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In this episode of The Speed of Culture podcast, Ginny McCormick, Chief Experience Officer at tonies, joins Matt Britton to explore the delicate balance of technology in the modern household and how tonies is pioneering a new category of screen-free entertainment. The conversation examines evolving parenting habits of Gen Z, while highlighting how audio-first experiences foster child independence. Ginny also shares insights from her career at brands like Hasbro and Amazon, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of AI, storytelling, and childhood development.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Ginny McCormick on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at suzy@suzy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode of the Moms of the Lou podcast features Tara Gallina of Take Root Hospitality. She talks about her journey from South Florida to New York City, where she attended culinary school and worked for Blue Hill at Stone Barns. She met her husband, Michael, at Blue Hill and they moved back to St. Louis in 2015 and eventually opened Vicia in 2017. In 2019, they acquired Winslow's Table. Tara emphasizes the importance of community and family, balancing work and motherhood. Check out their Father's Day cookout at Vicia on June 21st!Tara Gallina is the co-owner and Chief Experience Officer of Take Root Hospitality, recognized as a hospitality-first leader in the St. Louis culinary community. She is dedicated to cultivating deep relationships with Midwest farmers, breeders, and fishers, translating their stories into thoughtful guest experiences at Vicia, Winslow's Table, and Bistro La Floraison. Tara oversees front-of-house standards and an education-driven service culture, elevating every detail from beverage programs to takeaway offerings while maintaining a core focus on integrity and sustainability. Her path began after leaving a career in HR to study at the International Culinary Center in New York City, followed by a formative F.A.R.M.S. apprenticeship at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. During her tenure there, she gained a grounding in sustainable agriculture and mastered various front-of-house roles, eventually rising to lead bartender and senior service captain. Today, working alongside Michael Gallina, she connects her teams to food sources and ensures the farming community is integrated into every facet of the guest experience.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by STL Bucketlist Studios in St. Louis, Missouri.
Two sisters from rural Appalachia wrote the playbook they wish they had.What does it actually take for a woman to lead herself forward when no one handed her a roadmap? That question sits at the heart of this conversation, and the answer is more honest, more practical, and more urgent than most career advice you have heard.Self leadership is not a title you earn or a milestone you reach. It is a daily practice, and for women navigating careers that were not designed with them in mind, it may be the most important skill no one ever taught them. This episode of The Power Lounge is for every woman who has ever felt stuck, invisible, or like she was playing by rules she was never given.Kelly Mooney is a three-time author, speaker, gender equity advocate, and founder of Equipt Women. She spent over two decades leading the nation's largest independent digital agency, became Chief Experience Officer of North America at IBM, and has served on three public company boards. Her sister and co-founder Katy Mooney is a certified leadership and performance coach whose clients include Walmart, Meta, and Lululemon. Together they are the co-authors of UP! The Playbook for Every Woman on the Rise, available June 2nd.Key TakeawaysSelf leadership has to come before everything else because when you change the way you think about yourself and what you want, every choice that follows becomes different.Women often wait for permission to pursue something bigger, ask for more, or take up space. A big part of moving forward is writing yourself that permission slip.Your career is a series of choices, and not choosing is also a choice. Recognizing that truth, even when the system is not working in your favor, is where your power starts coming back.Visibility with senior leaders is not about politics. It is strategy. Research shows that for every sponsor advocating for you behind closed doors, your chances of promotion increase by 10 percent.There is no one path and no one pace. Careers span 40 to 50 years, which means you cannot have your foot on the pedal all the time. The only shoulds that matter are the ones you decide for yourself.Kelly Mooney said, "I want her to know that she has more power within her than she realizes to create the career and life she desires."Host Amy Vaughn said, "Self leadership is not a title you earn. It is a practice that you choose."Timestamps00:00 Welcome to The Power Lounge01:12 Introducing Kelly and Katy Mooney02:43 Growing up as two of ten kids in rural Appalachia05:05 The arc of UP and why self leadership comes first07:59 What coaching reveals about women who feel stuck or invisible09:31 Owning your choices even when the system is broken15:18 Finding your fit. The four dimensions framework21:57 Self leadership in the middle of a big transition24:47 Tuning into head, heart, and gut as centers of intelligence33:23 Getting in the game and the unwritten rules of the workplace39:14 No shoulds. Staying on your own mat and practicing non-comparison47:08 Power round. The hardest rule to learn and what moving up means now52:31 Audience Q and A. Keeping entrepreneurial momentum while working a 9 to 5Connect with Kelly and KatyBook: https://equiptwomen.com/upWebsite: https://equiptwomen.comNewsletter: https://equiptwomen.com/get-equiptInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/equiptwomanTogether Digital: https://togetherindigital.comSupport the show
In this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman welcomes Jummy Kirby, Founder of Relinquish & Transcend Counseling + Consulting, to discuss the emotional and mental health needs that currently exist surrounding pregnancy loss, particularly for Black women.Jummy shares with Lloyd her personal journey with miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy, which inspired her to create a therapeutic space for historically excluded communities. Their conversation covered the importance of using specific language such as “grief”, “trauma”, and “loss” to validate experiences, the different ways partners grieve, and the societal silence that often surrounds miscarriage.Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Experience Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I.
The Empty Promise of Automated Outreach and The Messy Reality of Human Connection.Healthcare relies too heavily on automated text messages to fix complex human problems. People do not skip their medications just because they are forgetful.Chandra Osborn, Chief Experience Officer at AdhereHealth, breaks down what actually works to keep patients on track. She shares how her team moves beyond simple nudges to address real world barriers like food insecurity and caregiving stress. You will learn how the right mix of technology and human empathy directly impacts patient outcomes and Star ratings.
Welcome back. A lot happened. Let's get into it.NIO ES9 deliveries kicked off yesterday — one day early.NIO hired NBA legend Yao Ming as Chief Experience Officer.The stock surged 9.3% in the US and 10.45% in Hong Kong.The higher-priced Executive Signature Edition and HorizonSpecial Edition trims are selling far above managementexpectations — a margin story that flows directly intoQ2 revenue per unit.NIO Q1 2026: Revenue $3.7 billion — up 123% year over year.Deliveries 83,465 — up 98.3%. Vehicle margin 18.8% — fourthconsecutive quarterly improvement. Net loss narrowed to 332million yuan from 6.75 billion yuan a year ago. Q2 guidance:110,000-115,000 deliveries. Bank of America doubled its stake.Morgan Stanley and Bernstein both upgraded.Xpeng Q1 2026: Revenue $1.89 billion — down 17.6% year overyear. Deliveries 62,682 — down 33.3%. Gross margin 20.6%.Same market. Same quarter. Two completely different storiesabout brand positioning and where each company sits in theChinese EV landscape.Ferrari unveiled the Luce on May 25th — their first fullyelectric production car, designed with Jony Ive, priced at$645,000. Italy's deputy prime minister said it doesn't looklike a Ferrari. The Chinese internet compared it to a NissanLeaf. Ferrari's stock dropped 8% on launch day. China'sluxury EV market — NIO ET9 at 818K yuan, Maextro S800 at1 million yuan — doesn't need Ferrari's validation. It'salready here and already won.PCE inflation hit 3.8% for April — highest in nearly threeyears. And Wall Street is quietly profiting from the samewar it publicly says it wants to end. The financial incentiveskeeping Hormuz closed are enormous. Follow the money.
