The CX Live!

The CX Live!
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Management
  • Updated Monthly

The CX Live! podcast is an interview-style show for briefing programs and meetings. Our goal is to be your dedicated channel for all things customer experiencer where we ask industry thought leaders the tough questions about building a world-class program. Each month we’ll explore a new topic or trend that impacts customer experience, employee engagement, digitization and more…We’re unfiltered. We’re authentic. We’re having a conversation… join in!

  1. Jul 23

    The CXLive! Episode 99: Russ Fowler: Leadership, Legacy and Lessons Learned

    This month’s CXLive! episode features an inspiring conversation with one of the true legends of the customer engagement and briefing industry: Russ Fowler, Vice President of Marketing Environments at Derse. From his first role in experience design to more than three decades of shaping unforgettable brand experiences, Russ reflects on the defining moments, lessons, and leadership principles that have guided his remarkable 32-year career. He shares his perspective on how both briefing programs and live events have evolved, offers practical strategies for elevating customer engagement programs, and discusses how teams can demonstrate value and secure future investment. Throughout our conversation, Russ’s passion for people shines through. He speaks with genuine appreciation for the GACEP community that has helped shape the industry and for his Derse family, where his visionary leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting legacy. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, this episode is filled with timeless insights from a man who has helped define what exceptional customer experiences look like. Highlights Learnings from early job experiencesBuilding diverse teams and expanding portfoliosStorytelling across venues and industries Tradeshows and Events - the power of meeting face to faceUsing architecture and physical graphicsHuman storytelling, building trust and closing dealsReflections on the Derse family and cultureDOTS - Derse Old Timers - 10+ years and annual dinnersRuss 32 years, Susan 35 years, Pete 20+ years, Brad 20+ yearsBriefing Programs and Events Similarities, differences and latest trendsABPM / GACEP CommunityProfessional, non-selling org, strong emotional connectionsDerse First Impressions & Newcomer orientationElevation of the briefing and events programs ‘Funding Strategies’ for long term impactROI to justify investmentNew Derse HQ Opening and Russ’s Upcoming AdventureResources “A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness” - Michael Pollan“Four Points of a Compass” - Jerry Brotton“The Best Strangers in the World” - Ari Shapiro“Unruly Places: Lost Spaces, Secret Cities, and other Inscrutable Geographies” - Alastair BonnettGuest Thought Leader Russ Fowler, Vice President of Marketing Environments, Derse Over 32 years Russ has helped global brands create immersive customer experiences through exhibits, experience centers, branded environments, and live events. He has helped expand the agency's capabilities beyond trade shows and championed the philosophy of "accountable creative". An active industry leader, Russ served on the GACEP board and is a frequent session leader. His contributions have earned multiple EXHIBITOR Design Awards, an EX Award, and the 2006 EDPA Designer of the Year honor.  Most recently Russ earned the 2026 GACEP President's Service Award recognizing more than three decades of leadership and service. To quote Elizabeth Simpson, President of GACEP, ‘his sessions and workshops have become must-attend events: creative, brilliant and always leaving people thinking differently than when they walked in.’ She continues, ‘It’s leaders like Russ who make GACEP not just an organization, but a community worth belonging to.’

  2. Jun 16

    The CXLive! Episode 98: The Insight Flywheel: Making EBC Conversations Count in The Age of AI with Dmitry Risukhin

