The Intuitive Customer - Helping You Improve Your Customer Experience To Gain Growth

First impressions are powerful, with customers forming opinions in mere seconds. The psychology behind snap judgments reveals how biases influence quick perceptions, impacting everything from job interviews to dating apps. Visual cues play a crucial role, often dictating customer trust before any words are spoken. The interplay between subconscious influences and rational thought shapes decision-making processes. Finally, managing these initial impressions effectively can significantly enhance customer engagement and brand trust.

Trust is the backbone of every thriving customer relationship. Learn ten proven strategies to earn and maintain customer trust, including the critical role of honesty, especially in tough situations. Discover the pitfalls of sneaky fees and the importance of transparency and consistency in building loyalty. Delve into the psychology behind why people may lie to seem nice and how overcommunication can be your secret weapon. This engaging discussion reveals how one moment of dishonesty can undo years of trust.

In a world oversaturated with information, short-form content may be hindering true learning. The discussion tackles the pitfalls of quick fixes and highlights the importance of deep understanding in customer experience. Delve into the Peak-End Rule, where emotional moments shape lasting memories for customers. The hosts also challenge the reliance on metrics like NPS, cautioning that they lack depth. Finally, they debate the implications of AI on critical thinking, emphasizing the need for curiosity over shortcuts in the age of automation.

Discover how tiny changes can dramatically influence choices, from popcorn sizes to online deals. Explore the intriguing world of nudges and their ability to guide decisions without force. Learn why some nudges succeed while others flop, particularly when faced with strong preferences. Unpack the significance of choice architecture and how elements like the decoy effect sway people's decisions. Plus, the importance of testing strategies before deploying them at scale is emphasized. Behavioral science reveals the hidden magic of customer influence!

Discounting may seem like a surefire strategy to lure in customers, but it can backfire. The addictive nature of discounts creates expectations that harm brand integrity and profitability. Discover the psychology behind pricing, including how reference points influence perceptions of value. Explore the thrill of the hunt in shopping and the persuasive power of larger discount numbers. Learn the risks of relying on discounts as a sales strategy and why enhancing customer value is crucial for long-term success.

🚀 Are your departments working together or just co-existing in polite chaos? Organizational silos are the silent killer of customer experience. Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, IT, Finance, HR—they all have their own priorities, their own goals, and their own version of success. But do those priorities align? More often than not, they don’t, and the result is a disjointed, frustrating experience for customers (and let’s be honest, for employees too). If you’ve ever tried to resolve a simple issue with a company only to be bounced between departments like a human pinball, you’ve experienced the dark side of silos firsthand. In this episode, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton dive deep into how silos are sabotaging your business and—more importantly—how to break them down. Colin also shares a particularly painful real-world example of a never-ending kitchen renovation that perfectly illustrates just how badly siloed teams can fail. (Hint: You’ll never look at a home improvement store the same way again.) 💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Common goals mean nothing if they aren’t lived out. Every company says “We put customers first”—but do they actually? If your Finance team makes policies that inconvenience customers, the answer is no. 🔹 Measure what matters. If Sales is rewarded for closing deals, but Implementation is penalized for poor customer satisfaction, you’ve got a problem. Aligning incentives across departments is the only way to drive real customer-centric behavior. 🔹 Cross-functional projects prevent disasters. Ever had a marketing team promise something a product team couldn’t deliver? Or a sales team sell a service that implementation couldn’t support? That’s what happens when silos rule the day. 🔹 Job shadowing changes everything. Want your IT team to build better systems for Customer Service? Have them answer support calls for a day. Want your Finance team to be more customer-friendly? Have them sit in on refund requests. 🔹 Socializing isn’t just for fun—it’s strategic. People who know each other personally collaborate more effectively. The simple act of breaking bread (or sharing a drink) can go a long way toward bridging the gaps between teams. 🎤 Best Quote from the Episode: "I once had an assistant who scheduled my meetings across London without realizing she had me zigzagging across the city like a lost tourist. After one day shadowing me, she never made that mistake again. People don’t realize the pain they cause others until they see it firsthand." – Colin Shaw About the Hosts:  Colin Shaw is a LinkedIn 'Top Voice' with a massive 284,000 followers and 86,000 subscribers to his 'Why Customers Buy' newsletter. Shaw is named one of the world's 'Top 150 Business Influencers' by LinkedIn. His company, Beyond Philosophy LLC, has been selected four times by the Financial Times as a top management consultancy. Shaw is co-host of the top 1.5% podcast 'The Intuitive Customer'—with over 600,000 downloads—and author of eight best-sellers on customer experience, Shaw is a sought-after keynote speaker. Follow Colin on LinkedIn. Ryan Hamilton is a Professor of Marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School and co-author of 'The Intuitive Customer' book. An award-winning teacher and researcher in consumer psychology, he has been named one of Poets & Quants' "World’s Best 40 B-School Profs Under 40." His research focuses on how brands, prices, and choice architecture influence shopper decision-making, and his findings have been published in top academic journals and covered by major media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. His work highlights how psychology can help firms better understand and serve their customers. Ryan has a new book launch in June 2025 called “The Growth Dilemma: Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things” Harvard Business Press Follow Ryan on LinkedIn.

