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Reflecting on 2024: 5 Themes to guide your year-end review (+ podcast)

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect moment to pause and reflect on what 2024 brought to your CX leadership journey. Often, we’re so focused on what’s next that we forget to celebrate our achievements, learn from our challenges, and refocus our energy for the future.

That’s why I’ve dedicated my latest podcast episode of CX Leadership Talks to helping you reflect deeply and meaningfully on the past year. In this episode, I walk you through five themes that will guide your reflection process. Whether you’re a CX leader driving change in a large organization or a consultant managing diverse projects, these themes will resonate and help you uncover insights that will fuel your growth.

The 5 themes for reflection

  1. Impact and results
    Start by revisiting your accomplishments. What metrics defined your success in 2024? Did you achieve your goals, and what CX projects had the most significant impact? This is your chance to celebrate your wins and learn from what didn’t go as planned.
  2. Strategy and purpose
    Reflect on how aligned your CX strategy was with your organization’s goals. Did you secure a seat at the strategic table? Did you articulate a clear sense of urgency for customer centricity? This theme challenges you to evaluate whether you’re driving a future-proof vision.
  3. Engagement and cultural change
    How did you inspire and engage others in 2024? From senior leadership to cross-department collaboration and customer engagement, reflect on the relationships you built and the cultural shifts you influenced. What worked, and where could you do more?
  4. Personal growth and development
    Your growth as a leader is as important as your professional results. What steps did you take to expand your CX expertise, authority, and network? Did your actions align with your values and purpose? Take a moment to acknowledge your personal wins and identify areas for further development.
  5. Work-life balance and well-being
    This final theme focuses on you as a whole person. How well did you manage stress and maintain balance? Did you make time for health, inspiration, and joy? Your well-being is the foundation for your leadership, so don’t skip this critical reflection.

Ready to reflect? Let’s do this together!

In the podcast, I provide practical prompts and examples for each theme to help you get started. To guide your reflection even further, download the free PDF with 17 questions covering topics like impact, strategy, personal growth, and work-life balance. I also share some personal highlights (and challenges) from my own 2024, including how I’ve learned to make reflection a meaningful and energizing ritual.

This isn’t just a “listen and go” episode – it’s an invitation to dive deep, jot down your thoughts, and take stock of the year. Grab your journal, a cup of tea, and some quiet time to join me in this reflective journey.

Listen to the podcast now.

Make time for yourself, your growth, and your leadership. Let’s close 2024 with clarity, gratitude, and inspiration for what’s ahead.

Let me know your biggest insight from the reflection process!

Until next time, keep spicing up your Customer Experience leadership.

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. Subscribe to her weekly CX Greetz to stay tuned. 

 

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Budgeting for impact: A CX leadership approach (+ podcast)

Hello, CX Leadership aficionados! Welcome to a conversation that is as vital as it is often underestimated: budgeting. As CX leaders, it’s crucial to understand that no budget means no results. In the latest episode of CX Leaderships Talks, we’ll explore how effective budget management can help you achieve exceptional outcomes within your organization, your team, and your role as a leader.

Why does budget matter? Just like Global CX Day, understanding your budget is a key factor in driving customer experience success. It’s the foundation upon which you can build impressive results. By tailoring your budget strategy, you can enhance your influence, pioneer initiatives, and lead with impact. I’ll guide you through this in three levels, breaking down the nine pivotal initiatives that will elevate your CX strategy.

So, how do you ensure your budget works for you? Here we go, level by level:

1. Organization level

  • Customer service projects: Collaborate with operational budget holders in frontline positions to boost customer engagement and reduce costs.
  • Digitization and technology: Partner with IT for digital tools and AI integration, aligning future-focused projects with CX objectives.
  • Future state and innovation: Join strategic planning and prototyping to secure R&D or strategy budgets that propel innovative CX ideas.

2. Team/ Program level

  • Employee engagement and culture: Merge HR budgets to align employee experience with customer experience, enhancing recruitment and onboarding processes.
  • Leadership development programs: Influence leadership training to integrate CX lessons, ensuring the customer is always part of the executive mindset.
  • Shared budget collaborations: Identify and tap into existing budgets, fostering alliances across departments to power CX projects.

3. You as leader

  • Understanding budget processes: Learn the ins and outs of budget processes in your organization, timing, decision-making, and proposal formats.
  • Tailor budget pitches: Craft your pitches to resonate with the priorities of decision-makers, linking CX initiatives to business goals.
  • Propose pilot projects: Get approval for small-scale, clear-cut projects that can be expanded based on success – starting modestly with visible outcomes.

Budget strategy isn’t merely an annual exercise. It’s about thinking strategically, two or three years into the future, to continue evolving with industry trends and organizational goals.

By securing, collaborating, and innovating within your budget strategy, you’ll ensure that resources are available to maximize your team’s impact. Now is the time to assess: do you have enough budget aligned with your objectives? Who are your allies in this budget journey? The answers could transform your growth in the coming years.

Finally, remember: engaging in the budgeting process and strategizing effectively will enhance your leadership role, showcasing the value of your initiatives to the entire organization. What’s your biggest takeaway from our budgeting exploration? Share your thoughts with me – I would love to hear them!

Let’s lead the charge to a more impactful CX year ahead. Here’s to spicing up leadership and seizing every budget opportunity!

Until next time, keep spicing up your Customer Experience leadership.

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. Subscribe to her weekly CX Greetz to stay tuned. 

 

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Personalized Customer Experience: The power of handwritten notes in a digital world (+ podcast)

In an age where digital communications dominate, the charm and impact of handwritten notes in business are more relevant than ever. Our latest episode of CX Leadership Talks explores how integrating this personal touch into customer journeys can foster meaningful relationships and distinguish a brand. Here, we’ll outline five strategic points in the customer journey to incorporate handwritten notes and explore the benefits of scaling this practice. 

Five opportunities to use handwritten notes:

  1. Post-purchase thank yous: After a customer makes a purchase, sending a heartfelt handwritten note expressing gratitude can significantly boost the relationship. This touchpoint transforms a transaction into an expression of appreciation, reinforcing customer loyalty.

  2. Birthday and holiday greetings: Recognizing personal milestones with handwritten cards not only delights customers but also demonstrates attentiveness and care beyond the usual business interactions. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to keep your brand top-of-mind.

  3. Apology and win-back strategies: When things go awry, a sincere apology in the form of a handwritten note, possibly coupled with a goodwill gesture (like a discount or a freebie), can turn service hiccups into opportunities for positive customer sentiment.

  4. Special occasions and anniversaries: Celebrate special events related to your business and the customers’ involvement. This could be a note congratulating them on an anniversary with your services or thanking them for attending a special event.

  5. Surprise and delight initiatives: Beyond expected occasions, sending random notes of gratitude or surprise gifts can delight customers. These gestures, when least expected, can lead to delighted customers who are eager to share their positive experiences. 

Benefits of scaling handwritten notes:

  • Personalization at scale: Automation technology, when thoughtfully integrated, allows businesses to extend personalized touches to a wider audience without losing the charm of handwriting, creating memorable exchanges on a larger scale. 
  • Consistency in customer experience: By automating these processes, businesses ensure every customer receives a well-crafted, consistent message that aligns with your brand ethos, eliminating the variability of manual efforts. 
  • Operational efficiency: Scaling handwritten notes reduces the manual burden on employees, allowing them to focus on other strategies to enhance customer experience while still ensuring that personal touch reaches every client. 
  • Cost-effective personal touch: Automated systems for handwritten notes can deliver the same deeply personal connection without inflating costs associated with human resources, making this practice sustainable even for growing businesses. 
  • Increased customer engagement: Handwritten notes often evoke stronger emotional responses when compared to digital messages. Scaling them allows you to tap into this engagement potential extensively, improving customer retention and lifetime value. 