When leading a team, the natural instinct is to rely on efficiency, quick answers, and speaking more than you listen. But doing so erodes trust and productivity over the long haul. Joe Mull welcomes Chad Littlefield, co-founder and Chief Experience Officer of We and Me, to the Boss Better Now podcast for an insightful conversation about the transformational power of asking better questions. From his early days working with teenagers in a group home and counseling in adult solitary confinement, to leading global conversations in conflict zones, Chad draws on a unique background to help leaders how to build trust and access each other's humanity. Throughout the discussion, Chad explains why leaders must shift their focus from presenting information to actively inviting employee engagement strategies. He shares practical leadership tips for navigating remote team management, avoiding the trap of efficiency over connection, and leveraging curiosity to build psychological safety at work. He also shares compelling insights on AI in the workplace and the future of work without replacing genuine human care. In this episode, you'll learn:
On this Live Greatly podcast episode, Kristel Bauer sits down with the Founder of Equipt Women, author, and gender equality advocate Kelly Mooney to discuss career growth, motherhood, self-leadership, and how to let go of the "shoulds" that can shape how women define success. Kelly shares insights from her book, UP! The Playbook for Every Woman on the Rise, and opens up about navigating an ambitious career while raising a family. Tune in to hear a thoughtful conversation about advancing your career, elevating your earnings, making aligned decisions through different seasons of life, and creating success on your own terms. Key Takeaways From This Episode: How to let go of the "shoulds" and define success for yourself Tips to advance your career and elevate your earnings The importance of self-leadership in work and life How Kelly navigated motherhood alongside an ambitious career Why career decisions can evolve through different seasons of life Insights from Kelly's forthcoming book, UP! The Playbook for Every Woman on the Rise ABOUT KELLY MOONEY Kelly Mooney is a three-time author, speaker, board director of a public company, and longtime gender equality advocate. She's also a wife and mother of two who built her career while navigating the realities of modern work and family life. Over a decades-long career, she has experienced the full arc of the workplace—from intern to CEO—ultimately co-owning and leading the nation's largest women-owned digital agency, scaling it 15x, and later exiting the business to IBM, where she served as Chief Experience Officer for North America. Consistently ahead of the curve, Kelly anticipated the power shift from organizations to consumers, authoring The Ten Demandments and The Open Brand—the latter becoming required reading at Stanford and other universities. She also founded the Equipt Women Foundation and created Get Equipt, a widely read weekly career advice newsletter. In her forthcoming book, UP! The Playbook for Every Woman on the Rise (Amplify; June 2026), Kelly and her sister Katy Mooney stress that the bigger issue isn't whether a woman works or stays home but the cultural habit of turning personal choices into universal mandates. When "success" is constantly redefined for women by trends or backlash to burnout, it distorts how they evaluate risk, ambition, money, and identity. The book offers a unique approach: no "shoulds," no one-size-fits-all formula, but a practical framework for self-leadership, financial awareness, and career wellness so women can design lives that flex with changing seasons. Connect with Kelly Order her book: https://equiptwomen.com/upbook/ Website: https://equiptwomen.com/bios/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkmooney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equiptwomen/ About the Host of the Live Greatly podcast, Kristel Bauer: Kristel Bauer is a corporate wellness and performance expert, keynote speaker and TEDx speaker supporting organizations and individuals on their journeys for more happiness and success. She is the award-winning author of Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work (John Murray Business November 19, 2024). With Kristel's healthcare background, she provides data driven actionable strategies to leverage happiness and high-power habits to drive growth mindsets, peak performance, profitability, well-being and a culture of excellence. Kristel's keynotes provide insights to "Live Greatly" while promoting leadership development and team building. Kristel is the creator and host of her global top self-improvement podcast, Live Greatly. She is a contributing writer for Entrepreneur, and she is an influencer in the business and wellness space having been recognized as a Top 10 Social Media Influencer of 2021 in Forbes. As an Integrative Medicine Fellow & Physician Assistant having practiced clinically in Integrative Psychiatry, Kristel has a unique perspective into attaining a mindset for more happiness and success. Kristel has presented to groups from the American Gas Association, Bank of America, bp, Commercial Metals Company, General Mills, Northwestern University, Santander Bank and many more. Kristel's work has been featured in Forbes and she has had multiple TV appearances including NBC News Daily, ABC News Live, FOX Weather, ABC 7 Chicago, WGN Daytime Chicago and more. Kristel lives in the Chicago, IL area and she can be booked for speaking engagements worldwide. To Book Kristel as a speaker for your next event, click here. Website: www.livegreatly.co Follow Kristel Bauer on: Instagram: @livegreatly_co LinkedIn: Kristel Bauer Twitter: @livegreatly_co Facebook: @livegreatly.co Youtube: Live Greatly, Kristel Bauer To Watch Kristel Bauer's TEDx talk of Redefining Work/Life Balance in a COVID-19 World click here. Click HERE to check out Kristel's corporate wellness and leadership blog Click HERE to check out Kristel's Travel and Wellness Blog Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Always seek the guidance of your physician for any recommendations specific to you or for any questions regarding your specific health, your sleep patterns changes to diet and exercise, or any medical conditions. Always consult your physician before starting any supplements or new lifestyle programs. All information, views and statements shared on the Live Greatly podcast are purely the opinions of the authors, and are not medical advice or treatment recommendations. They have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. Opinions of guests are their own and Kristel Bauer & this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for statements made by guests. Neither Kristel Bauer nor this podcast takes responsibility for possible health consequences of a person or persons following the information in this educational content. Always consult your physician for recommendations specific to you.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurs at Scale podcast, Neale Lewis is joined by former Disney leader and customer experience strategist Vance Morris to unpack what it really means to “Disney-fy” your business. Drawing on a decade inside Disney (including helping design the iconic Chef Mickey's experience) and his own portfolio of successful home-service businesses, Vance shows how even the smallest company can create world‑class experiences that drive retention, referrals and genuine raving fans.You'll discover why customer experience is fundamentally emotional, how to turn mundane touchpoints into memorable moments, and why focusing on systems, mission and service standards is the fastest route to both freedom for the owner and consistency for the customer. Vance also breaks down the hard numbers on retention vs acquisition, shares vivid examples of service recovery that turn mistakes into five-star reviews, and explains why in an AI-driven world, having a real human answer the phone may be your biggest competitive advantage.Key Takeways Disney-fying Small Business – Former Disney leader Vance Morris shares how simple “what–how–why” systems from Disney can transform small business service into memorable experiences that drive loyalty and referrals. Example from Chef Mickey's: What: Greet guests at the hostess stand. How: Warm, scripted welcome and expectation-setting (Mickey is about to meet them). Why: Make guests feel welcome, special and excited that Mickey is there “just for them.” These simple systems make it possible for young, inexperienced staff to deliver a world‑class, consistent experience. Experience = Emotion – Customer experience is fundamentally emotional. Vance shows how to build emotional connection (not just satisfaction) so customers feel, “Thank God I finally found you.” Retention Over Acquisition – Vance breaks down the economics: it costs him $136 to acquire a new customer vs $23/year to keep one, and why aiming for Disney's 80% repeat / 20% new mix is a powerful benchmark. Turning Mundane into Magic – Practical examples of “Disney-fying” the ordinary: welcome rituals, small gifts, and thoughtful service recovery (like showing up late with flowers) that turn problems into five-star reviews. Humans First, AI Second – Vance explains why humans answering the phone will become a competitive advantage in an AI-driven world—and where AI should support, not replace, the customer experience. Recommended Resources from the Episode Unreasonable Hospitality – Will GuidaraHow to turn ordinary service into unforgettable hospitality. The Business Owner's Emergency Survival Guide for the AI Revolution – Dan KennedyHow to leverage AI in your marketing and operations without letting it run (or ruin) your business. Paddi Lund – Happiness-Centred Business & “Critical Non-Essentials”The power of small, thoughtful touches that are “non-essential” operationally but critical to delight. Vance's free resource: “52 Ways to Wow Your Customer Without Breaking the Bank”One practical idea per week for a year: Wow52Ways.com
