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Austen Powers
Customer Success Manager - Velocity at Five9
Professional Background
Austen Powers is a highly skilled customer-facing professional with over six years of experience specializing in client relations, customer retention, sales, and account management. His extensive background highlights a deep commitment to understanding client needs and objectives, crafting tailored solutions that foster long-lasting business relationships. Currently, Austen leverages his expertise as a Customer Success Manager at Five9, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring clients maximize the benefits of their services, thereby driving renewal and upselling opportunities.
Previously, Austen honed his account management skills at the Golden State Warriors, where he served as both Senior Account Manager and Account Manager. In these roles, he was instrumental in managing client portfolios, facilitating smooth communications between teams, and enhancing client satisfaction. This experience in the sports industry has not only allowed him to apply his knowledge of customer relations but has also given him unique insights into the world of sports marketing and sponsorships.
Austen's career includes diverse experiences beyond the basketball court, having previously worked as Account Coordinator at GMR Marketing, where he developed promotional strategies and events to elevate brand visibility. Additionally, he contributed to the San Francisco Giants in a sponsorship services capacity, laying a solid foundation for networking within the sports community. His experience as a Project Manager at Red Bull showcases his ability to manage complex projects effectively and to coordinate successful marketing initiatives. Furthermore, his earlier work as a Sponsorship and Marketing Intern with the Oakland Raiders provided him with first-hand exposure to the operational aspects of a major sports organization.
Education and Achievements
Austen's educational background reflects a strong foundation in both sports management and liberal studies. He earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco, equipping him with theoretical knowledge and practical skills applicable to the sports industry. Prior to his master's degree, he completed a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies at Seattle University. This diverse educational path has empowered him to approach client relations with a well-rounded perspective that merges critical thinking with industry-specific knowledge.
In addition to his academic credentials, Austen's accomplishments as a collegiate athlete significantly shape his professional identity. He played collegiate basketball at Seattle University and transitioned to play professionally across various countries, including Portugal, China, and Uruguay, as well as competing in the NBA G-League. Every experience on and off the court has reinforced his leadership capabilities, team collaboration skills, and strategic problem-solving techniques when navigating both competitive and corporate environments.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his impressive career, Austen Powers has accumulated a series of notable achievements that highlight his commitment to excellence and his ability to deliver results. His role as a Senior Account Manager at the Golden State Warriors stands out as a significant achievement, where he successfully managed numerous high-profile client accounts, consistently achieving client satisfaction and retention metrics.
Austen's transition from professional basketball player to customer success manager is a remarkable testament to his adaptability and skill. The methodology he learned on the court translates seamlessly into his business approach: he is a dedicated team player, an effective communicator, and a steadfast advocate for client success.
His experience in various capacities within the sports and marketing sectors showcases his versatility and ability to thrive in dynamic environments. Each role, whether working with the Boston-based GMR Marketing or leading sponsorship initiatives at major league franchises, has contributed to a wealth of knowledge that he now utilizes to enhance customer relationships at Five9.
Conclusion
In summary, Austen Powers is an accomplished customer-facing professional with a rich history spanning the sports and business management arenas. His passion for client success, fortified by his athletic background and academic achievements in sport management, uniquely qualifies him to make meaningful contributions to any organization he is a part of. Whether through direct interactions with clients or as a mentor to junior team members, Austen is dedicated to creating positive and impactful experiences that pave the way for business growth. His journey embodies the spirit of resilience and dedication, attributes deeply ingrained from his time as a professional athlete, and showcase his ongoing commitment to excellence in every endeavor.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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