Amazing Business Radio

Shep Hyken & C-Suite Radio
Amazing Business Radio

Amazing Business Radio features customer service expert and New York Times bestselling author Shep Hyken who interviews leading business professionals and other customer experience experts. Each guest shares tips and insights on how to succeed in business. The bright business minds featured on Amazing Business Radio come from all over the world and include viral video stars, corporate CEOs, bestselling authors, thought leaders, and many other inspiring personalities. The show covers a variety of topics related to customer service and customer experience and will provide answers that listeners need to know in order to take their success to the next level. Amazing Business Radio airs every week on, itunes, Soundcloud, and other platforms and channels.

  1. Understanding and Meeting Customer Expectations with the Help of AI Featuring Alexandre (Alex) Hadade

    1D AGO

    Understanding and Meeting Customer Expectations with the Help of AI Featuring Alexandre (Alex) Hadade

    How Investing in the Right Technology Can Transform Customer Experience  Shep interviews Alexandre (Alex) Hadade, Co-founder & CEO of Birdie, an analytics platform that transforms customer feedback into actionable insights. He discusses becoming a customer-centric organization by leveraging AI to understand customer behavior and improve products and services.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can companies leverage artificial intelligence to improve customer experience?  What challenges do businesses face in becoming truly customer-centric?  How does AI compare to traditional surveys in measuring customer satisfaction?  How can customer feedback effectively enhance products and services?  What role does AI play in analyzing customer churn and retention?  Top Takeaways:    To meet customer needs, businesses must continuously adapt to new expectations and technologies. This means engaging with customers in modern, meaningful ways and committing to making improvements.     With the advancement of AI, customer experience teams can now manage and analyze large volumes of data more efficiently. This capability helps identify customer needs and resolve issues faster than ever before, making it easier for them to put processes in place to improve customer experience.    AI not only help with front-facing customer support but it can help identify reasons behind customer churn and dissatisfaction that might not appear in customer feedback. It can analyze behavior patterns and predict trends that help businesses preempt customer issues, and enhance customer satisfaction.     Despite the increase in CX spending from $7 billion to $12 billion in 2023, Net Promoter Scores are still declining across industries. Aligning customer experience technology investments with actual customer needs makes sure they lead to improved service and product satisfaction.     Customer satisfaction isn't just about resolving complaints; it's about preventing them. By understanding and improving both products and processes, companies can reduce churn and increase the likelihood of customers recommending the business to others.    The rapid changes in technology mean that businesses must continually adapt to meet evolving customer expectations. What worked a couple of years ago may no longer be enough. Keeping processes and customer interaction approaches up-to-date with modern technology is how businesses stay relevant and competitive.    Plus, Shep and Alexandre discuss what happens when companies invest in the wrong customer experience technology. Tune in!   Quote:   "When you connect the dots between what your customers say and their actual behavior, you uncover how to improve your products and services and make great business decisions."    About:    Alexandre Hadade is the Co-founder & CEO of Birdie. He has more than 25 years of experience in business, with a passion for helping businesses utilize technology to deliver excellent customer experiences.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min
  2. Achieving Zero Customer Complaints Featuring Bill Price

