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Demolish Your Comfort Zones This week on A New Direction, Coach Jay Izso welcomes elite performer and Fortune 500 coach Art Turock to discuss his transformative book, Demolish Your Comfort Zones. We aren’t just talking about “stepping outside” of where you feel safe; we are talking about a total demolition. Art argues that conventional self-improvement tools like basic goal setting and time management are often “watered down” to fit within our existing comfort zones, making them effective for modest gains but useless for bold breakthroughs. If you feel like you've been “trying hard” but staying stuck, it's likely because you've unknowingly prioritized short-term comfort over long-term results. Art will reveal how comfort zones act as a ceiling on your potential, killing more dreams than failure ever could. During the show, we will dive into the “Colossal Deception”—the internal rationalizations we use to avoid the discomfort necessary for growth. By shifting from mere “interest” to “no matter what” commitment, you can begin to dismantle the barriers that keep you from your absolute best effort. This conversation is designed to disturb your current mindset and replace it with extreme accountability, ensuring your comfort zones no longer dictate the boundaries of your success. To truly crush your hidden limitations, you must be willing to pay the “price of freedom,” which is temporary discomfort. Art’s approach is born from over 1,200 self-experiments and his own journey as a championship sprinter who began at age 55. We will explore how to identify the “Guy/Gal on the Couch”—that voice in your head advocating for “reasonableness”—and how to use tools like the Freedom Log to rehearse the mindset shifts needed to stay ahead of your comfort zones every single day. Whether you are a business leader, an athlete, or someone looking to reignite a personal passion, this episode will provide the 90-day blueprint you need to stop negotiating with bad habits. Join Coach Jay and Art Turock as they teach you how to live a life where your comfort zones simply cannot survive. It's time to stop dreaming and start achieving by learning to embrace the very situations you've been trained to avoid. And for all my A New Direction listeners here is your link to a FREE complimentary coaching call with Art. Coaching – Art Turock Art Turock’s book, “Demolish Your Comfort Zones: 6 Unconventional Practices to Crush Your Hidden Limitations” is a book that is not for the faint of heart. Let’s be honest with each other, change is difficult. To change ourselves is even more demanding. It requires not just a change in behavior, but a change in mindset. So often we think and act in a “victim” mindset. We don’t even realize the words that we use on a daily basis actually have us thinking that we have no control over our life, change, or being better. We don’t’ even know that we have stopped ourselves before we have even tried. But what is even more daunting for many of us is the idea of what it will take to make change. And that’s the point of Demolish Your Comfort Zones. It is going to take work. It is going to take time. It is going to take consistency. It is going to take practice, and ultimately it is going to take discipline. But if we will do the work we experience freedom! What you and I do not realize is that we have set up our own prisons, from a combination of nature and nurture. We have allowed ourselves to simply go with the status quo. Say it is good enough. And for most of us we never pursue, or worse yet have given up on our dreams. Demolish Your Comfort Zones, challenges our notions of success, improvement, and high performance. The 6 Keys that Art Turock lays out, if we will do them, will change any doubts and fears we have about success. This is a book filled with practical wise guidance. It is a book that will be a life changer for those who have the courage to take it on. The book is fantastic! Isn’t it time you should live your best free life? Then this book is for you! Get your copy by clicking “Demolish Your Comfort Zones“. Please say thank you to the sponsors of A New Direction: DLinda Craft Team, Realtors, for more than 40 years they have been helping people with their home buying and selling needs around the world. Their customers call them the “Legends of Customer Service”…why? Because Linda Craft and her team believe that the relationship is the most important part of the home buying and selling process. Because after all your home is about your memories not the bricks and mortar. Learn more by going to www.LindaCraft.com Here is the truth: You tune into A New Direction because you want to grow. But consuming content and executing strategy are two different things. If you are leading a company between $5M and $50M and you feel like you are hitting a ceiling, the problem isn't a lack of information. It's likely a “human” bottleneck. I am Coach Jay, a Behavioral Strategist who specializes in fixing the friction that kills profit. I don't just look at your P&L; I look at the psychology of the people driving it. I recently helped a stalled mid-market firm save $3 Million and secure new capital—not by firing people, but by realigning their behavior. Stop guessing. Let's find the millions trapped in your org chart. Reach out for a discreet conversation: 919-369-2121 or visit TheCoachJay.com.
