Podcasts about Customer service

Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! If you're passionate about creating natural, beautiful smiles—but want to simplify your workflow without sacrificing aesthetics—this is for you. I'm honored to be part of Ivoclar's development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, IPS e.max Ceram Art. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing. Let's continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time. Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and hyperDENT from FOLLOW-ME! Technology was everywhere. Booth after booth, people were talking milling strategies, templates, and workflows. It felt like a full-on CAM takeover. Their Milling Roadmap scavenger hunt had attendees bouncing between Axsys, Imagine, D.O.F., and Roland collecting stamps like responsible adults… Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter. That's what we love about the FOLLOW-ME! team — world-class CAM engineers talking microns and validation protocols one minute, then ripping around Lab Day the next. Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves. Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower. Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026* Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 https://members.dlat.org/ exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 https://exocad.com/insights-2026 This week we finally get Jay Collins to stop dodging Elvis long enough to sit down and share one of the wildest journeys in dental lab history. From a family split between union steamfitters and dental technicians in Philadelphia to surviving “The Great Brotherly Lab War,” Jay's story is packed with grit, loyalty, and a whole lot of Irish Catholic chaos. What started with an uncle drafted into dental technology during Vietnam eventually turned into a multi-generation lab legacy—and Jay swearing he'd never get into teeth… only to build a powerhouse anyway. After the 2008 crash wiped out his construction business, Jay bet everything on selling outsourced restorations door-to-door, sleeping in his car, showering at the gym, and cold-calling hundreds of offices a week. What followed was the development of his unapologetically bold, psychologically savvy sales approach—what he calls being “aggressively calm.” From pushing doctors to “no,” to matching their energy toe-to-toe, to walking into offices as “the lab” and walking out with cases in hand, Jay breaks down the mindset shift most lab owners desperately need: sales isn't optional, and it definitely isn't accidental. Now leading multiple lab locations under the brilliantly simple name thedentallab.net, Jay shares hard truths about growth, mergers, firing abusive clients, and why cutting your sales department in tough times is the worst move you can make. If you've ever struggled with prospecting, scaling, or standing your ground with doctors, this episode is packed with practical strategies, hilarious role-playing, and a reminder that confidence—backed by accountability—wins every time. At Canadian Dental Labs, Icortica has become a cornerstone of how we operate—giving us at-a-glance visibility into performance, helping us focus our efforts, spot opportunities early, and solve problems before they grow. It takes the guesswork out of decision-making and shows us what to do next. Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success. If you're serious about growing your business and understanding your customers better, Icortica can get you there. Learn more at icortica.com/voices — Icortica, helping dental labs grow. Join us at exocad Insights 2026, happening April 30–May 1, 2026, on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. This two-day event features powerhouse keynotes, hands-on workshops, live software demos, and top-tier industry showcases—all in one unforgettable setting. Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don't miss the Women in Dentistry Lunch, celebrating career growth, wellbeing, and the real stories shaping our profession. And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars. Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off.Special Guest: Jay Collins.

Abby Connect's CEO, Nathan Strum, reveals what separates successful AI implementations from failures: hybrid models that leverage both technology and human expertise. Their three-tier approach—human-only, AI-only, and hybrid service—addresses different customer needs. AI excels at routine inquiries and complex scheduling that would require extensive human training. Humans handle nuanced situations requiring empathy and creative problem-solving.

I stopped into a Shell station tonight to grab a couple things. Quick in and out. That was the plan. Instead I walked into one of those forced self checkout setups. No regular checkout. No cashier. Just this open area with cameras hanging over it where you're supposed to set your stuff down and trust that some mystery system scans every barcode at once. It is not a normal self checkout with a screen and a scanner you control. It's just awkward. Confusing. And honestly a little uncomfortable. I asked the person behind the counter if I had to use it. She said no, she could check me out “over there,” pointing at the regular register. The same register that was blocked off and covered in signs telling everyone to use the self checkout. So clearly that was not the plan. She was visibly irritated that I even asked. She rang me up manually. Didn't ask if I needed a bag. I had four items that were not exactly pocket sized. Didn't offer a receipt. The whole interaction felt like I was a problem for simply wanting to pay for what I was buying. What happened to basic customer service? Nobody asks if you need a bag anymore. They just assume you don't. You get side eyed if you want to use cash. And more and more, it feels like asking someone to do the core function of their job is some massive inconvenience. I work in customer service every day. Different space. Software, podcast hosting, support tickets, real technical problems. But the principle is the same. When someone asks for help, especially something completely reasonable and within scope, you help them. You do not act annoyed. You do not make them feel like they are in the way. And you definitely do not expect applause (A Tip) for doing the bare minimum.

Horst Schulze explains why great service is about making people feel seen, heard, and valued. From fixing mistakes the right way to building a culture of empathy and ownership, he breaks down the standards leaders must set to earn lifelong customer loyalty.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor's ENTIRE podcast run. This week, we showcase customer service. How are you treating your money-makers? Are you doing everything you can to ensure customers have the best experience working with you… hiring the best people, staying in touch throughout a project, and following up to make certain they are satisfied? If you aren't taking care to deliver top notch customer service, you can kiss repeat and referral business goodbye, not to mention the glowing reviews that move the needle for prospects considering you for future remodels, windows, or roofs.

Customer service is one of the industries most impacted by AI — but what if AI alone isn't the answer?In this episode of The Neuron Podcast, Grant Harvey and Corey Noles sit down with Matt Price, Founder & CEO of Crescendo, to explore how AI and humans working together can outperform automation alone. After spending 13+ years at Zendesk, Matt is now building an AI-native customer experience platform that automates up to 90% of tickets with 99.8% accuracy — without sacrificing empathy, trust, or outcomes.We cover: • Why LLMs are the biggest shift in customer service since the telephone • Why bolting AI onto old CX workflows fails • How Crescendo's multimodal AI can chat, talk, see images, and control devices in one conversation • Real-world examples (like smart sprinkler troubleshooting via voice + vision + APIs) • Why Crescendo combines AI agents with forward-deployed human experts • How outcome-based pricing aligns incentives around real customer satisfaction • How AI is reshaping (not eliminating) customer service jobs • Why “deflection” is the wrong mindset for CX — and what replaces it • What customer support roles look like in an AI-native futureThis is a deep dive into the next generation of customer experience, where AI handles scale and speed — and humans deliver judgment, empathy, and innovation.Subscribe for weekly conversations with the builders shaping the future of AI and work.Subscribe to The Neuron newsletter for more interviews with the leaders shaping the future of work and AI: https://theneuron.ai

