First Contact: Stories of the Call Center

NobelBiz Studios
First Contact: Stories of the Call Center

Because no one pictures themselves working at a call center, First Contact: Stories of the Call Center is a monthly podcast about how tech leaders and entrepreneurs found their way into the contact center industry.

  1. 26 JUN

    From Cold Calls to Chatbots - The Evolution of Contact Centers: Phillp Bennett

    AI bots beat humans: what does that say about your contact center? In this episode of First Contact: Stories of the Call Center, Phil Bennett from Empire Today breaks down what most leaders get wrong about digital transformation. From the early days of chat support in 2002 to today’s AI-assisted agents, Phil has seen it all—and he’s got the hard truths (and ROI stats) to prove it. He shares why assigning your top phone agents to chat might negatively impact performance, how a chatbot designed as a fallback ended up outperforming human representatives by nearly double, and why true omnichannel success depends on understanding the unique skill sets each medium demands.   Phil also reveals the overlooked value of voice analytics, the blind spots of traditional surveys, and why the real future of CX lies in combining human empathy with machine precision. Whether you’re scaling digital channels or deciding where AI fits in your strategy, this episode will make you rethink how you design customer experiences.

    1 hr

  2. 28 MAY

    The Most Underrated Driver of CX Performance? Your Headset, with Vern Fernandez

    In this episode of First Contact: Stories of the Call Center, we go deep with Vern Fernandez from Jabra, the guy who's turning headsets into high-performance AI-powered CX tools. We're talking about devices that detect tone, improve agent empathy, reduce call times, and, even more impressively, alert you when your dog is barking too loudly to ensure a good customer experience. This isn’t some gadget talk -this is a wake-up call for anyone serious about performance, retention, and the future of work.

    50 min

  3. 17 APR

    How to Build a People-First Contact Center That Actually Reduces Turnover: Sam Falletta

    How do you build a contact center where people want to stay? In this episode of First Contact: Stories of the Call Center, we sit down with Sam Falletta, CEO of Incept, who shares how he built a people-first company culture that reduces turnover and drives performance. From rewriting rigid attendance policies to embedding mental health support into operations, Sam takes us deep into the realities of leading with empathy while delivering results. We also unpack the evolution of leadership, the hidden cost of disengagement, and why automation without a human core is a missed opportunity.

    1 hr

  4. 12 MAR

    From Cost Center to Profit Driver: The CX Transformation Blueprint: Camila Ferreira

    Customer Experience (CX) isn't just about service—it's a revenue engine. In this episode, Christian Montes sits down with Camila Ferreira, Founder & CEO of Rise UP, to explore how businesses can transform CX from a cost center into a powerful growth driver. With over 20 years of global experience, Camila shares her journey from finance to CX leadership, the importance of data-driven strategies, and how companies can align their customer experience initiatives with revenue goals. Listen in to discover how to elevate CX, secure a seat at the boardroom table, and build a strategy that drives loyalty, profitability, and sustainable growth. 🎧 Tune in now and start revolutionizing your CX approach!

    53 min

  5. 12 FEB

    AI-Driven Compliance & Sales: How Contact Centers Can Stay Ahead: Nima Hakimi

    AI is transforming sales and compliance in contact centers—are you keeping up? In this episode of First Contact: Stories of the Call Center, Nima Hakimi, CEO & Co-Founder of Convoso, breaks down how AI-driven compliance, real-time agent coaching, and smarter tech adoption are reshaping the industry. Discover why most contact centers fail at implementing new technology, how to leverage AI without wasting time and money, and why the future isn’t about replacing agents—but making them AI-powered super agents. Stay ahead of compliance challenges, optimize your sales strategy, and future-proof your contact center. Watch now and level up your CX game!

    45 min

  6. 15 JAN

    Debunking Business Myths: The Leadership Blueprint for Contact Centers: Steve Bederman

    What if the biggest lessons you’ve learned about business and leadership were based on myths? In this episode of First Contact: Stories of the Call Center, Christian Montes hosts Steve Bederman, President of NobelBiz, as they dive into the truths behind common leadership misconceptions. Steve unpacks the “family culture” myth in businesses, breaks down the complexities of loyalty in the workplace, and shares his experience navigating financial crises with transparency and resilience. Discover how to build real team chemistry, leverage AI without losing the human touch, and avoid the CEO “God Complex.” This conversation is a must-watch for contact center leaders and CX professionals aiming to create sustainable growth in an evolving industry.

    1h 8m

  7. 13/11/2024

    What's Next for Contact Centers? Leadership, CX, and AI Insights: Colleen Beers

    In this episode of First Contact: Stories of the Call Center, we sit down with Colleen Beers, a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in transforming the contact center and CX industry. From her journey from a call center agent to a top executive, Colleen shares invaluable insights on leadership, employee empowerment, and the future of customer experience. We explore how AI is revolutionizing the industry, the importance of cross-functional teams, and the role of culture in driving success. Whether you're a CX professional or a business leader, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Listen now to discover how to lead purposefully, embrace innovation, and create impactful customer journeys.

    1h 6m

  8. 16/10/2024

    Empowering Women and Event Success in Lead Generation: Sara Malo

    In this episode of First Contact: Stories of the Call Center, host Christian Montes sits down with marketing trailblazer Sara Malo to discuss her inspiring journey and her role in transforming the lead generation industry. As VP of Partnerships at Lead Generation World, President of LinkUnite, and a leader at Contact.io, Sara shares her experiences in breaking through barriers in a male-dominated industry, empowering women, and redefining the event space in the digital age. From the founding of LinkUnite to her innovative event strategies, Sara offers valuable insights into how businesses can thrive through meaningful collaboration, compliance, and the integration of AI. If you're looking for expert advice on navigating the evolving landscape of lead generation, digital marketing, and event management, this episode is a must-listen.

    59 min
See All (61)

About

Because no one pictures themselves working at a call center, First Contact: Stories of the Call Center is a monthly podcast about how tech leaders and entrepreneurs found their way into the contact center industry.

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada