Shows
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark Slatin#133 Future of Agentic AI: Transforming Customer JourneysWhat if AI-powered technology could not only solve your customers' problems faster but also anticipate their needs—and why do so many organizations still get it wrong? On this episode of the Delighted Customers podcast, we unlock the real reasons why companies struggle to implement AI and automation tools effectively, even as consumer expectations for personalization and seamless experiences reach new heights. Greg Kihlstrom, martech and CX expert, demystifies the hype around chatbots and agentic AI, showing us where most companies stumble and what it really takes to reverse-engineer remarkable customer journeys. If you’re wondering why some...2025-05-0129 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark Slatin#132 David vs. Goliath: Competing with the Big Banks on Customer ExperienceWhat does it really take for smaller banks and mid-sized businesses to triumph over industry giants while still delivering exceptional customer experiences? This burning question lies at the heart of the latest episode of the Delighted Customers podcast, where we dig deep into the unique advantages that smaller organizations hold in fostering emotional connections, empowering employees, and personalizing customer interactions—even when their resources pale in comparison to mega-corporations. The impact of this question stretches across industries: if you feel outmanned or outspent by competitors, Tara Brady’s strategies could just be the difference-maker. She reveals exactly how...2025-04-2430 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinBalancing AI and Human Interactions Dr. Joseph Michelli offers invaluable insights on balancing AI and human interaction in customer experience, drawing from his extensive research and work with renowned brands like Starbucks, Ritz-Carlton, and Mercedes-Benz. His expertise in understanding the emotional drivers behind consumer decisions and the importance of self-reflection for business leaders makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in enhancing their customer experience strategy. Excited to share insights from the latest episode of the Delighted Customers podcast featuring Dr. Joseph Michelli, internationally renowned speaker, author, and organizational consultant! Here are three intriguing questions addressed during our conversation: ...2025-03-2132 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark Slatin#124 The Secret Ingredient to Customer DelightDo you remember the shock ending of The Sixth Sense? The film taps into that mysterious sixth sense—something beyond our usual perception. Similarly, in the world of taste, umami goes beyond salty, sweet, bitter, and sour to create a richer, more memorable experience. But what if businesses could apply this concept to customer experience? In this episode, Aga Szóstek, PhD—author, CX leader, and design expert—shares a powerful framework that parallels umami, helping brands forge deeper emotional connections, stand out in the market, and drive lasting loyalty. Drawing from her work with compani...2025-02-2735 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark Slatin#123 Stuck? Unlock Trust to Get Approval!Are you a customer experience leader facing roadblocks when trying to get your initiatives approved? In this episode, Mark delves into the power of trust with Charlie Green, co-author of "The Trusted Advisor," to uncover strategies for breaking through bureaucratic walls and fostering buy-in. Key discussion points include: The importance of building strong relationships with your leaders and understanding their priorities. Why expediency can backfire and how taking the time to connect with stakeholders can save you time in the long run. The Three Levels of Listening: Learn to listen beyond the facts to uncover the context and emotional meaning beh...2025-02-2031 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinAchieving Value Realization with a CX ToolkitBrad Smith, CCXP, who brings his extensive experience from working with major companies like Symantec, Yahoo, and Sage. Mark and Brad delve into the future of customer experience (CX) management and explore a variety of valuable tools that can be applied to enhance CX. Brad shares actionable insights on hidden value, value realization versus value erosion, and introduces the concept of value mapping. He also discusses the importance of having a clear brand promise and how it plays a crucial role in delivering a cohesive customer experience. Key topics covered in this episode include: 2025-02-0635 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinStrategies for Integrating AI in CXM from a Marketing LegendWhen you think of combinations who comes to mind? 👉 Jobs and Wozniak? 👉 Proctor and Gamble? 