Customer Experience Superheroes

Can you be a double CX Superhero? With Prof Dr Phil Klaus we believe so because this is his second invitation to guest on the Customer Experience Superhero podcast. This time host Christopher Brooks gets the opportunity to find out more about the man behind the best seller, Measuring Customer Experience. Almost 10 years after publication, it is still seen by many as the ultimate book on CX measurement. 

Phil is the latest author to guest on Lexden's CX Book Club.  And as has become the tradition, we spend time discovering where the inspiration to create the book came from, how it jumped from an idea to a best seller, what the writing process has meant and the aspects of publishing less enjoyed. On accounts Phil is very frank and reveals some of the frustrations encountered along the way.

Phil's book, which provides a methodology for measuring behavioural change from customer experiences is as relevant today as it was when it first hit the shelves. If you want to know more about the person behind the author, tune in.  

In the latest episode of the CX Superheroes, Christopher Brooks, host and MD of Lexden CX speaks with Sophie Hedestad, founder of NOQX.

We came across Sophie in an article on the power of OKRs in customer experience, and wanted to learn more. In this episode we get to understand what OKR (Objective and Key Results) are, and why they are becoming more important than KPIs for progressive companies to manage performance.

Sophie shares the value of OKRs, and explains how they can help organisations meaningfully track progress and localise where more attention is needed.  In discussion, we understand how organisation and structure are needed to optimise OKR's and Sophie introduces us to a technology solution which NOQX have been developing t simplify the management within large (and smaller) organisations.

Is this podcast for you?
If you've not heard of OKR's this podcast is for you.
If you've heard of OKR's but are still wondering if they are right for your business, this podcast is for you.   
If you are using OKR's and want to understand how to systemise the management, this podcast is for you. 
In fact, anyone will get value so take a listen. 

In the podcast, you will hear mentioned Sophie's free e-book on OKRs. So take a look https://noqx.io/category/ebooks/.

There are many aspects of customer experience. No one person can have a satisfactory depth of expertise in all areas. The CX Superheroes podcast series brings to the mic, experts in specific fields to give you, our esteemed listener, a broader appreciation of the various components to succesful customer centricity. 

This episode we focus on design and to do so we have an expert who has installed  customer led design thinking as a leading practice within international technology giants. Ricardo Sultz Gulko (Eglobalis Information) has worked with some of the world's biggest brands helping them to design customer experiences around the outcome they want to achieve. 

Ricardo shares his journey and his methods to arrive at better CX design. As well as imparting an array of personal and professional design experiences.  Experimentation and Collaboration are just two of the customer centric superpowers Ricardo discusses in conversation with Lexden CX's Christopher Brooks, also your series host.

We kick of series 12 of the CX superheroes podcast series with an industry legend. There can be few people in CX you'd want to spend time with more than Jim Tincher. We were delighted when Jim agreed to be a featured author in the Lexden CX Book Club and share the 'making of' Do B2B Better. This is a book which captures Jim's learnings which he's comfortable enough to point out include failures and successes. In fact, in the discussion it becomes clear it is earlier failures (or lessons) which have informed the later and more frequent successes. 

There are few books dedciated to the art of B2B CX, and as a global b2b CX practitioner himself, host Christopher Brooks is able to have an informed and interrogative discussion on the topic.

Whilst there are few book spoilers in here, the narrative does keep close to the book and Jim's influences and inspiration for it.  Jim might also be the nicest guy in CX. Find out for yourself why he's such a positive energy to be around. 

John Sills, author, CX consultant and former head of customer innovations, is the latest in a line of illustrious professionals who have guested at the Lexden CX Book Club. John has been a crusader for better customer experiences for many years. First within a global corporate in the world of banking, and now with his consultancy helping clients ensure the experience they provide have a human connection, whether in person, on the phone of through digital contact. 

As Jon shares where the idea for his first book came from, we hear many of the themes that we've long emphasised on the CX Superhero podcast series as stand out traits. In conversation with series host, Christopher Brooks they explore common principles and uncover some of the reasons why CX will work, versus what holds in back in organisations. 

This provides the perfect introduction to John and his latest book, 'The Human Experience', and the perfect close to series 11. 

