At AlphaKOR, our Client Success Managers play a key role in connecting businesses to technology solutions that help accomplish their goals! Ashleigh Somers is a Client Success Manager at AlphaKOR and has been with us since September 2022. Ashleigh is excited about what the future holds and brings her experience to the role daily.
In this career insights interview, I sit down with Ashleigh to gain more insight into what the “average” day looks like in the Client Success Manager role, key qualities of success from Ashleigh’s point of view, advice for those looking to get into client success management, and more.
Meet Ashleigh!
What drew you to the Client Success Manager position?
The chance for a new challenge. I have been in customer service for 14+ years and was looking for a new opportunity to grow. Having known some AlphaKORians and understanding the core values of the company – Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Client Focus – only solidified my choice to apply. I’m extremely grateful they accepted.
What educational background did you need to secure this role?
I was a certified training manager in the customer service/sales industry as well as having a diploma in web development from St. Clair College. When I started, I only had a limited amount of technical knowledge, but I have the drive to learn.
What does the average day look like for you in your role?
I can’t say I’ve ever had an “average” day at AlphaKOR, and I’m not convinced I ever will. Every day is different, new tasks, new clients, new challenges, and new learning opportunities. I spend a lot of my day on the phone with clients, sending/receiving emails, or taking any opportunity to learn from our technicians. Some days I get to visit our clients on-site and see how AlphaKOR can help them accomplish their IT business goals.
Did you work in the IT industry prior to working at AlphaKOR?
I haven’t worked in the IT industry before starting here at AlphaKOR, but I have worked in customer service for many years.
What is it like working for a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?
As silly as it might sound to some, I’m amazed every day. The unique knowledge every team member has still blows my mind. When people ask me “how do you like your job?” I tell them I feel honored to be working with this giant “think tank” and be able to help guide our clients in their IT goals. It’s also fascinating to learn the different types of companies we have locally and internationally.
How do you ensure that existing and potential clients have a good experience with AlphaKOR?
Every client is different. I do my best to genuinely listen and understand not only the clients but to my fellow AlphaKORians. I ask as many questions as I can on behalf of my clients to sort out the best possible solutions. I work best with experiential learning, so I’ve found taking detailed notes and following up is crucial for everyone involved.
What professional skillset and key qualities are critical to the Client Success Manager position?
I believe the most important skill set in the IT field would be the drive to learn and evolve with your clients and technologies. The most important qualities for a Client Success Manager in my opinion would be honesty, communication, relational intelligence, empathy & time management.
What is the most exciting part about your job?
The most exciting part for me is being able to learn from some of the most intelligent people I’ve met. Being able to use that knowledge to help clients achieve their goals.
What is the least exciting part of your job?
The toughest days are the ones that never stop but those are always the days I feel most productive. I’m sure there will be days I like more than others but I’m always up for the challenge.
How do you hope to grow in your field of work?
I enjoy learning as much as I can so I can help others, So I hope to one day grow into a strong leader in the AlphaKOR sales department and be able to share my knowledge with others.
What have you learned at AlphaKOR that has helped you grow on a personal level?
Never be afraid of not knowing something. The true power of teamwork means your team is always there to help you take that step into learning something new. Knowing that I have the full support of all AlphaKORians makes growing confidence a piece of cake.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation! I would love to be able to travel the world, see all the great wonders, and go places not many have gone before. Exploring nature is my favorite place to be. I would have said flight if I weren’t afraid of heights haha!
Do you have a favourite quote or motto that inspires you every day?
“When you learn a little, you feel you know a lot. But when you learn a lot, you realize you know very little.”
― Jay Shetty
Learning is an infinite process. I believe nobody knows everything about everything but by working together and being open-minded we can learn a lot.
For someone who would like to obtain a position as a Client Success Manager, what advice would you give to them?
You don’t need to know everything from the start. If you have the willingness to learn you’ll figure it out as you go. It’s when you stop learning, that you’ve lost your way. Make sure you take every opportunity you can!
Careers In Business Technology
Are you an energetic and passionate individual who thrives on providing excellent service to both clients and fellow staff? If so, we want AlphaKOR to be the place you want to work. We want you to love your job. Because when you love your job, you’ll do great things. Come and do great things with us! To view our current openings, please visit our Career Opportunities page.