👉 Hewlett and Packard? When it comes to customer experience and one-to-one marketing, hands down, it's Don Peppers and Martha Rogers. They are the individuals behind the Peppers and Rogers brand. Don has authored or co-authored eleven different business books, collectively selling more than a million copies in 18 languages. In 2022 Peppers and Rogers released the greatly revised and updated Fourth Edition of their graduate-level textbook and desk reference, Managing Customer Experience & Relationships (Wiley, 2022). I ha...2025-01-2344 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinFrom Speedometers to Engines: Transforming CX with Tom DeVriesI first met Tom DeVries when he was giving a keynote at the 2024 CXM 360 Conference at Michigan State University. Tom took an unorthodox approach to the keynote by not talking for the first 5 minutes. What? Yup! He used non-verbals, videos, and audio cues to engage the audience. Tom has built a successful design firm and has shifted his focus in the last 12 years to include customer experience. He is an expert in human-centered design and has worked with some of the biggest brands in the US. He shares some invaluable wisdom in...2024-12-1930 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinDelivering on Customer Expectations at Experian with Tanya Thomas, CCXPTanya Thomas is a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) and VP of Client Experience Management and UX Design at Experian Health. She's brings years of experience in the CX world at one of the largest organizations in the world, Experian. Known as one of the big three credit bureaus, Experian Health is a major player in the healthcare market. In this episode Tanya shares some great gems including: Customer Intelligence and Market Trends: Tanya emphasized the importance of gathering deep customer intelligence beyond just basic operational feedback. By understanding user behaviors within software...2024-11-2826 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinDelivering on Customer Expectations at Experian with Tanya Thomas, CCXPTanya Thomas is a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) and VP of Client Experience Management and UX Design at Experian Health. She's brings years of experience in the CX world at one of the largest organizations in the world, Experian. Known as one of the big three credit bureaus, Experian Health is a major player in the healthcare market.In this episode Tanya shares some great gems including:
Customer Intelligence and Market Trends: Tanya emphasized the importance of gathering deep customer intelligence beyond just basic operational feedback. By understanding user behaviors within software...2024-11-2827 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinImproving Customer Loyalty through Martech and AI-Powered Solutions Improving Customer Loyalty through Martech and AI-Powered Solutions Greg Kihlstrom is a best selling author with nearly 20 books on Martech and customer experience management. Greg shares fresh insights into how companies can leverage marketing technology and AI to bolster customer loyalty and satisfaction. Whether you're a C-suite executive or a marketing professional, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to deliver exceptional, personalized customer experiences. Here are three pivotal questions Greg answered during our interview: - How can companies efficiently organize and access vas...2024-07-2536 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark Slatin#93: Driving Superior Customer Experience with AI and Digital Transformation Have you ever wondered how digital experience and AI can transform your customer interactions? Andrew Carothers, CCXP, a senior digital experience leader in the CX area at Cisco Systems, shared insights from this multinational leader's industry-leading portfolio of technology innovations, including networking, security, collaboration, and cloud management. 🎧 Check out the latest episode of The Delighted Customers Podcast where Andrew answers these burning questions: 👉 How can businesses seamlessly transition from digital to human interactions to meet customer needs? 👉 What are the challenges and benefits of expanding the digital component in customer exp...2024-07-1839 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinTransforming Workplace Culture: Dr. James Killian on Employee ExperienceTransforming Workplace Culture Through Employee Experience Dr. James Killian is an expert in the field of employee experience. He has held high-impact global leadership positions at Qualtrics, SAP, IBM, Hogan Assessment Systems, and led several startups to record growth, and he’s a professor in the Masters of Science CXM program at Michigan State University. From exploring the significance of breaking down organizational silos to hiring a chief experience officer, we'll discuss how these strategies can uplift your team's experience and ultimately benefit the customer. Our conversation also examines the pitfalls of disengaged leader...2024-07-1144 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Science of Sticky Ideas: Crafting Memorable CX StrategiesThe Science of Sticky Ideas: Crafting Memorable CX Strategies We revealed some powerful insights from "Made to Stick" by Chip and Dan Heath on my latest podcast episode with Megan Burns! We explored why some ideas thrive while others fade away, and how leaders can apply these principles to make a lasting impact. From the death of traditional buttered “movie theater popcorn” to flip the pyramid when making your point, this episode is loaded with practical insights to help you tell stories that stick. In this episode: 2024-07-0443 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinRitz Carlton: Inside the Founder and Former President's Customer-Centric CultureRitz Carlton is not just a brand. It’s a brand that sets the bar for customer experience. It was an incredible honor to host one of the icons in customer experience, Horst Schulze, the co-founder and former president of The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company. We talk about his new book, Excellence Wins, and he shares insights that transcend the hospitality industry. 