Science of CX Stephen Pappas

Margie Oleson is a renowned expert in team performance and organizational dynamics, specializing in helping teams achieve high levels of productivity and growth. 


With a background in psychology and organizational development, Margie brings a unique blend of expertise in human behavior and business strategy.


Throughout her career, Margie has worked with numerous organizations across various industries, guiding them to optimize their teams' potential and create a culture of excellence.


Her approach emphasizes the importance of open communication, cross-functional alignment, and continuous learning to drive organizational success.


Margie is the founder of Olsen Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping teams and leaders unlock their full potential. 


She is also the creator of the Top Team Accelerator program, offering assessments and strategies to enhance team performance.


As a thought leader in team dynamics, Margie regularly shares her insights through speaking engagements, workshops, and online resources. 


She is passionate about empowering teams to thrive in today's dynamic and competitive business environment.






Key Takeaways


1. Optimize Meetings: Break out strategy and tactics in meetings, ensuring the right people are present and focusing discussions on the appropriate level of decision-making.


2. Cross-Functional Alignment: Foster open communication and cross-functional alignment to drive organizational success and leverage the collective expertise of diverse teams.


3. High-Performance Culture: Cultivate a high-performance culture by implementing systems and processes that promote productivity, growth, and continuous learning within teams.


4. Strategic Approach: Take a strategic approach to team development, including regular assessments, clear goal-setting, and ongoing refinement of meeting structures and processes.






Timestamps


[00:29:51] The importance of productivity, growth, and cross-functional alignment within organizations.


[00:31:05] Margie Oleson invites listeners to visit top teamaccelerator.com for a free team assessment and actionable recommendations.


[00:32:30] The challenges and inefficiencies of traditional meetings, emphasizing the need for strategic separation of tactics and strategies.


[00:35:24] Key strategies for conducting effective meetings, including agenda-setting, decision documentation, and follow-up actions.


[00:38:22] Margie Oleson and Steve Pappas discuss the impact of scheduled meetings and the importance of face-to-face interactions for fostering creativity and innovation.


[00:41:44] the financial implications of inefficient meetings and the need for organizations to quantify and address meeting-related costs.






Quotes


1. "Our bodies and brains thrive on growth and productivity, so setting up systems that work for us can lead to incredible progress." - Margie Oleson


2. "Break out strategy and tactics in meetings, focusing on high performance and ensuring the right people are present for effective discussions." - Margie Oleson


3. "Document decisions, questions, and actions in meetings to ensure clarity and prevent missed opportunities." - Margie Oleson






4. "Face-to-face interactions foster energetic exchanges and spur creativity and innovation that virtual meetings may lack." - Margie Oleson






Connect with Margie


LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/margieoleson/ 


Website - https://www.oleson-consulting.com/ 


Mail - margie@oleson-consulting.com 

Chris Wood is a seasoned expert in customer experience (CX) transformation, with a focus on leveraging technology to enhance human connections and empathy in customer interactions. 


With a career spanning over two decades, Chris has been at the forefront of helping organizations, from Fortune 100 companies to non-profits, navigate the evolving landscape of customer engagement.


As the author of "Customer Transformation" and "Customer Transformation for Nonprofits," Chris has articulated a comprehensive framework for achieving CX excellence, emphasizing the prioritization of customer needs and emotions. 


Chris is a sought-after speaker and consultant, known for his dynamic presentations and practical insights into building customer-centric cultures. He is dedicated to helping businesses harness the power of data, technology, and human empathy to drive meaningful customer experiences and sustainable growth.


In addition to his writing and speaking engagements, Chris actively engages with organizations to develop tailored strategies that align with their unique customer experience goals. 


Through his website and social media channels, Chris continues to share his expertise and connect with professionals seeking to elevate their CX initiatives.






Key takeaways  


1. Prioritize the Customer Experience: Organizations should adopt an "outside-in" perspective, starting with understanding the customer's needs and emotions before formulating business strategies.


2. Embrace Human-Centric Technology: While technology like AI can enhance efficiency, it should not replace human connections. Businesses should leverage technology to augment, not replace, empathetic interactions with customers.


3. Utilize Data and Feedback: Analyze customer data, feedback, and sentiment to understand what is working and what needs improvement. This includes engaging with employees, monitoring social media, and gathering insights from competitors.


