Experts of Experience

You know when a company brags about its “great culture,” but the employees look dead inside? That’s because culture isn’t what leaders say it is — it’s what customers feel. In this episode, Mark Rampolla, founder of ZICO Coconut Water and managing partner at Ground Force Capital, tells us how culture quietly shapes every customer interaction. From Liquid Death’s branding genius to why “culture fit” hiring is a terrible idea, Mark breaks down what it really takes to build a company people actually want to engage with.We also dive into the “need behind the need” (AKA why customers don’t buy what you’re selling but what it does for them). Mark shares how ZICO won over yoga studios by solving problems beyond hydration and why understanding where your customers make their money is the key to selling. If your culture, hiring, or customer experience feels off, this conversation holds the solution you’re looking for. Key Moments: 00:00 Who is Mark Rampolla, founder of ZICO & managing partner at GroundForce Capital?01:02 Building a Movement02:13 Why Company Culture Matters03:35 Culture in Action: Real-World Examples08:27 Hiring a Culture Add & Customer Obsession17:36 Assessing and Evolving Company Culture24:42 Understanding the Need Behind the Need25:06 Real-World Examples of Customer Empathy26:17 Building Relationships with Yoga Studios29:31 Marketing Strategies and ROI31:34 Hypothesis Testing & the Opportunities in Operational Failure38:17 Active Listening and Empathy in Business41:24 Impressive Brand Experiences43:18 Mark’s Key Advice for CX Leaders  –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their AI strategy with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wildfires, floods, total loss — what happens when disaster strikes and people need help navigating the chaos?Gavin Blair, COO of Bright Harbor and former CX leader at Lemonade, joins Lauren Wood to break down why disaster recovery is failing the empathy test — and what needs to change. From the California wildfires to the broken insurance system, Gavin reveals how frontline teams can rebuild trust in the moments that matter most. This conversation covers why insurance is so difficult to navigate, how Bright Harbor is reshaping disaster recovery with AI and human connection, and the simple CX strategies that can turn devastation into a structured path forward.If you think empathy and efficiency can’t coexist in high-stakes CX, think again. Key Moments: 00:00: Who is Gavin Blair, COO of Bright Harbor?02:17 Bright Harbor's Mission and Inception04:08 Challenges in Insurance CX06:18 Empathetic CX Through Disaster Recovery11:08: Citizens’ Optimism & Resilience After LA Fires14:51: Training Empathetic and Responsive Teams23:05 Role of AI in Enhancing Empathy33:51 Why Responsiveness is the Most Important Part of CX41:43 Gavin’s Advice for CX Leaders Everywhere –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their AI strategy with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You’re either building trust or breaking it — which one are you doing?Customer experience isn’t just about service. It’s about trust. And most companies are getting it wrong.In this episode, Lauren Wood sits down with Michael Maoz, Senior VP of Innovation Strategy at Salesforce, to reveal what really drives customer loyalty — and why most brands sabotage themselves without even realizing it.The conversation dives into when technology enhances customer relationships versus when it erodes trust, the dangers of relying on flawed data, and why customers are willing to share 400% more information with brands they truly trust. With real-world examples and practical takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to transform customer experience from a transaction into a lasting relationship.From brand-killing interactions to why AI won’t save you if your foundation is broken, this episode is a wake-up call for leaders who want to build authentic, lasting customer relationships. Key Moments: 00:00 Who is Michael Maoz, SVP of Innovation Strategies at Salesforce?01:52 AI in Action: Opportunities and Risks05:09 The Role of Clean Data in AI Success06:38 Practical AI Implementations and Pitfalls19:07 Building Trust with AI34:05 Simplifying Communication with Stakeholders34:28 IQ vs EQ in Business Decisions35:13 AI in B2B and B2C Contexts37:14 Automating Customer Support in Banking38:56 Emotional and Complex Interactions41:07 Experimentation and Adoption of AI45:08 Customer Journey Hacks and Channel Preferences48:58 Voice-Driven Future and AI Integration50:08 Impressive Customer Service Experience53:34 Advice for Customer Experience Leaders   –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their AI strategy with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most brands are doing CX wrong—and it’s costing them.The secret to getting it right? It’s not just about data, and it’s not just about empathy—it’s