Who doesn't love a good Comcast rant? My wife and I moved over the holidays – but this story starts way before that.  We couldn't do Fiber internet in our old house for technical reasons, so we reluctantly switched over to Comcast and Xfinity.  At the time, we were both working from home – and we BLEW through the data limits for their residential service. I figured it was all of these live podcast recordings, uploads, and downloads. Turns out, it was her being on Microsoft Teams calls all day. At any rate, we had to upgrade to a Comcast Business account.  Fine. In December, we were fortunate in that we had a couple weeks of overlap, where we were still in the old house, but transitioning into the new house.  So I called Comcast, and explained I needed the service in BOTH locations.  The sales rep seemed OK with that, but told me to contact him as soon as the new service was installed, so he could try and keep up all my discounts, which were unusually high, in his estimation.  I emphasized, DO NOT TURN OFF SERVICE to the old house when the new house is turned on. Cut to December 18th – my birthday, no less. I spent the entire afternoon at the new house, waiting for the install. The older gentleman tested the line and told me the connection wasn't great. So he climbed the utility pole in our new neighbors' yard, and ran a coax line across the top of their fence, and ours, into our house. Turns out, our electricity line is underground here – great for a storm – bad when the cable company has to, by law, follow that line. So they opened a ticket to have someone come out and bury the line once the ground thawed. Meanwhile, there's a giant red coax cable strung across our neighbors' yard (fortunately they are super nice), and ours.  Cable comes on, and my wife calls from the old house – sure enough, they turned the service off, over there. What followed was 15 minutes of me cussing out an automated system at Comcast, because it was after hours.  Finally, I get a human being, overseas, who tells me to unplug it and reset it.  I explain, no, it's not a technical issue – it's a YOU issue.  “Oh I'm sorry, you'll have to call back after 7am.”  Uh, no. This may be a first world problem, but I have too much stuff in my house that relies on the internet to have it off overnight due to your incompetence.  I said it a little nicer than that.  Miraculously, they turned it back on. First bill comes – for FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS. This includes the install (fine), and two months of service – at $50 per month more than I'd paid all last year.  That's the straw that broke the camel's back. I called AT&T about fiber. They came in at $80 per month cheaper, no data limits, and excellent customer service. Not to mention they are symmetrical – their upload speed matches their download speed.  I'm doing more video for my podcast clients – and an hour podcast, at 1080p resolution can be around 6 Gigabites. To upload a file of that size would take an hour on Comcast.  With AT&T, it's usually a few minutes. SOLD. So I cancel Comcast. But in the interest of being a good neighbor, I need to get the cable removed from their yard and ours.  Dead end, after dead end on phone, and chat. I'm pretty sure, Comcast having the monopoly that they do – the system is designed to get you frustrated and just give up. But then my good friend Diane entered the picture. She told me there's a REDDIT thread for Comcast support. And she suspects the agents that are too good for the phone and chat get “banished” there. It's some sort of secret society. Long story short – I posted about the issue. A moderator DM'ed me, and despite a few hiccups, eventually someone came and removed the line. So THAT problem was solved. That only leaves the bill. Reddit couldn't help me there because once I admitted it was a business account, they very quickly said “not it!” On January 15th when I cancelled the service, they had the audacity to tell me I was past my 30 day cancellation window. I told them no, I spent my BIRTHDAY on the 18th waiting around for your installer.  So they processed the cancellation.  Look, I'm a reasonable person. I don't expect a refund for the installation, nor do I expect to get my money back for the first month of service that I used. But I damn well better get my money back for the second month of service that was NOT used.  They told me to wait until the February 14th bill to see the refund. I got the Feb 14th bill – and have a credit OF…18 dollars and 18 cents.  Still no refund for month 2.  So I tried the chat – oh you have to call our retention department – which sounds like AI but I think is a person.  After 30 minutes on the phone, I come to find out – they are insisting I'm was out of my 30 day window on the cancellation because even though the install was on the 18th, the CONTRACT started on the 15th. They waived my cancellation fee as a COURTESY. How nice. As for the refund on the second month of service – when I went back over the fine print of the cancellation document I signed – it said the cancellation will take 30 DAYS to process and I'm responsible for those charges. You win, Comcast.  I'm tapping out.  When you own your own business, you have to think about what your time is worth. And even though I wanted to die on this hill, I can't spend any more time fighting for $150.  But I sure can post this rant on the internet and hope a bunch of people see it.  It's the equivalent of the strongly worded letters my parents taught me to write in the 80s. I will say though – if you are stuck in Comcast or Xfinity automation hell – try Reddit. You might find a diamond in the rough. And a note for podcasters – fish where the fish are. Leave no stone unturned for where your audience might be hanging out on the internet. Next on my to do list – trying to get money back from Verizon. They charged me for an ipad I traded in – for 14 months after I no longer had the device. Wish me luck.  Find jag on social media @JAGPodcastProductions or online at JAGPodcastProductions.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

He Went From $0 to $8,100 a Month In 90 Days Using Only AIIn episode 146 of The Side Hustle Experiment Podcast  John (https://www.instagram.com/sidehustleexperiment/ ) and Drew catch up on their recent business activities, discussing their successes and challenges. They delve into the impact of AI on marketing strategies, pricing adjustments, and the importance of data analysis for optimizing ad performance. The conversation also touches on influencer marketing, personal experiences with AI tools, and the role of technology in health and fitness. They conclude with reflections on the future of AI in business and the necessity of maintaining a unique perspective in content creation.Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell so you don't miss future episodes with top entrepreneurs and creators.Chapters00:00 Profitable Days and Revenue Growth03:04 Pricing Strategies and Upselling Techniques05:46 Ad Performance and Conversion Rates08:53 Data-Driven Decision Making11:27 AI Tools and Their Applications14:37 Building Custom Software Solutions17:21 Efficiency in Marketing and Sales20:07 Leveraging AI for Content Creation23:08 Coding and Automation in Business25:53 Innovative Ideas and Future Plans31:58 Optimizing Conversations with AI32:58 Leveraging YouTube for Product Development34:29 Creating Engaging Products from Existing Content35:57 The Future of Work and AI Integration37:21 AI in Customer Service and White Collar Jobs39:07 AI's Role in Health and Wellness41:25 Trusting AI for Medical Insights43:58 The Limitations of AI in Creativity46:32 Using AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch49:15 The Importance of Unique Perspectives51:32 AI's Role in Personal Growth and Reflection54:50 Finding Balance in Lifestyle Choices#makemoneyonline #sidehustleexperimentpodcast #sidehustles Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustleexperimentpodcast/ Listen on your favorite podcast platformYoutube: https://bit.ly/3HHklFOSpotify: https://spoti.fi/48RRKcPApple: https://apple.co/4bmaFOk Check out Drew's StuffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realdrewdTwitter: https://twitter.com/DrewFBACheck out John's StuffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustleexperiment/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SideHustleExp FREE ResourcesFREE Guide: How to Make Money Reviewing Products https://bit.ly/3HIGFSP

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the flagship hotel of Walt Disney World, and one of the premiere resorts among Disney owned hotels. Nearing its 40th year of operation in 2028, and having been through a number of major remodeling changes, how does this signature property compare? I've invited former Disney resort leader, Vance Morris, to spend some time with me on site where we look at the many offerings of this unique hotel, so proximate to Magic Kingdom. We take the time to consider the performance and challenges of its Cast, its grand Victorian setting, the processes which support a Disney-owned resort operation, as well as its many services and amenities. Is it worth the price? Let's discuss as we provide you an operational review of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. ____________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available!  Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You.  Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I've worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena.  Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

