Customers First Podcast

On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Al Kushner, a renowned thought leader and author known for his expertise in AI-driven personal branding strategies on LinkedIn. As the conversation unfolded, Al shared invaluable insights and practical tips aimed at helping professionals leverage the power of LinkedIn to build their brands and foster authentic relationships.  We began our dialogue by delving into Al’s inspiration for his book, "The AI LinkedIn Advantage: Unleash the Power of AI and Dominate the Competition," where he identified a gap in the market that combines LinkedIn strategies with AI technology. Al discussed his fundamental belief that an optimized LinkedIn profile is crucial for establishing trust and attracting meaningful connections. As businesses increasingly turn to LinkedIn for relationship-building, Al provided strategies for how they can utilize their company pages effectively, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over aggressive marketing tactics. We discussed how companies can maintain a credible presence by offering valuable content and avoiding practices that lead to account restrictions, such as outsourcing personal page management. Al also explained how customer service can be transformed by using LinkedIn as a strategy hub. He highlighted the platform's ability to connect individuals directly with influencers and decision-makers through timely conversations tied to recent posts. This approach fosters a more engaging environment than traditional email outreach, which often ends up in spam folders. Throughout our conversation, Al reiterated that successful interactions on LinkedIn are about giving more than receiving, urging listeners to create value through their content and interactions. One of the standout strategies discussed was the creation of LinkedIn newsletters. Al explained that newsletters not only keep followers informed but also tap into LinkedIn’s high authority, ensuring content reaches inboxes effectively. This strategy, combined with video content—which Al noted captures attention better than text—positions professionals and businesses alike for greater visibility and engagement on the platform. In the latter part of the episode, we touched on Al’s special gift for listeners—a free e-book designed to optimize LinkedIn profiles, along with his upcoming book release, which includes valuable LinkedIn prompts. Al's genuine passion for supporting others in their professional journeys was evident as he encouraged listeners to reach out for further assistance. This episode is packed with actionable advice and profound insights to help listeners create exceptional personal brands and leverage LinkedIn’s capabilities. Al's perspective promises to inspire and guide professionals across various industries, fostering meaningful connections and driving growth.   Al's Contact Information: Website: alkushnerspeaks.com [https://alkushnerspeaks.com] LinkedIn: @al-kushner [https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-kushner/] Link to Free E-Book: linkedvantage.com [https://linkedvantage.com]   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com [https://www.taceyatkinson.com/] All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future.   Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!

On this episode, I dive into an enlightening conversation with Ryan Rael, a certified customer experience strategist and founder of Tight Ship CX. We explore how businesses can elevate their customer experience by streamlining operations and optimizing customer journeys while leveraging the right technology.  Ryan details the importance of customer feedback and technology in shaping exceptional customer journeys. He emphasizes how the blend of innovation from small businesses and the structured processes of corporate environments can create powerful strategies for growth and improved customer loyalty. Throughout our discussion, Ryan highlights the importance of understanding the connections between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, asserting that businesses often overlook the impact their internal processes have on customer experiences. We address the common misconceptions businesses have about customer experience being a cost center, and Ryan provides concrete strategies for shifting this perspective. By identifying quick wins—such as obtaining feedback through accessible tech or refining response times—business leaders can demonstrate the direct relationship between customer experience enhancements and revenue growth. Ryan emphasizes the need for organizations to move beyond a transactional mindset and to foster deeper, relationship-oriented customer interactions that underpin long-term loyalty. A crucial point is the role of effective communication in customer experience. Ryan advocates for closing the feedback loop with customers, explaining that it's essential not just to gather insights but also to inform customers about changes made as a result of their feedback. This creates a sense of respect and value in the customer relationship, enriching their overall experience with the brand. Ryan reveals the initial step he takes with new clients: conducting a customer experience audit, giving a comprehensive view of the customer journey, to highlight key areas for improvement. Utilizing this holistic evaluation, businesses can gain clarity on customer touchpoints and uncover opportunities for impactful changes. The episode is a treasure trove of practical strategies and insights for any business leader to create truly customer-centric cultures.   Ryan's Contact Information: Website: TightShip Cx [https://www.tightship-cx.com] LinkedIn: @ryan-rael-ccxp [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rael-ccxp/]   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com [https://www.taceyatkinson.com/] All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future. Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!