    Our first episode of the summer is an 'insightful' conversation with Dmitry Risukhin, a builder of world-class executive engagement programs at companies including Microsoft, AWS, F5, and T-Mobile. Dmitry explains why, as AI, LLMs, and speech-to-text eliminate traditional barriers to capturing customer feedback, the true differentiator is contextual listening; understanding what matters, why it matters, and how to turn insights into action. He emphasizes that collecting feedback without routing it for action is simply filing, underscoring the need for closed-loop systems that drive accountability. Dmitry also explores why effective customer listening starts not with data, but with business leaders committed to acting on what customers say. Tune in as he shares the Insight Flywheel, the current state of customer listening, and where it's headed next. Highlights Recognizing the value of briefing conversations (Microsoft + McDonald’s example)Right insight reached the right person at the right timeFlywheel Introduction: more than collecting VOCCapture, synthesis, routing and back to the businessOnly works when all parts turn togetherAmazon Flywheel ConceptSolving problems with systems F5 Aspire Manual System Early AI Adoption Scenarios Aspire: 3 weeks, 10 parallel tracks, 78 customer accounts, 90 partner accounts, 550+ attendees, 12 C-Level executives, 43 VPs and above53 Ambassadors trained to listen in a specific way, understand context Results including 1407 insights that shaped product decisionsT-Mobile: Using Tech and AI, Gaps RemainBriefingSource, CoPilot, ChatGPT Aggregate, generate summaries and Insights Doc in BriefingSource field for retrieval 2 Gaps: Briefing Managers curating AI processed insights not necessarily experts in the customers needs or T-Mobile solutionsNo organizational mechanism to systematically act on what was captured Honest framing: Listening competency remains scarce Knowing what to listen for, why it matters, discipline to close the loopFuture: Programs must solve the routing problemOwnership of insights collected, what decisions they are connected to, how does the loop close back to the customerAdvice for leaders starting fresh:  measurement model first Resources Dmitry’s GACEP Aspire to Innovate Presentation  Amazon Flywheel Strategy ‘Crossing the Chasm’ by Geoffrey Moore ‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins BriefingSource - Retrieval platform   Qualtrics - F5 insight capture form  Guest Thought Leader Dmitry Risukhin, a builder of world-class executive engagement programs across some of technology's most iconic companies, including Microsoft, AWS, F5, and T-Mobile. Find more at dmitryrisukhin.com Dmitry is a customer engagement leader whose career has moved through three lanes of enterprise technology: writing code professionally since the age of 16, running enterprise IT, and building executive briefing programs.  A builder by nature, Dmitry combines strategic vision with operational execution, whether launching programs from scratch, securing capital for world-class facilities, or running self-hosted AI models in his home lab. Today he is focused on helping companies build the executive engagement infrastructure that accelerates enterprise technology adoption.

  3. May 21

    The CXLive! Episode 97: Applying Evolutionary Biology to Design More Connected Customer Engagements with Dan Riskin

    Fresh from delivering his fantastic keynote address at the GACEP Spring Conference in April, Evolutionary Biologist, TV Host, Keynote Speaker, and Bestselling Author, Dan Riskin, Ph.D. shares how principles from evolutionary biology and human behavior can help organizations design more connected, memorable customer engagements. From the role emotion and curiosity play in how people learn and retain information to the impact of active problem-solving and diverse team dynamics, we discussed how brands can create experiences that deepen engagement, strengthen relationships, and influence buying decisions. Known for blending humor with science-backed insights, Dan brings a unique perspective on human behavior, communication, and connection that organizations can apply today Highlights EmotionExperiences like Adrenaline - stimulates the amygdalaWhen emotionally connected, more memorable Brain works better when have an emotional connectionExamples of how we connect when take a journey Sports highlights, comedy, crying at movies Curiosity Don’t just tell your guests the answerEngage them and let them figure it out Science conservation exampleHave students or guests get involved, then explain why TeamworkTeams with conflict are better able to find solutions to complex problemsEmbrace diversity and different points of view Board games: safe ways to find smart and calm team membersNew paper:  people work better together if in sync (i.e. singing)Check out ‘The Bat Signal’ Newsletter Resources Dan Riskin’s Webpage The Bat Signal - Weekly Newsletter (be sure to subscribe)Science TV Shows Wildlife ToursGuest Thought Leader Dan Riskin, Ph.D., Evolutionary Biologist, TV Host, Keynote Speaker, and Bestselling Author, Noctillo.com Dan is an evolutionary biologist turned science journalist whose career spans research, media, and public engagement. Dan did his PhD at Cornell, studying how vampire bats move on the ground. Then he worked at Brown University, flying bats in wind tunnels, trying to understand how they fly, maneuver, and land. His research earned international recognition, and Dan took that opportunity to slide into science TV. He has since become a prominent television personality, hosting shows on the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, National Geographic, the Smithsonian Channel, and elsewhere. Beyond television, Dan is a bestselling author and sought-after keynote speaker known for using humor to translate science into insights people can apply to everyday life.