    2D AGO

    Achieving Zero Customer Complaints Featuring Bill Price

    How Customer Complaints Impact Loyalty and Retention  Shep interviews Bill Price, President & Founder of Driva Solutions and Amazon's first global vice president of customer service. He talks about his new book, Zero Complaints: The Path to Continuous Value Creation, and explores the aspirational goal of eliminating customer complaints to enhance customer retention, reduce costs, and increase revenue.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How do you get zero customer complaints?  What benefits do businesses gain by proactively eliminating customer complaints?  What is the cost of customer dissatisfaction?  Why is it important for company executives to engage directly with the customers?  What are the potential revenue losses associated with unresolved customer complaints?  Top Takeaways:    Striving for zero complaints is about aiming to continuously improve and provide value for the customer. While it may not be entirely realistic to have zero complaints, the aspiration drives companies to proactively identify and manage issues before they become a point of friction for the customers.    It costs more to attract new customers than to retain current ones. A frictionless experience can make customers more likely to buy more, return, and recommend a business to others. Customers with consistently positive experiences are more likely to share them with friends and family. Companies that focus on reducing complaints and enhancing the customer experience often see higher retention rates and increased revenue.    Frequent complaints should serve as signals that something in the business process needs fixing. Businesses must listen attentively to what customers say and capture feedback from the frontline employees.    Handling customer complaints can be costly for businesses. It involves maintaining support centers, training staff, and investing in the technology to manage issues. Reducing complaints means these expenses can be minimized, resulting in significant cost savings.    There's value in handling complaints well, as it can result in increased customer loyalty. However, it’s to prevent complaints from happening in the first place. By eliminating common pain points, businesses can focus on delivering exceptional experiences rather than resolving issues.    Plus, Shep and Bill discuss the role of a Chief Problem Officer and how the presence of a CPO in organizations leads to happier customers and employees. Tune in!   Quote:   "When you treat your customers well and give them an easy, frictionless experience, not only will you keep them, but they'll tell their friends about your business.”    About:    Bill Price is the President & Founder of Driva Solutions, LLC. and the co-author of four books, including The Best Service is No Service, Your Customer Rules!, The Frictionless Organization, and his latest, Zero Complaints.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min
  3. How AI can Transform Customer Experience Featuring Sid Banerjee

    FEB 25

    How AI can Transform Customer Experience Featuring Sid Banerjee

    Using Artificial Intelligence to Analyze and Activate a Better CX  Shep Hyken interviews Sid Banerjee, Chief Strategy Officer at Medallia, an experience management platform organizations use to provide excellent customer and employee experience. He talks about how modern businesses can capture, analyze, and act on customer feedback using AI-powered tools that turn customer insights into meaningful improvements.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can companies utilize new technologies like generative AI to improve customer satisfaction?  How can companies use digital and conversational signals to understand customer feedback better?  What role does AI play in analyzing customer data and providing actionable insights?  How can companies effectively activate their customer data to make informed business improvements?  How does AI's cost-effectiveness influence its use in customer experience?  Top Takeaways:    Customer experience data is essential for companies to improve their products and services. By collecting feedback from various sources like surveys, chat, online reviews, social media, and customer interactions, companies can identify what makes customers happy and what they can improve.    While surveys are still important, the advent of social media and other digital platforms provides customers with new ways to provide feedback. Meeting the customers on their chosen platforms helps them gather more data and better understand what customers experience and expect.    AI can analyze data in massive amounts and detect patterns, trends, and opportunities for improvement that might be missed by humans. Using AI is not just about having the latest technology, it is about empowering employees to provide better, quicker, and more personalized service.    Data should be easily accessible, not stuck in department silos. A CX platform brings it all together, organizing and turning it into actionable insights.    Many companies get stuck collecting and analyzing data without taking action and implementing improvements that benefit customers. Activation is critical because it turns data and information into meaningful actions that improve customer experience.     Technology will not replace human interactions, but it will enhance them. Tools like AI will provide frontline employees with real-time access to information and insights that will empower them to help customers more efficiently.    Plus, Shep and Sid discuss what companies and customers can look forward to in the future when transforming CX and businesses with AI. Tune in!   Quote:   "Technology that previously cost hundreds of thousands is now accessible at a fraction of the cost. When you layer new innovative technology, like AI and automation, into the data that customers have given you, you can turbocharge your ability to transform customer experiences."      About:    Sid Banerjee is the Chief Strategy Officer at Medallia. Before his career at Medallia, he was the founder of Clarabridge and served as the Chief XM Strategy Officer at Qualtrics.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min
  4. Uncovering the True Enemy of Great Customer Service Featuring Brian Hamilton