👉 What lessons did Horst learn from his early experiences in the hotel industry that he applies to his business practices today? 👉 The concept of “We are, ladies and gentlemen...2024-06-2745 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinSalesforce’s Approach to Customer Success, AI, & CXSalesforce.com is THE leader among their peers (11 straight years) in Customer Relationship Management solutions. Phil Nanus leads Salesforce’s Customer Success organization, a team of over 2000 employees. He shared invaluable insights into how Salesforce is revolutionizing customer success through innovation, trust, and technology. Here are my 3 key takeaways from our conversation: - **Embrace Technology for Customer Success:** Salesforce is leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences and improve sales; their collaboration with Gucci is a great example. The rise of AI and generative AI paves the way for more personalized and efficient customer intera...2024-06-2044 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinHow Bilt Uses 3-D Instructions to Enrich LivesHow Bilt Uses 3-D Instructions to Enrich Lives “...Bilt's greatest usage by just sheer volume, happens literally on Christmas Eve and early, early in the wee hours of Christmas morning. And, you know, parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles there, you know, put the kids to bed and -okay, now let's go and assemble this in a bike and a play set and whatever, and expect it to be a very frustrating experience.” Nate Henderson, CEO of Bilt, turned a problem into an opportunity. With millions of users and partnerships with top bran...2024-06-1333 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinEmpathy-Driven LeadershipCX leaders are faced with one of the most difficult challenges in their organization. They have small teams and limited positional authority and therefore need the support of others to make progress. Patty Soltis, CCXP, shares her wisdom from decades of experience leading change in great brands like Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, The Moffitt Cancer Center, and now in her role as a Senior CX Manager at Upwork. In this episode: Leading with Empathy The Role of Emotions in Decision-Making The importance of Detailed and Granular Information Servant Leadership Navigating Organizational Success Learn ho...2024-06-0638 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Power of Social Identity on CX with Professor Gary DavidDo we make buying decisions as individuals or individuals who are part of a group? The answer may surprise you. Gary David, PhD is a Professor of Sociology and Experience Design at Bentley University. Dr. David has been researching sociology and its intersection with the business world for several decades. His findings challenge the status quo when it comes to drivers of consumer behavior and how CX leaders should think about engaging customers. We discuss how consumers perceptions of their social identities impact their brand loyalty, and ultimately, bottom line results....2024-05-3040 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Science of Brand LoveThe Science of Brand Love What makes brands like Apple and Nike not just recognized, but truly loved. Dr. Ahuvia’s book, The Things We Love, explains the psychology behind brand love, and it has been named by Amazon as a “best business book.” He conducted the first scientific studies of brand love some 30 years ago and continues to lead research on this topic. His research on dating sites led to an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show. On this episode of 🎙🎙🎙The Delighted Customers Podcast we explore the science behind “brand love” and strategies compani...2024-05-2341 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinLeading Change by Leveraging Trust with Charles H. GreenIn today's fast-paced networked economy, professionals (especially CX pros) must work harder than ever to maintain and improve their business skills and knowledge. But technical mastery of one's discipline is not enough and that’s why Charles H. Green co-authored the Trusted Advisor (and the recently published the 20th Anniversary edition). The key to change leadership is the ability to earn the trust and confidence of key stakeholders. The stakes are even higher for CX leaders who typically have constrained budgets, small teams and limited positional authority. Charlie returns to the show and shar...2024-05-1643 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinLessons from Taylor Swift About How to Create Superfans with Brittany HodakLessons from Taylor Swift About How to Create Superfans with Brittany Hodak Have you ever wondered why some celebrities create a swarm of superfans that become lifelong advocates for them (and others, not so much)? My guest on this episode of the Delighted Customers Podcast worked her way up from radio station mascot to the head of a marketing agency that promoted the biggest name stars from Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Dolly