Berlin Live: Redefining Leadership in Customer Success
In a stunning rooftop venue of the Braze office in Berlin, Women in Customer Success hosted our first Berlin Live event.
We wanted an intimate experience to allow for a real, immersive experience in the conversation with the opportunity to ask questions in real-time, while still ‘on air’, recording a real podcast show. The interest was overwhelming and we created an intimate evening filled with women who brought energy, warmth, and genuine connections that felt like they were years in the making.
We were excited to welcome remarkable Customer Success leaders sharing their journeys with us. Having Sally Stoewe (Co-Founder @ Customer Obsessing Consulting), Pia Schümann-Hoppe (RVP, Customer Success Continental Europe @ Seismic), and Cara Benecke (Head of Customer Success @ WorkFlex) with us in person felt like reuniting with old friends.
Breaking Down the Leadership Myths
Our conversation dove deep into each panellist's journey, revealing that success rarely follows a straight line. Sally's story hit home when she shared getting a leadership title as a trainee intern before she even knew what it meant—proving that sometimes you lead first and learn as you go.
When tackling the "100% ready" myth that holds too many women back, Pia's honesty resonated throughout the room. She once declined an opportunity thinking she wasn't ready—a decision that taught her the valuable lesson we all needed to hear: say yes now, figure it out along the way.
The discussion also explored how cultural differences impact Customer Success across European markets. With their extensive international experience, our panellists shared strategies for bridging cultural gaps and adapting leadership styles to diverse teams.
While talking about the work-life juggle, Pia and Cara redefined what "having it all" truly means. As Pia highlighted her non-negotiables that maintain balance in her professional life, Cara confidently remarked how you absolutely can’t have it all at the same time. It was a necessary moment of relief as her words freed everyone in the room to stop chasing impossible standards and start making choices that actually work.
The Host and Guests at Berlin Live by Women in Customer Success
Berlin Live Podcast by Women in Customer Success
Hear It From Our Attendees!
“The event was fantastic: very well-thought through space and location, welcoming atmosphere, unexpected but much-needed snacks and refreshments, and, most importantly, very useful and inspiring content.”
“Absolutely loved the event! I came with no expectations and was blown away by how welcoming the community was. I loved the speakers, the time flew by.”
“It was a wonderful event! Marija is an excellent host, asked great questions - all around a complete success! It was my first event of the sort and I am very grateful!”
“A vulnerable and honest conversation that resonated deeply and reminded me that we are all learning every day, and we never need to have “figured it out” to keep taking action and making progress. Thank you for facilitating such a lovely discussion and evening of connection.”
Berlin Live Podcast by Women in Customer Success
Can I see the recording?
Follow the Women in Customer Success Podcast on any podcast platform and our YouTube channel and be notified when the episode is live.
What’s next?
Want to bring this energy to your city? Tell us here. So far, New York and Dallas are currently in the lead by voting.
Next stop: Singapore Coffee Morning 🇸🇬 with CS leaders ready to challenge the status quo.
How to get involved?
Follow WiCS on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our ‘Women in Customer Success Podcast’ at any podcast platforms
Join our private PowerUp Tribe Community
Gain confidence with our upcoming mastermind ‘Thriving as a First-Time People Leader’