Vetter - Moderne Arzneimittelproduktion mit Sinn und PerspektiveWie arbeitet man bei einem weltweit führenden und unabhängigen Pharmadienstleister für die aseptische Herstellung von injizierbaren Medikamenten?In dieser Folge sprechen wir mit Selina Herrmann, Recruiting Specialist-, und Jule Kessler, verantwortlich für Onboarding, Offboarding und Talententwicklung bei der Vetter Pharma-Fertigung GmbH & Co. KG in Ravensburg .Seit 1950 hat sich Vetter von der Apotheke zum Partner für internationale Pharma- und Biotechunternehmen entwickelt. Heute arbeiten rund 7.300 Mitarbeitende auf drei Kontinenten daran, Patienten weltweit zuverlässig mit teils lebenswichtigen Medikamenten zu versorgen. Ob Produktion, Qualität, IT, Logistik, Customer Service oder Entwicklung – die Einstiegsmöglichkeiten reichen von Ausbildung und dualem Studium bis zum Direkteinstieg. Mit Welcome Days, strukturiertem Onboarding und der Vetter Academy setzt das Unternehmen konsequent auf Entwicklung, Feedback und langfristige Perspektiven.Dazu kommen moderne Arbeitsplätze, flexible Modelle, zahlreiche Benefits - vom Jobticket bis zu Fitnessangeboten - und ein starkes Miteinander in einem familiengeführten Global Player. Wer Verantwortung übernehmen und in einem wachsenden Umfeld mitgestalten möchte, ist hier genau richtig.Mehr zur Karriere bei Vetter Pharma-Fertigung GmbH & Co. KG: www.vetter-pharma.com/karriere | Bewerbungshotline: +49 751 3700-6322 Vetter: Moderne Arzneimittelproduktion mit Sinn und Perspektive
If Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth, then Fantasyland is in Marty Sklar's words, "The Happiest Kingdom of Them All". He goes on to say that "Here in the 'happiest kingdom of them all,' you can journey with Snow White through the dark forest to the diamond mine of the Seven Dwarfs; flee the clutches of Mr. Smee and Captain Hook with Peter Pan; and race with Mr. Toad on his wild auto ride through the streets of old London Town. Dumbo, the elephant with aerodynamic ears, will take you on a flight high above Fantasyland, while the haughty Caterpillar of Alice in Wonderland carries you down the Rabbit Hole into the ...Tulgey Wood. In colorful Dutch canal boats or the Casey Jr. Circus train, you'll journey through Storybook Land to see the homes of the Three Little Pigs, Pinocchio's Village, and Cinderella's Castle." Join us as we see those inspirational nuggets that are found throughout the sprawling grounds of Fantasyland, From Sleeping Beauty Castle to the majestic and might Matterhorn Mountain. We'll check out some fantastic details few see, and we'll hear some stories you may not have heard before--many of which truly are the inspiration for the joy found at Disneyland. Join us during Disneyland's 70th Anniversary for Fantasyland--The Happiest Kingdom of Them All. And stay tuned at the end, I will give you a peak at a new offering available to those who Wish Upon a Star! ___________________________________________________ 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!
