Business Transformation Pitch with The CX Goalkeeper

Gregorio Uglioni sits down with senior customer experience manager Patty Soltis to explore the intricate dynamics of convincing the C-suite to embrace customer experience initiatives. Patty shares invaluable insights on aligning CX efforts with business strategies, understanding executive priorities, and demonstrating the true value of CX to drive profitability. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to bridge the gap between customer experience and executive buy-in. About Patty Soltis Over three decades of experience, Patty has been a practitioner, consultant, and analyst in CX. She led dysfunctional organizations through change management to profitability. She found significant financial benefits with more profitable sales and lower expenses using the CX discipline. Using customer-centric business strategies, Patty created customer centric cultures, advised organizations to adopt CX, and analyzed CX best practices. Patty started her career listening to the voice of the employee, learning more about the customer elevating customer experiences. Patty serves as a senior customer experience manager at Upwork. Patty was a principal analyst – CX for eMarketer/Insider Intelligence and a patient experience consultant for Moffitt Cancer Center. She was a consultant for several years working with both small and enterprise organizations. Patty worked in retail for 27 years. She was a VP/GM for Neiman Marcus, Marshall Fields, and Lord & Taylor. Patty is a CCXP, CX-PRO and was named a CX Influencer by CX Network in 2024 and CX Scoop in 2023. She is an active member of the CXPA where she led the writing of the Book of Knowledge, launched the FL CXPA network, serves as a leader on the FL network and the Regional Council. Patty is a member of Horizon CX Board of Advisors. Resources Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/ Please, hit the follow button and leave your feedback: Apple Podcast: https://www.cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: https://www.cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ Gregorio Uglioni is a seasoned transformation leader with over 15 years of experience shaping business and digital change, consistently delivering service excellence and measurable impact. As an Associate Partner at Forward, he is recognized for his strategic vision, operational expertise, and ability to drive sustainable growth. A respected keynote speaker and host of the well-known global podcast Business Transformation Pitch with the CX Goalkeeper, Gregorio energizes and inspires organizations worldwide with his customer-centric approach to innovation.

Ben Phillips, a 20-year CX professional, explains how B2B customer experience differs from B2C, highlights key B2B moments, and gives real examples of fixing and leveraging accounts. He also shares practical training ideas: translate leadership strategy into frontline actions and use short, authentic formats like podcasts. About Ben Phillips Ben is a Certified CX Professional (CCXP) with almost 20 years working directly in Customer Experience (CX) roles for worldwide enterprise-grade organisations, both B2C and B2B. He has held Director, Leader and consultancy positions in CX for market research agencies, financial companies and technology businesses. He has led award-winning CX teams and is the author of 3 books on the subject of CX, including "The CX Dictionary". He is consistently ranked in the top #25 CX Influencers recognised by CX Magazine year on year. Ben presents keynotes, CX knowledge sessions and hosts events for companies worldwide. He lives in the Midlands, UK with his family and is a passionate musician, Level 3 Personal Fitness Trainer, Tottenham Hotspur fan and whisky enthusiast. Resources CX Alive!: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cx-alive/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We'd love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast "Customer Experience Goals" - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

In this episode, Gregorio Uglioni dives deep into the world of brand love with Professor Aaron Ahuvia, a leading expert in the field. If you're curious about how emotional connections with brands are formed and why they matter for your business, this episode is a must-listen. Discover the science behind brand love, the strategies top companies use to create loyal customers, and how you can apply these insights to elevate your brand. About Aaron Ahuvia Dr. Aaron Ahuvia is the Czarnecki Professor of Marketing at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, the world's leading expert on brand love, and the winner of the Stetik Group Brand Relationship Award, for research with the greatest impact on marketing practice. His popular book, The Things We Love, has been named by Amazon as a "best business book." A Stanford University study ranked him in the top 2% of all scientists worldwide. He has been on the Oprah Winfrey Show and consulted for Google, Amazon, L'Oréal, Samsung, Maybelline, Procter & Gamble, Audi, General Motors, Microsoft, Ford, GfK Market Research, and others. Resources University of Michigan-Dearborn: https://www.BrandLoveCentral.com Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We'd love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast "Customer Experience Goals" - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