  4. Apr 14

    The CXLive! Episode 96: Influences That Create Thoughtful Leaders with Amos Wampler

    Our latest episode derives from a series of LinkedIn articles that highlight ‘Influences that Create Thoughtful Leaders.’ Amos Wampler, former Director of the Executive Briefing Program at Gore, shares how his life and career experiences shaped his leadership style and passion for the briefing profession. Building on principles like continuous improvement and beginning with a clear intent, Amos offers real-world insights showing how effective leadership is grounded in adaptability, trust, and self-awareness. He emphasizes the importance of identifying your team’s strengths while supporting their growth, embracing diverse viewpoints, and earning credibility through consistent action. At its core, strong leadership means elevating others' voices, fostering an environment where people can thrive, minimizing distractions, and having the courage to push boundaries, all while staying anchored in the values that shape meaningful outcomes. Highlights ‘Begin with the End in Mind’ (Peter Bay Method) - orchestra practice ‘What if the Baton Goes Missing?’ - the team executes on their own ‘Holmes & Watson: Data vs Stories’ - a Watson among the HolmesDiversity Mentoring for Development (DMD) - mentors understand mentees' backgrounds  “Leadership Comes From Followship” - help others believe, then lead“Innovation From Collaboration” - the “Lattice”, develop the next great idea‘The Slide and the Show - Parts I, II & III’ - always prepare for your audiences‘Be true to yourself and you will never fall’ - Beastie Boys Resources University of Chicago Leadership Lab - The Craft of Writing Effectively Annotated Beastie Boys Impact Podcast Amos’ LinkedIn Articles The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran Guest Thought Leader Amos Wampler, Former Director, Executive Briefing Program at Gore  Amos’s career has spanned classrooms, manufacturing floors, and analytical labs with a consistent track record of making meaningful contributions in each space. For the past several years, he led a high-visibility executive briefing program, overseeing thousands of interactions annually with customers, partners, board members, legislators, and media. His work operates in close partnership with senior leadership and spans strategy, operations, content, technology, facilities, and team development. It’s a role that demands sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to deliver high-stakes moments with consistency and impact at scale.

  5. Mar 11

    The CXLive! Episode 95: Kinetic Environments: Turning Motion into Emotion with Matteo Mosca

    Born from a passionate presentation sharing his joy for creative technology, our latest episode features Matteo Mosca, CEO and Founder, at Leva (Impossible) Engineering. Matteo shares how crafting meaningful moments pushes their team to explore how people process the world around them; how the brain interprets movement, light, sound and space, shaping emotion and memory. He explains how each project begins by understanding what the client wants their guests to feel, remember and carry with them long after they leave. In our discussion, Matteo defines key elements to designing kinetic environments that bring guests into an ‘awake state of wonder’, capturing  their attention and fostering greater participation. He also encourages us to think of this approach as a new language that speaks to both logic and emotion.  Highlights Approach to designing memorable experiences - ‘Suspension of disbelief’Designing spaces to bring people into an ‘Awake State of Wonder’Wonder is intense presencePredictability kills wonderMovement triggers attentionEmotionally charged information is more memorable and builds stronger human connections Use technology to tell the story, speaking to both logic and emotionThe discovery phase: strategy before technology and using movement to amplify meaningBest Practices shared: ‘Stop Selling, Start Storytelling’, ‘Use Edutainment to Make Learning Stick’, and ‘Shake People Awake, Intentionally’‘Safe Ideas are Forgettable’ - Differentiate your brand from others Turning motion into emotion - see Resources to visualize Resources Leva Reel 2026: Motion into Emotion Leva in EBCAramco EBC (Visitor Center Kinetic Welcome Wall) Microsoft EBC (Experience Center One) Kinetic Smart Board and Kinetic LED Wall  Guest Thought Leader Matteo Mosca, CEO and Founder, Leva (Impossible) Engineering Matteo is a founder and media engineer working at the intersection of creative technologies, design and communication, with a focus on interactive environments that foster meaningful human connections.  At Leva, Matteo leads a multidisciplinary team of engineers and creatives designing custom kinetic and immersive installations that blend mechanical movement, motion content and spatial storytelling. Their work turns physical, brand spaces into responsive, participatory environments that people can explore and connect with, not just observe. Matteo also spearheads Leva’s strategy, developing marketing and business growth initiatives, while building the structure that allows technical experimentation to become scalable, real-world solutions. With a background in computer engineering and a strong creative drive, he brings a structured, results-oriented approach to innovation, combining technical rigor with a strong understanding of customer and market needs.  His goal is to help organizations leverage cutting-edge technology to connect with audiences, support growth and drive long-term competitiveness – with the type of experiences that break through the noise and reshape the way people interact with brands.

