#258: Building the Future: AI, Avatars and the Power of Community

This episode explores avatars, AI, and community-driven value. Annika Kessel explains Cosmic Universe, ethical avatar design, NFTs, and community economies. Hear real risks like profile hacking and practical uses for brands, education, and mental health. Learn a human-centered view of AI and the future. About Annika Kessel Annika Kessel is a visionary leader building a new societal model at the intersection of human consciousness, AI, and decentralized community economies. She inspires millions to reconnect with their true essence through heart-driven experiences, creating ecosystems where trust, authenticity, and love define value. Through AI avatars with over 500,000 followers and 1 billion+ media impressions, she champions a movement where community is currency, and technology enhances collective intelligence and ethical transformation. Resources Cosmiq Universe AG: https://cosmiquniverse.com/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast “Customer Experience Goals” - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

Antonio Grasso offers invaluable perspectives for anyone looking to understand the intersections of technology, business, and society. By embracing a human-centric approach to digital transformation, businesses and individuals can prepare for a future where technology supports and enhances human endeavors. About Antonio Grasso is the Founder and CEO of Digital Business Innovation Srl, a thriving startup leading the way in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and cybersecurity. With over 40 years in information technology, Antonio’s role as an entrepreneur, author, mentor, and speaker has inspired countless individuals. His influence has been recognized with the prestigious award of Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce (FRSA), reflecting his significant achievements in social progress and development. Antonio’s collaborations with major multinationals and public institutions have positioned him as a global influencer and visionary thinker. As an external expert and ambassador, his work with the European Commission on projects like Next Generation Internet and AI4EU – Artificial Intelligence for Europe is shaping the future of technology on the continent. Antonio’s passion for mentorship also extends to his role as an Accredited and Qualified Global Mentor for Startups and Scaleups by the World Business Angels Investment Forum, an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), committed to empowering global economic development. Resources  Digital Business Innovation Srl: https://www.dbi.srl/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast “Customer Experience Goals” - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

Sam Stern shares his unique perspective on bridging strategic insights with practical execution. He dives deep into the nuances of translating feedback into internal improvements at LinkedIn, highlighting the value of member voices in shaping user-centric solutions. Sam underscores the importance of emotional memory in customer experience design, emphasizing that people remember how moments felt more than they recall the details. Drawing inspiration from psychological principles like the Peak-End Rule, he illustrates how LinkedIn designs experiences that create memorable moments during major career milestones—such as job changes or layoffs—strengthening user engagement and loyalty. Sam also shares how service design has enabled closer collaboration with product teams, allowing for a more systemic impact on the user journey. Another key topic discussed is the evolving role of AI in customer experience. Sam foresees a future where AI agents become integral collaborators, requiring human oversight and ethical consideration. He advocates for creating seamless, emotionally resonant experiences by blending technology with thoughtful design. Throughout the conversation, he stresses the critical need to speak the language of stakeholders internally to drive alignment and sustainable change—an often-overlooked element in transformation efforts. The Top 3 Key Learnings 1. Design for Memory, Not Just Interaction: Customers don’t remember every moment—they remember how the experience made them feel. Designing for emotional peaks during key life events (like job transitions) creates lasting loyalty. 2. Speak the Language of Your Stakeholders: Internal success depends on your ability to frame CX improvements in terms others care about. Building trust and using stakeholder-relevant language is essential to gain traction. 3. Service Design Enables Systemic Impact: By combining CX principles with service design tools like journey maps and blueprints, teams can align better with product and operational functions to deliver holistic, integrated solutions. About Sam Stern Currently, Sam leads the Service Design team at LinkedIn, responsible for creating delightful experiences for the platform's 1 billion members and customers. He has also created 3 LinkedIn Learning courses on Customer experience enjoyed by more than 100,000 learners to date. Sam has his own podcast, CX Patterns, which you can find on any of your favorite podcast hosting platforms. Previously, Sam started a customer experience team for the sneaker company New Balance, and before that was a CX analyst at Forrester Research, covering customer-centric culture, employee experience, and CX governance, and working with past CX Goalkeeper guests like Maxie Schmidt, Bruce Temkin and Natalie Petouhoff. Resources LinkedIn: https://www.samsterncx.com/ https://www.samsterncx.com/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast “Customer Experience Goals” - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

