CX Insider - Customer experience leaders sharing insights and ideas for customer service success

"managing data in the age of AI" - W / Janet Xinyi Guo (Lloyds Banking Group) #130

In this episode, we sit down with Janet Xinyi Guo, a leading expert in data management and digital transformation at Lloyds. With over 7 years of experience driving one of the UK’s largest digital transformation programs, Janet brings deep insights into the intersection of AI, data ethics, and responsible data usage.
Content:
00:00 – Introduction
03:15 – What is Data Ethics?
06:40 – The Role of AI
10:20 – Responsible AI
14:05 – Data Centralisation
17:30 – Data Storage
21:10 – Enhancing Customer Experience
24:45 – Surfacing the Right Data
28:20 – Navigating Regulations like GDPR
 

"track, assess, & classify risks" - W / Keir Henderson (Precisely) #129

In this episode, we sit down with Keir Henderson, Financial Services Account Executive at Precisely. Keir shares deep insights into AI governance, policy challenges, international cooperation, and the philosophical tensions driving today’s AI landscape.
From existential risk to frontier models, we explore the crossroads of technology, politics, and ethics in shaping our collective AI future. If you're interested in how governments are preparing for the age of powerful AI systems—or how we should be—this conversation is for you.
 
 

"Accelerate, Change, or Lose" - W / Colt Whittall (Bravo17) #128

In this episode of the CX Insider Podcast, we sit down with Colt Whittall, the Managing Partner and Founder of Bravo17. Colt shares insights from his incredible career in digital transformation, IT strategy, and user experience at scale, including his pivotal role in modernizing IT for 700,000+ personnel.
If you're passionate about CX, IT transformation, and leadership in large organizations, this episode is a must-listen!
 
Content:
00:00 - Introduction
00:50 – Colt’s Career
09:44 – ‘Fix Our Computers’
14:05 – IT Challenges
18:59 – Measuring UX
22:50 – Fixing Air Force IT
26:04 – COVID-19
30:28 – Identifying Customers
38:17 – Tech Upgrades
49:28 – Improving PCS

"Learn, Relearn & Unlearn" - W / Sam Grogan (Loughborough University) #127

In this episode of the CX Insider Podcast, we’re joined by Professor Sam Grogan, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Education and Student Experience at Loughborough University. We dive into the future of education, the essential skills students need for a 40-year career, and how universities must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
 
Content:
 
00:00 – Introduction
03:10 – Preparing Students for the Future
05:03 – Technology & Social Skills in Education
07:29 – Rethinking University Structures
10:50 – The Role of Leadership in Education
17:48 – Learning, Unlearning & Relearning
22:49 – Universities as Agile Businesses
34:48 – AI in Education
39:31 – Advice for Employers Hiring Graduates
44:50 – Quick Fire Questions

"Your Customers Expect More" - W / Andrew Carothers (Cisco) #126

In this episode of CX Insider, we sit down with Andrew Carothers, from Cisco, to explore the evolution of digital customer experience and the transformative role of AI. Andrew shares insights on how AI is reshaping CX, from automating processes to redefining business strategies, and why companies need to shift their focus from traditional CX metrics to real business outcomes.
With real-world examples—including how Cisco leveraged AI to unlock $1M in recurring revenue—this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for business leaders, CX professionals, and tech enthusiasts alike.
 
Content:
00:00 - Introduction
02:48– The Evolution of CX
05:44– Business Impact
08:10– AI’s Role In CX
14:52– Personalisation
18:52 – 2025 Strategy
22:00 – Avoiding Mistakes
26:09 – Trust & Engagement
28:26 – Human Interaction
31:35 – Looking Ahead

AI Is Disrupting The Legal Industry - W / Alex Karim (Microsoft) #125

Welcome back to another electrifying episode of the CX Insider Podcast 🎙️
In this jam-packed conversation, we sit down with Alex Karim, AI Architect at Microsoft and innovation enthusiast, to dive into the cutting-edge technologies which are reshaping industries and our everyday lives.
From smart glasses that record your world to the state of the metaverse, this episode is a rollercoaster ride of tech insights, personal stories, and bold predictions for the future. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or just curious about how innovation is shaping the world, this episode has something for everyone. 🎧
 