about both.In this episode, Lauren Wood sits down with Stacy Sherman, CX expert, author, and host of Doing CX Right, to break down her ‘Heart and Science’ framework. With 25 years of experience leading CX for major brands, Stacy shares the real impact of emotional intelligence, AI, and cross-functional collaboration in creating customer experiences that actually work.They tackle the tough questions: How do you balance data and human connection? Where do most brands fail in their CX approach? And what’s the real cost of getting it wrong?If you want practical insights, real-world stories, and actionable strategies to drive customer retention and satisfaction, this conversation is a must-listen. Stay tuned until the end for an unforgettable example of human-centered CX in action.Are you delivering the experience your customers deserve? How far are you from your goals? Discover the gap with our Customer Experience Assessment and improve your strategy today.🔗 Get your free assessment now! https://forms.gle/VqXGtybjLhWQAsiL8Check out Doing CX Right: https://doingcxright.com/ Key Moments:00:00 Who is Stacy Sherman, CX Speaker & Expert?02:23 Why Customer Experience is Vital to a Business’s Success04:41 Designing Proactive & Delightful Customer Journeys10:19 The Key to Breaking Down Silos16:51 What is the Cost of Doing CX Wrong?25:33 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ)26:17 Addressing Fear & Psychological Safety in the Workplace27:41 Human Connection & The Role of AI in CX40:40 The Role of Accountability in Customer Service48:27 Key Advice Every CX Leader Needs to Hear  –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their AI strategy with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Government services don’t have to suck. (And no, robots aren’t taking over… yet.)This week, host Lauren Wood sits down with Mike Raker, CTO of Maximus, to crack the code on using AI and machine learning to fix customer experience nightmares — even in the most bureaucratic corners of government. Mike shares exactly why listening beats tech obsession every time, how to balance innovation with red tape, and why “Total Experience Management” is the secret sauce you’ve been missing. They also tackle the AI trends that matter (way beyond ChatGPT), the facepalm-worthy question Mike asks before ANY tech rollout, and how empathy became his ultimate leadership hack in a world obsessed with automation.What are you waiting for? Press play to rethink everything you know about AI, empathy, and how Maximus is ensuring your next DMV visit feels as seamless as possible.Key Moments: 00:00 Who is Mike Raker, CTO of Maximus?03:35 The Role of Innovation in CX06:57 Exactly How Maximus Helps Government Services08:59 Total Experience Management (TXM)14:02 Balancing Innovation and Regulation17:44 The Future of AI in Customer Experience24:27 The Importance of Human-Centered Design in Government34:11 Policy and Responsibility in AI 38:16 Mike Raker’s Expert Advice & Key Takeaways –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their AI strategy with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to deliver unforgettable guest experiences at scale?Shannon McCallum, VP of Hotel Operations at Resorts World Las Vegas, shares her incredible journey from a high school hospitality job to leading one of the most iconic destinations in the industry.In this episode, Shannon breaks down how her team leverages technology like mobile check-in and AI while maintaining the personal touch that builds loyalty. She also dives into why empowering teams, fostering employee engagement, and adapting to change are essential for success in today’s fast-paced hospitality world.--Key Moments: 00:00 Meet Shannon McCallum, VP of Hotel Operations at Resorts World Las Vegas02:05 Shannon's Journey: From High School to Hospitality Leader05:12 Creating Personalized Experiences at Scale07:58 Empowering Teams for Exceptional Service23:08 The Role of Technology in Modern Hospitality38:50 Employee Engagement: The Key to Customer Satisfaction47:18 Advice for Customer Experience Leaders –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their AI strategy with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There’s nothing more frustrating than feeling misunderstood, undervalued, or out of place in a doctor’s office. That’s exactly why Northwell Health has set a new standard for both physician and patient experience.  