In this episode of Market Talk, Natalie Picha, Partner and Chief Experience Officer at RHP Wealth Management, is joined by Kim Hegwood, Managing Attorney at Your Legacy Legal Care in Houston, Texas, to unpack one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of financial planning: protecting your legacy. Together, they go beyond wills to explore the real risks families face without proper planning, including incapacity, guardianship, and family conflict. From trusts and power of attorney to special needs planning and blended families, this conversation delivers practical guidance to help you make confident, informed decisions. If you've ever thought, “I'll get to that later,” this episode will show you why later might be too late—and what steps you can take today to protect the people you care about most.Experience the difference of working with a firm that empowers your life—a firm that focuses on what matters most—you.Whether you are beginning your financial journey now or have already taken steps toward your ultimate life goals, we are here to guide you.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rhp-market-talk/id1538051530
Our April guest is Ryan Cash, Chief Experience Officer at Bay Federal Credit Union in beautiful Santa Cruz California. With over two decades of industry experience at the intersection of lending, operations, and member experience Ryan has played a key role in evolving how the organization serves its members in an increasingly digital world. He talks about his role, which is relatively new in the industry, and the responsibility he has to deliver on the promises made to Bay FCU's members. Ryan shares his thoughts about the looming death of branches, or lack thereof, and how member engagement requirements have increased in ways that often include branches. High-tech has become high-touch in banking, leading to critical new processes and technologies at Bay FCU. Interesting insights abound in our conversation with Ryan - listen in!Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate BurnsProducers: Ryan Kane and Steve SchmidleSupporting cast: Robert York, Jeff Morris, Ryan Olsen, and James Wileman
In this episode of RHP Market Talk, Natalie Picha, Partner and Chief Experience Officer, and Glenn Royal, CFP®, Partner and Chief Investment Officer, revisit the recent period of geopolitical-driven volatility and examine how markets have responded in the weeks since. With greater clarity now emerging, they explore the resilience of equity markets, signals from the bond market, and the reemergence of earnings as the primary driver of investor sentiment. The discussion underscores a central principle: while uncertainty is inevitable, a disciplined, long-term investment approach remains essential to navigating evolving market conditions.If you found this helpful, please subscribe and share this episode with someone who could benefit from greater clarity and confidence. And please visit us at RoyalHarborPartners.com to learn more.Experience the difference of working with a firm that empowers your life—a firm that focuses on what matters most—you.Whether you are beginning your financial journey now or have already taken steps toward your ultimate life goals, we are here to guide you.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rhp-market-talk/id1538051530
Are the systems designed to hold women back or is there a way to navigate and even redesign them? If you've ever felt unseen, overwhelmed, or questioned whether your ambition is enough, this episode is your game-changer.Kelly Mooney, CEO of Equipped Women and former Chief Experience Officer at IBM, reveals how the systemic barriers you're facing are often not about your lack of drive but about outdated structures that were never made for women to succeed. She shares eye-opening insights into why many women, especially mid-level leaders, are pushing back, stepping out, or feeling squeezed between career demands and personal life.Want to deepen your leadership journey?You'll find two FREE mini-courses designed to elevate your leadership skills and a powerful leadership quiz to help you understand how you show up in the world, personally and professionally. Explore now: www.wilempowered.com, www.wilempowered.com/free-mini-course/
How do you scale a world-class customer experience across 20,000 employees and 19 resort properties? Summary: What happens when a hospitality brand known for exceptional guest experiences decides to get even more intentional? In this episode, John DiJulius sits down with Jessica Shannon, Chief Experience Officer of Sandals Resorts International, to talk about how Sandals is scaling customer and employee experience without losing the heart of the brand. Jessica shares how her background in the Peace Corps, global consulting, crisis response, and strategy shaped her approach to service. She explains why the future of customer experience leadership is bigger than customer experience alone, and why the most effective organizations connect guest experience, employee experience, analytics, and innovation into one cohesive strategy. This episode is packed with practical insight for experience leaders, operators, and executives trying to create consistency, culture, and loyalty as they grow. Key Takeaways: Customer experience leadership works best when it includes both customer and employee experience. Growth exposes weak systems fast, especially in service culture. Culture cannot be scaled by memo. It has to be built intentionally. Frontline employees must help create the standards they are expected to live. Data is everywhere, but insight is rare. Service recovery is not damage control. It is a loyalty strategy. Memorable experiences come from authenticity, not generic excellence. Senior executive buy-in is non-negotiable for experience transformation. Links: The DiJulius Group Methdology: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/x-commandment-methodology/ Company Service Aptitude Test: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/c-sat-forms/individual-c-sat/ Schedule a Complimentary Call with one of our advisors: tdg.click/claudia Ask John! Submit your questions for John, to be aired on future episode: tdg.click/ask Customer Experience Executive Academy: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/project/cx-executive-academy/ Experience Revolution Membership: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/membership/ Books: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/shop/ Contacts: Lindsey@thedijuliusgroup.com , Claudia@thedijuliusgroup.com If you want to learn how world-class organizations build cultures customers cannot live without, explore The Experience Revolution Membership. Inside the membership you'll gain access to livestream workshops, practical frameworks, and proven strategies used by organizations around the world. Learn more at https://thedijuliusgroup.com/membership/ Chapters: 00:00 Service DNA Launch and Operational Adjustments 00:50 Personal Growth and Team Development 00:53 The Journey Begins: A New Path 01:43 Life Lessons from the Peace Corps 06:41 Consulting: A Boot Camp for Learning 08:05 Navigating Global Crises: The Ebola Response 09:33 Reopening Tourism: Lessons from COVID-19 10:48 Creating the Chief Experience Officer Role 12:07 The Evolution of Customer Experience 13:56 Integrating Data for Enhanced Experiences 15:46 Sandals Resorts: A Commitment to Excellence 19:00 The Shift to Sandals 2.0 21:12 Building a Service DNA Culture 23:41 The Importance of Team Member Engagement 26:43 Creating Meaningful Moments in Service 33:35 Creating Unique Caribbean Experiences 36:11 Managing Expectations in Hospitality 39:10 The Importance of Service Recovery 41:01 CSR_ShowClose.mp3 Subscribe We talk about topics like this each week; be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
In this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman welcomes Gigio Ninan and Swee Shankar, partners at Shankar Ninan & Co. LLP Law Firm, to discuss their long and challenging journey to parenthood – including their experiences working through various fertility treatments, surrogacy, and ultimately a remarkable, unexpected natural pregnancy.Lloyd discusses with Gigio and Swee how their parenthood journey began back in 2018 and the unfortunate news of their “unexplained infertility”. Several years of different fertility treatments and then the eventual decision to choose surrogacy, Gigio and Swee were able to successfully welcome two sons, Jayden and Jasper, through surrogacy before revealing that Swee was naturally pregnant with their third child.Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Experience Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I.