Hey CX Nation,In this CXWeekly Update episode #277 we walk through ideas, goals & CTAs the team at CXC has been focused on, not only internally but from the learnings we're being exposed to from clients & strategic partners on a regular basis. In this episode we walk through a few emerging trends around how AI is impacting the future of Sales, CX, Customer Success & Support + the future of work. Thanks to our friends at GoTo, Intercom & TriNet for supplying some amazing market reports that fuel this week's episodes. They collectively went out & interviewed & surveyed thousands of business leaders from across the world to see where they are in their AI foundation building efforts. Click here for GoTo Pulse of Work Report 2025Click here for Intercom Customer Service Transformation Report 2026Click here for Tri-Net State of Workplace Report 2025Don't worry we have a ton of amazing brand new guest interviews & episodes coming down the pipeline.We're also working on new forms & mediums of customer focused business content -- including my 2nd book "Make Happiness A Habit" that we are launching in the New Year. We've also been building a few new podcasts behind the scenes to take all that we've learned with CXCP & start finding other podcast areas ripe for more content. A big part of CXC's mission is to continue creating valuable customer & employee focused business leader content, including CXWeekly updates like this that are digestible, actionable & most importantly entertaining. The CXChronicles Podcast is approaching a huge milestone in the upcoming months that most podcasts will never achieve. We closing in on 300+ episodes of customer focused business content from incredible Founders & Executives from all over the world. CXC is partnered with several leading software & technology providers including Hubspot, Intercom, Freshworks, & several others who might be the difference in your CX/EX performance moving forward. We provide our clients with audits, assessments & scorecards and we provide custom CTAs centered around your content engine to drive CX/EX health, utilization & health performance for our partner solutions (Hubspot, Intercom, Freshworks), & on-demand managed services (partner led implementation, utilization performance & training for several of our partner solutions).If you enjoy The CXChronicles Podcast, stop by your favorite podcast player and leave us a review today.You know what would be even better?Go tell one of your friends or teammates about CXC's content, CX/CS/RevOps services, our customer & employee focused community & invite them to join the CX Nation!For you non-readers, go check out the CXChronicles Youtube channel to see our customer & employee focused video content & short-reel CTAs to improve your CX/CS/RevOps performance today (politely go smash that subscribe button).Contact us anytime to learn more about CXC at INFO@cxchronicles.com and ask us about how we can help your business & team make customer happiness a habit now!Reach Out To CXC Today!Support the showContact CXChronicles Today Tweet us @cxchronicles Check out our Instagram @cxchronicles Click here to checkout the CXC website Email us at info@cxchronicles.com Remember To Make Happiness A Habit!!

Ron experiences the pinnacle of horrible customer service and it will only get much worse.

Let's go 2026!!!! This Enterprise series is huge. Loved recording this one with real leaders who are using GenAI and leveraging right Data. Everyone is talking about GenAI in customer service. Very few are talking about what actually works in production. Next week, we are going live with a real, honest conversation on how enterprises are using GenAI with customer data to transform customer service.This is not about theory.This is not about shiny demos.We will talk about:- What GenAI chatbots and virtual agents are actually doing in production- Why most pilots fail when they hit real enterprise data- The kinds of customer questions that create the most value- How teams think about security, privacy, real-time access, and scaleThe business impact leaders really care about like resolution time, agent efficiency, and customer satisfactionJoining me are Ronen Schwartz and Miguel Navarro, who are working hands-on with these challenges inside large financial institutions.If you are building GenAI for customer-facing use cases, or planning to, this session will help you avoid costly mistakes and focus on what actually matters.Customer service is being redefined.But only for teams that get data right.#data #ai #genai #agents #governance #dataquality #k2view #theravitshow

As companies adopt AI to increase efficiency, they often implement technology before fully understanding their business processes. That blind spot creates tension between IT and customer-facing teams, weakens service quality, and limits profitable growth. In this episode of Doing CX Right®, Stacy Sherman examines this issue through a customer experience lens, sharing her expert perspective on why operational clarity must come before automation. She talks with Eric Skeens, CEO of Three Tree Tech, about how one company increased revenue by $1M using AI strategically, without adding headcount and while keeping service personal. You'll learn how to identify the right moments for AI integration and protect customer data while leveraging it for growth. Get actionable strategies for companies with limited budgets, plus crucial insights on bridging the gap between IT and CX teams. Learn more at DoingCXRight.com. Book time with Stacy through this link.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm CT…  When I'm not busy being Arroe the podcaster, I live in the real world.  Everybody has to have a job.  Mine is C.S.  Customer Service.  Solutions, relationships while keeping my team motivated to keep a constant connection with each guest who's chosen to stop their day to visit our location.  Episode 213 EBT has officially run out, 40 minutes late plus a day in the life of an Arroe. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

I'm CT…  When I'm not busy being Arroe the podcaster, I live in the real world.  Everybody has to have a job.  Mine is C.S.  Customer Service.  Solutions, relationships while keeping my team motivated to keep a constant connection with each guest who's chosen to stop their day to visit our location.  Episode 213 EBT has officially run out, 40 minutes late plus a day in the life of an Arroe. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

Pool Pros text questions hereIn this episode of Mondays Down Under, Lee and Shane discuss various aspects of running a business in the pool service industry, focusing on the importance of SEO, the evolving role of AI, and strategies for maximizing online presence. They share insights on how to effectively use social media marketing, the significance of customer reviews, and the potential of AI in streamlining business operations. The conversation also touches on the balance between AI and human interaction, emphasizing the need for personal connections in customer service.takeawaysAI is evolving, and businesses must adapt to stay relevant.SEO is not outdated, but it is changing with technology.Google prioritizes active businesses with updated information.Social media marketing can be scheduled and automated.AI can assist in customer support and troubleshooting.Creating processes can help streamline business operations.Investing time in AI can yield long-term benefits.Personal connections in business are still crucial.Virtual assistants can help manage workloads effectively.AI can enhance customer interactions without replacing human touch.Sound Bites"AI can help lighten your load.""AI can be extremely helpful.""You can create your AI clone."Chapters00:00Introduction and Super Bowl Talk03:27Business Warrant of Fitness and SEO Discussion05:56The Evolution of SEO and AI Integration08:42AI's Role in Business Marketing and Scheduling11:49AI in Customer Service and Technical Support17:37Creating AI Clones and Their Applications22:58The Future of AI in Business Operations BufferZoneBufferZone has been created by a frustrated pool maintenance companyDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Jeannette Hartwig is a one-person comms team - but that didn't stop her from leading a customer service refresh across her district.You'll love the simple, eye-opening tactic she used to uncover real customer service gaps.She created a go-to resource for staff that's still making a difference - find out what's in it!Plus, Jeannette's using a few clever AI tools to better serve families... and they're not as complicated as you might think.SPECIAL GUESTJeannette HartwigPublic Information Office & WebmasterNorth Plainfield School District, New JerseyEmail: jeannette_hartwig@nplainfield.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannette-hartwig/ Website: https://www.nplainfield.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northplainfieldschools/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northplainfieldschools/ USEFUL INFORMATIONJeannette's customer service presentation & tip sheetLive AI translation, captions, transcripts & more with Wordly.aiOrder your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/MORE RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com