There is a lot of waffle on employee engagement and employee experience. Most of it is puffed up common sense or repurposed HR practices which HR practitioners have been aware of and delivering before CX was popular. But on occasion, and this podcast is one of those, someone steps forward who actually knows what they are talking about. Enter Nicole Kyle. In conversation with host of the Customer Experience Superheroes podcast series, Nicole shares the depth of insight gathered as MD at Customer Management Practice which has identified the primary drivers of employee engagement. This golden source unlocks the secrets of how to structure an effective employee engagement programme. There are few with more relevant credentials than Nicole as becomes evident when you hear the most authentic discussion on this topic you could wish to hear 

There is one content producer in the CX Community we have wanted to have as a guest for some time; Annette Franz. As a consultant, author, trainer and mentor Annette has spent a slice of her career working with clients to improve outcomes for their customers, colleagues and communities. This was a key part of our topic of this CX Superhero podcast episode. In conversation with Lexden's Christopher Brooks, Annette shares her journey through CX and why putting people at the heart of a CX transformation is essential to succeed. 

This is just one of the insightful and brilliantly written chapters from Annette's latest business book, 'Built to Win'. The discussion covers the origins of the book, its novel structure and taps into some of the themes which Annette brings to life with examples and practice templates. 

To condense the highlights from Annette's impressive career into a short podcast isn't possible, but we thank her for her generosity to share so much in the time we did have. We hope you as inspired as we are. 

In Lexden's latest CX Superheroes podcast episode we kick off series 11. And what better way to do it than in conversation with Investor in Customer's James Edmonds. In conversation with host and former colleague of James at Lexden and client at RSA, the discussion focusses in on the new Financial Conduct Authority regulation; Consumer Duty.  James shares his evidence on how financial services brands are adjusting their ways of working to address the four principles which underpin Consumer Duty. 

The discussion broadens out to the impact of regulatory governance on customer experience ambitions and deliverables with both providing first hand experience of the catalyst and constraints that organisations deal with when regulation is a mandated stakeholder for CX in a business. 

James also helps listeners appreciate the support and guidance available to business' struggling to get to grips with, or take advantage of the well intended new legislation. 

Regardless of whether you are associated to financial services, or a company in a regulated sector, it sheds light on what happens when your CX is partly directed by others. 

Every once in a while you meet, or as in the case of CX Superheroes podcast host Christopher Brooks, you get to work with an exceptional talent. Piotr Wojciechowski, CX practitioner with a design background is such a talent. Having delivered a CX transformation project together in Poland, Christopher is keen the rest of the world discovers the value he has enjoyed in Piotr. 

In keeping with the CX Superheroes podcast series Christopher & Piotr dive in and explore a critical topic in the world of customer centricity; the customer centric mindset. Arguably more important than any method, process or motivation for CX, the mindset sets apart those who 'are' CX from those that 'do' CX. The former being great leaders in CX. 

Christopher shares some of the characteristics of great CX leaders with Piotr who in turns examines and qualifies attributes. Piotr also helps us understand his journey to running the Polish CX company Fuzers, and how CX has accelerated its prominence in Polish business during and since the pandemic. 

If you enjoy the podcast, get in touch with guest Piotr through his LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/piotrwojciechowski/ or email piotr.wojciechowski@fuzers.com. 

CX Superheroes podcast is brought to you by http://lexdengroup.com/

The Customer Experience superheroes aims to inspire you with the latest thinkers in CX. Hosted by global customer experience specialist Christopher Brooks of Lexden CX, you are introduced to qualified experts in their field of customer experience specialism.

One critical area of customer experience is customer feedback. But too often this is seen as the collection and reporting back of performance. With a dashboard being the end product. But, as Adam Alfia, founder of RealTime Feedback highlights, what is the point of collecting feedback if it doesn't effect change. And whilst a dashboard can show status, it cant deliver the change. Adam shares how RealTime Feedback empower operational colleagues with insights which lead to improvements, which can immediately assist customers. 

But it doesn't stop here. Adam explains how customer feedback platforms in spaces where the public reside can also play a secondary role in  the welfare of customers. As someone committed to better outcomes, Adam has not limited his thinking to insight to deliver operational improvements, but also as an 'alert' system to safely inform the authorities of threatening or disruptive human behaviour. 

