the #1 leadership blind spot you can correct to transform retention overnight. This is part one of a two-part series, and today we’re starting with the data leaders need to see.

By the end of this episode, you’ll finally understand what’s normal, what’s fixable, and where your blind spots might be, whether you manage a CS team or you’re a CSM quietly feeling stuck. Want to know how to turn your team into unstoppable, loyal top-performers? Hit play and let’s dive in.

4:04 – Why Most CSM Turnover Is Preventable

5:57 – What “Growth” Actually Means for CSMs

8:20 – Three Types of CSMs Who Leave for Growth

13:03 – Why Impact Really Matters

15:43 – Next Steps for CS Leaders & CSMs: Action Plans Are Coming in Part Two

🛎️ FREEBIES & RESOURCES:

1. Download the Talent Report: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/report
2. Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me HERE
3. Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resume
4. 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
5. Learn how to Master Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioral

♥️ CONNECT WITH ME:

1. Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/
2. Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.com

➡️ HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode104

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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