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What is your leadership philosophy when it comes to customer success, and how has it evolved over time?

John Brunkard
John Brunkard
Sitecore Vice President of Customer Success APJ | Formerly Red Hat, Symantec, Blue Coat, Intel, Dell, DialogicNovember 2

"My leadership philosophy for Customer Success has evolved over the years as I've gained experience and adapted to various situations. I believe in being situational, which means that I tailor my leadership style to the unique needs and challenges at hand. My philosophy is an amalgamation of several key leadership styles:


Servant Leadership:

I place a strong emphasis on serving my team first. By providing them with the support, resources, and guidance they need, I empower them to excel in their roles. This, in turn, allows them to deliver outstanding support and value to our customers.


Authentic Leadership:

Authenticity is at the core of my leadership philosophy. I believe in being genuine, transparent, and honest with my team. By building trust and open lines of communication, I create a supportive and collaborative environment.


Purposeful Leadership:

I focus on instilling a sense of purpose within the team. We align our efforts with the company's success, ensuring that our actions are always directed toward achieving our shared objectives. This clarity of purpose motivates the team and reinforces our commitment to customer success.

Transformational Leadership:

I seek to inspire and motivate my team to go above and beyond. I encourage innovation, creativity, and a continuous pursuit of improvement. By setting a high standard and fostering a culture of growth, I aim to drive transformation within the team and, consequently, within the realm of Customer Success.


My approach is to prioritize the development and well-being of my team members, understanding that they are the backbone of our success. As they thrive, they can better serve our customers, ensuring their success aligns with the success of our company. This customer-first mentality, combined with a blend of leadership styles, allows us to adapt to various situations and consistently deliver exceptional value to our clients."

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