  6. Feb 19

    The CXLive! Episode 94: Defining Your Global Location and Investment Strategy with Imogen Broomhead

    In our latest episode, Imogen Broomhead, Senior Director, Global Executive Experience Program, shares how she and her team built ServiceNow’s global program strategy, with a focus on Location and Investment Strategy. From defining primary pillars and KPIs with executive leadership to establishing a six-element infrastructure, Imogen outlines the consistent, data-driven methodologies behind their approach. She explains new center eligibility criteria, her partnership with Workplace Services (WPS) to create Global Playbooks for new builds, and how red/amber/green assessments give executives a clear view of Innovation Center health and upgrade needs. The result is a scalable model for building and managing a global program that showcases ServiceNow’s value to current and prospective customers. Highlights Growth from 3 Centers/4 team members to 10 Centers/50 team members by December 2026Developing a Global Program Strategy 3 Pillars (set with CMO) Program: Immersive StorytellingPlace: World-Class ExperiencesPeople: Elite Team Must have: team member onboarding program - 6 monthsLocation and Investment StrategyInnovation Center Global MapAlignmentMarketing does not decide innovation center locations Work with Execs in Sales and Go-to-Market teamsComplex RACI model Don’t open centers too fastNew Center Eligibility Criteria Pipeline/TAM data in region - opps, industries, etc. Success metrics - capacity targets per locationKPIs for Areas - High volume accountsBudget, Ops Resourcing, SMEs, etc. Specs Overview WPS Global Playbook - templatized Define ‘Apple Store’ look & feel Set consistent specs for architects to work fromCenter Upgrades / Business Case ProcessMap capital works plans with WPS Teams Red/Amber/Green assessments - clear picture for executives Process to seek funding to insert centers into capital works planRetiring Centers + Supporting the Field Sunsetting strategyOut of Center offerings “Beyond the Briefing” Global Non-NegotiablesProgram, Place and PeopleDeliver elite experiences w/storytelling & technologyEBC - in service of customers Capturing Impact Quality not quantity - influence most strategic accounts Host C-Suite only - Focus on closing business Be ‘Yes’ People,  Be Creative and Customer-focusedAI Networking Breakfast, Wine Club, etc. Resources How ServiceNow Uses Executive Briefing Centres to Grow Relationships with C-level ClientsGuest Thought Leader Imogen Broomhead, Senior Director, Global Executive Experience Program, ServiceNow Imogen is a dynamic technology leader and customer experience champion with over eight years at ServiceNow. She leads the vision and execution of the company’s global Innovation Centers, transforming them into strategic programs that help customers, account teams, and executives innovate faster. Recognized as a CXO empath, SaaS marketer, and technology specialist, Imogen blends strategic thinking with strong execution. Her leadership is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes that align executive experiences with business goals and drive meaningful transformation.

  7. Jan 15

    The CX Live! Episode 93: The Resilience Roadmap: Driving the Boat, Not Focusing on the River with Spencer Waldron