Welcome to the Strength Connection!Cori Lefkowith is the founder of Redefining Strength, beginning as a brick and mortar gym in Costa Mesa, California, that has grown into a global online coaching program… helping thousands of women reclaim their confidence and strength.In this conversation, Cori discusses her journey from tennis to becoming a fitness coach and the founder of Redefining Strength. We explore the importance of community, mindset, and the act-as-if framework in achieving personal growth and success. Cori shares her experiences with identity shifts, the evolution of coaching, and the significance of feedback in the learning process. The discussion emphasizes the need for action, the value of small steps, and the importance of seeking support in one's fitness journey.Check out more from Cori at:https://redefiningstrength.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/redefiningstrength/?hl=enChapters00:00 Cori Lefkowith's Journey into Fitness02:44 The Evolution of Redefining Strength06:01 Acting As If: A Framework for Success08:52 The Importance of Customer Service in Fitness11:47 Building a Community and Online Presence14:34 Identity Shifts and Goal Setting17:33 Mindset and Habit Formation23:33 The Journey of Habits and Transformation27:07 Embracing Discomfort and the All-or-Nothing Mentality30:25 The Emotional Weight of Failure32:58 The Power of Daily Wins and Positive Feedback37:03 The Importance of Coaching and Community39:23 Evolving Coaching Approaches and Mindset43:53 From Tactics to Holistic Coaching

Horst Schulze explains how winning the Malcolm Baldrige Award twice shaped Ritz-Carlton's culture and why first impressions define customer loyalty. From Steve Jobs studying their retail model to the science behind “first contact,” this clip reveals elite service standards that drive lasting success.

Conway opens with a frustrating nightmare: problems with the new electric Dodge muscle car — the trunk won’t reliably open, the steering wheel vibrates over 30 mph, and customer service/dealership support has been a mess. Riverside is stepping up enforcement to catch carpool lane cheaters — and the big headline is that 3+ occupants is becoming the new HOV standard in some areas. Pokémon card shops across Southern California are seeing a spike in thefts as demand (and resale value) for collectibles keeps rising. And to wrap it up, Mark gets a batch of listener talkbacks — with surprisingly solid tips and suggestions to troubleshoot the car issues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I start off talking about those Black queer dating show spinoffs and why being unique is a must. Then, I get into my weekend in Atlanta—yes, it was a vibe—until I had a less-than-cute experience at the Morehouse bookstore. We end the show on that note—because even the best weekends have a little drama.—Don't forget to subscribe, like, and give me my 10s in the comments!X: @LNwithSylvesterEmail: LateNightwithSylvester@gmail.comIntro Audio IG: @perfectprophetMusic: Summer Walker - Playing Games (Leonce Remix)*I do not own the rights to this music.

I truly believe it's all in how you handle it.

They laugh, they swap stories, they reminisce on the good ole indie days. In Episode 148 of Funny in Theory, Josh and Sierra are joined by one of the first hires of the St. Paul Saints, Annie Huidekoper. Annie, Former Vice President of Community Partnerships & Customer Service, shares stories about her friends Darryl Strawberry, Mike Veeck, Bill Murray, and many more of our favorite people. The Saints wouldn't be where they are without Annie.  Tune in to hear hilarious behind the scenes stories. And as always, thanks for tuning in to Funny in Theory! Be sure to follow us on social media @funnyintheory. What do you want to hear on the podcast? Send us a text!

Season four of The Money Lap kicks off with Parker, Landon, and Josh diving into NASCAR's new Chase format, Daytona 500 qualifying drama, and the challenges of social media visibility for motorsports. They debate the impact of algorithm-driven content, discuss major contract news, and preview the season's biggest storylines—including free agency and new technical rules in F1. Leave us a voicemail! https://moneylap.com Or email us! friends@themoneylap.com Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 04:46 - Social Media Algorithms & NASCAR Visibility 11:29 - End-of-Season Burnout & Offseason Vibes 13:04 - Viral Tweets & Social Media Breaks 16:01 - Travel Mishaps & Customer Service 19:08 - Offseason Recap & Daytona 500 Qualifying 21:00 - Daytona 500 Qualifying Format Gripe 22:32 - Unrestricted Qualifying Dream & Team Finances 26:11 - Daytona 500 Open Field & Qualifying Spots 30:12 - Jimmie Johnson's Provisional & Purse Discussion 33:33 - Carson Hocevar's Long-Term Contract 35:07 - NASCAR Chase Format Returns 42:00 - Crown Jewel Races & Playoff Implications 43:52 - Early Season Wins & Consistency 46:02 - Rivalries & Points System Impact 51:36 - 2026 Free Agency Bonanza 52:56 - Kyle Busch's Value & Potential Moves 56:29 - Spire's Strategy & Team Building 58:14 - NASCAR O'Reilly Series Growth & Alliances 1:01:04 - Midfield Investment & Series Health 1:02:55 - Formula 1: Ferrari Fandom & Hamilton Rumors 1:04:15 - F1 2026 Regulations & Red Bull Speed 1:05:13 - Car Size Changes & F1 Visuals 1:06:58 - Mercedes Engine Controversy 1:08:03 - Cadillac's F1 Debut & Livery Critique 1:10:07 - Active Aero & X-Mode in F1 1:11:22 - F1 Testing Results & IndyCar DC Race 1:12:30 - NASCAR vs. IndyCar Street Races 1:13:32 - Jenson Button Retirement & St. Pete Truck Race 1:14:12 - Hosts' 2026 Championship & Daytona Picks 1:18:14 - Outro (Timestamps are a rough timing and may require a little scrubbing to find the start of the topic) The Money Lap is the ultimate motorsport show (not a podcast) with Parker Kligerman and Landon Cassill professional racecar drivers and hilarious hosts taking you through the world of motorsports. Covering NASCAR, F1, Indycar, and more, they'll provide the scoop, gossip, laughs, and stories from the racing biz. With over 2400 unique products currently in stock, Spoiler Diecast boasts one of the largest inventories in the industry. We are NASCAR focused, offering a wide range of diecast and apparel options. But that's not all. We've expanded our catalog to include diecast for dirt/sprint cars, Indycar, and F1. As passionate racing fans ourselves, we're constantly growing our offerings to cater to different forms of racing. Use promo code "moneylap" for free shipping for orders over $20. https://www.spoilerdiecast.com/ Copyright 2026, Pixel Racing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Joined this week by the one and only Chris Watson.  It was an interesting conversation for sure! We dove deep into transferring knowledge, not just skills. The big question: Are we really doing enough for the next generation of firefighters? Mentoring and how much he learned from his mentors and how that impacted him to pass it on. Chris is also passionate about sharing knowledge beyond the firehouse, especially with the public - and  why fostering relationships with all stakeholders matters more than ever. He brings a unique perspective on how small, seemingly minor interactions can compound over time into massive wins for any organization. And of course, as always, the audience questions drove the Scrap! Pull up. Let's scrap.

