[SaaS Series] Transforming Customer Experience With Rishi Rana

Rishi Rana is the CEO of Cyara, a global leader in AI-powered customer experience assurance, helping top brands deliver seamless interactions across voice, digital, and AI channels. Under his leadership, Cyara has expanded testing to 135+ countries, partnered with 330+ carriers, won the 2024 Silver Stevie Award for CX Transformation, and serves clients like Microsoft, Salesforce, IBM, and Walmart. With 25+ years in enterprise SaaS — including over a decade at Microsoft — Rishi is passionate about using technology to enhance customer journeys and operational efficiency, with expertise in omnichannel assurance and generative AI. In this episode… Customer experience can make or break a brand, but delivering seamless interactions across every channel is easier said than done. How can companies ensure their customers always receive fast, accurate, and consistent service, no matter how they reach out? According to Rishi Rana, a seasoned SaaS leader with over 25 years of experience, the key lies in testing, monitoring, and continuously optimizing every customer interaction. He highlights the importance of understanding customer intent, reducing friction, and automating processes to reach where humans cannot. By leveraging AI and advanced testing tools, businesses can ensure omnichannel consistency, prevent failures before they happen, and create experiences that truly retain customers. This approach transforms not only operational efficiency but also customer trust and loyalty. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Rishi Rana, CEO of Cyara, to talk about transforming customer experience with AI-powered solutions. They discuss automating contact center workflows, ensuring seamless omnichannel interactions, and leveraging generative AI for smarter service. He also shares his insights on enterprise implementation strategies and lessons from leading global teams.

Ali Mirza is the Founder and CEO of Rose Garden Consulting, renowned for guiding seven- and eight-figure founders in scaling their sales operations. Stacie Porter Bilger is the Founder and President of Proof Digital, a business growth-marketing agency that blends modern marketing tools with traditional sales funnel processes.  Geordie Wardman is the COO of Duxre, a broker-controlled operating system designed for commercial real estate professionals that empowers brokers to own their data, listings, and deal flow. Richard Hurley is the Founder and CEO of Highline Commerce, a technology-driven third-party logistics provider that specializes in warehousing & fulfillment services for e-commerce D2C start-ups. In this episode… Software, automation, and AI are transforming business—but with countless available tools, choosing the right ones can be overwhelming. What technologies are today's most effective entrepreneurs actually using to work smarter, innovate faster, and scale with less friction? Ali Mirza reveals how powerful ideas come from exploring divergent thinking through podcasts and books that challenge assumptions, helping leaders make sharper strategic decisions. Stacie Porter Bilger leans on project management systems, analytics platforms, and clean data fundamentals to drive clarity and high performance. Geordie Wardman uses AI-assisted coding and async communication tools to speed development and reduce meetings, while Richard Hurley builds custom internal tools and embraces robotics to transform warehouse efficiency. Together, they show that productivity and growth come from intentional tool adoption, curiosity, and a willingness to modernize outdated processes. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz is joined by Ali Mirza, Stacie Porter Bilger, Geordie Wardman, and Richard Hurley to discuss the essential tools today's leaders rely on. They cover AI-powered development platforms, project management systems, and analytics-driven marketing tools. They also explore automation and robotics, shaping the future of operations. The guests also share practical advice for choosing tools that actually move the needle.