    In our first episode of 2026, Spencer Waldron, CEO of Cenrox, shares a deeply personal story that led him to uncover ways of managing difficult situations with new behaviors and choices.  He walks through many elements that contributed to creating his Resilience Roadmap. From understanding neuroscience and the power of our eight emotions to identifying new habits that offer self care that we need in challenging situations, Spencer offers ways to navigate these situations, i.e. driving our boat while not focusing on the river. He also reinforces the fact that resiliency is not about having it all together. It’s about moving forward anyways and making a daily impact. As he says, ‘we are capable of handling more than we think we can’.    Highlights Neuroscience and EmotionsThousands of ‘Feelings’, only 8 ‘Emotions’ which are physical 5 are negative, 2 are attachments: Love/Trust and Joy/ExcitementOnly 1 other emotion can flip negative to positiveOffer ‘Surprise’ early in presentation to establish emotional attachmentAristotle:  Emotion + Trust = PersuasionThink of presenting as a gift = ‘a present’Resiliency from Spencer’s son’s accident Buddhist book:  ‘Living a Life With Heart’ The river: cannot control where it goesThe boat:  control what you do In each situation, ask yourself, “Is it the River or Boat?” The Resilience RoadmapResilience is a choiceSteps taken to get through - not about perfection, self care and daily impactPut yourself in challenging situationsPTSD & Psychological SafetyRemove from the trauma (i.e. at work: operationalize, relationships, self care) Comedy Improv Example Challenging, humor and a form of therapyResources Resilience Keynote Speaking of Success Podcast Guest Thought Leader Spencer Waldron,  CEO, Cenrox As the founder of Cenrox, Spencer helps people show up as the best version of themselves when it matters most. He’s best known for his work in Conversational Presenting, helping leaders and teams move away from one-way slide decks and toward clearer, more engaging, audience-led conversations. Spencer’s work isn’t just based on theory or technique. In the past year, his perspective on communication and leadership has been shaped by navigating a serious family crisis, which led him to explore what resilience really looks like under pressure. Today, he brings those lessons into his work with organisations, combining clarity, presence, and human connection in high-stakes moments. He’s also a LinkedIn Learning instructor, a TEDx speaker, and a student of improv comedy.

  8. 12/09/2025

    The CX Live! Episode 92: Manifestation: The Art of Defining Our Purpose and Our Future with Liat Scheffer Ben Yakov

    In our final episode of 2025, Liat Scheffer Ben Yakov, Founder of Masters Academy and the CEO of Masters Creation Group LTD, shares the key elements of her Masters of Creation Method including examining the 4 realms, addressing our life purpose, embracing our core values and setting daily intentions that allow us to live our life as the Masters that we are.  The perfect guide for evaluating our current path while looking ahead to the New Year!  Highlights The body / mind connection - Masters of Creation Method for manifestationImportance of duality - positive vs negative gives us choiceEvaluate our life, what is working, choose to continue to notManifestation - 4 realms: Physical - habits, rewiring our nervous systemEmotional - from fear to happiness, influences changes we can makeMental - beliefs, paradigms, what is possible Spiritual - energy, the method starts here Get started:Life purpose:  Who am I? Why am I here? Core values: What is important to me? Letting go:  Trust yourself Managing our day to day lives: Know your purpose and what you bring to the room Prioritize your core values, nurture yourself with daily anchors (i.e. morning coffee, breathing, meditation, afternoon break, gym, etc.) Set your intention:  For connection but know it has “nothing to do with me”What you want others you interact with to feel  Embracing AI Shifting to the next era of being paid for our energy / vibrationWill not take over, will allow us to decide what we do to be fulfilled ‘Live your life as the Master that you are’Guest Thought Leader Liat Scheffer Ben Yakov, Founder of Masters Academy and, CEO of Masters Creation Group LTD. Liat holds an MBA and a BA in Economics, alongside advanced studies in holistic psychotherapy, and brings more than 20 years of experience consulting with CEOs, senior executives, and entrepreneurs around the world - including leaders in Silicon Valley. She’s a best-selling author, an international speaker, and the host of a long-running podcast now in its fifth year. Throughout her career, Liat has helped thousands of people break through limitations, achieve their goals, and create the life they truly want. She is also the creator of the Masters of Creation Method, a 12-step framework for conscious reality creation which has grown into a global movement. What began as Masters Academy is now expanding into a larger, bolder, international group with a clear mission: to empower millions with the knowledge, tools, and practical pathways to become the leaders and masters of their own lives. Liat’s work is dedicated to deep personal transformation, global impact, and elevating human potential.

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About

The CX Live! podcast is an interview-style show for briefing programs and meetings. Our goal is to be your dedicated channel for all things customer experiencer where we ask industry thought leaders the tough questions about building a world-class program. Each month we’ll explore a new topic or trend that impacts customer experience, employee engagement, digitization and more…We’re unfiltered. We’re authentic. We’re having a conversation… join in!

Information

  • Creator
    The CX Live!
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The CX Live!
  • Show Website
    The CX Live!