Pricing. It’s one of the most critical decisions your business will ever make, yet most people approach it like a finger-in-the-air guessing game. But what if you could tap into psychological principles to not just set prices, but make your customers feel they’re getting a great deal? That’s what this episode of The Intuitive Customer is all about. Join Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton as they break down the fascinating—and sometimes hilarious—world of psychological pricing. From late-night infomercials and $400 bath towels to popcorn buckets and outrageous anchoring techniques, we explore why pricing is more than numbers on a tag—it’s a story you tell your customers. Along the way, Ryan reveals the secrets behind charm pricing, scarcity cues, and the “decoy effect,” while Colin shares how early mistakes taught him the importance of understanding customer perception. (Spoiler alert: guesswork is not a strategy.) If you want to understand the psychology behind pricing—and how to use it to improve your bottom line—you’ll love this episode. But be warned: you might never look at a price tag the same way again. Best Quote from the Episode: "The price isn’t just a number; it’s a conversation you’re having with your customer. And if you’re not telling the right story, someone else will." — Professor Ryan Hamilton Key Takeaways (But You’ll Have to Tune In for the Full Insights!): Anchoring: The "Big Daddy" of Pricing Why giving customers a frame of reference can make your prices seem more attractive. Charm Pricing Still Works (But It’s Changing) $0.99 vs. $1.00—what’s really happening in the customer’s mind? The Decoy Effect: Guide Them to the Right Choice How medium popcorns make large popcorns irresistible. Scarcity and Social Proof: The FOMO Effect The subtle art of using “only 2 left!” without annoying your customers. Price Elasticity: Know Who You’re Selling To Some customers care deeply about price changes—others don’t. Do you know the difference? Signpost Items: First Impressions Matter Why your pricing on milk, batteries, or even AA batteries can shape brand perception. Price Fairness: Handle with Care Overcharging can ruin trust, even if it makes short-term financial sense. Why You Should Listen: Whether you’re pricing consulting services, running a retail store, or managing a SaaS product, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will make you rethink how you price—and how your customers perceive your value. Plus, it’s full of funny stories, practical advice, and a healthy dose of British-American banter. Don’t just set prices. Shape perceptions.  About the Hosts:  Colin Shaw is a LinkedIn 'Top Voice' with a massive 284,000 followers and 86,000 subscribers to his 'Why Customers Buy' newsletter. Shaw is named one of the world's 'Top 150 Business Influencers' by LinkedIn. His company, Beyond Philosophy LLC, has been selected four times by the Financial Times as a top management consultancy. Shaw is co-host of the top 1.5% podcast 'The Intuitive Customer'—with over 600,000 downloads—and author of eight best-sellers on customer experience, Shaw is a sought-after keynote speaker. Follow Colin on LinkedIn.  Ryan Hamilton is a Professor of Marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School and co-author of 'The Intuitive Customer' book. An award-winning teacher and researcher in consumer psychology, he has been named one of Poets & Quants' "World’s Best 40 B-School Profs Under 40." His research focuses on how brands, prices, and choice architecture influence shopper decision-making, and his findings have been published in top academic journals and covered by major media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. His work highlights how psychology can help firms better understand and serve their customers. Ryan has a new book launch in June 2025 called “The Growth Dilemma: Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things” Harvard Business Press Follow Ryan on LinkedIn. Subscribe & Follow Apple Podcasts Spotify  