Handwritten notes aren't old school. They're the edge in a world drowning in automation.In this episode of Uncomplicate It, I sit down with David Wachs, Founder & CEO of Handwrytten (a company using robotic tech to scale real pen-and-ink handwritten outreach), to talk about how brands can bring humanity back into business communication without sacrificing scale.David is a two-time Inc. 500 entrepreneur with decades in marketing. After running a high-volume text messaging company, he realized the most powerful way to stand out wasn't another digital message, it was a note people actually keep.We cover:Why David walked away from mass digital communication and doubled down on handwritten notesThe 5 Cs framework for outreach: content, channel, cadence, choice, and communityWhy most brands over-measure short-term ROI and underinvest in long-term loyaltyThe difference between personal vs personalized (and why mail-merge doesn't build trust)The consumer appreciation drop: 18% in 2022 → 12% in 2025 and what that signalsWhere handwritten notes actually work best in the customer journey (retention > acquisition)Why gimmicky marketing backfires (and the “video screen in a card” story)The numbers: 300% higher open rate than print mail and up to 17x higher response rates in certain industriesHow Handwrytten's system works: handwriting samples, ligatures, randomization, QA via computer vision, envelope stuffing, and stampingThe real rule of automation: scale the logistics, not the sentimentKey Takeaways:The least-used, most undervalued inbox is still the one at the end of your drivewayLoyalty isn't built with coupons, it's built with how you make people feelCustomer service follow-ups are one of the fastest ways to turn frustration into trustGratitude only works when people feel thanked, not when it's just a checkboxWrite to five clients this week. Or call them. That's how relationships compoundConnect with David:Handwrytten - www.handwrytten.comLinkedin - www.linkedin.com/in/davidwachs/Follow Us:
How the Customer Journey Evolves with AI Integration Shep interviews Megan Glasow, Vice President of Salesforce at Perficient. She talks about how companies can use AI to enhance the customer experience by blending technology with human touch, updating outdated processes, and measuring value. This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more: What role does AI play in transforming modern customer service processes? How can companies effectively balance automation and human interaction? What are the risks of automating outdated or inefficient business processes? Why is a proactive approach important in delivering excellent customer experiences? How can organizations measure the value of new customer experience technologies? Top Takeaways: Don't automate what Glasow calls “crap processes.” Before layering in AI and other digital tools, organizations must simplify and improve their existing processes. If a workflow is confusing or inefficient to handle manually, automating it will only spread the frustration to employees and customers more quickly. Transformation is not just about buying new technology. It means sitting down with your customers to understand where they are and where they want to be. It is partnering with your customers to create the vision, the process, and the outcomes together. Frontline employees are frequently blamed for poor service. But the real issue is often the outdated infrastructure and processes behind them. In adopting an AI-first strategy, look across the organization and identify where intelligence, automation, and augmentation can improve efficiency, and customer interactions. Successful companies are not replacing people with AI. They are combining smart, AI-powered systems with capable, empathetic employees. Customers will choose the simplest path every time, whether that's self-service or talking with a real person. If you make it easy for your customers, they will keep coming back. Use AI as a tool to become more proactive, not just more efficient. Use it to anticipate what customers might need next, so you're ready with solutions before they even ask. This allows human agents to focus on moments that require empathy, creativity, and understanding. Align your team, from the leadership to the frontlines, around a clear vision for the customer experience you want to deliver. Decide on the experiences you want to create, then mobilize your people and AI to make that a reality. Plus, Shep and Megan discuss why organizations need to be "customer zero" for new platforms they want to implement for their customers. Tune in! Quotes: "When designing your customer journey, consider what should be handled by AI, what should be handled by humans, and how they should work together to enable your employees to provide a more empathetic customer experience." About: Megan Glasow is the Vice President of Salesforce at Perficient. With deep experience in the Salesforce ecosystem, she helps organizations drive AI-first transformation initiatives. Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Scott Keys provides a fun, highly energetic discussion, detailing his journey into wildlife photography and his gradual full immersion in the wild. He excels at his craft and shares his passion for a pure approach to wildlife photography. And now he shares his equipment expertise on his YouTube channel, Wildlife Inspired, and provides guided workshops for new and emerging wildlife photography enthusiasts. Chapters00:00 Weather Patterns and Environmental Concerns03:06 Wildlife Photography and the Elk Debate06:09 Transitioning to Gear Reviews and Content Creation09:10 Building Authentic Relationships with Brands12:03 Navigating Product Endorsements and Ethics14:48 Customer Service and Brand Loyalty in Photography17:49 Finding Balance Between Content Creation and Field Work21:08 Exploring Birding Opportunities and Ethical Photography24:06 The Importance of Supporting Small Businesses27:00 Challenges of Copycat Products in the Market29:58 The Future of Wildlife Photography and Personal Goals39:16 The Thrill of Birdwatching and Photography42:52 Exploring Native Plants and Macro Photography49:15 Connecting with Nature Through Insects55:31 The Journey of a Wildlife Photographer01:01:15 Building a Reputation in Wildlife PhotographyWildlife Inspired Links@wildlifeinspiredIG@WildlifeInspiredYouTube: Wildlife Inspired w/ Scott Keyswww.wildlifeinspired.comWebThanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.