As someone who has been around the industry for so long, it was incredibly rewarding to hear how Adam is still inventing and innovating on behalf of the customer. To hear the full interview, please tune in. 

The Customer Experience Superheroes is now in its 10th series. We've introduced you to CX professionals and practitioners from across the globe. Seeking out new thinkers and rule breakers who dare to experiment to achieve better outcomes, when others are content to rely on convention. 

In this episode we join in conversation between Eli Lepkifker, co-founder and CTO of Tagado, and Christopher Brooks, global CX specialist and MD Lexden CX Consulting.

Eli shares his story, from the origins of research at Citibank to a CEO leading a growing customer feedback company, shaped for the future, not constrained by the past.

Having seen the shortfalls and failing of standard CX measurement approaches, Eli set out to find a stronger outcome. One which focused on what was said and not the score it came with. As a researcher he wanted to be purely inspired by customers, not scores. 

Listen to the podcast to hear how Eli and Tagado have landed in the world of CX, and where the future will be taking them. 

In this episode of the Customer Experience Superheroes podcast we meet Jochem Van de Veer, CEO of They Do. Host Christopher Brooks speaks with Jochem about the progression from Customer Journey mapping, a recognised practice for identifying customer pain points and new opportunities, to Customer Journey Management, where the emphasis shifts to action to be achieved from mapping.
In conversation they discuss the shortfalls of the way many are coached to developed customer journey maps, and the impact and positive impression on senior management which 'managing' customer journeys can achieve beyond just mapping. 

Now a regular in the calendar, over 200 CX professionals from over 35 countries meet (virtually) to solve charity CX problems. This 'CX4Good' initiative is called the Customer Experience World Games'. Players share their time and talents, working in teams to positively compete and provide the best solutions for the charities. 

Until now it's been thought that the main benefactors were the charities who get all the ideas. However, when we met Ravi Shankar and Sandip Gupta, regular players and seriously talented CXers who commit to making a difference through CX,  it is clear that the playing community learn and develop from this unique experience. 

In conversation with host Christopher Brooks,  hear how the CXWG has made an impact on the lives of the playing community as well as the charities the games is designed to improve outcomes for. 

Speaking with Matt Young reminds us all how customer insight is not just for the 'fixes' or 'issues', but its also an input for innovation. In conversation with Lexden's Global CX Lead and CX Superheroes podcast host, Christopher Brooks, Matt shares his ideas and ideals for customer insight led innovation. 

As CEO of UserVoice, Matt has a lifetime of firsthand experience dealing with innovation designed insight. To paraphrase a famous football manager, he may not be the best in the world but he's certainly in the top one. As a self confessed introvert, the inner confidence of years of working closely with clients and customers to create new product innovations comes through. 

It's a direction of travel which has awakened progressive organisations across the globe to collect and democratise customer insight to develop product and service propositions. 

If you like what you hear, feel free to connect with Matt on LinkedIn as he's offered to respond to any question you have. After all, he acknowledges that feedback is a gift and should always be responded to. Contact him on https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcyoung/.

Elena Rozanova was due to be a guest on the CX superheroes podcast series to discuss the loneliness of CX leadership in organisations. However, days after the production meeting Elena's world was turned upside down. 

Elena agreed to record this extra episode which captures her observations from the experience of refugees. Elena shares her vision for what more could be done by the CX world to help those struggling to support refugees the world over. 

Listen in to understand the experience none of us want to go through and hear Elena's insightful observations and ideas for helping refugees facing uncertain futures.   

Hosted by Christopher Brooks.

Fred Reichheld is business management royalty. The inventor of the universally adopted metric NPS (Net Promoter Score), Fred has dedicated his life to helping promote the importance in business of enriching peoples lives. He has worked with many organisations across the globe understanding what it is they do to make their customers want to stay with them and encourage others to join them too; the true meaning of loyalty as Fred puts it. 

Despite NPS being adopted by every industry and across the globe, Fred remains restless. With the majority of those using NPS not gaining the full potential. To address this Fred has written an incredibly generous book, 'Winning on Purpose' which not only lays down the formula for measuring commercial gain from customer experience, but also shares a lifetime of experiences with some of the most successful brands on the planet.