Parton along with some of the biggest brands like Walmart, Amazon, and Disney. Now an author and speaker, Brittany Hodak a...2024-05-0945 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Role of Qualitative Research in Experience Design with Jennifer Ashman, Principal, CX AmplifiedJennifer Ashman is a CX thought leader and experience design expert. She has been in the field for over two decades and is a Professor of Practice at Michigan State University, where she teaches Experience Design in the Master's Degree program in Customer Experience Management. Jennifer shares some real world examples to help make the conversation easily relatable. Content Highlights: - **Deep Dive into Qualitative Research**: Jennifer unpacks the myriad ways this research method informs decision-making to avoid costly missteps and enhance customer engagement. - **The Art of Human Interaction**: Discover t...2024-05-0240 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinStrategies for making cx your growth engineYou’ve just been hired as the Chief Experience Officer to run a financial services firm. What are the keys to driving sustained success? Join CXO Eric Smuda share his insights on the keys (and the challenges) to leading successful change by driving outstanding customer experiences. My favorite quote from Eric? “If you’re not using CX as your growth engine, what are you doing???” Some of the key lessons for this episode of The Delighted Customers Podcast (link in comments below): 'CX and Profit': Good customer experience merges business benefits with customer...2024-04-2535 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinDesigning Experiences that drive loyaltyHow can you design experiences to drive customer loyalty? Kevin Budelmann is an Experience Design expert, a professor at both Michigan State and Northwestern Universities, and authored Brand Identity Essentials. He brings over a quarter-century shaping design, strategy, and brand experience. We explore the converging paths of behavioral economics, design thinking, and customer experience—all through the lens of his extensive expertise. On this episode of the Delighted Customers Podcast. 🔑 **3 Key Takeaways**: **Trust & Emotion in Branding**: Kevin illuminates the critical role of emotional connection and trust in shaping the brand experience - impera...2024-04-1846 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinLessons from an ER doctor w/Dr. Judy Wolfe, Associate Chief Experience Officer, Cleveland ClinicDr. Judy Wolfe, who still practices as an ER doctor, talks about the transformative power of patient experience in healthcare. We dive into the critical role of trust, and how reimagining job titles and communication training can revolutionize caregiver-patient interactions. Dr. Judy highlights the urgency of embracing change management and the dire consequences of stagnation in patient care. Dr. Judy prescribes helpful tips from "shift hacks" to loyalty driver tips to "teach backs." Tons of gems in this episode from one the top medical care facilities in the world. Resources The Delighted Customers podcast website: h...2024-04-1143 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThree Keys to Driving Customer AdvocatesKeith Ferguson brings his wealth of experience as an entrepreneur along with his career in academia (MSU and FSU) to share his wisdom on customer advocacy. Keith defines customer advocacy and then we talk about the financial impact of having customers who truly advocate for your brand. Keith shares some common mistakes about consumer behavior through a visualization of the customer lifecycle and provides 3 actionable steps leaders can take to create more advocates for their business. Resources The Delighted Customers podcast website: https://www.empoweredcx.com/podcast Sign up for The Trusted Guide n...2024-04-0433 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinJoe Pine: The Origin of "Customer Experience," The Experience Economy, and What's NextJoe Pine is on my Mount Rushmore of Customer Experience. He shares the exact moment, quite by accident, that the concept of "experience" as the next economy after the service economy was hatched. In 2020 Mr. Pine and his partner James H. Gilmore re-released in hardcover The Experience Economy: Competing for Customer Time, Attention, and Money featuring an all-new Preview to their best-selling 1999 book The Experience Economy: Work Is Theatre & Every Business a Stage. Joe believes that goods and services are no longer enough; what customers want are experiences—memorable events that engage each individual in an inherently personal way. Joi...2024-03-2849 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinPink Zebra Moving: Differentiating on CX for Explosive Growth with CEO, Ron HoltPink Zebra Moving: Differentiating on CX for Explosive Growth with CEO, Ron Holt I can’t think of a better illustration of how to prove the ROI of Customer Experience. Ron Holt sees opportunities in bad customer experiences. In fact, he built a successful home cleaning based on disrupting a legacy industry by differentiating the experience his customers receive. The model allowed him to scale a one-store cleaning business into a $40M nationally-recognized brand with 90 locations across the country. Ron shared his entrepreneurial journey and the compelling story behind his