Episode Summary: Are you evoking the right emotions in your customers, or are you unknowingly driving them away? In this episode, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton dive deep into the fascinating (and often overlooked) world of customer emotions. Emotions are at the heart of every customer experience—from frustration and neglect to trust and happiness, and they’re driving your bottom line. Colin shares a story about his wife Lorraine’s coat-return drama and unpacks the emotional disaster it caused (hint: she’s not buying from that brand again). Meanwhile, Ryan explains why emotions are “squishy,” why there’s no universal list of emotions, and how organizations can still harness this powerful driver to build loyalty, advocacy, and revenue. You’ll learn why emotions are always in play, how to identify the ones that drive value, and how to stop evoking the ones that destroy it. Colin and Ryan share practical tips, real-life examples, and the secret to aligning your team around the emotions that matter most. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about improving their customer experience—and their bottom line. Best Quote from the Episode: "If I went to the CEO of a company and said, ‘Here’s the emotion your customers are feeling: frustration,’ do you think they’d say, ‘Yes, that’s exactly what we were going for’? Of course not! But if you’re not managing emotions, you’re leaving them to chance—and that’s costing you loyalty and revenue." — Colin Shaw. Key Takeaways: Emotions Drive Customer Loyalty and Spending Emotions aren’t just fluffy extras—they’re the bedrock of customer decision-making. Positive emotions like trust, care, and value build loyalty, while negative ones like frustration and neglect destroy it. Most Companies Don’t Know What Emotions They’re Evoking If you ask your leadership team what emotions they’re trying to evoke, you’ll likely get different answers—or blank stares. That lack of alignment is a significant problem. Triggers Are Key to Managing Emotions Emotions don’t happen by accident. They’re triggered by specific actions, processes, or interactions. Identify the triggers in your customer journey and intentionally design them to evoke positive emotions. Practical Exercise: Emotion Safaris Take your team on a safari to experience your customer journey—or a competitor’s—firsthand. Then debrief: What emotions did they feel? What triggered them? Were those the right emotions? The ROI of Emotions Customers who feel trust and care spend more and are more loyal. Customers who feel neglected cost you money. Managing emotions isn’t just good for customers; it’s good for your bottom line. Why You Should Listen: This episode isn’t just about theory—it’s about practical steps you can take to evoke the right emotions in your customers and improve your business results. Colin and Ryan’s insights are backed by decades of research, real-world experience, and a healthy dose of humor. If you’re ready to stop leaving customer emotions to chance and start managing them with intention, this episode is for you.   Resources Mentioned Emotional Research: https://beyondphilosophy.com/consulting/emotional-signature/ The DNA of Customer Experience: How emotions drive value book: https://beyondphilosophy.com/books/ About the Hosts: Colin Shaw is a LinkedIn 'Top Voice' with a massive 284,000 followers and 86,000 subscribers to his 'Why Customers Buy' newsletter. Shaw is named one of the world's 'Top 150 Business Influencers' by LinkedIn. His company, Beyond Philosophy LLC, has been selected four times by the Financial Times as a top management consultancy. Shaw is co-host of the top 1.5% podcast 'The Intuitive Customer'—with over 600,000 downloads—and author of eight best-sellers on customer experience, Shaw is a sought-after keynote speaker. Follow Colin on LinkedIn. Ryan Hamilton is a Professor of Marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School and co-author of 'The Intuitive Customer' book. An award-winning teacher and researcher in consumer psychology, he has been named one of Poets & Quants' "World’s Best 40 B-School Profs Under 40." His research focuses on how brands, prices, and choice architecture influence shopper decision-making, and his findings have been published in top academic journals and covered by major media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. His work highlights how psychology can help firms better understand and serve their customers. Ryan has a new book launch in June 2025 called “The Growth Dilemma: Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things” Harvard Business Press Follow Ryan on LinkedIn. Subscribe & Follow 🎙️ Tune in now to The Intuitive Customer Podcast on your favorite platform! Apple Podcasts Spotify

