HBR IdeaCast

To Truly Delight Customers, You Need Aesthetic Intelligence

Nov 19, 2019
Pauline Brown, former chairman of North America for LVMH and author of "Aesthetic Intelligence," discusses the power of aesthetic intelligence in business. She argues that great leaders must tap into good taste to create memorable customer experiences that engage all five senses. Brown highlights transformative examples from brands like Apple and Starbucks, illustrating how unique sensory experiences set companies apart. She emphasizes the necessity of cultivating this intelligence across industries, including B2B, to drive success and foster deeper customer connections.
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INSIGHT

Aesthetic Intelligence Defined

  • Aesthetic intelligence (AI) is taste, the ability to appreciate and create pleasurable experiences.
  • It's about stimulating all five senses to create delight, not just visual appeal.
ANECDOTE

LVMH's Success

  • LVMH, a $40B company, sells products nobody needs, demonstrating the power of delight.
  • They create pleasurable experiences around products and services, driving desire beyond necessity.
ANECDOTE

Steve Jobs & Starbucks

  • Steve Jobs prioritized user experience, transforming computers from tools to delightful objects.
  • Starbucks elevated coffee from a commodity to a premium experience through a curated 'third space'.
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