On this episode of the Customers First podcast, I engage in a powerful discussion with Amita Sharma, co-founder of NourishDoc, a holistic wellness platform designed specifically for midlife women. Amita shares her journey through the debilitating symptoms she faced, underscoring how these experiences motivated her to create a platform that emphasizes empathy, personalization, and trust to meet the needs of underserved populations. Amita takes us through her vast background in high-tech, which provided her with a unique perspective on the gaps prevalent in healthcare. After experiencing her struggles with perimenopause and realizing the lack of support from both her workplace and healthcare professionals, she felt compelled to explore holistic wellness. Amita interviewed thousands of experts and discovered that the healthcare system largely overlooks women’s health issues during these critical life stages due to insufficient research and training. Her revelations marked the beginning of a mission to elevate the conversation around women's health, particularly regarding the symptoms and challenges posed by hormonal changes. We dive deeper into the importance of addressing perimenopausal experiences not just through the lens of individual well-being, but also about workplace productivity. By illuminating how symptoms like brain fog, mood swings, and physical changes can impact women's performance at work, Amita highlights the necessity for businesses to create supportive environments that acknowledge these challenges. This conversation sheds light on how addressing these issues proactively can benefit both employees and employers. Amita elaborates on the 360-degree view of holistic wellness that NourishDoc provides. She explains that holistic wellness is not a trend but rather a comprehensive approach that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. The platform offers various resources such as diet and lifestyle modifications, therapeutic practices like breathwork and yoga, and evidence-based information on health management. Amita emphasizes that wellness isn't limited to physical health; mental and emotional health are equally critical components in navigating life's transitions, and that investing in oneself is imperative. As we conclude, Amita addresses how she has ensured affordability and access remain a priority in her model, understanding that high-quality wellness solutions must be available to everyone. This commitment underscores her compassionate mission to empower women and educate organizations about the importance of supporting their female workforce during these critical life stages.    Amita's Contact Information Website: www.nourishdoc.com [https://www.nourishdoc.com] LinkedIn: @amita-sharma-nourishdoc [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amita-sharma-nourishdoc/]   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com [https://www.taceyatkinson.com/] All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future. Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!

On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I engage in an enlightening conversation with Dustin Jensen, the founder of AIA System, a pioneering venture in the realm of AI applications. We delve deep into the nuanced world of customer experiences and how AI can serve as an essential ally in creating memorable interactions. He emphasizes that AI is not the flashy tool many perceive it to be, but rather an invisible co-pilot poised to enhance our workflows through subtle, intelligent interactions. Dustin elaborates on the importance of integrating AI within organizations, noting that many companies are still grappling with the implementation process. This is not merely about adopting technology for technology's sake; it's about enhancing the customer journey and streamlining operations to ultimately boost productivity and satisfaction. As our conversation progresses, we turn our attention to the healthcare industry, where Dustin highlights how AI can relieve the burdens of administrative tasks, allowing professionals to dedicate more time to their patients. The aim here is not to replace human interaction, but to elevate it, ensuring that healthcare providers can focus on building meaningful relationships with their patients. We also tackle the fears surrounding job loss due to AI, emphasizing the necessity of human involvement even in increasingly automated processes. Dustin reinforces the idea that AI is about augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them; it enables people to focus on more substantial, value-driven tasks, thus fostering a more collaborative environment between humans and AI. Towards the end of our conversation, we discuss strategies for building customer-centric cultures that embrace AI while steering clear of disruption. Through this dialogue, we demystify AI and explore how it can serve as a bridge to enhanced customer experiences without sacrificing the vital human touch. This episode ultimately paints a picture of a collaborative future where technology and human talent work hand-in-hand to create magical experiences for customers.   Dustin's Contact Information: Website: https://aiasystem.com [https://aiasystem.com] LinkedIn: @dustin-jensen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-jensen/]   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com [https://www.taceyatkinson.com/] All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future. Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!

On this episode, I am joined by Chris Gillen, a distinguished leadership advisor, coach, and speaker who has dedicated his career to fostering cultures of trust and accountability in organizations. We delve into the central themes of his latest book, "The Villain Trap," which explores how blame undermines leadership and erodes the foundation of effective team dynamics. Chris, with over 35 years of retail experience, shares valuable insights on how individuals, knowingly or unknowingly, can become the villains in their leadership narratives. Chris recounts his transition from running large retail operations to coaching startups, providing a unique perspective on cultivating a culture of empowerment and ownership in workplaces. His phrase "the blame bubble" encapsulates the moment when leaders fail to take accountability for their actions, often leading to detrimental consequences for team morale and organizational culture. Through his personal anecdotes and professional journey, Chris underscores the urgency of recognizing this issue to prevent it from spiralling into a poisonous atmosphere within teams. As we delve into the mechanisms of blame and villainization, Chris outlines the five distinct stages of the villain trap, starting with the initial trigger of discomfort that leads to the victim reflex and ultimately to the emotional justification of villain creation. This cycle illustrates how leaders and team members can distort reality to avoid taking responsibility. Chris emphasizes that true leadership is about shifting perspective from finding blame to seeking collaborative solutions, actionable ownership, and mutual understanding. This conversation not only explores the challenges of leadership but also inspires a broader dialogue about accountability, emotional intelligence, and leading with authenticity. By offering actionable advice and a compassionate perspective, Chris encourages leaders at all levels to reflect on their impacts, both personally and communally, in fostering a culture that prioritizes empathy over villainization.   Chris's Contact Information: LinkedIn: @chrisgillen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgillen/] Link to Book Website: The Villain Trap [https://www.thevillaintrap.com]   Tacey's Contact Information: Website: taceyatkinson.com [https://www.taceyatkinson.com] All Socials: @TaceyAtkinson   Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to having more valuable conversations together in the future. Remember: Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Now Go, Create the Magic!