c...2024-03-2151 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinWhat’s the Pioneering Edge for Today’s CX Leaders according to the NPS CreatorWhat’s the Pioneering Edge for Today’s CX Leaders according to NPS Creator, Fred Reichheld? There’s so much to unpack in this episode: Fred shares about a personal vulnerability What’s the right way to listen to customers? What is the huge mistake companies make relative to referrals? How do you know if you’ve won or lost? What is financial capitalism and why should it die? What’s on the pioneering edge today for CX leading companies? Will Southwest Airlines recover?...2024-03-1449 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinClosing the Gap Between Brand Promise and Customer Experience with Nick ZeislerSomeone once said Marketing creates the brand promise and CX delivers it. But too often there's a gap between the two that's eroding customer loyalty and business performance. Nick Zeisler is a Lean Six Sigma expert and Professor of Practice in Michigan State University's Customer Experience Management Masters of Science program. In this episode Nick shares some valuable insights including: - the significant concept of 'Brand Alignment' was introduced, highlighting the imperative of aligning a company's customer experience delivery with its brand promise. - the importance of continuous improvement in process engineering was emphasized, advocating for a customer-centric approach...2024-03-0732 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark Slatin5 Tips to Improve Emotional Intelligence for Better CX with Sandra ThompsonHow would you rate your emotional intelligence? It turns out that the core of any successful customer experience initiative is deeply intertwined with the capacity and willingness of employees to communicate effectively. Emotional intelligence is a fundamental skill when it comes to communication. Sandra Thompson is an EI expert and ranks as a top 10 Emotional Intelligence leaders on LinkedIn. She joined me on The Delighted Customers Podcast to help leaders navigate EI and understand the very real impact EI has on the customer experience, and ultimately employee and customer engagement. "You have to put in the work!" Sandra says. "Some...2024-02-0150 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Alien and Clark Kent: Demystifying CX Leadership from AAA's Head of CX, Bryan SanderWhat if you 1 in 4 Americans relied on the experience you led? 60,000,000 Americans rely on AAA for their roadside assistance when things don't go as planned. Bryan Sander, CCXP MBA, leads customer experience for AAA and joins me on the Delighted Customers Podcast (episode will drop tomorrow). Bryan's advice for CX leaders interested in strategies for growing credibility? He's assembled a CX team of over people helping AAA deliver outstanding and consistently good experiences to their members. Bryan is one of the sharpest minds among CX practitioners who I've ever met. You will not want to miss a minute. Tons of...2023-12-0747 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinHow Emotions and Memory Shape Business Outcomes with Colin ShawColin Shaw is one of the original CX thought leaders and podcast host. He brings a fresh perspective to what drives customer loyalty and the "why" behind loyalty. He predicts memory maps will replace journey maps because of the difference between our experiencing-self and our remembering-self. This episode is packed with insights that leaders can use immediately including: Colin Shaw is one of the original CX thought leaders and has authored seven bestselling books on customer experience. He brings a fresh perspective to what drives customer loyalty and the "why" behind loyalty. He predicts memory maps...2023-11-3049 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinManaging the Sludge Caused by "Red Tape" that Impacts Customer Experiences with Dr. Stephanie ThumDr. Stephanie Thum knows a thing or two about red tape. In fact, she just got her PhD in Red Tape Theory! In this episode, she provides a fresh perspective, discussing the pros and cons of red tape, and its elusive cousins, green and pink tape. Using these insights, we explore how these nuances can greatly impact customer experience and employees' engagement. In this episode: Red tape holds complexities: It has both its virtues, such as providing structure and thwarting fraud, but it can also lead to unnecessary impediments and sludge, ultimately leading to employee disengagement and customer d...2023-11-1727 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinCreating Emotional Connections: The Power of Loyalty Programs with Valerie PeckCustomer loyalty is the currency that sustains growth in almost any company. It means better business outcomes in key metrics like: Increased Revenues More Referrals Lower Cost to Serve Fewer Complaints Greater Forgiveness and much more. The question Valerie Peck, long time CX luminary, thought leader, and Managing Director of SuiteCX and I explore is what role do loyalty programs play and what role should they play in earning customer loyalty that's more than transactional. In this episode, we explore some important questions such as: 1. How do loyalty programs impact customer behavior, and what are the emotional c...2023-11-0921 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Four Factors of