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 214 money order hell, ICE is in town and my long ass hair down. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.
You don't need a big title to drive meaningful customer experience change. This episode shows how real CX leadership starts in the middle by turning customer friction into business outcomes executives can't ignore. We break down how to connect issues like confusing onboarding or stalled conversions to metrics that matter, including call volume, cost to serve, cancellations, and retention, and how to present that story so leaders say yes.You'll learn a practical approach you can use immediately: choose one high-impact friction point, build a simple business case with clear baselines, deliver a focused fix, and share the results. These visible micro wins build momentum, credibility, and influence.We also cover how to lead across and up by partnering with metric owners, framing ideas around shared goals, and communicating in the language of outcomes. If you're ready to grow your impact and your career, this conversation gives you the tools to lead without a title.If you found this valuable, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a teammate ready for their next win.Resources Mentioned:Order your copy of Experience Is Everything -- http://experienceiseverythingbook.comLearn more about CXI Membership™ and apply -- http://CXIMembership.comExperience Investigators Website -- https://experienceinvestigators.comEnjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Leave your review at ratethispodcast.com/xact. Want to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP on LinkedIn!)
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 214 money order hell, ICE is in town and my long ass hair down. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.
How do you modernise hospitality without losing its heart? In this episode, I'm joined by Danielle Richardson, Joint Director of the Laundy Hotel Group and a fourth-generation leader in Australian hospitality. We explore customer service, community connection, brand positioning and the future of pubs in a rapidly evolving landscape. Danielle shares how growing up in a family hospitality business shaped her leadership, why she forged her own corporate path first, and how marketing, brand strategy and supplier partnerships now influence the way Laundy Hotels operate today. We dive into: Why hospitality must put people before process How AI and digital systems can enhance (not replace) human connection The evolution of modern pubs as community lounge rooms Balancing heritage with innovation Creating career pathways in hospitality Leading as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry Retaining talent through flexible leadership From Watsons Bay to regional community venues, Danielle reveals how listening to your customers, supporting your team, and staying embedded in your local area is the true competitive advantage in hospitality. If you care about customer experience, brand loyalty, leadership, and building community through your business — this conversation is for you. Key Takeaways ✔ Hospitality is no longer “just a job” — it's a career pathway✔ AI frees up staff to improve customer service✔ Community-first venues outperform transactional businesses✔ Inclusive leadership strengthens hospitality teams✔ Brand storytelling matters more than ever Connect with Danielle Laundy Hotels GroupWebsite: www.laundyhotels.com.auwww.redlionrozelle.com.auwww.watsonsbayhotel.com.au Connect with Michelle If you're a hospitality leader wanting to elevate your team's customer service culture and community impact: Website: https://www.michellepascoe.com/Email: michelle@michellepascoe.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellepascoe/Book Michelle for keynotes & hospitality leadership training If this episode resonated, please follow, rate and share the podcast. Your support helps more hospitality leaders build stronger teams and thriving communities.
In this conversation, Rob Anderson shares his insights on the importance of company culture, customer service, and effective recruitment strategies in the home services industry. He emphasizes the need for businesses to focus on making customers happy and creating a positive work environment for employees. Rob discusses the significance of data-driven decisions, the impact of partnerships, and the challenges posed by private equity. He also highlights the importance of leadership development, emotional intelligence, and the art of storytelling in building relationships with clients and partners. Ultimately, Rob encourages a forward-looking mindset and the continuous pursuit of personal and professional growth. 00:00 The Importance of Culture in Business 05:52 Recruitment and Retention Strategies 08:55 Defining and Measuring Company Culture 15:01 Navigating the Challenges of Home Services 18:04 The Role of Partnerships in Business Growth 20:57 Giving Back to the Community 23:50 The Impact of Private Equity on Business 26:58 Leadership Development and Emotional Intelligence 30:07 The Art of Storytelling in Business 33:00 Building Relationships with Clients and Partners 35:57 The Future of Business and Personal Growth
Key Takeaways Laying groundwork: Weiner will be leading a session at the AI Kickstart Preconference, introducing attendees to Copilot Studio and how to build their first custom AI agent. He explains that the session will cover real-world examples and walk through agent creation, deployment, monitoring, and governance to help participants "get the groundwork to take advantage of the future days in the conference." Event takeaways: When discussing event takeaways, Weiner explains that the AI Agent & Copilot Summit will help leaders move from AI experimentation to real execution, turning curiosity into measurable business value across customer service, operations, and employee empowerment. Further, sessions will demonstrate how Microsoft 365 and Copilot Studio agents provide a low-barrier way to build secure, data-aligned AI solutions tied directly to business goals. Gaining a competitive edge: The event brings a unique take to the space as it unites both practitioners and partners to share real-world AI and Copilot use cases, helping make agents more practical, approachable, and grounded in tangible business outcomes to accelerate adoption, says Weiner. Visit Cloud Wars for more.