4. Continuous Improvement: Customer experience transformation is an ongoing process. Businesses must continuously reassess their strategies, adapt to changing customer needs, and prioritize the development of a customer-centric culture.






Timestamps


[00:23:20] Chris Wood challenges the underinvestment in customer support and emphasizes the importance of human connections over technology in business success.


[00:28:39] The evolution of emotion detection technology and its potential to revolutionize customer experience by providing real-time insights into customer sentiments.


[00:30:37] The limitations of current chatbot technology and the need for AI to detect customer emotions and frustrations beyond just text responses.


[00:34:35] The conversation shifts to developing a sound strategy for digital customer transformation.


[00:37:41] Chris Wood introduces the concept of the "outside-in" perspective for business strategy.


[00:41:42] Encouraging listeners to consider their own business strategies in light of the outside-in perspective and to prioritize the customer experience in their decision-making.






Quotes


1. "Your underinvestment in support and your desire to replace human connections with technology is your downfall, nothing else." - Chris Wood


2. "Focus on the intelligence aspect rather than simplistic if-then approaches." - Chris Wood


3. "Look beyond surveys, involve customers in discussions, monitor social media, and analyze competitor actions." - Chris Wood


4. "Start with the customer and work your way to the business." - Chris Wood






Connect with Chris


LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishood/ 


Website - https://chrishood.com/ 


Twitter - https://twitter.com/chrishood1

Swire Ho is a seasoned expert in promotional marketing and customer experience strategies, known for his innovative approaches to enhancing brand visibility and engagement. 


With a deep understanding of trade show dynamics and social media integration, Swire specializes in helping companies leverage promotional items to maximize their marketing impact.


As the founder of Garuda Promo & Branding Solutions, Swire has built a reputation for delivering customized promotional solutions tailored to each client's unique objectives and target audience. 


He believes in the power of promotional products not only as tangible brand assets but also as tools for creating memorable customer experiences.


With a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, Swire stays informed about the latest developments in promotional marketing and customer experience technology. He actively shares his expertise through consultations, speaking engagements, and networking opportunities.


Swire is a firm advocate for the value of customer experience in driving business growth and fosters long-term relationships with his clients by providing attentive service and innovative solutions. His goal is to help businesses build strong brand identities and cultivate loyal customer bases through strategic promotional initiatives.






Key Takeaways 


1. Integration of Social Media: Utilize social media platforms to extend the reach of promotional efforts, encouraging recipients to share their experiences and engage with the brand online.


2. Customization and Brand Alignment: Select promotional items that align with the brand's identity and values, ensuring that they resonate with the target audience and contribute to a cohesive brand image.


3. Strategic Gift Giving: Approach promotional gifting strategically, considering the recipient's preferences and needs, as well as the potential for long-term engagement and brand advocacy.


4. Focus on Customer Experience: Prioritize the customer experience throughout the promotional journey, from pre-event engagement to post-event follow-up, to foster positive impressions and lasting relationships.






Timestamps


[00:19:19] Swire discusses the potential of integrating social media strategies with promotional efforts to enhance engagement and reach.


[00:20:48] Steve and Swire explore the idea of turning recipients of promotional items into social media influencers to amplify brand exposure and reach a wider audience.


[00:27:13] Swire emphasizes the importance of aligning promotional products with brand values and missions to create meaningful connections with recipients.


[00:32:21] The discussion shifts to the significance of understanding ideal client profiles and personas to tailor promotional efforts effectively.


[00:35:08] Steve and Swire discuss the value of sending strategic promotional items to customers prior to their go-live or onboarding, fostering engagement and advocacy within organizations. 


[00:41:38] Steve wraps up the episode, summarizing key insights and encouraging listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.






Quotes


1. "Forget the word swag; focus on what people want to receive that reflects your brand." 


2. "Promotional products serve as silent ambassadors for your brand, speaking volumes about your mission." 


3. "Incorporating your technology seamlessly into users' workflows prompts them to spread positive word-of-mouth about your product." 


4. "Understanding your target audience's demographics and preferences helps tailor promotional products to create a personalized brand experience." 