Trust: How Organizations Can Earn Lifelong Loyalty with author Ashley ReichheldDid you know that trusted companies outperform their peers by up to 400%? That customers who trust a brand are 88% more likely to buy again? And that 79% of employees who trust their employer who trust their employer are more motivated to work(and less likely to leave)? The importance of trust is at an all-time high - just as our inclination to trust is at an all time low, Join me and my special guest, Deloitte Digital Principle and co-author of the new book, The Four Factors of Trust for this episode of the Delighted Customers Podcast. We discuss the...2023-11-0240 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinA Candid Discussion About the CX Profession with Ian Golding, CCXPIan Golding ought to know a thing or two about the CX profession. He was a founding member of the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA) and the very first Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP). He's the author of Customer What?, Keynote Speaker, and writer. He's written over 600 articles on CX and hosts International Customer Experience Awards all over the world. This episode is different because we didn't have any set agenda of what to talk about. We just explored some hard realities about the CX profession head on. I provides some deep insights about what CX leaders need to know and...2023-10-2549 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinElevating CX Leadership with the MSU MS CXM Degree with Dr. Tom DeWittI am thrilled to have had the opportunity to interview Tom DeWitt, the creator of the groundbreaking MSU CXM Masters of Science program, on my podcast. This program is the first of its kind, offering a comprehensive and in-depth curriculum for professionals in the field of customer experience management. Key Takeaways from the interview: 1️⃣ Bridging the skills gap: The MSU CXM Masters program was created to address the fragmented nature of the industry and provide professionals with the broad skill set necessary to effectively manage the customer experience. With 15 courses and 15 different faculty members, including industry practitioners and...2023-10-1715 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinPreventing Defection: Innovative CX Strategies for Gathering Feedback and Taking Action with Matt SelbieIn order to design customer experiences that earn their trust and loyalty, companies must have a listening strategy. While a wide range of philosophies around customer listening, my guest has a theory that he's built a business on. What are some potential consequences for businesses if they fail to address current customer issues effectively? Matt Selbie believes that the gap business leaders are missing, that's costing them customer defection, is responding real time and closing the feedback gap immediately. He identifies the downturn in customer experience levels across industries and has a solution that can help and help now...an...2023-10-1241 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Virtues and Values of Trust in Business, Part 2 of 2 with author Andrea HoweThe Virtues and Values of Trust in Business, Part 2 of 2 with author Andrea Howe In Part 1, Andrea introduced the Trust Equation and how we, as leaders, can apply it to become more trustworthy. In this episode we delve in to some real world examples to consider how the values (applied individually) and virtues (applied institutionally) to earn trust and deepen loyalty. In addition, this episode includes: - The story of a SaaS company breaks trust and how to avoid the same pitfalls - How building t...2023-10-0536 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinDecoding Trust: The Complex Meaning and Importance of Being Trustworthy, Part 1 of 2 with CEO, Co-author, Andrea Howe“Focus on what you tend to neglect” Andrea Howe, CEO, Author, Guest on The Delighted Customers Podcast Trust is the centerpiece of influencing others, of making real change happen. There's no one better to learn from than Andrea Howe, who is not only a trust expert, but she’s the co-author, The Trusted Advisor Fieldbook and the CEO of The Get Real Project. She’s led learning programs and consulted with big companies like Accenture, Deloitte, and Price Waterhouse Coopers, as well as boutique firms. Andea shared some powerful insights on why trust is so critical to change and she offer...2023-09-2832 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinStorytelling for CX Leaders: Revealing More Than Storytelling Secrets with 'Filling in the Blanks' Filmmaker, Jon BaimeStorytelling is a critical skill for any leader but most of us struggle with how to do influence others. This episode will be unlike any other for several reasons: 1. Filling in the Blanks filmmaker, Jon Baime shares his secrets of applying the art and science of storytelling with the CX leader in mind 2. The documentary Jon shares is both shocking and captivating and reveals a long held family secret of his. 3. It also reveals a long held family secret of mine - yes, I'm in the film. Jon breakdown how he crafted the story and how you can use p...2023-09-2146 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Art and Science of Business Storytelling: Crafting Engaging Stories That Inspire Change with Author, Dennis GeelenIn many ways, the Customer Experience