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM  Amelia Hernandez Osorio explores practical ways organisations can build lasting Copilot habits, strengthen internal communities and drive effective AI adoption. Amelia shares her journey through web technologies, SharePoint, cloud transformation and Microsoft 365 adoption, offering guidance on behaviour change, team enablement and identifying meaningful Copilot use cases that improve daily work. 

Running a bar isn't just about controlling costs, it's about leading people.In our latest episode with Dave Nitzel and Dave Domzalski, we unpack their new book, A Tale of Two Taverns, and the deeper lesson behind it.Through the story of two competing bar owners, they reveal why traditional corporate logic often fails in hospitality, and how culture, incentives, and leadership directly impact your bottom line.One owner focuses on spreadsheets.The other focuses on people.The difference? Profit becomes an outcome, not the goal.The lesson here? If you're still treating your bar like a transaction, you're missing the real driver of growth.

Agentic artificial intelligence promises to fundamentally change the way enterprises operate. Intelligent systems that automate and execute tasks on humans'...

It's hard for even the most devout Disney Apologist to forgive what was the original Disney's California Adventure. With a troubled budget from the start, and perhaps the wrong theme for millions of people already living in California, this failed on so many levels when it came out the gate. It certainly didn't help that it was being built across arguably the greatest park ever built. And yet in the shadows of Disneyland, there is really something magical about Disney California Adventure and with time and investment, it has come around to being the 5th most popular theme park in North America, behind Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, Epcot & Disney's Hollywood Studios, and yet ahead of Disney's Animal Kingdom, and every Universal Busch Gardens, Sea World and Six Flags park in the country. It's been a long 25 years, but with big new attractions coming, Disney California Adventure stands to compete in big ways moving forward. Join us as we celebrate Disney California Adventure! _____________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available!  Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You.  Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. ________________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I've worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena.  Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

I'm CT…  When I'm not busy being Arroe the podcaster, I live in the real world.  Everybody has to have a job.  Mine is C.S.  Customer Service.  Solutions, relationships while keeping my team motivated to keep a constant connection with each guest who's chosen to stop their day to visit our location.  Episode 212 blah blah blah be blah ba blah bla beep.  Have you ever noticed how noisy a grocery store is?  Its like watching an episode of Charlie Brown.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

What if the fastest answer isn't the right one? We unpack the tension between speed and resolution in customer experience, exploring why AI bots can erode trust when they chase efficiency instead of fixing the real problem. With guest co-host Jennie Lewis of Airship, we dig into pragmatic ways to use AI as an amplifier for empathy.We also step into hospitality, where automation has raced ahead with mobile keys, kiosks, and virtual front desks. Convenience is great—until an empty lobby at midnight changes how safe a guest feels. From solo travel realities to on-the-ground service design, we discuss how to widen the journey map beyond “check-in to room” and include the edge cases that define trust.Then we tackle dynamic pricing. There's a world of difference between rewarding loyalty and playing whack-a-mole with rates. We call out practices that feel predatory, highlight proactive offers that build goodwill, and suggest clear guardrails that prevent sticker shock.If you care about CX that feels human and scales gracefully, this conversation will sharpen your playbook. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review.About Jennie Lewis:Sr Manager, Customer Insights at AirshipJennie Lewis is a value-focused researcher who transforms complex data into revenue-driving narratives. An expert in quantifying CX ROI, she began as a self-taught coder automating emails for GM before leading agency teams that supported iconic brands like Marriott, Chase, and Marvel. She bridges the gap between technical data and business strategy, managing a portfolio of research results that achieve increased influenced revenue. Certified by Northwestern, eCornell, and Google, Jennie is a recognized thought leader and mentor dedicated to proving that great customer experience is a measurable driver of growth.Follow Jennie on...LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-lewis/Articles Mentioned:- Customer service AI bots not ready for prime time, survey suggests (Consumer Affairs)- Ireckonu- 2025 year in review: What had happenend in the hospitality technology industry? (Breaking Travel News)- Asda's unhappy shoppers give boss food for thought (The Times)Resources Mentioned:Women In CX CommunityOrder your copy of Experience Is EverythingExperience Investigators WebsiteWant to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie on LinkedIn! www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniewalters/)

I'm CT…  When I'm not busy being Arroe the podcaster, I live in the real world.  Everybody has to have a job.  Mine is C.S.  Customer Service.  Solutions, relationships while keeping my team motivated to keep a constant connection with each guest who's chosen to stop their day to visit our location.  Episode 212 blah blah blah be blah ba blah bla beep.  Have you ever noticed how noisy a grocery store is?  Its like watching an episode of Charlie Brown.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

Ariel Cohen is the Co-Founder and CEO of Navan (formerly TripActions), an AI-powered travel and expense platform. Last month, Ariel took the company public, since being a public company, they have faced a torrid time seeing stock price decline by 50%. The company is currently valued between $4BN-$5BN.  AGENDA: 0:00 The Truth About Going Public After 11 Years 5:50 Why We Couldn't Wait: The Real Reason for the IPO 8:15 Disrupting the Giants: Amex, Concur, and the $1T Opportunity 11:50 "If We Don't Build This, We're Dead": Seeing ChatGPT Early 18:35 Why Navan Built Their Own Customer Service AI  23:45 Why Infrastructure is Overrated (and What Actually Matters) 28:55 Vibe Coding: How We Rebuilt Our Product in 6 Hours 34:55 Are Any Public Company CEOs Actually Happy? 38:50 Lessons from Robinhood: Energy, Ethics, and the Stock Price 45:10 The Cost of Success: $1B Mistakes and Parenting Regrets  