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dr. Sharmin Dharas, Chief Experience Officer at Hotel ZAZZ and Chief Storyteller at HERstory Hospitality.Sharmin's journey is anything but traditional. From growing up in a 13-room Route 66 motor lodge to becoming a physician, entrepreneur, author, and boutique hotel visionary, she shares how her diverse background shaped one of the most unique hospitality concepts in the country.The conversation dives into the creation of Hotel ZAZZ, a colorful and rebellious boutique motor lodge in Albuquerque that blends wellness, storytelling, and experiential design—including a hidden speakeasy unlocked by tapping the famous Golden Banana. Sharmin also shares how authenticity, creativity, and community partnerships helped the property gain global attention, including recognition from Forbes as one of the must-see hotels in the world.Along the way, the discussion explores entrepreneurship, Route 66 tourism, scaling independent hospitality brands, and Sharmin's mission to empower more women to become hotel owners through HERstory Hospitality.In this episode, you'll learn: How Sharmin transitioned from medicine to boutique hotel ownership Why authenticity is the secret to creating viral, Instagram-worthy hospitality experiences How Route 66 tourism brings international travelers to boutique properties The importance of community collaboration and hyper-local experiences Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SjlSwSoSD-M Links:Dr. Sharmin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmindharas/Hotel ZAZZ: https://www.hotelzazz.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/264Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
Read the show notes and full transcript on our site: growyourcreditunion.com A $12.6 billion merger collapsed. The credit unions are now in court. And somewhere in the middle of it all, a CEO allegedly told his merger partner he was a dictator and didn't care what anyone thought. The question worth asking isn't what went wrong. It's why nobody asked the right questions before the papers were signed. In this episode: Why toxic workplace culture hits women harder and what credit union leaders are missing about their own culture What a collapsed $12.6 billion merger reveals about leadership character and due diligence Whether your conference budget is actually building skills or just buying inspiration Host: Joshua Barclay Co-host: Becky Reed Guest: Stacy Armijo, Chief Experience Officer, Amplify Credit Union
Client experience is fast becoming a key driver of long-term growth for law firms that want to deliver real value, build lasting client relationships and stand out in the market. On today's new episode of the CMO Series Podcast, Charles Cousins joins Vanessa Crocetto, who recently became Butzel's first Chief Experience Officer, after more than a decade leading the marketing and business development department. Vanessa now focuses on how clients experience the firm day to day, reflecting the firm's commitment to driving exceptional client service and sustainable growth as a mid-sized firm. Vanessa and Charles discuss where client experience meets marketing and BD, how culture shows up in those moments, and the work she is doing to turn client insight into action. She also dives into: How her career journey has shaped her client approach What a client-centered culture looks like in practice Transitioning from a CMO to a CXO Current client experience initiatives at Butzel Practical advice for others moving into client experience leadership
Today, on Notable Leaders' Radio, I speak with Stephanie Baker, Chief Experience Officer and artist. She highlights her journey of moving beyond achievement, sharing how embracing vulnerability, creativity, and leading with empathy has redefined what true success means, for herself, her teams, and those she mentors. In today's episode, we discuss: Reimagine your definition of success. Step back from titles and checkboxes. Ask yourself whether your work aligns with your core values and your true impact. When your work is a reflection of who you are, fulfillment finds you, not the other way around. Lead with empathy and inclusion. Performance isn't just about KPIs; it's about how people feel in your presence. When you foster empathy, inclusion, and psychological safety, you build teams that are resilient, innovative, and engaged at every level. Make becoming a lifelong pursuit. You don't have to have it all figured out. The most effective, impactful leaders are those who stay open to growth and keep redefining who they are—at work and in life. Protect your energy unapologetically. Learn to say "no"—and realize that it's a complete sentence. Being deliberate with your time and focus allows you to say "yes" to what truly matters and show up at your best. Give yourself permission to explore new interests. Try picking up something new—painting, mentoring, creating. You never know which hidden strengths or sources of joy are waiting for you. (Check out her paintings in the show notes. She is GIFTED!) RESOURCES: Guest Bio: Stephanie Baker is a Senior operations executive with 20+ years of experience driving enterprise performance and operational excellence. A trusted partner to CEOs and Boards, I specialize in aligning people, processes, and technology to deliver exceptional outcomes for customers and employees. Recognized for building inclusive, engaged teams and leading transformational change with clarity and purpose. Website/Social Links www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-baker-5833b78 slbaker28@gmail.com Belinda's Bio: Belinda is a sought-after Leadership Advisor, Coach, Consultant and Keynote speaker and a leading authority in guiding global executives, professionals and small business owners to become today's highly respected leaders. As the Founder of BelindaPruyne.com, Belinda works with such organizations as IBM, Booz Allen Hamilton, BBDO, The BAM Connection, Hilton, Leidos, Yale School of Medicine, Landis, and the Discovery Channel. Most recently, she redesigned two global internal advertising agencies for Cella, a leader in creative staffing and consulting. She is a founding C-suite and executive management coach for Chief, the fastest-growing executive women's network. Since 2020, Belinda has delivered more than 72 interviews with top-level executives and business leaders who share their inner journey to success; letting you know the truth of what it took to achieve their success in her Notable Leaders Radio podcast. She gained a wealth of expertise in the client services industry as Executive Vice President, Global Director of Creative Management at Grey Advertising, managing 500 people around the globe. With over 20+ years of leadership development experience, she brings industry-wide recognition to the executives and companies she works with. Whether a startup, turnaround, acquisition, or global corporation, executives and companies continue to turn to Pruyne for strategic and impactful solutions in a rapidly shifting economy and marketplace. Website: Belindapruyne.com Email Address: hello@belindapruyne.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindapruyne Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NotableLeadersNetwork.BelindaPruyne/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/belindapruyne?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belindapruyne/
Credit unions entered 2026 with more digital ambition than any segment of the banking industry. Yet 60% are still in early stages of transformation or lack clear goals. That's not a strategy issue. It's an execution issue. In this episode of The Experience Factor, sponsored by Q2, Jim Marous sits down with Jesus Garcia, Chief Experience Officer at OceanAir Federal Credit Union, to examine what the 2026 Retail Banking Trends and Priorities report reveals about the credit union sector and how one institution is moving beyond ambition to measurable results. This conversation covers: * The execution gap * The branch expansion paradox * The talent contradiction * Fintech partnerships that actually drive impact * The open banking blind spot * AI: substance vs optics This discussion isn't about strategy decks. It's about what's actually working and what must change. The Experience Factor is sponsored by Q2. Download the 2026 Retail Banking Trends and Priorities Report here.