There's been a lot of chat about AI replacing jobs lately. And I get it, there are signs it's happening. For certain roles, especially more junior ones, the threat is real. But there are some things a computer will never know and never be able to do. Like reading somebody's emotions. Burger King in the US, this is a story out this week, is trialling AI software to judge how courteous and friendly its staff are. They've got an aptly named AI assistant, Patty, apparently doing this task. Party lives in their headsets, monitoring their every word. If you're handing out Whoppers at a drive thru, Patty will apparently record how many times you say welcome, please, and thank you. Patty then delivers the Whopper crew a daily friendliness score. Apart from sounding like a peak micro-managing pain in the ass, Patty, with respect, actually doesn't know what she or it is talking about. Can Patty detect sarcasm? Does Patty know if you're dead in the eyes while welcoming the next hungry customer? Customer service isn't so much about what somebody says, but how they say it. It's a glint in the eye. An affectation of the face. In Japan a polite bow of the head. In New Zealand, too much talking and fake friendly could be seen as rude. We're more of a smile and polite hand gesture-type country. Human interaction is intricate and unique and takes even trained humans time to properly figure out. We humans have more than 40 facial muscles and using them in different ways can apparently convey 10,000 subtle emotional messages. I went to the bank yesterday to order a Eftpos card. The bank manager came over to say hello and I can't tell you most of she said, but I know she was lovely. I went home and told my partner about her. Is this a job AI can master? I mean really? Even if Patty had a camera on our eyeballs, a microphone, and pulse checker, I don't it could truly tell what we're really thinking in a way only other humans can. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's a family affair in Studio 1A with Kurt and Wyatt Russell stopping by to discuss their newest season of Apple TV's "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters." Plus, NBC's Joe Fryer spotlights the feedback frenzy and the relentless requests for reviews from the doctor's office all the way to car rentals. Also, TODAY Contributor and new beauty senior editor at large Sarah Eggenberger drops by to share some helpful thrift shopping strategies. And, social media star Zoha Malik makes her TODAY Food debut and whips up creamy baked mac & cheese plus a vanilla bean sheet cake. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Summary In this conversation, Chad Burmeister interviews Michelle Donnelly, Chief Revenue Officer at Crescendo, discussing the transformative impact of AI on customer experience. They explore how Crescendo's AI-native platform enhances customer interactions, the integration of human agents, and the efficiency gains from AI implementation. Michelle shares insights on industry applications, ethical considerations, and the future of AI in sales, emphasizing the importance of human touch in customer service. Takeaways Crescendo has achieved $100 million in AI ARR in just two years. AI chatbots can accurately handle 98% of customer inquiries. The integration of AI and human agents enhances customer experience. AI can transform customer service into a profit center. Speed and efficiency are critical in customer interactions. AI can provide insights that improve product offerings. Companies can achieve significant cost savings with AI implementation. The human touch remains essential in customer service. AI can help new sales hires become productive faster. Ethical considerations in AI deployment are crucial for customer trust. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Crescendo and AI in Customer Experience 02:49 Transforming Customer Experience with AI 06:00 Industry Applications of AI in Customer Service 10:55 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Agents 16:26 Efficiency Gains and ROI from AI Implementation 18:43 The Future of AI in Sales and Customer Interaction 22:12 Ethical Considerations in AI Deployment 24:29 The Future of Physical AI Agents 26:57 Skills for the Future Sales Workforce The AI for Sales Podcast is brought to you by BDR.ai, Nooks.ai, and ZoomInfo—the go-to-market intelligence platform that accelerates revenue growth. Skip the forms and website hunting—Chad will connect you directly with the right person at any of these companies.