Leslie Danford is the Founder and CEO of Vitaminis, a clean-label functional food and beverage brand that delivers whole-food-based juice shots designed to support gut health and immunity. Laura Markewicz is the Founder of Lotza, a better-for-you beverage made for people who want to celebrate without the morning-after slump.  RJ Pire is the Founder of Service ID, a tech startup that uses AI-driven tools to help utilities and municipalities identify and remove lead service lines.  Bradley Will is the Founder and CEO of Mumbies, a Milwaukee-based company creating natural, sustainable chew toys and treats for dogs made from materials like coffee tree wood and coconut husk. In this episode… Meeting the needs of our health, celebrations, snacks, and essential utilities can feel complicated in a world full of choices and compromises. What if there were smarter, cleaner, and more enjoyable ways to nourish our bodies, celebrate mindfully, feed our pets, and modernize essential services — without the usual headaches? Leslie Danford, Laura Markewicz, Bradley Will, and RJ Pire reveal how they're redefining their industries with innovation, taste, and practicality. Leslie shares how Vitaminis delivers functional nutrients through fruit-based, no-sugar-added shots, making daily nutrition simple and guilt-free. Laura explains how Lotza reinvents soda with real fruit, low sugar, and functional benefits, allowing celebrations without the next-day slump. Bradley highlights Mumbies' approach to creating snacks that combine flavor, convenience, and nutrition for pets. RJ draws on nearly a decade of regulatory experience to demonstrate how Service ID enables utilities to modernize their infrastructure, enhance compliance, and better serve their communities. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz talks with Leslie Danford, Laura Markewicz, Bradley Will, and RJ Pire about building functional food and beverage brands, creating healthier snacks for kids, and streamlining utility operations. They discuss innovation, practical solutions, and finding a balance between wellness and enjoyment. They also share insights on clean-label ingredients, functional benefits, and modernizing essential services.

Sanish Mondkar is the Founder and CEO of Legion Technologies, a company specializing in AI-powered workforce management solutions that optimize labor efficiency and enhance hourly employee engagement. Under his leadership, Legion has become a trusted platform for automating scheduling, forecasting, and communication across major industries. Before Legion, Sanish served as Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer at SAP, and earlier at Ariba. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from the University of Pune and a master's in computer science from Cornell University. In this episode… In today's fast-paced world of retail, hospitality, and other hourly-based industries, companies are racing to balance efficiency with employee satisfaction. But as technology reshapes how businesses operate, can AI actually make hourly work more engaging, flexible, and fulfilling? Sanish Mondkar, a seasoned technology leader and AI innovator, believes it can. He explains that traditional workforce management systems were built to control labor costs, not empower people — and that's where AI can fundamentally shift the equation. By automating scheduling, predicting demand, and empowering employees with control over their work schedules, companies can reduce attrition while fostering a more motivated workforce. Sanish also points out that real transformation comes when AI is transparent, explainable, and trusted by both managers and frontline workers. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Sanish Mondkar, Founder and CEO of Legion Technologies, to discuss how AI can drive employee engagement and operational excellence. They talk about Legion's AI-powered scheduling innovations, the "trifecta" that reduces attrition, and how automation builds trust between employers and staff. Sanish also shares lessons from scaling Legion with major brands like Dollar General and Philz Coffee.

Jason Patel is the Co-founder and CEO of Open Forge AI, a B2B SaaS company that helps businesses expand their visibility across AI-driven search and answer engines. Before this, he built and successfully exited Transizion, an edtech company providing personalized career and college guidance. At Open Forge AI, Jason leads strategy and product development, leveraging his expertise in technology and marketing. He holds a bachelor's degree in political communication from The George Washington University.  In this episode… The marketing landscape is evolving faster than ever, driven by the rapid integration of AI into search and discovery. Traditional SEO strategies that once guaranteed visibility are losing traction as generative AI reshapes how consumers find products, services, and brands. So how can businesses ensure they're not left behind in this new digital frontier? Drawing from his experience building AI-powered marketing tools, Jason Patel emphasizes that visibility in the age of ChatGPT requires more than traditional SEO tactics. He highlights how AI technologies are changing the rules of discoverability — brands must now optimize for ChatGPT and other AI systems, not just Google. By building tools that make websites machine-readable, automating content creation, and improving third-party citations, he's helping businesses future-proof their marketing strategies for a world where AI agents decide what gets seen. His approach bridges technical precision with strategic insight, giving companies the edge they need to stay competitive. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Jason Patel, Co-founder and CEO of Open Forge AI, to discuss how AI is transforming marketing visibility. They explore what GEO means for modern businesses, how AI agents are reshaping content strategy, and why technical optimization is vital for AI readiness. Jason also shares practical tips for entrepreneurs looking to leverage AI as a growth amplifier rather than a threat.