In this episode of The Speed of Culture, recorded live at CES in Las Vegas, Matt Britton sits down with Diana Marshall, EVP and Chief Experience Officer at Sam's Club. Diana shares how Sam's Club is building a human-led, tech-powered membership model, why experience is now the primary differentiator in retail, and how closed-loop data and AI-driven personalization are reshaping acquisition, loyalty, and retail media. The conversation explores the shift from frictionless to effortless retail, the power of associate experience, and what the future of buying looks like in an AI-enabled world.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Diana Marshall on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at suzy@suzy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ronn Nicolli sat in a nearly empty Wynn on Christmas night in 2005 no retail open, barely a soul on the casino floor and watched that same property become so packed 20 years later that his family stood in line 45 minutes for an ice cream cone. That contrast, he says, is the entire lesson of what brand integrity, follow-through, and knowing who you are can build over time. The CMO and Chief Experience Officer of the Meruelo Group, overseeing the Sahara Las Vegas, Grand Sierra Resort, three radio stations, two Latin TV networks, and a portfolio of businesses that spans well beyond hospitality, Ronn has spent 25 years climbing from a college grad passing out flyers on the Las Vegas Strip to one of the most respected marketing executives in the city. But the real story isn't the title. It's every decision he made along the way to earn the right to be in the room. He opens up about leaving Resort World after six years when he had planned on ten, the moment he realized staying too long in the wrong fit is just as damaging as quitting too early, and why his new role at the Meruelo Group was the only offer compelling enough to make him say yes. He also gets honest about envy, resentment, and the self-reflection it took to finally put those things down and what it felt like to feel alive in his career again. Whether you're a marketer trying to get your ideas off the whiteboard, a leader figuring out how to build a culture people don't want to leave, or someone standing at a crossroads deciding if it's time to make a move, this conversation will hit different. In this episode you will: Understand why the gap between a good marketer and a great one comes down to operationalizing ideas, not just having them Learn how to walk into any executive meeting having already anticipated the rebuttal Discover why "no" takes zero effort and what it costs you every time you take the easy way out Recognize the difference between people who aren't growing and people who are genuinely happy — and why mistaking one for the other is a leadership trap Apply Ronn's framework for knowing when a fit has run its course before it starts costing you everything
In this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman welcomes Pennsylvania House Speaker Representative Joanna E. McClinton during Black History Month to discuss the recent passage of the C.R.O.W.N. (“Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”) Act. This piece of legislation bans discrimination based on hair type, texture, etc.Lloyd discusses with Rep. McClinton the details that went into the challenging, multi-year legislative process of passing the act, what it means for the broader conversation about inclusivity and authenticity in the workplace and society, and why it is so personal to Rep. McClinton's own journey and identity as not only the first woman, but also the first woman of color, to be elected the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Experience Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I.
(sponsored) Frankfurt und die Rhein-Main-Region sind 2026 „World Design Capital“. Ein Besuch im WDC-Headquarter. Wie bespielt man mit Design den öffentlichen Raum? Wie stärkt Design den Diskurs und fördert Demokratie? Im Jahr 2026 ist Frankfurt-RheinMain World Design Capital: die Design-Hauptstadt der Welt. Kai Rosenstein, Chief Experience Officer beim WDC 2026, erklärt das Konzept und gibt einen Überblick über 2000 Veranstaltungen und über 450 Projektpartner. Das Programm wird laufend erweitert. Einen genauen Überblick gibt es hier: https://wdc2026.org/de * Das Projekt „Schattengrün für Schulhöfe“, von dem Kai Rosenstein ab Minute 18:00 erzählt, wird in einer veränderten Form realisiert. Weitere Informationen gibt es hier: https://wdc2026.org/de/frames/schattengruen-community-fuer-fassadenbegruenung Das ist eine gesponserte Episode. Sie ist entstanden im Auftrag von World Design Capital 2026. Durch die Folge führt Frank Dahlmann von brand eins. Umsetzung: Frank Dahlmann/brand eins ➡️ Artikel zum Nachlesen: https://detektor.fm/wirtschaft/world-design-capital-2026-frankfurt-rheinmain
We already have the technology to decarbonize buildings, and many pilot projects have shown it works. So why hasn't progress toward net zero moved faster? Colin Mangham believes it's because we're still using outdated business models to promote new solutions. Colin is the Chief Experience Officer at the US Green Building Council California and leads its Net Zero Accelerator, the first program focused only on net-zero innovation for buildings. Since 2019, the accelerator has helped over 100 companies in a six-month program that stands out by putting real technology pilots into actual buildings with dedicated partners, then tracking the results. This approach has led to more than 60 pilot projects in California and beyond, providing the proven results that founders and investors need to move forward. Colin offers a unique mix of experience to this field. He has served as Chief Marketing Officer at four growing companies, co-founded and led Morpho Energy, which helps put unused commercial rooftops to work for solar, and he is a certified biomimicry specialist, which shapes what he teaches founders. He often thinks about beavers, which are keystone species that create habitats for others by building their own homes. As he tells entrepreneurs, “This thing that you're creating, it should also create better living environments for the people and the neighboring organisms all around you.” It's an approach that applies systems thinking to business strategy, leading to companies that differ from the typical Silicon Valley disruptors.To learn more about the Net Zero Accelerator, visit NetZeroAccelerator.org. Learn about the US Green Building Council of California at USGBC-CA.org.
Krista Lucy, Executive Director at Children's Miracle Network of Greater St. Louis and Tom Kraus, Chief Experience Officer at Together Credit Union, join Chris and John Hancock in-studio. Krista explains how the profits of KMOX's 100th commemorative ornaments were donated to local children's hospitals including SSM Cardinal Glennon and St Louis Children's Hospital. Tom explains how Together Credit Union is involved with the Network, and other assistance programs they offer. CMN-STL.org
Who says you cabn't declare your bankiinglove twice in one week? In this second special Valentine's Day episodes, four Cupids of Coin gather to discuss their loves, loathes and hopes in banking. The goss in 2026 is whether AI is the white knight on a silicon stallion, or a two-timin' hallucinating player. Join us as we solve that mystery and many others in the relam of love and finance. Our guests: Tyler Brantley, VP of sales and partnership, VerticeAI Josh DeTar, EVP of Evangelism, Tyfone Jessica Evett, SVP of Product Strategy & Technology Operations, CloudVirga (hard G) Rebecca Secor, Chief Experience Officer, Member Loyalty Group
What happens when a $16 billion RIA decides to double down on leadership, integration, and “advisor intelligence” in the middle of an AI-driven vortex of change? In this episode of the Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, Seth Greene interviews Jennifer des Groseilliers, CEO of The Mather Group, who shares how her path from Vermont to law school to leadership roles at Ameriprise, MetLife, and a MassMutual franchise ultimately led her to the helm of The Mather Group, a $16 billion fee-only RIA. As a key leader at The Mather Group, Jennifer oversees a 190-person team, 40 wealth advisors, and a growth engine built on 23 acquisitions, an integrated planning platform, and a niche focus on Fortune 200 executives nearing retirement. She discusses leadership development, behavioral finance, and the rise of AI in wealth management—explaining why “advisor intelligence” is now the real differentiator for firms that want to win the next decade. Key Takeaways: → How taking over compliance, portfolio management, and back-office operations for acquired firms frees advisors to focus on client-facing work and deep planning. → Why it's essential to bifurcate sales and advice and how that structure enhances both growth and advisor effectiveness. → How AI is creating a vortex of change in financial services and why advisor intelligence around values, behavior, and trust matters more than ever. → Why The Mather Group sees itself as an integrator, not an aggregator. → How carefully refined and consistent platform allowed the firm to scale to roughly $16 billion in AUM. Jennifer des Groseilliers is the Chief Executive Officer of The Mather Group. Jen cultivates a collaborative culture through inclusive and supportive leadership. Her unwavering commitment to keeping clients at the center of all efforts drives her approach. Jen's extensive professional experience includes serving as a Managing Partner in the MetLife Premier Client Group in 2013, leading a team of over 160 financial advisors. She became the CEO of MassMutual Illinois in 2016 and, in 2020, after a merger with WestPoint Financial Group, assumed the role of Partner and Chief Experience Officer, leading various departments, including Investments, Compliance, Practice Development, and Financial Planning. Connect With Jennifer: Website: https://www.themathergroup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtmgwealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TMGTheMatherGroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferadesgroseilliers/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/themathergroup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Matt Sebek, Chief Experience Officer with St. Louis CITY SC, joins in-studio to unveil the new golden away kits inspired by music legend and St. Louis native, Tina Turner. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is also putting on "Eternal: A Tribute to Tina Turner" presented by Purina at Powell Hall on Sunday, February 15th at 7:00pm!