Should your political beliefs affect the level of customer service you receive? Mike and Mark wonder...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amas Tenumah is the CEO of Better Xperience Group and author of 'HOLD: The Suffering Economy of Customer Service.' Amas explains how some customer service lines are designed to make it as difficult as possible for a customer to reach a real human instead of an automated response. Amas also gives advice to customers when facing difficult customer service operators.
Chris and Amy get you ready for tax season with scams to avoid; who's this Al Hoffman?; why is customer service eroding?; an illegal Meramec River trade.
Chris and Amy are upset that a burger chain will use AI to help keep up the customer friendly experience by its employees.
All last week you probably heard rumors about Josh D'Amaro changing out plans for Villains Land. You may have also heard that he said that he thought Millennium Falcon Smuggler's Run was good not great. We talk about this and more as we look at these issues in greater context and offer you insights that may not make enough social media hits, but will likely be closer to what is really going on at Imagineering. Yes, there are changes. Yes, there is greater transparency. But what does it mean? We'll offer you insights, and how it relates to something called Experiential Intelligence. Join us as we talk about Villains Land, Smuggler's Run, Josh D'Amaro, Experiential intelligence and so much more. ____________________________________________________ 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!
In this episode, Jason Cass and Joel Poythress discuss the evolution of telecommunications, the impact of AI on customer interactions, and the future of communication technology. They explore how AI is transforming the industry, the importance of sentiment analysis, and the potential for voice prints in authentication. The conversation also touches on security concerns, the decline of voicemail, and the role of AI in enhancing business reputation and efficiency. Key Topics: The Evolution of Telecommunications and AI The Future of Communication: AI and Transcription AI's Role in Customer Interaction and Sentiment Analysis The Importance of AI in Business Reputation Innovations in Call Technology and Features The Future of Voicemail and Communication Security Concerns in Data and Voice Technology Voice Prints and Authentication The Future of Human Interaction in Business Calls Lightning Round: Quickfire Questions on AI and Communication Reach out to: Joel Poythress Jason Cass Visit Website: Lightspeed Voice Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm
The most practical CX breakthroughs are happening in day-to-day choices by leaders who meet their organizations where they are. From the Medallia Experience 2026 conference in Las Vegas, we pull together no-fluff lessons on turning insights into impact, leading with intent, and using AI to accelerate change—without overpromising. Jeannie talks with Experience Transformation Award winner Paloma Paraja, Customer Experience Manager at Santalucía Seguros, about breaking down silos in a 100-year-old insurer by unifying Voice of Customer, empowering internal champions, and turning feedback into stories teams can act on. She also reconnects with Camille Kremer, Senior Director of Customer Experience at Holiday Inn Club Vacations, for a masterclass in prioritization—using driver modeling and smart experiments to separate noise from real impact, and applying AI to speed service and personalization without eroding trust. Plus, we chat about an Experience Is Everything book club with Deborah Bearden, Enterprise Customer Experience Manager at Simmons Bank.The theme: progress over perfection. Choose high-impact actions. Test, measure, and scale what works. Let AI amplify a strategy you've already defined.Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a CX friend, and leave a quick review to help more leaders find it. Have a question or story to add? Leave me a voicemail at askjeannie.vip.Follow our guests on LinkedIn:Paloma Paraja -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/paloma-paraja/Camille Kremer -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillekremer/Deborah Bearden -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-bearden/Resources Mentioned:Order your copy of Experience Is Everything -- http://experienceiseverythingbook.comLearn more about CXI Membership™ and apply -- http://CXIMembership.comExperience Investigators Website -- https://experienceinvestigators.comEnjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Leave your review at ratethispodcast.com/xact. Want to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP on LinkedIn!)