We deep dive into the interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) and human interaction in B2B sales environments. Our discussion traversed through the significance of forward-thinking, the essence of understanding customer needs, and the pivotal role of differentiation in today’s competitive market. We unravel the nuances of fostering meaningful connections in the B2B landscape, and explore actionable takeaways to enhance your customer engagement and boost sales growth. The episode sheds light on the indispensable human element that drives authentic customer experiences and ultimately, business success. About Jim Rembach Jim Rembach is a seasoned expert in the realms of B2B Sales Strategies and Customer Experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a human-centric approach to the table. With a strong emphasis on building meaningful connections in the business sphere, Jim challenges conventional methods by advocating for a deeper understanding and engagement with customers. His perspective, rooted in the belief that genuine human interactions are a cornerstone for success in the B2B landscape, provides a fresh and much-needed take on how businesses can navigate the complex waters of sales and customer satisfaction. Through his insightful narratives, Jim encapsulates the essence of creating value not just for businesses but for the customers they serve, shedding light on the path towards sustainable growth and meaningful business relationships. Resources Call Center Coach: https://callcentercoach.com/ https://callcentercoach.com/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast “Customer Experience Goals” - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

How do you build customer experience (CX) that truly matters? Start by winning inside—through employee experience (EX). In this episode, Francesca Di Meglio reveals how human connections, trust, and empathy fuel transformation in both HR and CX. It’s a masterclass in real leadership in the age of AI. The Top 3 Key Learnings 1. EX is the foundation of CX — Happy, trusted employees create better customer outcomes. The inside always reflects outside. 2. Trust and flexibility drive performance — Remote work isn’t the enemy. When employees feel trusted and supported, they deliver more. 3. Relationships are your new currency — In a world shaped by AI, human connection is what sets you apart. About Francesca Di Meglio Francesca Di Meglio is a veteran writer, reporter and editor. Currently, she is the editor of HR Exchange Network and CX Network and a producer at PEX Network, all part of IQPC Digital. In 2024, she won the Innovator of the Year award from IQPC Digital for her work in building community roundtable and breakout sessions. Earlier in her career, for nearly a decade, she worked for the award-winning business schools rankings team at Bloomberg Businessweek. She has written the book Fun with the Family New Jersey (Globe Pequot Press, 2012). Resources CX Network : https://www.cxnetwork.com/ https://www.cxnetwork.com/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast “Customer Experience Goals” - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

In this episode, we discuss the role of leadership in guiding these transformations and explore how customer experience is evolving in the digital age. About Marcus Köhnlein Partner at Tactical Management Partner at Quarero Marketing Accelerator Partner at Quarero AG Partner at Taskforce Solutions Ltd / 360workx GmbH Resources LinkedIn Top Voice : https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-koehnlein/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-koehnlein/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast “Customer Experience Goals” - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

In this episode, we explore the truth behind real transformation with Bernd Ziethen, an experienced CEO, HR consultant, and headhunter. Bernd shares that while technology is advancing fast — especially with AI — true business success depends on leadership, culture, and human connection. He explains that even the best tech tools will fail without strong people and trust behind them. Bernd draws a powerful parallel between business transformation and mergers, where up to 70% fail due to cultural misalignment. He stresses that transformation is not just about strategy or tech—it’s about how leaders engage people through empathy, honesty, and listening. He explains that leadership today means being open, embracing rapid change, and genuinely liking people. “To lead others,” Bernd says, “you must first like yourself.” He also shares behind-the-scenes tips from his experience as a top-level headhunter. Cultural fit, he emphasizes, can’t be measured only with numbers. It requires emotional intelligence, deep listening, and understanding personal goals. His approach to hiring goes beyond resumes—he spends time understanding if a leader aligns with company values and if both sides are willing to invest in the relationship. The Top 3 Key Learnings 1. People Are the Core of Transformation: Technology is a tool, but success depends on building trust and leading with empathy. 2. Leadership Is Listening: Today’s leaders must be open-minded, self-aware, and comfortable not having all the answers. 3. Cultural Fit Drives Success: In hiring and transformation, matching values and communication styles is critical — not just hard skills. About Bernd Ziethen As a Leadership Architect, Bernd combines executive mentoring and executive search – practice-oriented, analytically sound, and backed by deep industry expertise. He supports leaders in their personal development – and help companies find exactly these kinds of leaders. With compelling direct outreach and an honest message. As a senior executive search consultant, he supports managers in their personal growth and companies in filling key positions with precision. With 30 years of industry experience, sound diagnostics, and clear direct outreach, Bernd brings together what truly drives impact: Leadership that enables transformation. Resources Bernd Ziethen - Management Minder: https://www.management-minder.com/en https://www.management-minder.com/en Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast “Customer Experience Goals” - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