Ultimately, while technology aids operations, the sentiment behind handwritten notes – that genuine appreciation and effort to connect – remains impactful. Using these notes strategically throughout the customer journey can invigorate a brand’s relationship-building efforts and leave lasting impressions on customers. Embrace this approach, and witness enhanced bonds and loyalty flourish in your business.

Are you eager to dive deeper into how personalized communication can transform your customer experience? Don’t miss our latest episode of CX Leadership Talks.

In this conversation, Nienke Bloem sits down with David Wachs, the CEO of Handwrytten, to explore how businesses can blend the charm of handwritten notes with the power of automation. You’ll hear real-life success stories, practical tips, and insights on making every customer feel valued. Tune in now for an inspiring look at the future of authentic customer connections!

 

Until next time, keep spicing up your Customer Experience leadership.

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. Subscribe to her weekly CX Greetz to stay tuned. 

 

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Three ways to put System 2 Thinking into practical use for CX Leadership

Welcome to CX Leadership Talks, where we dive deep into the world of customer experience management and leadership. In this episode, our host Nienke Bloem reflects on a crucial aspect of decision-making – the interplay between conscious and unconscious thinking.

Because do you also sometimes live on the automatic pilot? And in our CX leadership roles, we can miss out. So… Drawing insights from Daniel Kahneman’s work on System 1 and System 2 thinking, Nienke shares real-life examples and practical tips for CX leaders to cultivate a more conscious approach to decision-making.

Nienke highlights three compelling examples from her mentor calls, showcasing how conscious decision-making can lead to more strategic project selection, adept stakeholder engagement, and compelling storytelling within organizations. With practical advice and actionable takeaways, she encourages CX leaders to make conscious decisions, engage in System 2 thinking, and refine their approach to communication and project management.

Join us as we explore the value of making more deliberate choices, the impact of conscious decision-making on leadership, and how it can lead to greater success and recognition in the CX field.

Whether you’re a seasoned CX leader or aspiring to take on a leadership role, this episode offers thought-provoking perspectives to elevate your decision-making and leadership abilities. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and actionable insights to enhance your CX leadership journey.

Timestamped overview

00:00 Encouraging conscious decision-making and leadership impact.

05:14 Slow, effortful, logical; essential for complex problem-solving.

08:33 Consider conscious decision-making and project alignment.

12:42 Use multiple models to strengthen your methodology.

15:54 CX leaders need conscious communication for success.

17:01 Conscious actions lead to better results, recognition.


Want to grow as a CX Leader?

Contact Nienke Bloem via her website www.nienkebloem.com. She is a CX expert and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed in CX leadership. More on Nienke’s education portfolio: https://www.nienkebloem.nl/en/cx-educatie/

Listen to this episode of CX Leadership Talks here on in any of your favourite podcast apps!

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. 

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Nine tips for driving impact through Closing the Loop

Welcome back to the CX Leadership Talk podcast. In this episode, your host Nienke Bloem digs deep into the topic of ‘Closing the Loop’ in customer experience management. Drawing from her recent experiences, Nienke shares 9 insightful suggestions to boost your closing the loop program, from co-creation sessions and individual feedback research to risk management and reporting on customer feedback improvements.

Through engaging and practical tips, Nienke emphasizes the importance of investing in the outer and inner loops to enhance customer experiences. This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the challenges, strategies, and practical actions related to the closing the loop process in customer experience management. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

  1. Co-create for impact: Organizing a world cafe setting to engage all stakeholders in improving the closing the loop process can lead to insightful discussions and impactful solutions.
  2. Growth hacking approach: Implementing ‘Friction Fridays’ where teams come together to solve specific issues can lead to continuous improvements and boost team morale.
  3. Customer-centric reporting: Reporting on the progress of closing the loop, including NPS and customer feedback improvements, can provide a transparent view of the organization’s commitment to acting on customer feedback.

Tune in to gather wisdom from Nienke’s solo episode and discover how to improve and finetune your initiatives for closing the loop to new heights.

Timestamped overview

00:00 CX Leadership podcast: “Closing the Loop Program”

05:53 Improving customer experiences, energizing with practicality.

06:33 Host World Cafe event for deeper process review.

10:10 Clarifying ownership and strategy in customer feedback.

15:28 Identify and address risks with strategic solutions.

17:21 Address big issues every other Friday strategically.

20:49 Send biannual surveys, track improvements, and communicate.

22:45 “9 tips for enhancing customer experience management.”

The outline above offers a comprehensive overview of this episode’s content.

 

In the podcast Nienke mentions the World Cafe setting, more on that here.

Want to grow as a CX Leader? Contact Nienke Bloem. She is a CX expert and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed in CX leadership. More on Nienke’s education portfolio: https://www.nienkebloem.nl/en/cx-educatie/

Listen to this episode of CX Leadership Talks here on in any of your favourite podcast apps!

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. 

/door

Pioneering CX in pensions: Martijn van den Berg’s blueprint for success

Welcome to CX Leadership Talks, where we dive deep into the world of customer experience and leadership. In today’s episode, we have a special guest, Martijn van den Berg, who will be sharing his insights into creating meaningful experiences for customers in the financial industry. Martijn leads a CX team at PGB, a leading pension fund in the Netherlands, and has a wealth of experience in integrating customer experience into business strategies.

In this episode

Join us as Martijn discusses the transformation of PGB into a customer-centric organization, his journey in the field of business communication, and the importance of internal cultural changes in driving customer-centricity.

Get ready for an engaging and insightful conversation with Martijn van den Berg and host Nienke Bloem as we explore the strategies and principles behind building a customer-centric culture in the financial sector.

About Martijn van den Berg (visit his LinkedIn profile here)

As Lead Customer Experience Management, Martijn is responsible for structurally organizing Pension fund PGB’s own and consistent brand and customer experience. The aim is that the fund can distinguish itself in terms of customer focus and knows how to “touch” its customers. Together with the CX team, Martijn has developed the pension fund’s own CX framework, which consists of 4 pillars: Strategy & Identity, Market and Customer Insight, Customer Service and Culture & Organization.

Martijn van den Berg has a passion for customer satisfaction and efficiency. As a Lead Customer Experience Management, he was inspired by the video ‘Give ‘em the pickle’ by Bob Farrell, about a restaurant manager who started his second restaurant. In the video, a customer complained about being charged an extra 75¢ for a pickle, which had always been free. This resonated with Martijn, reminding him of the importance of maintaining consistent and fair pricing for the customers. This experience helped shape his approach to managing PGB’s customer experience, prioritizing clear communication and fair pricing for his customers.

Want to grow as a CX Leader? Contact Nienke Bloem via her website www.nienkebloem.com. She is a CX expert and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed in CX leadership.

Timestamped overview

00:00 Making pension products more attractive for customers.

03:38 Exciting meeting to discuss pension strategy.

08:20 Building a successful customer experience team.

12:39 Feedback, communication training, strategy implementation, and organization types.

14:09 Understanding strengths, building results, and enthusiastic work.

17:27 Pension funds must regain trust through CX.

22:54 Improved onboarding process led to better ratings.

24:11 Pension funds-critical for B2B companies’ growth.

30:05 Measurement changed, aiming for 3 stars. Signal management.

32:16 Seek external perspectives to improve and progress.

36:44 Woman left supermarket with almost empty bag.

41:16 Facebook’s strategy emphasizes cultural elements and consistency.

42:03 Building engagement through smart, consistent work progress.

45:23 3E model, great approach, advice for listeners.

Martijn’s recommendations

Listen to this episode of CX Leadership Talks on Podbean or in your favourite podcast app!