    FEB 18

    Uncovering the True Enemy of Great Customer Service Featuring Brian Hamilton

    Building Heart-Centered Customer Relationships  Shep Hyken interviews Brian Hamilton, chairman of LiveSwitch. He talks about creating a heart-centric company culture led by leadership that genuinely cares about both employees and customers.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is the biggest enemy of good customer service?  How can companies get better customer feedback?  What should companies look for when hiring customer service employees?  How can businesses move beyond customer satisfaction metrics?  What role does empathy play in customer service?   Top Takeaways:    To provide excellent customer service, you have to genuinely care about people. Start with the mindset of serving the other person by understanding what it is like to be in their shoes.     No matter how good your product is, if you don't have the experience and service to support it, and if you don't have people who love what they do and love the customers, you will fail.    Your employees are just as valuable sources of feedback as your customers. While customer surveys and digital feedback are helpful, the most valuable insights often come from direct observation and conversations. Watch customers interact with your product or service, and regularly check in with your frontline staff who interact with your customers daily. Your employees on the front lines can often spot patterns, challenges, and opportunities for improvement that might not show up in a survey.     Pay attention to what customers are not telling you. Sometimes, customers accept inconveniences but don't voice them. Mystery shop your own company and call your customer support line to learn what your customers experience when they do business with you.     Pride is the biggest obstacle to providing excellent customer service. When employees or businesses let pride take precedence, they block out constructive feedback and hinder growth. Everyone in the organization, from new hires to top executives, must be open to learning and change .    Embracing technology should enhance, not replace, the human connection. Technology like video conferencing, AI, or automated systems should be used to simplify processes and build meaningful connections.     If you want to lead, you have to love people. Training employees to care about customers is important, but true leadership is about setting an example.     Plus, Shep and Brian discuss why empathy and interpersonal skills are just as valuable as technical experience. Tune in!  Quote:    "Before you think about customer satisfaction scores and metrics, focus on truly understanding the customer. Train your people to be "the other guy" and see through your customers' eyes."    About:    Brian Hamilton is the chairman of LiveSwitch, a leading expert on entrepreneurship, and the founder of America's first fintech company, Sageworks.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min
  5. Making Your Company AI-Ready Featuring Simon Kriss

    FEB 11

    Making Your Company AI-Ready Featuring Simon Kriss

    Future-Proofing Your Business Through AI Integration  Shep Hyken interviews Simon Kriss, Chief AI Officer at simonkriss.ai and author of The AI Empowered Customer Experience . He talks about how companies can maximize AI's impact on customer experience, service delivery, and productivity.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can AI simplify the process of delivering a seamless customer experience?  How can AI enhance customer service while balancing technology and human interaction?  What is the impact of AI on customer service jobs?  How can customer support roles evolve with AI?  How can companies ensure their data is ready and accessible for AI to enhance customer experience?  Top Takeaways:    AI is revolutionizing the customer experience by automating processes to make them faster, cheaper, and more efficient. By integrating AI into customer support, companies can meet their customers' needs while simultaneously reducing operational costs.    The key is to use AI without losing the human touch. Customers still appreciate human interactions, but they also want convenience. AI can support this by handling routine tasks, allowing human agents to focus on more complex and meaningful interactions.    When starting with AI, building a tolerance for failure is important. Think of AI as an employee working on your business and realize that if you don't train them properly (making sure AI can access your knowledge base, practicing writing clear and correct prompts, etc.), they will not deliver what you want.    As AI continues to evolve, it will change how customers interact with brands. In the future, individuals might rely more on AI to make decisions for them, like choosing which brands to do business with. Companies need to ensure their data is accessible and optimized for AI to keep up with customer expectations.     Will AI cause people to lose their jobs? Every new technology causes job loss. But, it is less about job elimination and more about job transformation. Many roles currently held by human employees that deal with simple, repetitive tasks can now be automated with AI. These changes can open new roles and opportunities, such as employees shifting to monitoring AI systems or developing AI-driven solutions.     AI can offer deeper insights into customer preferences and behaviors. By analyzing past interactions, it can predict what kind of service or products a customer might need next. This can enhance customer experience by helping companies anticipate customer needs.     Plus, Shep and Simon explore how AI continues to shape customers' daily lives and how companies can leverage it to their advantage. Tune in!  Quote:   "When it comes to customer service and experience, leaders need to think about how they can explore AI. What new things can they do? What new services can they offer? If you had a magic wand, what would you want to do for your customers that you can't do today? And, how can AI enable that?"    About:    Simon Kriss is the Chief AI Officer at simonkriss.ai. He is a keynote speaker, author of The AI Empowered Customer Experience, The AI Empowered Customer Experience, podcast host, and one of CX Network's top 50 customer experience influencers to follow in 2024.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min
  6. Transforming Ordinary Businesses Through Extraordinary Experiences  Featuring Vance Morris