ABOUT JOE BAER:Joe's LinkedIn profile: linkedin.com/in/joe-baer-4479385Websites:zengenius.com visual911.com Email: jbaer@zengenius.comBIO:Joe is the Co-Founder, Creative Director, and CEO of ZenGenius, Inc., an experiential design firm specializing in visual merchandising and event design. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Joe brings over three decades of mastery in innovative leadership and creative direction to the design, visual merchandising and special events industries. He has extensive knowledge of the customer journey from working in stores for decades and is a seasoned public speaker who has traveled the world to inspire and educate others through the art of visual merchandising, design and special events.Additionally, Joe has contributed his retail know-how to multiple publications, authored The Art of Visual Merchandising: Short North, and created one of my favorite events in the retail industry the Iron Merchant Challenge, a popular interactive visual merchandising competition held annually at the International Retail Design Conference. Joe's passion for the world of design is evident in his role as President of the PAVE Global leadership board - a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation with the mission to support, connect, and inspire the next generation of professionals in the retail design, visual merchandising, and consumer environments industry. He also holds Advisory Board roles at Columbus College of Art and Design and VMSD Magazine. SHOW INTROWelcome to Episode 85! of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast…In every episode we follow our catch phrase of having “Dynamic Dialogues About DATA: Design, Architecture, Technology and the Arts.” And as we continue on this journey, we'll have guests that are thought provoking futurists, AI technology mavens, retailers, international hotel design executives as well as designers and architects of brand experience places.We'll talk with authors and people focused on wellness and sustainable design practices as well as neuroscientists who will continue to help us look at the built environment and the connections between our mind-body and the built world around us.If you like what you hear on the NXTLVL Experience Design show, make sure to subscribe, like, comment and share with colleagues, friends and family.The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is always grateful for the support of VMSD magazine.VMSD brings us, in the brand experience world, the International Retail Design Conference. I think the IRDC is one of the best retail design conferences that there is bringing together the world of retailers, brands and experience place makers every year for two days of engaging conversations and pushing us to keep on talking about what makes retailing relevant. You will find the archive of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast on VMSD.com.Thanks also goes to Shop Association the only global retail trade association dedicated to elevating the in-store experience. SHOP Association represents companies and affiliates from 25 countries and brings value to their members through research, networking, education, events and awards. Check then out on SHOPAssociation.org Today, EPISODE 85… I talk with Joe Baer of Zen Genius an experiential design firm specializing in visual merchandising and event design. Joe had spent more than 3 decades working the in the retail industry bringing visual merchandising know-how to the creation of emotionally resonant branded places. Visual merchandising is allot more than simply making things look good in a store. It's very much about 3D storytelling, sensory experiences, emotions and making places sing as Joe explains.We'll get there in a minute but... first a few thoughts…*                     *                          *                          *Monique worked in the visual merchandising departmentshe was the director there and I was the director in the interior design department our two programs ran concurrently we shared some students across our programs but we seldom actually shared lunchAnd so it was slightly strange but intriguing that she invited me to have lunch with her across the street from the college at a little Thai placeWe sat down, talked about students and then - more as a throw away - she said “they want me to go to Singapore…”And I waited for the next sentence.“But I don't really want to go to Singapore.” she said. “I'd have to leave here. I'd have to leave my son who's thinking about collage a few years and I'd really just prefer to stay in Montreal.”And then there was a silence.“Singapore?!” I said.“I don't even know where Singapore is. That's in Southeast Asia, right? ““yeah, it's like on the other side of the world.” she said.“Sounds exotic. I'd go for sure. Besides, I love Chinese food. I could eat it every day.”“Really?” she said .“Sure, why not? I'd love to go. I love the whole idea of adventure.” “Well anyway,” she said, “I don't know what they are going to do if I don't go. It's to be the Director of the visual merchandising program in an international fashion school and they've got no one else who could do it.” “No seriously, I'd go. I mean I have no idea about what you do and… I'm a guy and that means genetically I actually don't like shopping and I've only ever designed the escalator and fountain at the Eaton center. But let them know that I'd do it.”We finished lunch, climbed over the snowbank of freshly plowed snow, crossed the street to get back for afternoon classes and a few weeks later I was walking down the stairs of a plane in the stultifying humidity at Changi airport.Monday morning, I was the program Director of the Visual Merchandising Department at LaSalle International Fashion School … in Singapore… and… I had no idea what I was doing but knew my career had taken a significant and abrupt turn.The world of retail design had found me, and I never looked back for the next 20 years.Over those 20 plus years I learned from some masters in retail design and visual merchandising. I arrived in New York after a year, spent an afternoon with Gene Moore, was introduced to Peter Glenn and ended up working with Joe Weishar New Vision Studios. I spent the next four years listening to and watching Joe talk about visual merchandising practice as both art and retail strategy.For Joe Weishar visual merchandising wasn't just a display tactic but was a creative discipline that blended art, design and retail psychology. He merged visual perception and design principles and he would layout a store or a wall with the same mechanics of laying out a composition of a painting – proportions, scale, focal points. He celebrated Visual merchandising as an art form that shaped memorable experiences rather than simply placing products on the shelvesAll of those basic art principles were things that I was deeply familiar with. I had been in private art studios that my parents put me in at the age of nine because they recognized my passion for painting.I had gone to architecture school and spent the first eight years of my career doing traditional architectural projects – museums, libraries, houses, schools… that sort of thing and I taught the design same principles of scale proportion, balance, color, harmony and how you could use those things ultimately to tell a story to students in a College's interior design program in Montreal.Even in those early years of my career in the late 90s, I was learning that retail stores needed to be engaging the senses, and we should be thinking about creatively implementing textures, variations in lighting as well as sound and scent and not just focusing on what customers would experience with their eyes.I was learning that the senses were conduits for emotion and memory - that if you implemented design principles and thoughtful sensory-based visual merchandising elements correctly, that they would help to fill shopping baskets and engage customers in long-term relationships with a brand. These sorts of environments that engaged the senses would increase loyalty and invite return visits because, in the end, the store was simply a backdrop, a theater set for the full-bodied experience of a brand where main feature was the merchandise.If you thought of merchandise as elements in a composition and wrapped them in memorable display moments, it could make stores sing.This sort of thinking positioned retail as experience design rather than a purely commercial layout. The goods were a necessary part of the equation to be sure, but as I working through the foundational years of a retail design career, I saw that great retail places were more than a depository for stuff to be consumed, they had a palpable emotional resonance, they had soul. It was remarkable to me then, as a young retail architect, that we were designing with the purpose of selling…but it was more than that. Great stores fulfilled basic needs, desires and dreams. They were places for relationship building, with people as well as brands.They were story telling places that helped to message group belonging, wellbeing, connection and status. They were places where displays weren't random; they were meant to guide customers through a narrative journey. Every element was intentional, geared towards telling a brand story that invited the customer to participate in the story's unfolding.All of the effort that the designers, merchants and visual teams put into making the store wasn't just about “making it look good,” but making it work well. The design and visual strategy had to be grounded in retail metrics and customer behavior. In the end, our job as co-authors of this retail experience script was to move product.We would calculate merchandising units per square foot. We thought about how product would flow through a department from delivery to markdown and how adjacencies were critical – why groups of products were located next to what other products. We knew how many units had to sell in a department to make the financials work. There was business behind the beauty. Visual merchandising was a silent seller as author Judy Bell would say.In my early years, we didn't think too much about what happened to all the stuff after the store had aged or the season had changed. Graphics, fixtures and display items shifted along with the seasonal changes, holidays or special promotions. And a lot of it just got trashed. We began to think more deeply about the sustainability factor of our work and the impact of retail place making on our environment. It was no longer acceptable that the disposable economy would direct the design of store without any consideration for how it was eventually ending up in landfill sites. Lighting, manufacturing processes, materials, and lifecycles came under more scrutiny. These days, thinking about the sustainable nature of how we design and build stores is very much at the forefront of our thinking from the get-go.  Design firms are becoming B-Corporations whose mission is to be better stewards of our little blue dot. Along the way, teaching - both our clients as well as students in design programs - was something that never left the radar. What had been the precipitating moment - going from teacher to running a visual merchandising program at an international school in Singapore - would remain key to my professional experience. And this is where we can bring in my guest Joe Baer   into the story. Joe's story is so familiar because it is so similar. While we came to the retail world from different angles, our paths have many parallels and similarity in purpose – despite being from different orientations in the retail place-making paradigm.Joe is the Co-Founder, Creative Director, and CEO of ZenGenius, Inc., an experiential design firm specializing in visual merchandising and event design. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Joe brings over three decades of mastery in innovative leadership and creative direction to the design, visual merchandising and special events industries. He has extensive knowledge of the customer journey from working in stores for decades and is a seasoned public speaker who has traveled the world to inspire and educate others through the art of visual merchandising, design and special events.Additionally, Joe has contributed his retail know-how to multiple publications, authored The Art of Visual Merchandising: Short North, and created one of my favorite events in the retail industry the Iron Merchant Challenge, a popular interactive visual merchandising competition held annually at the International Retail Design Conference. Joe's passion for the world of design is evident in his role as President of the PAVE Global leadership board - a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation with the mission to support, connect, and inspire the next generation of professionals in the retail design, visual merchandising, and consumer environments industry. He also holds Advisory Board roles at Columbus College of Art and Design and VMSD Magazine. Joe leads with passion, purpose, pure joy and believes in celebration so I see our conversation as a celebration of Joe Baer's commitment to his retail industry involvement.ABOUT DAVID KEPRON:LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/david-kepron-9a1582bWebsites: https://www.davidkepron.com    (personal website)vmsd.com/taxonomy/term/8645  (Blog)Email: david.kepron@NXTLVLexperiencedesign.comTwitter: DavidKepronPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkepron/NXTLVL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlvl_experience_design/Bio:David Kepron the Retail Studio Principal for the architecture and design firm Little (https://www.littleonline.com). He is a multifaceted creative professional with a deep curiosity to understand ‘why', ‘what's now' and ‘what's next'. He brings together his background as an architect, artist, educator, author, podcast host and builder to the making of meaningful and empathically-focused, community-centric customer connections at brand experience places around the globe. David is a former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott's “Premium Distinctive” segment which included: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels. In 2020 Kepron founded NXTLVL Experience Design, a strategy and design consultancy, where he combines his multidisciplinary approach to the creation of relevant brand engagements with his passion for social and cultural anthropology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies. As a frequently requested international speaker at corporate events and international conferences focusing on CX, digital transformation, retail, hospitality, emerging technology, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising, hotel design and strategy as well as creativity and innovation. In his talks, David shares visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace. David currently shares his experience and insight on various industry boards including: VMSD magazine's Editorial Advisory Board, the Interactive Customer Experience Association, Sign Research Foundation's Program Committee as well as the Center For Retail Transformation at George Mason University.He has held teaching positions at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), the Department of Architecture & Interior Design of Drexel University in Philadelphia, the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (L.I.M.) in New York, the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Montreal and he served as the Director of the Visual Merchandising Department at LaSalle International Fashion School (L.I.F.S.) in Singapore.  In 2014 Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World” and he is currently working on his second book to be published soon. I caught up with Bryan at the SHOP Marketplace event in Charlotte and chatted about his focus on shaping what comes next in digital signage and experiential design. The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production is by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too.