Content:
00:00:00 – Introduction: AI, Innovation, and the Future
00:03:06 – From Physics to Formula 1
00:07:37 – The Future of Smart Glasses
00:08:55 – Are We Ready for AI Assistants?
00:16:40 – AI Is Disrupting Legal Work
00:18:57 – Data Governance and AI
00:20:32 – Is the Metaverse Dead?
00:20:38 – How a Job Title Changed My Career
00:31:44 – AI in Construction
00:34:37 – Why I Love My AI Co-Pilot

Entrepreneurialism: Making Success Happen - Ajmal Mushtaq (Boss Pizza) #124

In this episode of CX Insider, we sit down with Ajmal Mushtaq, the CEO and founder of Boss Pizza, to uncover how he went from a law graduate and corporate career to building one of the UK’s largest takeaway operations. Ajmal shares his inspiring journey, the sacrifices he made, and how he turned a struggling family restaurant into a revolutionary pizza brand that's reshaping the food industry.
Contents:
[0:00:00] Introduction to Ajmal & Boss Pizza
[0:01:42] Career Journey: From Law to Pizza
[0:03:37] Building the Largest Takeaway Operation
[0:07:36] Launching Boss Pizza During COVID
[0:08:08] Mega-Kitchen Efficiency
[0:14:08] The Secret of Brand Success
[0:20:20] Challenges of Franchising
[0:22:31] How Tech Drives Growth
[0:41:12] Building a Winning Team
[0:42:33] Redefining Success

The CX Insider Christmas Special #123

In this festive episode, we are bringing you the perfect opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit! With all of your favourite CX Insider's, our two teams will battle it out, hoping to become the first-ever Christmas winner! We'll even be giving you a run down of which mince pies you should be investing in this holiday season!
 
Round 1: Mince Pie Matching
Round 2: Finish The Lyric
Round 3: Christmas Quiz
Round 4: True or False

Are Customer Surveys Dead? - W / Sharad Khandelwal (SentiSum) #122

In this episode of CX Insider, we sit down with Sharad, CEO and founder of SentiSum, to delve into his journey from tech consulting to entrepreneurship. We explore the evolution of customer experience (CX) strategies, the pitfalls of relying solely on surveys, and the importance of leveraging omnichannel data to meet modern customer expectations. Stay tuned for a candid conversation packed with insights and anecdotes about CX evolution and innovation.
Content:
[00:00:29] Introduction
[00:00:50] Sharad's Journey
[00:05:05] About SentiSum
[00:07:33] CX: From the Heart or the Head?
[00:08:49] Are Customer Surveys Dead?
[00:13:38] Alternatives to Surveys
[00:19:21] Why brands need a mindset shift
[00:23:33] The Future of NPS
[00:27:30] Turning Insights into Action
[00:33:39] Best and worst practices in customer experience
[00:37:01] The importance of forgettable, frictionless experiences
[00:39:09] Quick Fire Questions

The Future Of Optical Retail With Personalisation - W / Mohamed Elsalam (Magrabi) #121

In this episode of the CX Insider Podcast, we’re joined by Mohammed, an expert with over 15 years in customer-centric roles across telecom, retail, and NGOs. Now in the optical industry, Mohammed shares his insights into the unique challenges of customer experience in a space where healthcare meets luxury. Whether you’re in retail, customer service, or just passionate about CX, this episode offers valuable lessons on putting customers at the heart of every business decision.
 
Content:
 
00:00 - Introduction
 
02:11– About Mohamed
 
04:53 – Brand Differentiation
 
07:57– Evolving Expectations
 
10:03– In Store Vs Online
 
15:32– Customer Retention
 
20:11 – Customer Lifecycle
 
22:39 – CX Basics
 
30:44 – Regional Preferences
 
35:06 – Quick-Fire Round