    FEB 4

    Transforming Ordinary Businesses Through Extraordinary Experiences Featuring Vance Morris

    Prioritizing Customer Retention over Acquisition  Shep Hyken interviews Vance Morris, customer service speaker, service and marketing strategist at Deliver Service Now Institute, and former Disney Leader. He talks about nurturing loyal customers and creating successful businesses through exceptional customer experiences.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What Disney customer experience principles can be applied to enhance customer service in other industries?  How can businesses create an emotional connection with customers?  How can businesses use unique customer experiences to stand out in a competitive market?  What role does employee interaction play in creating memorable customer experiences?  How does a business enhance customer loyalty without relying on points or discount programs?  Top Takeaways:    People remember how they feel when engaging with a brand, which means creating unique and memorable experiences can truly set a business apart from the competition.     Customers are willing to pay more for excellent service. An elevated customer experience often allows companies to charge a premium price and cultivate a loyal customer base.    Building emotional connections with customers is more powerful than relying solely on points and perks in loyalty programs. When customers can relate to and feel an emotional bond with the brand or its employees (it takes only one), it creates loyalty. Sharing personal stories that resonate with customers and supporting social causes that are important to them makes customers love doing business with a company.    The points and perks are incentives for customers to do business with a company, but they shouldn't be the only reason. If the customer experience isn't great, you will lose your customers as soon as a competitor comes up with a similar program or something better.    Retaining existing customers is significantly more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Loyal customers who have had positive experiences are more likely to make repeat purchases, spend more over time, and recommend a brand to others.      Plus, Vance shares examples of fundamental business transformation through amazing customer experience. Tune in!  Quote:   "Customer service begins before the sale. It begins with marketing, preparation, and training. It begins with the first interaction your company has with your customers."    About:    Vance Morris helps businesses successfully apply Disney's principles to create memorable experiences. He is also a keynote speaker and the author of Systematic Magic: 7 Magic Keys to Disnify Any Business: How to Out Serve, Out Price & Out Market Your Competition in Any Economy.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min
  7. Building Better Loyalty Programs Through Great Customer Experience Featuring Aleksander Kaczmarek

    JAN 28

    Building Better Loyalty Programs Through Great Customer Experience Featuring Aleksander Kaczmarek

    Why Great Service Must Come Before Customer Rewards  Shep Hyken interviews Aleksander Kaczmarek, VP of Loyalty Partnerships at CarTrawler. He talks about how well-designed loyalty programs can enhance customer engagement by providing memorable experiences and perks that make customers feel valued and more likely to become loyal to a brand.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What role do loyalty programs play in enhancing customer engagement?  How can companies leverage loyalty programs to generate additional revenue?  Can loyalty programs drive repeat business without sacrificing the quality of customer experience?  How can technology help create a seamless customer experience within a loyalty program?  How can companies motivate inactive loyalty program members to become more engaged participants?  Top Takeaways:    There is a difference between loyalty and repeat business. Loyalty programs, including points and rewards, are designed to encourage repeat business. Combined with a great experience, they create an emotional connection that leads to true loyalty.    If a company provides poor experiences, no loyalty program can retain its customers. If a company provides an amazing experience, a well-designed loyalty program can enhance it and inspire true customer loyalty.    Technology has transformed loyalty programs by creating a more seamless and personalized experience. Brands can now integrate perks and incentives directly into their primary products and services using apps and digital platforms.    In the US, a typical consumer might be a member of around 15 loyalty programs. However, what truly matters is the customers' active participation in these loyalty programs, which is crucial to its success. Creating perks that resonate with customers and consistently provide value makes customers use the loyalty programs.    Millennials and Gen Z are changing how loyalty programs are perceived and utilized. For example, many prefer booking their travel through their bank's credit card programs, which offer points or perks that can be used for flights, hotels, or car rentals. Loyalty programs must have flexible redemption options and seamlessly integrate into apps and digital platforms.    Loyalty programs must blend experiences, savings, and perks to maintain their appeal. Brands must understand customer needs and motivations when designing loyalty programs to make them engaging and memorable.    For more insights on loyalty programs, customer engagement, and enhancing customer experience, check out  Driving Loyalty: Market Insights on Car Rentals & Reward Programs report by CarTrawler.     Plus, Shep and Aleksander discuss what can happen when multiple brands collaborate to expand the perks and benefits offered to customers. Tune in!   Quote:   "Loyalty, when combined with a great experience, is deeper than just a savings and a repeat purchase."      About:    Aleksander Kaczmarek is the VP of Loyalty Partnerships at CarTrawler, a B2B tech business that partners with the world's largest brands, including American Airlines and Uber, to provide car rental & mobility solutions for customers.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min
  8. Building Unbreakable Customer Partnerships Featuring Christoph Senn