This week we return with one of our most anticipated episodes of the year…the 8th annual Super Bowl Advertiser Roundtable. As is tradition, Jim is joined by Gary Vaynerchuk to welcome a collection of marketing leaders behind this year's most talked-about Super Bowl campaigns. Our Featured Guests are…Ahmed “Meddy” Iqbal, the Chief Marketing Officer of the Cadillac F1 TeamGail Horwood, the Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Experience Officer of NovartisLuis Garcia, the Chief Marketing Officer of Naterra International (Tree Hut)Steven Saenen, the President of Savory Brands & Crackers Portfolio for Mondelez (Ritz Crackers)Soyoung Kang, President of eosRecorded live on the Monday after the game, in partnership with VaynerMedia's Marketing for the Now, this conversation goes beyond the ads to explore how today's CMOs think about boldness, experiential strategy, culture, and what it really takes to turn Super Bowl attention into long-term brand impact.—This week's episode is brought to you by Deloitte and the IAB.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As restaurants scale, preserving hospitality becomes harder to sustain. This week on The Modern Customer, Andrew Rebhun, Chief Experience Officer at CAVA, shares how the Mediterranean fast-casual brand keeps hospitality at the center while scaling to 400+ locations. The conversation breaks down how experience leadership actually works at scale—from loyalty and social listening to team training and selective use of AI—without losing human connection. Where do you see the biggest gap today: loyalty design, social listening, or team alignment?
It's rare you meet a leader who's equal parts Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Experience Officer. But Jill Cress has mastered the art of bridging the promise of brand with the reality of the customer's experience, most recently as Chief Marketing & Experience Officer at H&R Block. In this episode, she sits down with Tom Ajello, Lippincott's Global Director of Experience, Innovation & Engineering, to unpack why uniting marketing with customer experience leadership is a strategic advantage and shares candid insights on the biggest marketing challenges today—from navigating AI's impact to elevating marketing's role in the C-suite. Drawing on her decades of leadership at MasterCard, PayPal, and National Geographic, she reveals why trust is the ultimate foundation for business success and why mentoring the next generation is critical in the age of AI.
The USS Hornet fought in some of the biggest naval battles in world history, picked up astronauts returning from the first moon landing, and is allegedly one of the most haunted places in America. Three decades ago, this aircraft carrier was sold to a scrap dealer and seemingly destined for destruction until a group of preservationists saved the Hornet and turned it into a floating museum. Since the 1990s, the Hornet has been docked at the former site of Alameda Naval Air Station, but now the museum's management are exploring a move across the Bay to San Francisco. This episode features interviews with Russell Moore, the museum's Chief Experience Officer and author of the official book on the USS Hornet; and Bruce Douglas, a Navy veteran who served aboard the Hornet half a century ago and currently volunteers as a museum docent. Listen now to hear about USS Hornet history, how the Hornet was saved, and why it might be relocating. To see photos and links related to this episode, visit: https://eastbayyesterday.com/episodes/welcome-to-the-floating-city/ Don't forget to follow the East Bay Yesterday Substack for updates on events, boat tours, exhibits, and other local history news: https://substack.com/@eastbayyesterday Donate to keep this show alive: https://www.patreon.com/c/eastbayyesterday
This week, I'm joined by Brian Moates, Chief Experience Officer at Our Farms, a growing marketplace and movement reshaping how we shop for food and support farmers. Brian has a fascinating background, from motorsports and marketing to building digital-first experiences for brands like Ford and Lincoln, and now he's bringing that expertise to agriculture. In this episode, we talk about how Our Farms connects local producers with consumers in a way that's scalable, human, and values-driven. Brian shares why he's passionate about storytelling, what shifted his view on food and farming, and how his own daughter's health issues led to a deeper understanding of what's really in our food. We also dive into the tech powering this shift, how Our Farms is different from traditional DTC platforms, and why small producers finally have a seat at the table. Resources & Links: Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. by John Mark Comer The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins Small Giants by Bo Burlingham Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters List your jobs on Of The West Connect with Brian: Follow on Instagram @ourfarms Visit Our Farms website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if your next meeting didn't start with, “Let's wait for a few more to join,” and end with, “Sorry, we're out of time”? We sat down with Chad Littlefield, co-founder and Chief Experience Officer at We and Me, to unpack a practical, repeatable way to turn passive rooms into engaged teams. The Contribution Method replaces consumption with involvement, helping leaders design moments where people feel needed, not managed.Click HERE for Chad's websiteClick HERE for Chad's LinkedIn profileHERE ARE MORE RESOURCES FROM REAL GOOD VENTURES:Never miss a good opportunity to learn from a bad boss...Click HERE to get your very own Reference Profile. We use The Predictive Index as our analytics platform so you know it's validated and reliable. Your Reference Profile informs you of your needs, behaviors, and the nuances of what we call your Behavioral DNA. It also explains your work style, your strengths, and even the common traps in which you may find yourself. It's a great tool to share with friends, family, and co-workers.Follow us on Instagram HERE and make sure to share with your network!Follow us on X HERE and make sure to share with your network!Provide your feedback HERE, please! We love to hear from our listeners and welcome your thoughts and ideas about how to improve the podcast and even suggest topics and ideas for future episodes.Visit us at www.realgoodventures.com. We are a Talent Optimization consultancy specializing in people and business execution analytics. Real Good Ventures was founded by Sara Best and John Broer who are both Certified Talent Optimization Consultants with over 50 years of combined consulting and organizational performance experience. Sara is also certified in EQi 2.0. RGV is also a Certified Partner of Line-of-Sight, a powerful organizational health and execution platform. RGV is known for its work in leadership development, executive coaching, and what we call organizational rebuild where we bring all our tools together to diagnose an organization's present state and how to grow toward a stronger future state. Send us a text
In this episode of DEI After Five, host Sasha welcomes Calvin Stovall, the Chief Experience Officer of Iconic Presentations, to discuss the vital role of hospitality and customer experience across various industries. Calvin shares insights into his work delivering dynamic keynote presentations focused on customer experience and leadership, emphasizing the importance of these concepts in hospitality, healthcare, and real estate. He also highlights his role in the Advanced Leadership Institute, where he is dedicated to preparing African-Americans for leadership positions. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the intersections of customer experience and diversity in leadership. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deiafter5.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman welcomes the newly minted Dr. Ky'a Jackson, to discuss her doctoral research which focused on the academic resilience of African-American female college students from Camden, New Jersey. Dr. Jackson explains how the intersection of race, gender, and place shaped the students' experiences, drawing heavily on her own background growing up in Camden.Lloyd and Dr. Jackson discuss the societal and personal pressures these young women face, the critical role of "golden nuggets" of support from their community, and the specific strategies they employ to persevere. She introduces two memorable frameworks: the "Four Cs" (Color, Carat, Clarity, Cut) to describe the pressures that shaped these students, and the "SHINE" acronym (Stability, Help, Investment, Nurturing, Empathy) as a guide for others to support them effectively.Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Experience Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I.