Connect with Swire


LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/swire-ho-thepromoguy-6b90631/ 


Website - https://www.garudapromo.com/ 


X - https://twitter.com/garuda_swire?lang=en

Tina Lopez is a seasoned solopreneur and digital content creator known for her innovative approach to building successful online businesses. 


With a background in coaching and a passion for helping others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams, Tina has become a trusted voice in the digital marketing space.


Throughout her career, Tina has honed her expertise in collaboration strategies and email marketing, developing a simple yet highly effective sales system that has enabled her to scale her businesses rapidly. 


She emphasizes the importance of aligning business goals with personal values and lifestyle preferences, advocating for a holistic approach to entrepreneurship that prioritizes balance and sustainability.


As the creator of the Daily Content Generator, Tina has revolutionized content creation processes, empowering entrepreneurs to automate their content workflows and maximize their online presence across multiple platforms.


In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Tina is a passionate advocate for community building and knowledge sharing. She actively engages with online communities, including Letter Growth, Facebook groups, and Reddit groups, to foster collaboration opportunities and exchange valuable insights with like-minded professionals.


Through her podcast appearances, speaking engagements, and educational resources, Tina continues to inspire and empower aspiring solopreneurs to pursue their passions, achieve their goals, and create thriving online businesses that align with their values and lifestyle aspirations.






Key Takeaways


1. Simplified Sales System: Tina Lopez emphasizes the effectiveness of a simplified sales system focused on collaborations and email marketing, highlighting the importance of storytelling and engaging content in driving sales.


2. Community Engagement: Leveraging online communities such as Letter Growth, Facebook groups, and Reddit groups can be highly beneficial for finding collaboration opportunities and building a network of like-minded professionals.


3. Automation and Systems: Implementing automation tools and systems can significantly streamline content creation processes. 


4. Alignment with Lifestyle Goals: Prioritizing lifestyle preferences and personal values when setting business goals is essential for achieving sustainable success as a solopreneur. 






Timestamps


[00:13:49] Tina Lopez discusses the importance of collaborations and email marketing in creating a simplified sales system, emphasizing the value of storytelling and engaging content.


[00:20:15] Planning goals in advance, leveraging discounts during holiday seasons, and front-loading goals in the first quarter are strategies Tina recommends for effective goal setting and achievement.


[00:22:24] Tina introduces the Daily Content Generator, an automation tool for repurposing content across various platforms, emphasizing the importance of leveraging systems to save time and prevent burnout.


[00:25:36] While discussing content creation, Tina emphasizes the importance of building an email list as the primary revenue-generating tool and shares strategies for converting content consumers into email subscribers.


[00:29:19] Tina provides insights into validating business ideas, including identifying pain points, polling potential customers for pricing preferences, and pre-selling products to gauge interest and generate revenue.






Quotes


1. "Leverage systems to streamline tasks and free up time for what truly matters." - Tina Lopez


2. "Build a business that aligns with your lifestyle non-negotiables." - Tina Lopez


3. "Set ambitious goals to drive your success." - Tina Lopez


4. "Focus on growing your email list to drive revenue." - Tina Lopez






Connect with Tina


Blog - https://lifewithtina.medium.com/ 


Twitter: https://twitter.com/lessonswithtina 


Instagram: https://instagram.com/tinalopezcoaching 

Sara Caldwell is the Global Head of Customer Success and Experience at Dovetail, where she brings a wealth of experience in customer service, gleaned from her tenure at Asana, Reforge, and Neverwhere. 


With a passion for nurturing young talent, Sara volunteers at universities and Breakthrough Consortium, empowering underrepresented students on their journey to college. 


An advocate for female representation, Sara often speaks at events about women in tech and customer service, highlighting how women can amplify the customer's voice and ensure a delightful user experience tailored to diverse business needs. 


With her diverse background and multifaceted approach, Sara champions the importance of customer-centricity, aiming to bridge the gap between customer insights and product development. 


Through her work, she strives to enhance the quality of every interaction and decision, fostering business growth and customer satisfaction.






Key Takeaways


1. Customer-Centricity is Key: Sara emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer's perspective at every touchpoint in the business, from initial interaction to retention, to drive business success.


2. Democratization of Research: There's a shift towards involving everyone in the organization in customer research, blurring the lines between formal research teams and informal customer conversations, leading to a more collaborative approach to understanding customer needs.