Greg Melia emphasizes that empathy and curiosity are the foundation of effective customer experience (CX). He believes that organizations must design systems proactively—through tools like journey mapping and predictive analytics—rather than relying solely on reactive fixes. Melia highlights the importance of understanding customer motivations and aligning internal operations to consistently deliver value across all touchpoints. He also stresses the need for cross-functional collaboration and leadership that models CX priorities. When hiring, Melia looks for individuals who demonstrate storytelling ability, problem-solving, and ownership—key traits for driving cultural transformation. His approach reinforces the idea that sustainable CX excellence requires intentional system design, emotionally intelligent talent, and unified leadership around customer-centric goals. About Greg Melia At the helm of CXPA, my focus revolves around championing the global customer experience profession through strategic communications and community building, honed over five transformative years in leadership. Our organization thrives on CX certification, publications, and community that empower customer experience professionals to excel. Resources Customer Experience Professional Association: https://www.cxpa.org/home https://www.cxpa.org/home Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast “Customer Experience Goals” - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

What does it take to create a workplace where people thrive, expectations are high, and trust is real? In this episode, Eric Stone shares practical advice from his book Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture. From leadership values to employee development, you’ll walk away with powerful tools to transform your organization. The Top 3 Key Learnings 1. Culture is the catalyst for execution — Strong relationships, clear communication, and the right tools empower teams to perform at a high level. 2. Training must be practical and continuous — Combine corporate learning with real-time coaching to drive real growth. 3. Accountability builds trust when done right — Set expectations, provide support, and use accountability as a tool to grow, not to punish. About Eric Stone ERIC D. STONE’S passion for business led him to an influential twenty-six-year career at the iconic rental car company Enterprise Holdings, where he quickly became one of the most decorated Regional Vice Presidents in the company’s history. His ability to connect and motivate employees from all different generations and demographics allowed his teams to sustain top-level results and a culture of pride. Eric attributes much of this success to his ability to create, ignite, and sustain a high-performance culture—one that enabled him to lead his teams through challenges like 9/11, the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Great Resignation—along with an extraordinary ability to adapt to the unexpected and help others do the same. Eric is the author of the award-winning book Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture and an international speaker on leadership, employee engagement, and creating high-performance organizations. He retired from Enterprise in 2018 and founded Clear Path Ventures, which specializes in guiding young professionals and businesses as they navigate their path to success. The two awards the book has received thus far are The Pinnacle and The International Book Awards. Resources Clear Path Ventures: https://www.ericdstone.com/ https://www.ericdstone.com/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast “Customer Experience Goals” - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/

In this episode, we deep dive into what digital transformation truly means. Roy emphasizes that it’s not just about technology; it’s about reimagining both the work and the ways of working to produce a customer-centric business transformation. He shares compelling examples from contact centers and airlines to illustrate how digital tools can be enablers rather than solutions looking for problems. But it’s not just about the ‘what’ and the ‘how’; it’s also about the ‘who.’ Roy talks about the role of culture in a company’s digital transformation journey and how it can make or break the strategy. He also discusses the importance of customer involvement, stating that customers are often the ones leading digital transformation. About Roy Aktinson Roy Atkinson is a luminary in the fields of customer service, customer experience, and digital transformation. With years of experience and a deep understanding of how technology and people intersect, Roy brings a unique blend of strategic vision and practical advice to the table. He has been a keynote speaker at numerous industry events, sharing his insights on the importance of focusing on the human element in digital transformation. Known for his thought-provoking perspectives, Roy is not just an expert but a catalyst for change, challenging businesses to rethink their strategies and cultures to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. Resources Clifton Butterfield LLC: https://cliftonbutterfield.com/  Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/   About Gregorio Uglioni Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast “Customer Experience Goals” - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/