CSMs seem Forgotten - Customer Success Manager (CSM) KnowBe4 Employee Review

1.0
Jul 11, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Unlimited PTO - Health - Work from Home

Cons

The unlimited PTO is denied all the time because we don't have coverage, but Directors and VPs are out at least 5-7 days per month. Work From home was switched to hybrid. Massive account overload, 10-15 times what CSMs at other companies have to handle. Low Pay - very low pay compared to our market average. Upper Management ignores our feedback, we are completely unheard. And when we are heard we are told there is a light at the end of the tunnel, trust the process and go back to work. I have heard that for over 3 years now, how long is this tunnel? Goal posts for bonuses are stretched to an unobtainable mark. There is no leadership for CSMs, everyday is a completely random demand with no measurable focus on the accounts, just a demand to get more of their money. Middle management does not have the tools to help us succeed. You will be micromanaged down to every 15 minute block of your day. Executive leadership is completely disconnected from us, we struggle to make ends meet, while the CEO asks us to Proofread his book, and shows off his new Cybertruck/mansion. Rule number 3 is to have fun while we work, KnowBe4 hasn't been fun since we started making a move for IPO, and it's worse since the Vista Acquisition. A whole new department was created to take over 10% of our role, get upsell. They do almost no work but process the referrals we get them, and they make twice as much money as we do. We have openings and promotions that have gone months without being filled because no one cares anymore to apply. This company has become a joke.

avatar
KnowBe4 Response
1y
Hello Knowster. We have an open PTO policy which doesn’t mean you can take an ‘unlimited’ amount of time off. If you feel your PTO requests are within reason and being denied, please reach out to the People Operations team. There are no executives taking 60-84 days off per year as you claim. Our CSMs are not responsible for upselling or tech support like CSMs at other companies are, hence having more accounts per CSM than other companies but nowhere close to 10-15x the norm. Also, we fill our open promotion roles internally very quickly and have had more than 170 promotions year to date across all sectors of the company. Leadership consistently communicates what the goals and targets are for each area daily. If you are still unclear as to what the expectations are for your role, please reach out to your manager and People Operations.

Explore other reviews about KnowBe4

5.0
May 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

A welcoming and inclusive environment with a patient onboarding team. Work is always fun and collaborative!

Cons

Training and onboarding process is thorough but only to ensure all employees are keeping themselves and the companies information safe online!

avatar
KnowBe4 Response
2w
We’re glad to hear you feel supported! Open communication is a huge priority for us — and feedback like yours keeps us motivated. 🤗
1.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great office snacks, free ev charging, cool coworkers

Cons

Out of about 100 AE's only 10 hit Quota, OTE is a joke there. It's possible to hit quota if you are lucky with your inbound leads, but if you want to hit quota every month you have to do something moreso out of the box. I was trained by hard closers and have a lot of expierence with cold calls so i came up with my own script and was getting a demo a day, and was doing a demo a day. The demos did lead to sales as well, so it wasn't a waste of time. I got fired because of a "lack of professionalism" I spoke off script all the time because speaking on script leads you in to the Kool-aid drinkers club, aka not hitting quota consistently. I was fired without warning, even though I was told I had an incredible work ethic and was exceeding the ramp-up numbers. I just didnt match their sales style, they are not looking for salespeople, they are looking for sales associates. They make you work 9-hour days, 1 hour mandatory lunch that has to be taken in the middle of the day. 9-6pm. Their handbook even says you are allowed to take this lunch at 5 pm to go home sooner, but the managers never let that happen. DO NOT BE CREATIVE AT THIS JOB, DRINK THE JUICE.

3
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All