Melissa Moore shares real retail stories, training tips, and practical views on customer centricity, employee experience, AI, and TikTok shop. Listeners get honest lessons on execution, people-first leadership, and building consistent retail experiences across channels. About Melissa Moore Melissa Moore is an award-winning Retail Consultant and Educator with over 25 years' retail experience. She founded The Retail Advisor consultancy to empower retailers and brands to reach their potential through sales growth and excellence in customer experience and was awarded the RETHINK Retail 'Top Retail Expert' 2024 & 2025. Melissa delivers retail training to an international audience by motivating teams to deliver sensational service through sales, standards and CX through her practical workshops. She lectures students at apprenticeship and undergraduate level in modules including contemporary retail issues, sales fundamentals and retail merchandising. As host of the award-winning Retail Tea Break podcast, Melissa brings together retailers, brands and global industry experts. Her aim is to decode myths, share knowledge and give her audience an insight into the retail industry. Covering topics including the latest retail trends, ecommerce, loyalty, physical stores, technology and AI, the podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms. Resources The Retail Tea Break: https://linktr.ee/theretailadvisor Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We'd love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast "Customer Experience Goals" - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

In this episode, Greg sits down with Michael Lewrick, bestselling author and design thinking expert, to unravel how the mindset of design thinking—beyond just tools—can spark innovation, drive transformation, and elevate business performance. Michael dives into real-world cases, shares his "50 tools" framework, explores how to measure innovation using metrics and AI, and explains how ecosystems and systems thinking amplify impact. His golden nugget? Keep your curiosity alive, experiment continuously, and stay open to what the future holds. About Michael Lewrick Bestselling Author | Speaker | Senior Advisor | Trainer Resources Lewrick & Company: https://www.lewrick.ch/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We'd love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast "Customer Experience Goals" - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

Annette Franz discusses her book on employee experience and emphasizes the connection between employee understanding and business success. She provides insights on culture, listening, and empathy as vital components for creating a positive workplace environment. About Annette Franz Annette Franz is a globally recognized thought leader, author, and speaker in culture transformation, employee experience (EX), and customer experience (CX). As the founder and CEO of CX Journey Inc., she helps organizations build strong, values-driven cultures that empower employees and drive exceptional customer experiences. With over 30 years of experience, Annette has worked with brands across industries to develop strategies that foster engaged employees, enhance customer relationships, and create long-term business success. She is passionate about ensuring that culture is the foundation for meaningful change, believing that fixing the culture fixes the outcomes. Annette is the author of multiple books, including Customer Understanding: Three Ways to Put the "Customer" in Customer Experience (and at the Heart of Your Business); Built to Win: Designing a Customer-Centric Culture That Drives Value for Your Business; and Employee Understanding: A Three-Pillar Framework for Designing a Great Experience and Driving Business Success, which provide actionable frameworks for embedding culture, employee experience, and customer experience into business strategy. She is also a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing her expertise with audiences worldwide. A champion of culture-driven transformation, Annette serves as an advisor, mentor, and advocate for organizations looking to elevate their workplace environments, empower employees, and strengthen customer relationships. Recognized as one of the top influencers in the EX and CX space, she continues to shape the industry through her work, writing, and thought leadership. Resources CX Journey Inc.: https://annettefranz.com/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We'd love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast "Customer Experience Goals" - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

Learn how fearless leaders build high-performing teams. Nick James shares practical habits: start with why, create psychological safety, empower people, use candid feedback, and coach individuals. He also explains his Eighty20 coaching, leading agile change, and why radical transparency and backing your team matter in fast change driven by AI and technology. About Nick James Based in Zurich, Nick has spent the past 30 years helping organisations transform and adapt to the ever-changing business environment spanning technology, business and regulatory change. He has an infectious passion for maximising the potential of the teams to deliver exceptional results for customers. He now works as a team and individual performance coach, mentor, senior advisor and transformation leader for corporates, consulting firms and start-ups. Resources Eighty20: https://eighty20.ch/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We'd love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast "Customer Experience Goals" - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