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Crafting CX careers: Trends, traits and triumphs with Jo van Riemsdijk, CX Recruitment Specialist

Welcome to CX Leadership Talks, where we explore the world of Customer Experience leadership with top industry experts. In today’s episode, host Nienke Bloem engages in a captivating conversation with Jo van Riemsdijk. Together, they navigate through the intricate world of customer experience management from the perspective of Jo as THE recruiter in CX in the UK.

In this episode

Jo shares valuable insights on the challenges and trends in recruiting for customer experience roles, reflecting on the changing requirements and skill sets sought after by organizations today as opposed to in the past. We explore the complexities of navigating senior leadership buy-in, what she calls ‘managing upwards’, the shifting paradigms of the customer experience industry, and the increasing demand for digital expertise and change leadership. 

About Jo van Riemsdijk

She is THE Customer Experience Recruitment Specialist recruiting at all levels right up to Board level. With Kate Baird, she founded CX Talent Ltd, which is an Independent Customer Experience Recruitment Consultancy. They match the RIGHT people with the RIGHT jobs in Customer Experience, Digital Experience and Service Design roles. At all levels from Chief Customer Officer, Customer Experience Director, Digital Experience Director, to middle management roles across all industry sectors, covering a wide range of CX disciplines such as strategy, insight, design, digital, service, engagement, loyalty, and success. She is the perfect guest on the show, as she sees what her clients are looking for and sees where matches are truly made. She offers a consultative approach and always acts transparently and with integrity. Always passionate about matching the right people with the right jobs and helping businesses achieve customer satisfaction and profitability.

Click here for the Website of CX Talent Ltd.

Click here for the Monthly Newsletter on LinkedIn by CX Talent Ltd. 

Want to grow as a CX Leader? Contact Nienke Bloem via her website www.nienkebloem.com. She is a CX expert and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed in CX leadership.

Time stamped overview

00:00 UK-based recruitment business serving international clients.

05:37 Research led to identifying customer experience gap.

09:30 Employers seek diverse skill sets for directors.

12:01 Customer experience manager roles and salary impact.

15:53 Increasing demand for digital design roles seen.

19:01 Key to finding ideal challenge: “Remember what you bring to the party.”

23:18 Developers want to create communities and entice employees.

26:42 Transition from vendor neutrality to consultancy education.

27:47 Stay informed about AI and organizational processes.

33:00 Cracking the leadership paradigm for greater value.

35:50 Creating ideal business culture by emphasizing values.

38:03 Tight client brief, thorough candidate assessment process.

41:04 Recommend recruiting for right person, seek professional help.

44:24 Prepare, engage, focus, share stories, manage upwards.

Jo’s recommendations

Listen today’s episode here or in any of your favorite podcast apps.

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. 

/door

Navigating the CX landscape: Strategies for successful leaders with CXPA’s CEO Greg Melia, CAE

Welcome to CX Leadership Talks, where we explore the world of Customer Experience leadership with top industry experts. In today’s episode, Nienke Bloem sits down with Greg Melia, CEO of The Customer eXperience Professionals Association (CXPA), and a seasoned advocate for Customer Experience excellence. They discuss the evolving landscape of customer experience and the role of CX leaders in today’s businesses.

In this episode

Nienke and Greg delve into the importance of ongoing training and validation for CX professionals, the potential of artificial intelligence in shaping customer interactions, the significance of the CCXP certification, and the strategic approach to CX development.

Don’t miss this in-depth conversation that touches on vital competencies for successful CX leaders, the CXPA’s global community, and the valuable insights and practical strategies shared in the discussion.

So, grab a seat and join us as we explore the world of Customer Experience leadership with Greg Melia on CX Leadership Talks.

About Greg Melia

Greg Melia is a passionate advocate for professional associations and certifications. He has dedicated his career to educating and empowering individuals and organizations to understand the importance of being part of a professional association and obtaining certifications.With a background in marketing and communications, Greg has a talent for explaining complex concepts in a way that is relatable and understandable. He is committed to helping people recognize the value of associations and certifications in their professional development and success. Greg’s engaging and approachable manner makes him a sought-after speaker and consultant in the association and certification space. His favorite memories are those where he can see the “aha” moment in someone’s eyes when they finally understand the significance of being part of a professional community and earning a certification.