Episode Summary: How can you create an environment where your team feels safe to speak their minds without fear of judgment or reprisal? In this episode, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton are joined by Gary Keogh, an expert in psychological safety and a former corporate leader turned coach. Together, they dive into why fostering openness in teams is more than just a buzzword—it’s the secret sauce for innovation, collaboration, and performance. Gary shares eye-opening stories, practical examples, and proven methods to build trust within teams. Learn how even small behaviors like showing vulnerability, demonstrating curiosity, and expressing appreciation can unlock untapped potential in your organization. If you’re a leader looking to bring out the best in your team—or just curious about why “none of us are as clever as all of us”—this episode is packed with actionable insights you can’t afford to miss. Quote of the Episode The moment you create a space where everyone feels safe to contribute, that’s when the magic happens.” — Gary Keogh Key Takeaways: Learn what it really means to create a workplace where people feel safe and eager to speak openly.  It’s not about coddling your team or avoiding accountability. Discover how leadership ego, self-censorship, and rigid cultural norms stifle collaboration—and what you can do about it. Three practical ways to foster psychological safety: show vulnerability, practice curiosity, and express appreciation. The Jeff Bezos Approach: Find out why Amazon’s founder speaks last in meetings and seeks out junior team members’ perspectives first  Resources Mentioned Contact Gary Keogh:  http://linkedin.com/in/gkeogh  Website: https://gkexeccoaching.com/   About the Hosts: Colin Shaw is a LinkedIn 'Top Voice' with a massive 284,000 followers and 86,000 subscribers to his 'Why Customers Buy' newsletter. Shaw is named one of the world's 'Top 150 Business Influencers' by LinkedIn. His company, Beyond Philosophy LLC, has been selected four times by the Financial Times as a top management consultancy. Shaw is co-host of the top 1.5% podcast 'The Intuitive Customer'—with over 600,000 downloads—and author of eight best-sellers on customer experience, Shaw is a sought-after keynote speaker. Follow Colin on LinkedIn. Ryan Hamilton is a Professor of Marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School and co-author of 'The Intuitive Customer' book. An award-winning teacher and researcher in consumer psychology, he has been named one of Poets & Quants' "World’s Best 40 B-School Profs Under 40." His research focuses on how brands, prices, and choice architecture influence shopper decision-making, and his findings have been published in top academic journals and covered by major media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. His work highlights how psychology can help firms better understand and serve their customers. Ryan has a new book launch in June 2025 called “The Growth Dilemma: Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things” Harvard Business Press Follow Ryan on LinkedIn. Subscribe & Follow Apple Podcasts Spotify

Episode Summary How do you set yourself apart in an ever-evolving professional landscape? In this episode of The Intuitive Customer, Colin Shaw and Ryan Hamilton dive deep into the career lessons they’ve learned over decades of navigating the twists and turns of professional life. This isn’t just another list of career tips—it's a roadmap for thriving in 2025 and beyond. From mastering long-term planning to embracing the disruptive power of technology, Colin and Ryan unpack the strategies that make all the difference in building a fulfilling, forward-looking career. Plus, they share personal anecdotes (and a few laughs) about lessons learned the hard way. Whether you’re just starting out, mid-career, or considering your next big move, this episode is packed with advice you won’t want to miss. The Best Quote from the Episode "If it’s going to be, it’s up to me. Don’t wait for someone else to drive your career—successful people create their own opportunities." – Colin Shaw Key Takeaways We’re only scratching the surface here—you’ll need to listen to the full episode for the stories and deeper insights behind these points! Think Long-Term: The best careers are built with vision and intentionality. Treat every role as a stepping stone to something greater. Leverage Technology: Generative AI and other innovations are reshaping the workforce. Learn to harness these changes instead of fearing them. Understand Your Strengths: Self-awareness is key—focus on what you’re naturally great at, and let that guide your career decisions. Build a Reputation That Lasts: Your reputation is your greatest currency. What do you want to be known for? Deliver, Deliver, Deliver: At the end of the day, results speak louder than words. Always follow through and exceed expectations. Why You Need to Tune In Sure, you could take the lessons at face value, but what makes this episode unmissable are the stories behind the advice. From Colin’s father’s game-changing advice about “learning your boss’s job” to Ryan’s humorous but insightful realization about his dislike for managing people, these are the kinds of lessons you’ll want to hear straight from the source. Plus, Colin and Ryan’s banter, humor, and candid reflections make this episode not just valuable, but downright enjoyable. You might even come away with a new mantra for your career—and a laugh or two! 🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward making 2025 your most successful year yet! About the Hosts: Colin Shaw is a LinkedIn 'Top Voice' with a massive 284,000 followers and 86,000 subscribers to his 'Why Customers Buy' newsletter. Shaw is named one of the world's 'Top 150 Business Influencers' by LinkedIn. His company, Beyond Philosophy LLC, has been selected four times by the Financial Times as a top management consultancy. Shaw is co-host of the top 1.5% podcast 'The Intuitive Customer'—with over 600,000 downloads—and author of eight best-sellers on customer experience, Shaw is a sought-after keynote speaker. Follow Colin on LinkedIn. Ryan Hamilton is a Professor of Marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School and co-author of 'The Intuitive Customer' book. An award-winning teacher and researcher in consumer psychology, he has been named one of Poets & Quants' "World’s Best 40 B-School Profs Under 40." His research focuses on how brands, prices, and choice architecture influence shopper decision-making, and his findings have been published in top academic journals and covered by major media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. His work highlights how psychology can help firms better understand and serve their customers. Ryan has a new book launch in June 2025 called “The Growth Dilemma: Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things” Harvard Business Press Follow Ryan on LinkedIn. Subscribe & Follow Apple Podcasts Spotify