Blair Williams is the CEO of MemberPress, a powerful WordPress plugin company that empowers creators and businesses to launch and manage membership sites and online courses. He founded MemberPress after years of custom-building membership systems and recognized a gap in the market for a flexible, developer-friendly WordPress solution. Blair is also the Owner of Caseproof, the company behind industry-leading WordPress plugins like MemberPress, PrettyLinks, Easy Affiliate, Wishlist Member, MemberMouse, AccessAlly, ThirstyAffiliates, and Buy Now Plus. In this episode… Building a thriving membership business requires more than great content — it takes strategy, the right tools, and a deep understanding of your audience. From simplifying user experiences to streamlining revenue models, entrepreneurs must balance creativity with technical precision to keep members engaged. So how do you create a membership site that actually scales and sustains long-term success? A seasoned innovator in software and membership platforms, Blair Williams believes simplicity and customer focus are the keys to success. He highlights that many creators overcomplicate their offerings before launching, when the real key is just getting started and refining through feedback. Blair emphasizes the power of accessibility — tools like WordPress and AI have made building profitable membership sites easier than ever. He also points out that success stems from aligning features with audience needs, whether through strong onboarding, smart pricing models, or seamless integrations that enable entrepreneurs to monetize their expertise efficiently. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Blair Williams, CEO of MemberPress, to discuss the tools and tactics that power successful membership businesses. They discuss common mistakes creators make when launching sites, how to simplify offers for growth, and what makes MemberPress stand out in the WordPress ecosystem. Blair also shares lessons from building and acquiring top plugins across the web.

Mark Herre is the Co-founder and CEO of SEOgame, Inc., a pioneer in white-label SEO services since 1996. For nearly three decades, he's helped digital agencies boost rankings and revenue through a performance-based, "no rank, no pay" model. Known for his innovative approach and agency-focused mindset, Mark continues to lead SEOgame in blending SEO expertise with AI-driven strategies — offering agencies a risk-free way to grow and scale. In this episode… Success in digital marketing doesn't just come from knowing SEO — it comes from mastering how to scale it. Many agencies struggle to deliver consistent results, retain clients, or grow profitably without overwhelming their teams. So how can agencies simplify SEO delivery while achieving measurable, lasting results? As Mark Herre explains, achieving results requires performance-oriented methods and true cooperation with agencies. He highlights that SEO success isn't about promises — it's about proof through results, data, and accountability. This mindset has enabled him to establish long-term collaborations founded on trust and deliver measurable ROI. Mark also emphasizes embracing AI-driven tools and smart keyword strategies to stay competitive and deliver scalable growth in an ever-evolving digital landscape. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Mark Herre, Co-founder and CEO of SEOgame, Inc., to discuss mastering white-label SEO success. They talk about his "no rank, no pay" model, the power of performance-based results, and how agencies can scale sustainably through trust and innovation. Mark also shares insights on AI integration and networking for long-term growth.