Want to grow as a CX Leader? Contact Nienke Bloem via her website www.nienkebloem.com. She is a CX expert and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed in CX leadership.

Timestamped overview

00:00 Career titles, passion for customer experience, CEO role.

05:26 Member of CXPA, pursuing CCXP title.

09:23 Discussing broad topics, trends, and upcoming events.

12:13 Collaborate, support, and align for success.

14:49 CCXP certification is increasingly valuable in industry.

19:05 Salespeople make promises, CCXP ensures customer satisfaction.

20:34 CX connects people, prepare for career changes.

25:24 AI powerful tool, but not a replacement.

27:21 Exploring AI’s impact on contact centers.

32:33 Emphasizing importance of good CX strategy and branding.

36:30 Stephanie Leheta to discuss developing multiyear AI strategy.

37:23 Include people in future vision and planning.

41:08 Reintroduced curiosity, creative problem solving, iterate.

44:18 Link in show notes, join CXPA community.

Greg’s recommendations

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Powering CX with AI: Robbert Dijkstra’s insights on leading the change

Welcome to another episode of CX Leadership Talks! In this episode, Nienke Bloem engages in a fascinating conversation with Robbert Dijkstra, the founder and CEO of Deepdesk. Robbert brings his wealth of experience in AI technology and innovation to the forefront as he discusses the deployment of AI in companies and its impact on improving customer experiences.

In this episode

Robbert shares insights on the use of ChatGPT for deploying AI in organizations and provides practical examples of how Deepdesk aligns its vision with customer needs by developing prototypes and gathering valuable feedback. He also delves into the impact of AI on organizations, sharing his experiences with DHL where AI led to significant improvements in customer service.

The conversation extends to the future of AI technology, with Robbert envisioning the rise of more AI vendors and the development of task-specific AI models. He also shares his thoughts on the rapid increase of AI in everyday software and the possibility of AIs communicating with each other in the future.

This episode is not just about AI technology, but also delves into practical advice for leaders and organizations looking to integrate AI into their operations. Robbert emphasizes the importance of practical experimentation with AI, advocating for its integration into daily work processes, and shares valuable insights on building a culture of ownership and responsibility within organizations.

In addition to all this, the episode is packed with valuable tips from Robbert on fostering curiosity and staying on top of the industry, along with recommendations for valuable entrepreneurship content.

Tune in to this enriching episode as Robbert Dijkstra and Nienke Bloem dive deep into the world of AI, customer experiences, and leadership in the contact center industry!

About Robbert Dijkstra

The future is here… and he loves it! Mesmerized as a young teenager by the endless possibilities of the Internet, Robbert is truly passionate about exponential technologies and digital disruption is what drives him. Shaping strategic vision on innovation, spotting opportunities, sharing these passions and collaborating with others to create impact is what Robbert enjoys the most.

Want to grow as a CX Leader? Contact Nienke Bloem via her website www.nienkebloem.com. She is a CX expert and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed in CX leadership.

Timestamped overview

00:00 Robbert started young, this led to technology consulting role.

04:53 Introduction of AI models in customer service.

07:37 Tailored models require specific training and data. Generative AI uses global data for broader applications.

11:09 Challenges with running AI models in production.

13:16 Larger companies handle challenges better through trials.

16:20 AI will be pervasive, personal and unseen.

21:44 LLM improves software development and implementation efficiency.

24:36 Improving organization processes, agent work, and user experience.

26:48 Technology trials typically last 3-6 months.

30:53 Customers modify dashboard, control agent communication, knowledge assist.

32:43 Contact center transformation leading to cultural shift.

38:54 Struggle hiring junior staff, prioritize mid-senior. Customer commitment.