    JAN 21

    Building Unbreakable Customer Partnerships Featuring Christoph Senn

    Strengthening Business Partnerships Using the Triple Fit Strategy  Shep Hyken interviews Christoph Senn, Founder and CEO of Valuecreator and co-author of The Triple Fit Strategy. He talks about the Triple Fit Strategy, a method for building lasting customer relationships by moving beyond transactional interactions to developing partnerships that enhance trust, collaboration, and growth.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What is the Triple Fit Strategy?  What is the key to building lasting customer relationships?  Why do companies need to shift from a transactional relationship with their customers to a partnership?  How can a business differentiate itself amidst competition?  How can businesses add more value to their customers?  Top Takeaways:    There are two types of customer relationships. One is the transactional buyer-seller relationship, which is focused on the price and volume. The second type is a partnership, where you collaborate with your customers as if you are one team aiming for the same goals.     The function of a business is more than just making money. It’s more than just getting customers. It is about keeping, nurturing, and growing your relationship with customers. A partnership goes beyond just making a sale. It’s focused on building a lasting relationship based on trust, promises delivered, and working together to solve problems.    Trust becomes the primary way to stand out in a world where many products and services seem similar. It is earned by consistently delivering value and being transparent with your customers. When customers trust you, they're more likely to stay as your customer and even advocate for your business to others.    The Triple Fit Strategy is about working with your customers on three levels: planning, execution (solutions, processes, and systems), and resources (people, structures, and knowledge). This strategy confirms that you and your customer are on the same page, working towards the same goals, understanding both parties' strategies, and making the business relationship sustainable.     It's not enough to just talk about what your product or service can do. You need to demonstrate how it will help your customers achieve their goals. When you focus on how you can help your customers succeed (rather than just making a sale), you create more value for them.    While price cuts and discounts can bring a quick sale, they are not sustainable in creating lasting customer relationships. When price is the only differentiator, a competitor with a lower price can quickly take your customers away. Businesses should focus on understanding customer's needs, building trust, and adding value. By doing this, companies can achieve better customer retention and grow together with their clients.    Plus, Christoph provides real-world examples of businesses implementing the Triple Fit Strategy, driving growth and building customer loyalty. Tune in! Quote:   "In business, your goal should not be to just to cut costs or offer products. It's about broadening your perspective to deliver added value by shifting conversations from features and benefits to truly understanding your customers' priorities."  About:    Christoph Senn is an author, entrepreneur, and adjunct professor of marketing at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. He is the Founder and CEO of Valuecreator.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Amazing Business Radio features customer service expert and New York Times bestselling author Shep Hyken who interviews leading business professionals and other customer experience experts. Each guest shares tips and insights on how to succeed in business. The bright business minds featured on Amazing Business Radio come from all over the world and include viral video stars, corporate CEOs, bestselling authors, thought leaders, and many other inspiring personalities. The show covers a variety of topics related to customer service and customer experience and will provide answers that listeners need to know in order to take their success to the next level. Amazing Business Radio airs every week on, itunes, Soundcloud, and other platforms and channels.

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