The CX leadership sweet spot: Where passion, skills & impact align

Last Thursday, I experienced one of those electrifying moments when everything just clicks. The kind where you think: Yes, this is where I thrive!

I was on a massive stage at the kickoff event for Telenet Business’s new strategy, held in the grand Studio 100 Pop-Up Theatre in Puurs. With 800 eager employees in the audience, the energy in the room was palpable. My keynote was uniquely crafted for their situation – different from my usual delivery. Exciting? Absolutely. Terrifying? A little. Could I engage them all in just 30 minutes? That was the challenge.

But you know what? That stretch – that mix of adrenaline, preparation, and deep engagement – is exactly what puts me in my sweet spot. Standing there, feeling the connection, receiving great feedback, and seeing my client’s satisfaction – it all reaffirmed that this is where I do my best work. Speaking, educating, and inspiring.

What’s your sweet spot?

But let’s talk about you. How do you know when you’re in your sweet spot?

Finding your sweet spot is about recognizing those moments when you’re delivering your best work with maximum impact. Todd Henry describes it beautifully: it’s like hitting a tennis ball with the sweet spot of your racket – effortless and powerful.

Your sweet spot isn’t just a job or a specific task; it’s a state of being. It’s when your unique skills, passion, and the world’s needs align perfectly. It’s when people seek you out because they know you bring something special to the table.

If you’re unsure where to start, ask yourself:

• What problems do I obsess over more than others, and why?
• What do people always come to me for?
• What outcome am I so committed to that I’m willing to push past discomfort to achieve it?

The sweet spot myth

Many believe that once you find your sweet spot, work will always feel effortless. Spoiler alert: not true. Sometimes, operating in your sweet spot means pushing yourself, stepping outside your comfort zone, and embracing the challenge. But the reward – the impact you create – makes it all worthwhile.

For me, tailoring a keynote to fit a unique situation requires time, energy, and focus. It’s not always easy. But the moment I step on stage, connect with the audience, and see their eyes light up – it’s all worth it. And, by the way, I landed that talk perfectly in 30 minutes – down to the last second! (Yes, I’m a pro ????)

Are you playing it safe?

It’s easy to move from project to project without truly reflecting on what lights you up and where you make the biggest impact. But the CX leaders I admire most are those who take time to pause, reflect, and align their work with their strengths. It requires courage. It involves strategic risks.

Ask yourself: Am I just going with the flow, or am I shaping my work to align with my true strengths?

Your sweet spot is needed

Your organization – and the world – needs your unique contribution. When you operate from your sweet spot, you don’t just feel more fulfilled; you also create massive value for your customers, your team, and your business.

So take the time to reflect, identify patterns, and lean into what makes you great. Your sweet spot is waiting. And trust me, once you find it, there’s no turning back.

Are you ready to stretch yourself and gain deeper insight into your own CX leadership sweet spot? Let’s talk! My next Dutch-spoken CX Leadership Mastermind is the perfect place to reflect, grow, and amplify your impact. Please email me at [email protected] to book a call and see if this is the right learning path for you.

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.