40:46 Agility and execution win hearts and minds.

43:46 Curiosity and problem-solving drive efficient perseverance.

48:10 Grateful for insightful AI discussion on podcast.

Robbert’s recommendations

Podcast ‘Doorzetters’ (in Dutch) by Ruud Hendriks and Richard Bross

And as promised, Robbert’s cliffhanger ;-): Ben Evans on What matters in tech?

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Entrepreneurial CX Leadership: A Conversation with Jeannie Walters

Welcome to CX Leadership Talks, where we delve into the world of customer experience leadership and innovation. In this episode, Nienke Bloem is joined by the dynamic entrepreneur and CEO of Experience Investigators, Jeannie Walters. Together, they explore the multifaceted world of customer experience and the why, how and what of successful CX leaders.

In this episode

Jeannie shares her wisdom and experiences, offering valuable insights for aspiring CX entrepreneurs – from resilience in the face of criticism to the intricacies of building and managing a CX team.

The conversation also touches on the importance of staying ahead of trends in ethics, diversity, and global customer inclusivity, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in the CX landscape.

So, join us as we uncover the secrets to effective CX leadership with Jeannie Walters on CX Leadership Talks!

About Jeannie Walters

Jeannie helps business leaders – from individuals to small businesses to Fortune 1000s – learn and apply customer-centric initiatives that benefit their customers, employees and bottom line. She believes CX is about the actions your team takes on a daily basis to use these tools to serve the larger organizational goals. Jeannie approaches CX strategy this way: “Let’s build the right vision, strategy and outcomes around customer experience to meet or exceed our larger company-wide goals.” Working with cross-functional leadership, she helps organizations make CX a part of their everyday culture instead of a one-off initiative that’s quickly forgotten about.

Want to grow as a CX Leader? Contact Nienke Bloem via her website www.nienkebloem.com. She is a CX expert and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed in CX leadership.

Timestamped overview

00:00 Celebrating successful podcast, helping leaders with experience.

05:03 Organizations adapted to customer experience amid change.

08:27 Strong communication crucial for getting leadership support.

10:18 Spice up leadership, challenge, communicate, take action.

15:26 Organizations should connect activities to progress effectively.

18:13 Realizing the importance of outdoor time.

21:42 Understanding the impact and challenges of AI.

23:32 Ethics, diversity, and risk management in organizations.

30:03 Success is not a straight line.

33:20 Team includes COO, CMO, social media support.

34:25 Various arrangements with contractors, almost full-time. Team environment, sharing unique skills.

38:40 Established CXI Flight School to bridge gap.

41:43 Specialize in CX for professional success.

45:19 Morning routine: workout, meditate, journal, plan.

47:54 Listen to diverse podcasts for marketing inspiration.

Jeannie’s recommendations

Podcast ‘Hidden Brain’ with Shankar Vedantam

Podcast ‘How I built this’ with Guy Raz

The CMO Podcast with Jim Stengel

And of course, Jeannie’s own podcast: Experience Action

 

*****

Nienke Bloem is often called the Customer Experience speaker in the blue dress. 

She’s a global CX thought leader, educator and a global keynote speaker who inspires audiences with best practices and proven methodologies. She leads a speaking practice, a CX game company and a training business; she breathes Customer Experiences and is author of two CX books.

Her two-day Customer Experience Masterclass is known as the best program to prepare for your CCXP and she is the go-to person voor CX leaders who want to advance their leadership and bring direct results from their Customer Experience transformation programs. Since 2020, she hosts a CX Leadership Masterminds program and helps leaders spice up their leadership and deliver an engaging CX Story including a solid CX Strategy. Besides, she is a modern-day pilgrim and found the parallel with leading customer centric transformations. 

With her over 20 years corporate experience, she speaks the business language. Her keynotes and education programs in Customer Experience are inspiring and hands-on. She is one of the few Recognized Training Partners of the CXPA and it is her mission to Make Customer Experience Work and help you deliver business results. 

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