ServiceNow is one of the world's biggest SaaS and digital transformation companies is ServiceNow. When their Chief Experience Officer Amy Lokey was recently in Dublin, I caught up with her to find about what her job entails and how AI is being used by ServiceNow.Amy talks about customers user experience, how ServiceNow has embraced AI, how AI has influenced how ServiceNow use CRM's and more.More about ServiceNow:ServiceNow helps organisations connect AI, data, and workflows on one platform. Work works better for everyone across every corner of the business. Their AI platform delivers apps that predict issues, automate processes, and make time for people-powered innovation.
Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and host of Fintech Confidential, sits down with Fintech Confidential CI, Robert Musiala, Partner at Baker Hostetler and co-leader of their Web3 and Digital Assets team, to break down what made 2025 the most consequential year in crypto regulation. The SEC reversed course, the Genius Act passed at lightning speed, and stablecoins exploded from $205 billion to $308 billion in market cap. This is the month-by-month breakdown of how regulatory clarity supercharged the entire industry.The SEC declared most crypto assets are not securities, dismantling years of legal uncertainty. Banks got the green light to offer crypto custody and exchange services. Circle's IPO validated stablecoins as core financial infrastructure. The Genius Act created the first federal stablecoin framework while banning yield payments and imposing strict reserve requirements. NFTs gained legal clarity, DeFi got legitimized, and crypto-native firms started filing for bank charters. If you're building in crypto, investing in blockchain, or trying to understand where regulation is headed in 2026, this breaks down the exact moves that matter.TAKEAWAYS:1️⃣ Genius Act created federal stablecoin operating rules2️⃣ Stables finally legal under federal framework3️⃣ IRS solves crypto tax confusion overnight4️⃣ Stablecoin yield payments now completely banned5️⃣ SEC stops lawsuits, issues guidance insteadLINKS:Guest: Robert MusialaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-musiala/Baker Hostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com/people/robert-musialaBlockchain Monitor: https://www.blockchainmonitor.com/Company: Baker HostetlerWebsite: https://www.bakerlaw.com/Web3 & Digital Assets: https://www.bakerlaw.com/practices/web3-digital-assetsFintech ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialSUPPORTERS:DFNS: Wallets as a service, API first, multi-chain, secured with MPC across 50+ blockchains - fintechconfidential.com/dfnsSkyflow: Zero trust data privacy vault for PCI, CCPA, GDPR, SOC 2 compliance - skyflowsecure.comHawk: AI tools for real-time payment screening and fraud prevention - gethawkai.comABOUT:Robert Musiala is Partner and co-leader of Baker Hostetler's Web3 and Digital Assets team, providing weekly analysis on the Blockchain Monitor blog. Baker Hostetler is a leading U.S. law firm with over 900 attorneys serving blockchain clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies.Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre and Diamond D3, professional services consulting firms focused on global payments and marketing. He is also video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network. Over the past 25+ years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for global companies, focusing on growth while delivering process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.CHAPTERS:00:00 Episode Highlights02:08 Dfns: Wallets as a Service (sponsor)04:01 2025 Regulatory Changes and Market Impact04:43 January: SEC's Tone Shift and Market...
For younger generations, the notion of depositing a check at a branch is as antiquated as the notion of booking a flight at a travel agency. The financial landscape has evolved dramatically over the last few decades, and credit unions are working hard to keep pace. Consolidation and growth in the credit union movement have helped some credit unions stay competitive, but at what cost? Do credit unions that are focused on aggressive growth risk losing sight of their purpose? Are they able to effectively serve their communities? The answers to these questions are not definitive; a lot depends on the approach. We sat down with Derrick Aguilar, a 20-year veteran of the credit union movement and Chief Experience Officer at PenAir Credit Union (a PixelSpoke client), to talk about how credit unions have evolved over the last decades, and how they've stayed the same. We also addressed this month's BIG question: How can credit unions grow while never losing sight of their member experience, community roots, and commitment to financial health?
Experience is brand. The experiences people have with a company shape how they feel, what they trust, and whether they stay. Creating those experiences is not just about interfaces or marketing. It requires rethinking internal processes, digital systems, and the everyday realities of work. Alder Yarrow has spent decades helping organizations understand experience from the inside out, and why lasting growth depends on getting it right. In this revisited episode, Dart and Alder talk about experience as brand and define experience design and experience modeling. They also discuss employees as customers and how companies can understand their specific needs.Alder Yarrow is an experience designer, advisor, and writer. He has spent over 25 years creating customer experiences for some of the world's leading brands.In this episode, Dart and Alder discuss:- How experience becomes brand over time- What experience design really means- What experience modeling is and why it matters- Why employees should be treated as customers of work- How companies can better understand employee needs- Why in-context studies matter more than surveys- The Manager Work Practice Study- Grounded theory and its role in research- Experience design versus user experience- The Jobs-To-Be-Done theory- The say do gap- What changes when you redesign employee experience- Trauma-aware management- And other topics…Alder Yarrow has spent over 25 years helping organizations understand experience from the inside out. He has led brand and experience work for companies including Google, Twitter, Home Depot, and Tesla, and previously founded the experience design firm HYDRANT. He later served as Chief Experience Officer at Cibo and is also the founder and editor of Vinography and the author of The Essence of Wine.Resources Mentioned:The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen:https://www.amazon.com/Innovators-Dilemma-Technologies-Management-Innovation/dp/1633691780Alder's blog, Vinography: https://www.vinography.com/ Connect with Alder Yarrow:Website: https://www.vinography.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alderyarrow/ Work with Dart:Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what's most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.
Emmaline Aliff of Equifax sits down with Matt Orlando, Chief Experience Officer at Informative Research, to unpack one of the most talked-about developments in mortgage lending: FICO's new Mortgage Direct Licensing program and what it could mean for lenders, credit providers, and borrowers.In this episode:What is FICO's Mortgage Direct Licensing program?FICO's Mortgage Direct Licensing program allows lenders and technology providers to license FICO scores directly, rather than receiving them solely through traditional credit reporting agencies. The program is still new, and its full impact on the mortgage ecosystem has yet to be determined.How could FICO Direct Licensing impact mortgage lenders?Lenders are still evaluating how the program will affect their overall cost of credit each month and whether it will increase expenses across the loan lifecycle.What risks does Direct Licensing introduce into the mortgage market?The program introduces risk across multiple layers of the ecosystem. Credit reporting agencies may now be asked to generate scores—something they have not historically done. Lenders must assess the reliability of these scores, while the broader mortgage market and borrowers face uncertainty as scoring responsibility shifts to a more fragmented landscape.How might borrowers be affected by these changes?Borrowers could ultimately bear higher costs if credit expenses rise for lenders. There is also risk tied to accuracy and consistency as new parties begin generating credit scores. The long-term borrower impact remains unclear.
Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre, sits down with Geetha Panchapakesan, Founder and CEO of Tesser, to explore how stablecoins are changing cross-border payments for enterprises tired of slow, expensive banking methods. Recorded live at Money 2020, this conversation cuts through the noise to address real pain points that treasury managers and CFOs face when moving money across borders.Traditional payment systems force companies to pre-fund accounts in multiple countries, tying up capital that earns nothing while transactions crawl through correspondent banks over days or weeks. Stablecoins offer instant settlement without pre-funding requirements, giving businesses real-time visibility into every transaction. The conversation covers practical adoption strategies, including how to test one payment corridor before scaling, and addresses regulatory clarity emerging from frameworks like the Genius Act. Geetha shares why remittance firms and cross-border payment companies are seeing immediate efficiency gains, and delivers actionable advice on calculating idle capital costs, measuring time savings, and leveraging blockchain traceability for compliance.TAKEAWAYS:1️⃣ Companies handling money transfers across challenging payment corridors are seeing the biggest wins right now with instant payouts.2️⃣ Stablecoin transactions can be checked in real time so you always know exactly where your payment stands.3️⃣ Calculate all the money sitting in foreign accounts earning zero interest; that capital could be deployed elsewhere.4️⃣ Track exact time savings and cost reductions from your test corridor before expanding to broader implementation.5️⃣ Every blockchain transaction creates a permanent record showing exactly where funds moved and when.LINKS:Guest - Geetha Panchapakesan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geethapanchapakesanCompany - Tesser: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tesser | https://x.com/tesser_xyzFintech Confidential:Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fintechconfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialSUPPORTERS:Dfns: Wallets as a service with API-first, multi-chain design secured with MPC; powers crypto payments across 50+ networks. https://dfns.coSkyflow: Zero-trust data privacy vaults as an API to collect, secure, and tokenize personal information while keeping compliance and usability. https://skyflow.comHawk AI: Real-time screening, ML monitoring, and dynamic customer risk ratings to strengthen fraud and financial-crime prevention. https://hawk.aiABOUT:Geetha Panchapakesan is Founder and CEO of Tesser, a payments platform enabling banks, MSBs, and PSPs to make and receive stablecoin payments with the same ease as traditional payment rails. She brings 18+ years of experience leading product and strategy at MoneyGram, Visa Direct, and Circle.Tesser is a New York-based fintech company building stablecoin-based payments infrastructure that enables licensed financial institutions to move money across borders instantly and compliantly. The platform integrates stablecoin payment rails into existing financial systems in under a month, reducing cross-border settlement times from weeks to hours and cutting costs by up to 95%.Tedd Huff is Founder of Voalyre, a professional services and advisory firm focused on global payments and banking. He is also a video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network. Over the past 25+ years, he has contributed to fintech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth...
“Nepo baby” is an easy label to apply to anyone who joins a family business. What we rarely talk about is the pressure to prove yourself and the effort it takes to be taken seriously. This week on SUPERWOMEN, we sat down with Avery Hale Smith, Chief Experience Officer at Backroads, to talk about the experience of working inside a family business. Avery opens up about the challenge of stepping into a company with such a rich legacy. Avery reveals how she navigated Backroads through the chaos of COVID, when everything was falling apart, and how she rebuilt the company from the ground up. From handling massive layoffs to keeping the business alive with no roadmap, she learned that surviving crises takes a whole lot of grit. Episode Guide: (00:00) Meet Avery Hale Smith, Chief Experience Officer at Backroads (01:44) What is Backroads? (03:33) Growing up around the business (07:10) How Backroads survived COVID (11:32) When chaos becomes the best teacher (13:53) The reality of being a working mom (19:05) Going back to work after postpartum (22:19) Lessons learned from dealing with crises (25:53) The one rule for working with family (27:41) Women's adventures at Backroads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Moms on Call Podcast, Jennifer and Laura are joined by Joanne Schneider, Chief Experience Officer at Oula and Co-Founder of Kindbody. She shares her journey in women's health, discussing her experiences as a mother and her professional endeavors in creating Kindbody and Oula. The discussion emphasizes the need for personalized pregnancy care, the importance of sleep and routines, and the significance of postpartum support. Joanne highlights the value of family traditions and being present as a parent, while also addressing the innovative approaches in healthcare that prioritize patient autonomy and respect. Follow Joanne on Instagram at @joanne_schneider or on her Substack A Little Woo. Learn more about Oula at oulahealth.com or Kindbody at kindbody.com For 55% off your order + FREE shipping, head to NurtureLife.com/MOMSONCALL and use code MOMSONCALL.
In this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman welcomes Squire Servance, the founder of the life sciences investment firm Syridex Bio, to discuss how his career in law and life sciences, combined with the health equity issues highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired him to start his firm and consider public service.Lloyd leans in to that calling to public service and chats with Squire about his exploratory campaign for the U.S. Congress in New Jersey's 12th congressional district and the top issues that currently face his district – including affordability, healthcare access, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Experience Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I.
This week on The Modern Customer Podcast, Sven Gierlinger breaks down what CX leadership really looks like at scale. As SVP and Chief Experience Officer at Northwell Health, Sven leads experience across one of the largest health systems in the country—bringing hospitality principles, cultural leadership, and practical technology into healthcare.
In this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman welcomes David Eapen and Sarina Aghazadeh-Alavi, two Buchanan attorneys, to discuss their involvement as board members of the South Asian Bar Association of Philadelphia (SABA-Philly).Lloyd chats with David and Sarina about the history of SABA-Philly, their personal journeys with the organization, and the current leadership's focus on revitalizing the organization post-pandemic by rebuilding the pipeline of young lawyers and increasing membership engagement through valuable programming. The conversation also touched on the importance of intentional inclusivity to represent the diverse cultures within the South Asian diaspora and the trend of increased engagement from members and allies despite a broader societal backlash against diversity initiatives. Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Experience Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I.
It's important for us here at Nordstrom to keep a laser focus on customer service and what it means for us. But we all live in the real world, and sometimes it's helpful to open the aperture and look outside of your own business to see what else is going on out there, because there are things to be learned! In this episode Pete shares his own personal experience as a customer at a place called Discount Tire. He was so pleased by the whole encounter that he asked Tom Williams, their Chief Experience Officer, to come on the show to discuss the culture that they've built that inspires loyalty in their brand for customers and employees alike. After that, stick around as we bring it back to Nordstrom and share an incredible story from a new customer of ours by the name of Rebecca Allen. You'll also hear from a couple of our amazing folks at the Keystone store in Indianapolis, Indiana, who helped Rebecca out of her desperate situation. Thanks for tuning in to episode 98. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.