leader has the most difficult job in the organization. Typically serving with a thin staff, a constrained budget, and limited positional authority, they need to get things done through influencing others. But how? Numbers along aren't enough. There's one powerful tool that CX leaders can and should become masters in, that's storytelling. On this episode of the Delighted Customers Podcast, Dennis Geelen, author of The Zero In Formula and The Accidental Solopreneur, joins me to talk about why storytelling wins over stakeholders and he shares a framework on how to tell stories that i...2023-09-1436 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Secret to Building Trust with Customers, Part 3 of 3How do companies like Ritz-Carlton, Apple, and Starbucks earn the trust of their customers? Building upon the trust equation introduced in the Trusted Advisor book, we explore the four variables that contribute to trustworthiness: credibility, reliability, intimacy, and self-orientation. Through real-life examples, such as a heartwarming story about a lost stuffed animal at the Ritz Carlton Resort, we uncover the power of trust in creating loyal customers. In this episode: Credibility: Showcasing professionalism, expertise, and trustworthiness through branding, communication, and online presence can instill confidence in your customers Reliability: Consistency is key. Consistently delivering on promises and providing a...2023-09-0713 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Trust Equation: The Secret to Trust Building, Part 2 of 3Trust is the currency of leadership. The most effective leaders don’t power their way through initiatives. They are masters at building trust as a way of influencing. Businesses that cultivate trust with their customers and employees outperform their competitors. We explore the Trust Equation, which originally appeared in The Trusted Advisor (now in it’s 20th Anniversary Print Edition). We’re going to explore the four variables of trustworthiness: Credibility Reliability Intimacy Self Orientation ...and provide some practical tips on how you can become more trustworthy. Join me...2023-08-3116 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinFred Reichheld, NPS Creator, Author Winning on PurposeWe have a special treat for you as we kick off a three-part series on earning customer trust and loyalty. In this episode, titled "The Fisherman's Dilemma and Three Types of Customer Loyalty," I will explore the deep connection between customer experience and elements such as emotion, trust, loyalty, and value. What's the connection between trust and loyalty? What are three different types of loyalty and why is it critical to know the difference? What does the data say about repurchase, customer referrals, forgiveness, and cost to serve? Why should customer loyalty matter to the C-Suite? What are so...2023-08-2610 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinUnleashing the Power of Customer Obsession: Amazon's Approach to Innovation with Dr. Francis Goh, Amazon Web ServicesAmazon has been on my wish list for podcast guests. Dr. Francis did not disappoint in a powerful and thoughtful insider perspective of what makes Amazon a consistent CX leader. We will dive deep into the world of generative AI and its potential impact on customer interactions, as well as how Amazon harnesses this technology to stay ahead of the game. Dr. Goh sheds light on the unique culture and principles that have made Amazon a global leader in innovation. As we explore the fascinating intersection of technology, customer obsession, and the ever-evolving bu...2023-08-1751 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Intersection of Customer Experience and Change Management with Changeologist, Doug Flory, CCMPChange management is a critical profession that focuses on the human side of change, utilizing various sciences and art to support successful projects and initiatives. Working alongside project management, change management ensures that individuals are prepared and equipped for transitions, driving long-term success. Doug Flory serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Change Management Professional and describes himself as a Changeologist. In this episode of The Delighted Customers Podcast, we discuss: Implementation of five levers for effective change management the different levels of change management maturity and the role of trust in effective change implementation he...2023-08-1049 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Digital First Customer Experience with International Bestselling Author, Joe WheelerJoe Wheeler, international bestselling author, technology innovator, consultant, and speaker. Joe has recently written a groundbreaking book called "Digital First Customer Experience: Seven Design Strategies From the World's Leading Brands." Throughout this episode, Joe shares valuable insights and practical tips on how companies can leverage digital strategies to create highly scalable and repeatable experiences for their customers. Joe also highlights some remarkable success stories from companies like Lemonade, Amazon, Starbucks and Nike, demonstrating how they have revolutionized customer experiences through digital design strategies. We delve into the importance of personalization, with Spotify serving as a standout example in the f...2023-08-0348 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinCreating Magical Moments for Kids Using Experience Design - woom VP Global Experience, April Obersteller"Why Reinvent the Wheel?" That popular expression was taken seriously when the founder of woom was about to buy their child their first bike and realized something was wrong. So the idea to consider the experience from a kids perspective and design a bicycle that wasn't just a smaller version of an adult bike was born. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and Austin, Texas, woom has expanded globally and now has over 240 employees and has sold over 1,000,000 bicycles all over the world. On this episode I talk to April Obersteller who leads their employee and customer experience efforts. Hear a...2023-07-2739 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinJoe Pine: The Origin of "Customer Experience," The Experience Economy, and What's NextJoe Pine is on my Mount Rushmore of Customer Experience. He shares the exact moment, quite by accident, that the concept of "experience" as the next economy after the service economy was hatched. In 2020 Mr. Pine and his partner James H. Gilmore re-released in hardcover The Experience Economy: Competing for Customer Time, Attention, and Money featuring an all-new Preview to their best-selling 1999 book The Experience Economy: Work Is Theatre & Every Business a Stage. Joe believes that goods and services are no longer enough; what customers want are experiences—memorable events that engage each individual in an inherently personal way. Joi...2023-07-2049 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinHow Do We Activate Employees to Deliver “Consistently Good, Strategically Amazing” Experiences? with Megan Burns“Scale creates problems that empathy alone can’t solve” Megan Burns unlocks the key to how leaders can differentiate their brands based on the experiences they deliver to customers on this episode of The Delighted Customers Podcast. She ought to know...she spent more than 10 years as vice president principal analyst at Forrester Research where she developed ground-breaking research on how brands like Amazon, Apple, Starbucks, and Salesforce deliver great customer experiences at scale in the face of constant social and technological never-ending disruption. In this episode we discuss the underlying problems leaders need to solve and why so...2023-07-0851 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinHow to Know Which Levers to Pull for CX Transformation with NPS Prism’s Founder and Bain Partner, Jason BarroMost companies don’t suffer from a lack of data. They struggle getting the right data and to know specifically what changes they need to prioritize. The key is know what levers to pull and exactly how far to pull them Jason’s work with NPS Prism is nothing short of game changing. In this episode of the Delighted Customers Podcast we explore: The risks of digitizing everything The discrepancy between a company's internal measures of success and customer perception The dangers of buying share through discounting The importance of comp...2023-07-0648 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinWhy Employees' Mental Health is Critical to CX and Business Outcomes - Leah Marone, Psychotherapist, Mental Wellness Coach Leah Marone, Mental Wellness Consultant, Psychotherapist, Keynote Speaker, Author competed at the top level in Division 1 basketball. She brings all of the highs and lows of a top tier athlete to her professional role as a psychotherapist. As a board member and external consultant, Leah has been able to leverage her clinical background to develop solutions that prioritize both the bottom line and the well-being of team members and leaders. This is one of my favorite episodes because it sheds light on customer experience from a different perspective. In this episode: 👉 What’s the post-Covid “emotional hangover?" 👉 Why the “urgency cultu...2023-06-2949 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe ROI of CX and Drivers of Success with Augie Ray, Gartner VP, AnalystAugie Ray is a foremost CX thought leader, speaker, and research at one of the world’s most respected research firms, Gartner. He’s had a leadership role in CX practices at CX leading brands such as USAA and American Express. This episode is loaded with gems for business leaders who know the importance of putting the customer experience at the center of your corporate strategy. In this episode (we covered a lot so there are a lot of gems): Common obstacles that hijack customer centricity How Amex used NPS to make the business case...2023-06-2243 min
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark SlatinThe Art and Science of Customer Surveys - With Martha Brooke, Founder and Program Director, Interaction MetricsWe’ve all taken surveys. Clearly some are better than others. Well designed and implemented surveys can provide business leaders with actionable insights that improve retention, reduce cost to serve, and drive customers loyalty - if acted upon. They can help companies serve their customers better and provide them with more value. Poorly designed surveys do just the opposite. Martha Brooke is an expert when it comes to customer research. Martha shares some of the secrets of best in class survey design with power and passion. In this...2023-06-1556 min