This episode explores avatars, AI, and community-driven value. Annika Kessel explains Cosmic Universe, ethical avatar design, NFTs, and community economies. Hear real risks like profile hacking and practical uses for brands, education, and mental health. Learn a human-centered view of AI and the future. About Annika Kessel Annika Kessel is a visionary leader building a new societal model at the intersection of human consciousness, AI, and decentralized community economies. She inspires millions to reconnect with their true essence through heart-driven experiences, creating ecosystems where trust, authenticity, and love define value. Through AI avatars with over 500,000 followers and 1 billion+ media impressions, she champions a movement where community is currency, and technology enhances collective intelligence and ethical transformation. Resources Cosmiq Universe AG: https://cosmiquniverse.com/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We'd love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast "Customer Experience Goals" - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

Antonio Grasso offers invaluable perspectives for anyone looking to understand the intersections of technology, business, and society. By embracing a human-centric approach to digital transformation, businesses and individuals can prepare for a future where technology supports and enhances human endeavors. About Antonio Grasso is the Founder and CEO of Digital Business Innovation Srl, a thriving startup leading the way in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and cybersecurity. With over 40 years in information technology, Antonio's role as an entrepreneur, author, mentor, and speaker has inspired countless individuals. His influence has been recognized with the prestigious award of Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce (FRSA), reflecting his significant achievements in social progress and development. Antonio's collaborations with major multinationals and public institutions have positioned him as a global influencer and visionary thinker. As an external expert and ambassador, his work with the European Commission on projects like Next Generation Internet and AI4EU – Artificial Intelligence for Europe is shaping the future of technology on the continent. Antonio's passion for mentorship also extends to his role as an Accredited and Qualified Global Mentor for Startups and Scaleups by the World Business Angels Investment Forum, an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), committed to empowering global economic development. Resources Digital Business Innovation Srl: https://www.dbi.srl/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We'd love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast "Customer Experience Goals" - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

Sam Stern shares his unique perspective on bridging strategic insights with practical execution. He dives deep into the nuances of translating feedback into internal improvements at LinkedIn, highlighting the value of member voices in shaping user-centric solutions. Sam underscores the importance of emotional memory in customer experience design, emphasizing that people remember how moments felt more than they recall the details. Drawing inspiration from psychological principles like the Peak-End Rule, he illustrates how LinkedIn designs experiences that create memorable moments during major career milestones—such as job changes or layoffs—strengthening user engagement and loyalty. Sam also shares how service design has enabled closer collaboration with product teams, allowing for a more systemic impact on the user journey. Another key topic discussed is the evolving role of AI in customer experience. Sam foresees a future where AI agents become integral collaborators, requiring human oversight and ethical consideration. He advocates for creating seamless, emotionally resonant experiences by blending technology with thoughtful design. Throughout the conversation, he stresses the critical need to speak the language of stakeholders internally to drive alignment and sustainable change—an often-overlooked element in transformation efforts. The Top 3 Key Learnings 1. Design for Memory, Not Just Interaction: Customers don't remember every moment—they remember how the experience made them feel. Designing for emotional peaks during key life events (like job transitions) creates lasting loyalty. 2. Speak the Language of Your Stakeholders: Internal success depends on your ability to frame CX improvements in terms others care about. Building trust and using stakeholder-relevant language is essential to gain traction. 3. Service Design Enables Systemic Impact: By combining CX principles with service design tools like journey maps and blueprints, teams can align better with product and operational functions to deliver holistic, integrated solutions. About Sam Stern Currently, Sam leads the Service Design team at LinkedIn, responsible for creating delightful experiences for the platform's 1 billion members and customers. He has also created 3 LinkedIn Learning courses on Customer experience enjoyed by more than 100,000 learners to date. Sam has his own podcast, CX Patterns, which you can find on any of your favorite podcast hosting platforms. Previously, Sam started a customer experience team for the sneaker company New Balance, and before that was a CX analyst at Forrester Research, covering customer-centric culture, employee experience, and CX governance, and working with past CX Goalkeeper guests like Maxie Schmidt, Bruce Temkin and Natalie Petouhoff. Resources LinkedIn: https://www.samsterncx.com/ https://www.samsterncx.com/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We'd love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast "Customer Experience Goals" - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/