SummaryIn this conversation, Nathan Strum, founder of Abbey Connect, discusses the evolution of his company from a human receptionist service to integrating AI technology. He emphasizes the importance of company culture, effective communication, and the challenges of growth as a business. Strum shares insights on navigating gossip in the workplace, the significance of customer service, and the future of AI in enhancing customer experiences. He also highlights the value of hiring for personality and fostering entry-level talent to build a strong workforce.TakeawaysNathan Strum founded Abbey Connect 20 years ago, starting as a human receptionist service.The company has embraced AI technology to enhance its services.Customer service and company culture are core tenets of Abbey Connect's philosophy.Gossip can be detrimental to company culture and needs to be managed carefully.Growth phases require businesses to adapt their communication and HR strategies.AI is a powerful tool but has limitations that require human oversight.The phone remains a vital communication tool for businesses.Live chat widgets may not be as effective as expected for customer engagement.Hiring for personality over skills can lead to better employee retention and growth.Balancing innovation with operational stability is crucial for business success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nathan Strum and Abbey Connect04:43 The Journey of Entrepreneurship07:42 Core Philosophies and Company Culture10:52 Navigating Growth and Challenges13:54 Integrating Technology and AI16:44 Customer Communication Trends and Insights19:52 The Future of AI in Business25:01 The Evolution of Technology and AI26:34 Fostering Growth: The Importance of Entry-Level Employees30:17 Hiring for Personality: The Human Element in AI31:36 Melding Humanity and Technology: A New Relationship33:43 Learning from AI: The Balance of Innovation and Caution35:29 Leadership Challenges: Navigating Growth and Culture38:31 Balancing Innovation Speed with Operational Stability43:43 The Future of Customer Experience with AIConnect with Nathan: Website: ⁠https://www.abby.com/Credits:Hosted by Ryan RoghaarProduced by Ryan RoghaarTheme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM  The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:bit.ly/eggstunesThe Plugs:The Show: eggscast.com@eggshow on X and InstagramOn iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOnStitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcherAlso available on Google Play Music!Mike "DJ Ontic": Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@djontic on twitterRyan Roghaar:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rogha.ar

Honolulu's Department of Customer Services is ramping up efforts to renew expiring licenses for more than 110,000 motorists; Retired cartographer Tom Patterson discusses the artistry that goes into map-making

A lumber company that's been in business since 1851 has seen it all, from economic shifts to pandemics, and its survival depends on more than just selling wood. It's about relationships, education, and adapting to change. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Chris Black, President and GM of Century Mill Lumber, to explore the remarkable history of a company that predates Canada itself. Chris shares his personal journey from selling high-end wood doors to running a lumber business with deep roots and a forward-looking vision, emphasizing how customer relationships, continuous education, and innovation have kept Century Mill thriving for over 170 years. You'll hear about the challenges and opportunities presented by COVID-19 and how the pandemic reshaped the lumber industry, the complexities of navigating the lumber supply chain from sourcing to delivery, and the evolving trends in both hardwood and softwood markets. Chris discusses the importance of investing in quality products and employee training, the role of design aesthetics in customer preferences, and how innovative materials are meeting modern application needs. This conversation dives into the significance of personal branding in an industry that's fundamentally about people, effective marketing strategies for connecting with customers in the lumber business, and why criticism and feedback are essential for growth and improvement. Chris also shares insights on building a strong team that will carry the company's legacy forward and ensure its success for generations to come. Whether you're in the lumber business, interested in customer service excellence and relationship building, or looking for lessons on navigating industry challenges while maintaining quality and values, this episode offers wisdom from a leader who understands that lumber is ultimately a people business. Tune in to discover how a company with roots in 1851 continues to innovate and lead in today's market, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more stories from industry leaders who are shaping the future of wood. Chapters: 00:00 The Legacy of Century Mill Lumber 05:45 Customer Service and COVID-19 Challenges 14:44 The Future and Investment in Quality 22:56 Market Trends and Innovation 31:19 Relationships and Personal Branding 39:12 The People Behind the Business The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger  For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io Connect with us at:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawmillsnearme/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork You can connect with Chris at: https://www.centurymill.com/ https://www.instagram.com/centurymilllumber/ https://www.facebook.com/centurymill

No Goobies!