John Hancock in the studio with Chris today. They comment on the possibility of the Battlehawks playing at a different venue than the Dome; John had an issue reaching St Louis County's Department of Revenue; a State of the Union preview; Did you see this? an historic venue may be demoed.
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.
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.
Your board has an AI strategy. It's probably rubbish. Nathan Bell has spent 25 years delivering transformation programmes inside the world's biggest telcos. Now a Partner at Kearney, he's the person companies call when the proof-of-concept graveyard keeps growing and the CFO starts asking uncomfortable questions. In this episode: why most AI programmes are expensive theatre, how to actually get ROI, and why your change management track record matters more than your technology choices. We also get into agentic AI gone wrong — a recruiting agent that only wanted to hire golfers, a CEO town hall that triggered a queue at HR, and an AI agent that doxxed a developer and got its creator hired by Sam Altman. Make of that what you will. Plus rapid-fire telco takes and a deeply scientific Australia vs Netherlands lifestyle quiz that ended in a draw. Time Stamps: 00:00 — AI Strategy Hype vs Reality: Why Most Exec Talk Is Rubbish 00:37 — Is This AI Wave Different from Dot-Com, Cloud, and 5G? 02:19 — From Boardroom Buzz to Production: The Proof-of-Concept Trap 03:44 — How to Actually Get ROI: Start Small, Make Big Bets, Fund Like a VC 06:47 — Low-Hanging Fruit: Internal Knowledge, Customer Service, and Procurement 09:16 — Metrics That Matter: MVP Milestones Over 2-Year "Goals" 11:21 — Making the VC Model Real: Phased Rollout and Cultural Change 13:26 — Market Whiplash: When AI Adoption Threatens Your Revenue Model 14:51 — AI as a Business Capability, Not a Shopping List of Tools 16:10 — Agentic AI and the Human Factor: Bias, Process Drift, and Set-and-Forget Myths 21:10 — The People Side of Agents: Fear, Trust, and How Leaders Miscommunicate 24:41 — Why AI Transformations Fail: Change Management and HR as the Quarterback 26:44 — When Agents Go Rogue: The Python Library Incident and What It Signals 28:28 — Who's Responsible for AI Agents? Why Human-in-the-Loop Still Matters 29:19 — When AI Monitors AI: The Two-Agent Marketing Campaign Story 31:03 — Legacy, Culture and Operating Model: Why Big Firms Struggle to Adopt AI 33:49 — Ethics, Bias and Copyright: The Legal Minefield of Generative AI 35:40 — Who's Winning with AI and Why: Consumer Goods, Banks and Telcos 38:01 — Regulation Reality Check: EU AI Act, Vendor Audits and the Air Canada Case 39:37 — Where Telcos Should Start with AI: Customer Service, Vendors and Billing 41:41 — Transformation Lessons from Telcos: People, Forgive the Past, Progress Over Perfection 44:39 — AI Hype vs Jobs Reality: Using AI to Augment People, Not Just Cut Headcount 46:51 — What Still Motivates Transformation Leaders + Rapid-Fire Telco Takes 51:49 — Finale: Australia vs Netherlands Quickfire (and a Perfect Tie)
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.
USDA Grain Market Outlook and Futures Remembering Customer Service Elements Little Bit of Rain, Fire and Snow 00:01:05 – USDA Grain Market Outlook and Futures: K-State grain economist Daniel O'Brien starts the show highlighting information from the USDA Ag Outlook Forum and how future prices are looking. Daniel on AgManager.info 00:12:05 – Remembering Customer Service Elements: Justin Waggoner, K-State Extension beef cattle specialist, keeps the show rolling as he discusses the importance of good customer service in the agriculture industry. ASI Newsletter - Management Minute 00:23:05 – Little Bit of Rain, Fire and Snow: Concluding the show is K-State meteorologist Chip Redmond as he explains how Kansas has seen rain, fire and snow within the past week and what else we can be expecting. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu. Agriculture Today is a daily program featuring Kansas State University agricultural specialists and other experts examining ag issues facing Kansas and the nation. It is hosted by Shelby Varner and distributed to radio stations throughout Kansas and as a daily podcast. K‑State Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit Extension.ksu.edu. K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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.
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.
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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.
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.