Customers First Podcast

Customers First Podcast

The Customers First Podcast with host Tacey Atkinson. Here we engage in Customer-Centric Conversations with industry experts from around the globe to discuss strategies to deliver Magical Customer Experiences. Thank you for tuning in, becoming Magic Makers, and I look forward to us sitting down to more valuable conversations in the future. Remember..... Customer-Centric Cultures Create Magical Customer Experiences. Go Spread the Magic!

Episodes

July 1, 2025 28 mins

On this episode, I dive into an enlightening conversation with Ryan Rael, a certified customer experience strategist and founder of Tight Ship CX. We explore how businesses can elevate their customer experience by streamlining operations and optimizing customer journeys while leveraging the right technology. 

Ryan details the importance of customer feedback and technology in shaping exceptional customer journeys. He emphasizes how ...

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On this episode of the Customers First podcast, I engage in a powerful discussion with Amita Sharma, co-founder of NourishDoc, a holistic wellness platform designed specifically for midlife women. Amita shares her journey through the debilitating symptoms she faced, underscoring how these experiences motivated her to create a platform that emphasizes empathy, personalization, and trust to meet the needs of underserved populations.

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On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I engage in an enlightening conversation with Dustin Jensen, the founder of AIA System, a pioneering venture in the realm of AI applications. We delve deep into the nuanced world of customer experiences and how AI can serve as an essential ally in creating memorable interactions. He emphasizes that AI is not the flashy tool many perceive it to be, but rather an invisible co-pilot pois...

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June 10, 2025 31 mins

On this episode, I am joined by Chris Gillen, a distinguished leadership advisor, coach, and speaker who has dedicated his career to fostering cultures of trust and accountability in organizations. We delve into the central themes of his latest book, "The Villain Trap," which explores how blame undermines leadership and erodes the foundation of effective team dynamics. Chris, with over 35 years of retail experience, shares valuable...

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On this episode of the Customers First podcast, I'm joined once again by Amy Kehs, a seasoned brand strategist and communication expert focused on enhancing the visitor experience in museums. With over two decades of experience in public relations, Amy has developed a deep understanding of how to foster meaningful connections between institutions and their audiences, particularly in the wake of the disruptions caused by the pandemi...

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On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I welcome back Angie Robinson, a valued member of our Customers First family and a leadership development facilitator. Angie shares her rich background and journey from a successful corporate HR career to establishing her coaching business focused on empowering leade...

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On this episode of the Customers First podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with David Sauers, co-founder and CEO of Royal Restrooms, a company redefining the portable restroom industry. We delve into David's journey, exploring the pivotal moments that led him to transform what was once considered a functional necessity into an experience that enhances any event. With a focus on creating luxur...

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On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I engage in a deeply insightful conversation with Jaime Raul Zepeda, a Workplace Culture Architect and Executive Leader. Jaime brings a wealth of experience in enhancing employee engagement and cultivating high-performance environments. We delve into the connection between cultivating a people-first culture and driving business success, exploring how organizations can maximize their p...

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On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Joshua Hart, an expert in conflict management and communication training. With nearly two decades of experience, Joshua has honed his skills in helping organizations navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. We explored the transformative journey that led him to specialize in conflict resolution, beginning with his early aspirations to become a ma...

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On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, we delve into leadership with Jim Carlough, an accomplished business strategist and author of "The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success." Drawing upon over thirty years of professional experience, Mr. Carlough asserts that effective leaders are cultivated through deliberate practice and mentorship. He recounts his early leadership journey, which commenced with his...

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April 22, 2025 39 mins

On this episode, we chat with Mark Shaw, a customer experience expert with a rich background in enhancing interactions across sectors like theme parks and hotels. Mark's journey from hospitality enthusiast to customer experience leader reveals his passion for creating joyful moments. 

He distinguishes between customer service and customer experience, emphasizing the latter as a holistic approach encompassing every brand interaction...

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On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I speak with Danny Snow, a renowned customer service expert deeply rooted in the Disney tradition of excellence. Danny shares invaluable insights shaped by his impressive track record and extensive experience creating unforgettable customer experiences. As a second-generation Disney cast member, he discusses how his early exposure to Disney's culture of exceptional service informs the...

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On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, we welcome Damon Lembi, a seasoned leader in the learning and development space, as we delve into the intricacies of building a customer-centric culture through effective leadership. As the CEO of Learn It, a live learning platform that has empowered over 2 million learners, Damon brings a wealth of knowledge from his sports and business backgrounds. Our conversation revolves around f...

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On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I engage in a transformative conversation with Katherine Lazaruk, an internationally certified image consultant and leadership coach. Katherine's journey from a professional opera singer to a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant is fascinating and deeply inspiring. We dive into her motivations for writing her book, "Executive Being: Humanizing Business, One Leader at a Time," a...

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On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I speak with Diane Yarborough, the driving force behind Castaway & Company. We delve into the transformative nature of customer-centric cultures. Diane brings over twenty years of invaluable experience from her time at Disney, where she honed her skills in shaping leaders and cultivating cultures that inspire employees and customers. 

Diane shares her fascinating journey in her early ...

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On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I had the privilege of engaging with Delphia Howes, an esteemed leader in human resources, diversity, and inclusion. With over two decades of experience, Delphia has built a remarkable career and is also the author of "Including You: Leading Inclusion from Where You Are." We delved into the transformative power of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in organizational settings and how unders...

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On this episode, I speak with Sylvie DiGiusto, the world's first 3D immersive keynote speaker, whose innovative presentation approach reshapes how we engage with audiences. Sylvie brings a wealth of experience from her 20-year corporate journey in retail and tourism, where she honed her skills in leadership development, building one of the most prominent leadership academies in Europe. Our convers...

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On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with the inspiring James Robbins, a transformative leader and motivational speaker. Our conversation began with his remarkable journey from humble beginnings on a cattle ranch to influential leadership roles. This journey profoundly shaped his views on leadership, inspiration, and motivation. James emphasizes a powerful truth: while leaders are accounta...

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On this episode of the Customer's First Podcast, I am joined by Liz Weber, a distinguished business advisor, author, and organizational culture expert, to delve into the intricacies of leadership and company culture in today's fast-paced environment. Liz, with her vast experience and MBA in international business, shares her journey from a rewarding career with the State Department to becoming a trusted consultant for executives n...

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On this episode of the Customers First Podcast, I discuss the transformative power of customer experience and brand storytelling with Timothy Kalinowski, president of Lore. A master storyteller and brand strategist, Tim empowers brands to connect meaningfully with their audiences. 

Tim shares his journey from marketing enthusiast to leading branding figure, recounting his motivation to establish Lore a decade ago. Frustrated with t...

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