3. Early Integration of Research in Decision-Making: Incorporating customer research early in the product development process helps avoid costly mistakes. 


4. Centralized Data for Informed Decision-Making: Utilizing tools like Dovetail enables companies to consolidate customer data into a centralized repository, facilitating data-driven decision-making and streamlining research processes for more efficient outcomes.


5. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Building a culture of continuous learning and adaptation based on customer feedback is crucial for staying agile and responsive to evolving customer needs. 






Timestamps


[00:06:12] Sara shares insights on the shifting landscape of customer research, emphasizing the democratization of research processes and the importance of involving all stakeholders in understanding customer needs.


[00:12:45] The early integration of customer research in product development, highlighting its role in mitigating risks down the line. 


[00:18:20] Sara discusses the significance of centralized data platforms like Dovetail in streamlining research processes and enabling data-driven decision-making across organizations.


[00:25:03] The conversation concludes with Sara underscoring the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation based on customer feedback to drive business growth and enhance customer satisfaction.






Quotes


1. "Customer research is about fostering empathy and understanding to drive meaningful business outcomes."


2. "Early incorporation of customer feedback guides you towards creating resonant solutions."


3. "Embrace diverse perspectives within your organization for innovative customer insights."


4. "Continuous learning from customer feedback is crucial for sustainable business growth."






Connect with Sara


LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/saramcaldwell/ 


Website - https://dovetail.com/ 


X - https://twitter.com/hidovetail/ 

Kristin Zhivago is a seasoned business consultant, author, and thought leader specializing in customer-centric marketing strategies and revenue growth.  


Kristin is best known for her expertise in understanding and mapping the customer's buying process, helping businesses align their sales and service strategies with the evolving needs and expectations of their customers. 


She is the author of the acclaimed book "Roadmap to Revenue: How to Sell the Way Your Customers Want to Buy," which provides actionable insights and practical guidance for businesses aiming to improve their sales processes and maximize revenue.


Throughout her career, Kristin has worked with companies of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 corporations, across various industries. Her approach emphasizes the importance of authentic customer engagement, transparency, and continuous improvement to deliver exceptional customer experiences and drive long-term success.


In addition to her consulting work and writing, Kristin is a sought-after speaker and podcast guest, sharing her expertise and insights on customer-centric marketing, sales optimization, and revenue growth strategies. 


She is dedicated to helping businesses thrive in today's competitive landscape by putting the customer at the center of their operations and decision-making.






Key Takeaways


1. Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasizing the importance of understanding and aligning with the customer's needs and preferences throughout the buying process.


2. Sales Training Transformation: Highlighting the need for sales training that prioritizes active listening and addressing specific customer questions rather than rigidly following a scripted sales pitch.


3. Empowering Customer Service: Recognizing the value of empowering customer service teams to focus on satisfying customer needs rather than solely on making sales, leading to increased customer satisfaction and revenue growth.


4. Continuous Improvement: Advocating for a culture of continuous improvement, where businesses regularly assess and adapt their strategies to better meet customer expectations and drive long-term success.






Timestamps


[00:17:46] The challenges salespeople face when they prioritize selling over listening to customer needs, highlighting the impact of readily available information on customer behavior.


[00:23:12] The pitfalls of outsourcing and the importance of maintaining quality and cultural understanding, illustrated by an example of offshore content creation leading to subpar results due to cultural differences.


[00:25:44] The prevalence of meaningless marketing content and the need for authenticity and relevance in customer communications, emphasizing the importance of addressing customer needs rather than relying on generic messaging.


[00:28:59] Levels of scrutiny applied to purchasing decisions and the necessity for businesses to anticipate and address customer questions at each stage of the buying process.


[00:33:39] The importance of gathering the customer's truth through open and objective conversations to inform business strategies and ensure alignment with customer needs, advocating for a customer-centric approach to drive success.






Quotes


1. "Your customers are eager to tell you their truth, and talking to just 5 to 7 of them reveals clear patterns." 


2. "We're not selling to make friends; we're just trying to get something in our hands that will work." 


3. "You don't have to hire me; I wrote the book so people could do it themselves."






Connect with Kristin


LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinzhivago/ 


Website - https://www.zhivagopartners.com/ 


X - https://twitter.com/KristinZhivago