Alyssa Scully, Assistant Vice President of Operations at Northwell Health, shares exactly how her team is transforming provider and patient experience, and their methods might surprise you… From hyperpersonalized physician referrals to patient care plans designed to bring you more fulfillment and joy — instead of simply treating symptoms of a disease — Northwell Health is redefining “care” on every level. Tune in to discover Northwell Health's innovative approaches to improving both patient and physician experiences, including data-driven metrics, annual award programs, patient experience transparency, and reducing day-to-day administrative burdens for doctors.Key Moments:  00:00 Alyssa Scully, Assistant Vice President of Operations at Northwell Health00:46 Balancing Patient Experience and Operations02:40 Supporting and Empowering Physicians04:33 The Impact of Technological Advances in Healthcare10:20 Physician Wellness Programs21:17 Training and Empowering Healthcare Teams36:15 Implementing Salesforce for Personalized Care42:31 Creating A “Third Place” For Physicians  –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their AI strategy with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can a focus on customer experience really drive business success? On this episode, Steve Martocci, the visionary behind SUPCO and Splice, shares why he believes prioritizing user needs leads to groundbreaking innovations and a loyal customer base. Plus, he describes the process to capture attention, build interest, and drive action by truly understanding your users.Tune in to learn:(0:00) Intro(1:37) Customer Experience as a Competitive Differentiator(3:01) Building Products for Yourself(6:35) Balancing User Experience for Different Segments(8:09) Inspiring New Users Through Experts(9:57) Creating a Diverse Set of Opinions(11:45) Navigating Customer Feedback and Intuition(13:08) Learning from User Feedback(14:50) Prioritizing Features Based on User Needs(16:22) The Importance of Team Collaboration(18:34) Building and Leading Teams(21:04) Creating an Environment for Innovation(25:31) Maintaining Customer Connection as You Grow(41:41) Building Trust with Customers(45:29) Recent Impressive Brand Experiences(49:35) Advice for Customer Experience Leaders  –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their AI strategy with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are traditional metrics like ROI failing to capture the true value of experience? Sujay Saha, President of Acquis Cortico-X, challenges the status quo and argues for a new framework: return on experience. He explains why focusing solely on monetary returns can be detrimental and how a broader perspective can lead to sustainable success. Plus, Sujay debunks common myths surrounding AI in the workplace and discusses how to approach digital transformation with a values-driven mindset.Tune in to learn:Tune in to learn:00:00 Introduction to Customer Experience01:49 The Evolution of Customer Experience04:24 Key Metrics Surrounding CX Investment05:32 Implementing Return on Experience (ROX)08:38 Challenges in CX Metrics10:03 Creating a Bespoke Measurement System14:46 The Role of Leadership in Experience16:20 Diagnosing Organizational Maturity23:17 High Ground vs. Low Ground Thinking25:41 The Importance of Aligned Purpose 34:59 Curating AI According to Your Values41:10 A Personal Experience With an Impressive CX Team46:23 Key Advice for CX Leaders –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their AI strategy with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“Limitless.” That’s how Kishan Chetan, the Executive VP and GM of Salesforce Service Cloud, describes the future of AI in customer service. Kishan Chetan explains why customer experience has evolved from deflecting customer interaction and how state-of-the-art tools like Agentforce are the key to providing proactive customer engagement, meaningful connection for employees and customers alike, and equitable accessibility for every type of customer. Whether you’re searching for that hidden, game-changing data that’s currently free-floating in an untitled spreadsheet, or you need to centralize your customer’s feedback so every department offers impeccable service, or you simply want to know how to choose, pilot, and customize the right AI tool for your business… this episode is for you.Key Moments:00:00 Introduction to Customer Efficiency00:41 Transforming Customer Service with AI02:06 The Limitless Future of AI03:48 Proactive and Reactive AI Service05:47 Introducing Agentforce07:49 AI Agents vs. Chatbots09:43 Human and AI Collaboration17:15 Real-World Examples of AI in Action22:58 Leveraging Unstructured Data for Better Operations23:20 Unified Knowledge: Powering AI with Comprehensive Data24:03 Challenges in Centralizing Data for AI25:55 Importance of Quality Data and Human Curation26:47 Practical Tips for Implementing AI in Customer Service28:16 Choosing the Right Channels for Customer Interaction29:21 Balancing AI and Human Interaction31:37 Piloting AI Solutions for Maximum Impact32:23 Creating Exceptional Customer Experiences with AI36:04 Future Trends in AI and Customer Service38:25 Potential Pitfalls and Considerations41:34 Optimizing Customer Experience: Real-World Examples44:04 Advice for Customer Experience Leaders –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their AI strategy with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.