Happy Tuesday rockaholics. Safe to say we would not survive in it.

In overviewing 2026 I said that the naming of a new CEO would be the most important milestone of the year for Disney. In truth, it may be the biggest moment of the decade. Today, February 3rd 2026, The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors announced that, in a unanimous vote held on Monday, it elected Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro to become Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. We look first at the context of that announcement, and the specifics behind it, to include the promotion of Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment into a new role. We'll see what others have to say about this, to include not only James Gorman, Chair of The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors, but Bob Iger, current CEO, and even Michael Eisner, the former CEO of the company. We'll then highlight some of the tactical challenges ahead as well as the strategic opportunities moving forward, in this, one of the most unique companies in the world. Join us as we offer Disney Insights to the appointment of the new CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Josh D'Amaro. _____________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available!  Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You.  Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. ________________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I've worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena.  Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HEREWanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HEREIn this episode, Jeff welcomes back Fluffy Mexicanik. They discuss the realities of working as a dealership technician. Fluffy shares his reasons for leaving a dealership after nearly 13 years, stressing the importance of shop culture and the challenges of flat rate. Together, they talk about how labor times are set and the impact of dealership processes on technician efficiency.Timestamps:00:00 Efficient Transmission Repair Practices15:01 Slashed Labor Times Impact Profit30:38 "Service vs. Sales Priorities"40:57 "Frustrations with Inefficient Procedures"46:50 "Incentivized Pay vs. Flat Rate"56:22 Reflecting on Expertise and Humility01:12:39 "Uconnect Reliability vs. Durango Issues"01:24:02 "Car Not Designed for Winter"01:35:36 "Chuck's Truck Troubles Explained"01:45:48 "Brake Jobs: Quality vs. Speed"01:57:02 Defending Industry Workers' Rights Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Dave talks about reaching out to customer service over a situation and Jenn CANNOT believe her ears!

We've spent years trying to make our chatbots sound more human, which is great. But what if the larger goal should have also been to make them as useful as possible while we're at it? Agility requires more than just adopting the latest technology; it demands a fundamental rethinking of customer engagement, moving from reactive responses to proactive problem-solving. Today, we're going to talk about the next evolution of AI in customer service. As more companies turn to automation to manage scale and efficiency, the real challenge isn't just implementing a chatbot; it's ensuring that technology actively solves problems and enhances the customer relationship, rather than just deflecting tickets. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Alan Ranger, VP Marketing at NiCE Cognigy. About Alan Ranger Alan Ranger is VP of Marketing at NiCE Cognigy, the global leader in enterprise AI agents. With over 30 years of experience in tech, Alan has led growth strategies at both startups and public software companies. At NiCE Cognigy, he helps organizations adopt AI that delivers real business value reducing costs while improving customer satisfaction. Prior to NiCE Cognigy, Alan led global market development at LivePerson, where he helped double revenues. He now leads NiCE Cognigy's expansion in the US and UK and works closely with clients to deploy AI that scales. Alan Ranger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aranger/ Resources NiCE Cognigy: https://www.cognigy.com Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code AGILE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/agile The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://www.thecrmc.com/ Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://advertalize.com/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

This is a must episode for clinical directors, dentists, dental assistants and hygienists. Walter Parra, VP of Marketing & Sales at Microcopy shares his thoughts: The Evolution of Single Patient Use (SPU) Products Quality and Customer Service as Differentiators Understanding the Needs of Group Practices To learn more visit https://microcopydental.com or contact Walter Parra at walter.parra@microcopydental.com 

SILVER SHATTERED $120/oz, steaming toward likely $1,188/oz post-RV!

Your company's goldmine? All those meetings and call recordings. It's the fuel that AI needs. But here's the big letdown: those call transcripts only pick up the words. Not what they mean. And the difference? Well…. That can make all the difference. But some new technology might change what's possible. Join us as we talk about it. AI Can Finally Hear What You Actually Mean. What this unlocks — An Everyday AI chat with Jordan Wilson and Modulate's Mike Pappas.Newsletter: Sign up for our free daily newsletterMore on this Episode: Episode PageJoin the discussion on LinkedIn: Thoughts on this? Join the convo on LinkedIn and connect with other AI leaders.Upcoming Episodes: Check out the upcoming Everyday AI Livestream lineupWebsite: YourEverydayAI.comEmail The Show: info@youreverydayai.comConnect with Jordan on LinkedInTopics Covered in This Episode:Modulate Velma Voice Native AI Model OverviewTone, Emotion, and Intent in Voice AIDifferentiating Text vs. True Voice UnderstandingReal-World Voice AI Use Cases in Fraud DetectionSynthetic Voice and Deepfake Detection TechniquesEnsemble Listening Model (ELM) Technology ExplainedVoice AI for Customer Service and SupportTrust, Compliance, and Observability in Voice AI AgentsCost and Scalability Challenges for Voice AIFuture Impact of Voice AI on Customer RelationshipsTimestamps:00:00 "Modulate: AI That Understands Tone"06:15 "AI Use Cases Beyond Gaming"07:13 "Detecting Abuse and Fraud"13:19 Dynamic Model Orchestration Innovation16:22 "Context-Aware AI for Conversations"17:44 "Voice AI Transforming Customer Service"22:49 AI Accountability and Compliance Challenges25:36 AI, Customers, and Brand Trust28:05 "Enhancing Communication Through AI"Keywords: Voice AI, voice native AI, voice understanding, tone detection AI, intent detection, emotional AI, prosody analysis, real-time fraud detection, synthetic voice detection, AI guardrails, deepfake detection, customer support AI, call analysis, Send Everyday AI and Jordan a text message. (We can't reply back unless you leave contact info) Human-Level Voice Intelligence, 100x Faster. Try Velma from Modulate today.  Human-Level Voice Intelligence, 100x Faster. Try Velma from Modulate today. 

Eddie noticed that he was getting extra charges for things he was already paying for so he contacted customer support and was surprised by what they were telling him. It was in this moment that he channelled his inner Thor and went to get what he deserved

How can pairing geniuses enhance the customer service experience?In episode 105 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat and Cody dive deep into the world of customer service roles and enablement. They explore how unique combinations of working geniuses, such as enablement paired with discernment or tenacity, can enhance customer interactions and improve service outcomes. By aligning strengths with job demands, being authentic about one's abilities, and providing tailored solutions to customers, individuals can excel in customer service roles and find satisfaction in their careers.Topics explored in this episode: 00:00:47 – Types of Customer Service* Great customer service depends on the right mix of working geniuses* Enablement shines when helping others feels energizing, not draining00:04:46 – Discernment and Enablement* Discernment helps decode what customers actually mean* Enablement turns confusion into clear, helpful solutions00:06:35 – Tenacity and Enablement* Tenacity makes sure no email or question gets left behind * Enablement brings the drive to serve fast, fully, and well00:11:09 – Types of Employee Geniuses* Different genius types shape how people show up at work* Customer service thrives when roles match natural strengths00:24:22 – Choosing the Right Job* The wrong role leads to burnout, even if you're good at it* The right fit makes work sustainable and satisfyingThis episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni. Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.