In conversation with Lexden's CX's Christopher Brooks, Fred unpacks his manifesto from Winning on Purpose for enriching people's lives and encouraging more love in business. A tour de force, with a pedigree track record this podcast is a must for any CXer, as is Fred's latest book, Winning on Purpose'

As we close series 8, what better way than with a first! In this episode of the Customer Experience Superheroes podcast, host, Christopher Brooks is in conversation with Kelly Mukhida, CX lead at start up https://delli.market/

Having spotted a gap in the 'tasting/catering/delivery' market (it is such as good spot its not properly defined yet), Kelly explains how Delli's 'customer first' strategy is authentic, because they are building up from scratch. Unlike competitors who have to understand how long it will take to migrate, or which of their cash cows will need to be sacrificed to be customer led, Delli does not have this distraction. 

As you listen to Kelly, you will be envious of her 'no compromise' approach to putting customers, and their enjoyment of Delli, ahead of everything. From the world of corporate CX, Kelly explains how the freedom of a start up has allowed her to be creative and courageous. 

The sound of the business being literally built in the background adds to the fever pitch atmosphere which Kelly clearly thrives in. 

If you would like to connect with Kelly, she's happy to do so on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mukhida-8288a816/

Welcome to the CX Superheroes podcast. Now in series 8, we bring commentary from some of the world's most impressive CX practitioners as they help us to discover the CX Superpowers needed to be a leader. Hosted by global CX expert Christopher Brooks each episode explores a different aspect of CX, from a new perspective, 

In this episode I speak with Jon Picoult who has been at the forefront of proving the ROI case on CX for the past decade. Through this work with Watermark he has bee recognised across the globe. And now he shares his stories from his travels in a structured book focussing on how to evolve impressive CX to an obsessive culture driven by great customer experiences. In conversation with Christopher Jon unpacks several of the 'Principles' and shares exceptional examples to make real what is often deemed too theoretical. It is a great framework and a must have for anyone pursuing better outcomes for their customers. Available via Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Impressed-Obsessed-Principles-Customers-Employees/dp/126425878X, it is a must have inclusion on the CX book shelf for the self taught and for those experienced practitioners seeking fresh examples of excellence. 

Jon's easy style of story telling explains why he is a firm favourite on the CX event circuit. Tune in here and get a front row seat to a wealth of learning with Jon at the CX Superheroes podcast. Jon Picoult ca be found on LinkedIn if you wish to connect with the author. 

Ashley Jones is an incredible individual. As the founder of Love Not Lost, a bereavement charity which helps families when a loved one passes, by creating enduring memories, she is more than making her life a meaningful one in society. 

The way Ashley runs the charity provides an exceptional experience  for donors (the Heartbeat), benefactors, photographers (tune in to hear how they fit in), volunteers and board members is breathtaking.  

Listen to the podcast, hosted by Christopher Brooks, and you will be taken on a masterclass in charity experience. Already a TEDx speaker and featured on BBC podcasts, Ashley is a source of learning for others. From finding your true north and applying it to everything you do to 'celebrating the success of others as your progress'. Ashley covers all the bases despite not coming from a customer experience background. 

As is always the case with Ashley's generosity, she gives all her tips away. But if you really want to know how good the experience is, sign up. Make http://LoveNotLost.org your, 'Giving Tuesday' extra cause.  You can connect with Ashley on LinkedIn if you want to be in touch with this inspirational maverick, making a difference to so many people's lives. 

The Customer Experience Superheroes podcast is back for series 8. So we are delighted to kick the series off with someone who those in the know of CX, know as an expert in customer service; Miles C. Thomas. As someone who has an enviable career in leading customer service functions, Miles shares his views with host, Christopher Brooks, on the importance of human experience in business today. 

Miles explains the secret of the untapped value customer service agents can bring to accelerate change and improvements on behalf of customers.  Also up for discussion is how customers expectations have changed since the pandemic leading to the acceleration of 'CX for Good'. 

Miles is co-author of the latest Customer Experience Book 3, a series pulled together by Naeem Arif.  To connect with Miles on LinkedIn click https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesct/.