Nicole Donnelly is the Owner of AI Smart Ventures, a company dedicated to helping businesses leverage artificial intelligence through customized training, strategic consulting, and implementation services. Since 2013, she has helped over 20,000 people use AI to work smarter and save more than 10 million hours. Nicole is also the Founder of AI Smart Marketing, an agency that uses AI-powered tools and emotion-driven experience design to grow brands and optimize marketing operations. With 18 years in marketing and three successful exits, her aim is to help leaders build sustainable, values-led growth with AI. In this episode… Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses operate, from automating tedious tasks to unlocking entirely new levels of creativity and efficiency. But with so many AI tools launching daily, how can business owners separate the hype from the truly transformative solutions? Which technologies are actually helping teams save time, grow faster, and make smarter decisions? According to Nicole Donnelly, a marketing innovator and AI educator, the key to harnessing AI lies in experimentation and integration. She explains that her team has spent nearly a decade testing tools like Gemini, Claude, Copilot, and Jasper to determine which deliver real results in content, design, and automation. Nicole highlights that consistent experimentation — such as testing prompts quarterly across different models — helps businesses stay ahead as the technology evolves. By weaving AI into workflows, from video creation and outreach to SEO optimization, she shows how even small teams can achieve enterprise-level productivity and creativity. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Nicole Donnelly, Owner and Founder of AI Smart Ventures and AI Smart Marketing, to discuss AI tools that transform business operations. She reveals her top-tested platforms for design, outreach, and automation, and how to use AI for hyper-personalized marketing. Nicole also shares how companies can stay secure, compliant, and innovative while adopting new technologies.

Ephraim Ebstein is the Founder and CEO of FIT Solutions, a San Diego-based leader in managed IT and cybersecurity services. Under his leadership, FIT Solutions helps organizations cut costs, boost efficiency by up to 40%, and defend against evolving cyber threats. Serving clients across healthcare, finance, and law, Ephraim builds his companies around one guiding belief — that innovation starts with people. He's also the Co-founder of AI Integrators, a venture helping organizations accelerate performance through AI-powered solutions such as human-like virtual employees and intelligent concierge bots. In this episode… AI is rewriting the rules of customer engagement, building smarter, faster, more personal experiences than ever. Yet as tech takes center stage, many leaders risk losing the culture and connection that drive lasting success. Can AI fuel growth and strengthen what makes a company human? Ephraim shares how he transformed a small IT venture into a $30 million success and how his latest project is helping businesses truly harness the power of AI. He explains how his team creates AI "employees" that text customers with human-like names, personalities, and even realistic pauses or typos to make conversations feel natural. Ephraim also shares real stories — from hotels using AI concierges to online shops managing thousands of chats — showing how AI boosts both efficiency and engagement.  In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Ephraim Epstein, Founder and CEO of FIT Solutions, to discuss how AI and strong team culture fuel business growth. They explore using AI to drive revenue, streamline support, and revive leads — while keeping people at the center. He shares his "professional sports team" approach to leadership, mentorship, and hiring, offering actionable strategies to scale any organization without losing its human touch.

Jordan Solender is the CEO and Founder of IT Select, a tech advisory firm transforming how companies acquire IT solutions through AI-powered procurement. Under his leadership, IT Select has expanded to serve clients across 38 states and earned recognition from FinTech TV and CIO Review. A lifelong entrepreneur, Jordan has launched several ventures in tech, events, and hospitality. He's passionate about helping founders scale smarter through automation, delegation, and process optimization, driven by his belief that technology can turn complexity into growth. In this episode… Founders often find themselves buried in endless processes — approvals, meetings, and decisions that only they can make. Growth slows, teams wait, and burnout creeps in. What if you could cut weeks off your workflow, remove yourself as the bottleneck, and let automation handle the heavy lifting? According to Jordan Solender, a multi-business builder who turns chaos into scalable systems, scaling faster starts with replacing manual control with intelligent systems. He shares how he transformed IT procurement with AI through his company IT Select, and how the same principles apply to any business. From hosting Decision Maker Dinners that foster collaboration without sales pressure to using AI voice agents that qualify leads in seconds, Jordan reveals how to eliminate inefficiency at every level. He shows how founders can reclaim hours each week by systemizing, automating, and relentlessly optimizing their operations. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz talks with Jordan Solender, Founder of IT Select, about removing bottlenecks and scaling through automation. They discuss Jordan's bottleneck framework, the role of AI and SOPs, and lessons from his EO network and books like Buy Back Your Time. He shares how he helps founders reclaim time and scale smarter.