Ready to stop being the 'order-taker' and finally sit at the strategic table? In this episode, we journey deep into the data-driven heart of Kiwi, the online travel giant, with their CX Analytics Lead, Laura Fiacco. Forget drowning in daily survey responses - Laura’s team receives thousands and turns every single piece of feedback into cold, hard currency. We explore the tactical genius of their operation, revealing how they ditched the dusty report binder and forged a strategic partnership with their Product teams. In conversation with CX Superheroes podcast host, Christopher Brooks, MD of CX advisory and training consultancy Lexden CX, Laura breaks down the revolutionary process of aligning quarterly Voice of Customer reports directly with product roadmaps, translating sentiment into the very profitability metrics that product managers use for feature prioritization. You’ll learn how they mastered the art of letting AI handle the endless comment collation, freeing up human intelligence to focus on the high-value work: challenging assumptions, building cross-functional relationships, and dreaming up creative solutions. This isn't just about reading a dashboard; it’s about creating a product so intuitive that customers self-serve, even when navigating the complexity of a travel journey that Kiwi doesn't fully own. Whether you're a CX pro desperate to prove your value, a Product leader looking for a clean, non-disruptive way to integrate customer truth into your sprints, or an Analytics expert ready to see how AI truly augments human strategy, this episode is your blueprint for transforming customer feedback from a requirement into an indispensable competitive advantage. Tune in and discover the engine driving real customer-centric growth. If you would like to connect with Laura or Christopher, you can do so on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-fiacco/,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-brooks-cx/.

What does it take to embed customer experience into the heart of a business?

In this episode of Customer Experience Superheroes, we speak with Paula Brazier Client Experience Director at Foster Denovo – a firm offering tailored financial advice and wealth management services.

Foster Denovo isn’t your typical financial services firm. With a clear belief that a great client experience must be rooted in culture, Paula has helped lead a programme that puts clients and colleagues at the centre of every decision.

In conversation with Christopher Brooks, MD of Lexden CX, You’ll hear how they’ve used internal alignment, cross-functional collaboration, and meaningful metrics to drive change. Paula explains why buy-in from leaders is essential — and how small, consistent actions can shift mindsets across the business.

We explore how regulated industries can still deliver standout customer experiences — and why emotional intelligence and trust-building remain key, even in data-heavy environments.

Paula also shares how Foster Denovo listens to both clients and employees — and uses this insight to evolve their CX strategy. It’s a practical, people-first approach that others can learn from, regardless of industry.

If you work in customer experience, culture change, or financial services, this episode is full of useful takeaways.

Welcome to the latest Customer Experience Superheroes podcast. This episode tackles a crucial but often messy area: Candidate Experience in Recruitment. Your host, award winning global CX consultant, Christopher Brooks sits down with Julian Lukaszewicz, founder of Career IQ Academy and a seasoned CX and innovation consultant. 

"I first met Julian over ten years ago when he was studying and improving the quality of passenger experience across the skies. His understanding of the detail needed to get the right experience impressed me and we've stayed in touch since." - Christopher Brooks, CEO Lexden CX Consultancy Services

Julian brings his unique background, from airline passenger experience to strategic design, to explore why the hiring process feels broken for both job seekers and employers. Discover why aligning expectations is key, and how a proactive career mindset can transform individual journeys. Julian dives into the hidden power dynamics of recruitment, revealing why transparency (like sharing interview questions upfront!) could revolutionise how companies attract top talent. This episode offers powerful insights for anyone navigating the job market or building customer-centric teams. Tune in to understand the science behind creating a better candidate experience.

If you wish to connect with Julian, you can find him here. https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianlukaszewicz/. He is always happy to speak with candidates, or those looking to recruit them.

In the latest episode of the Customer Experience Podcast Series, Global Head of CX, Tina Lilje, joins us to share her learned and well earned experience in customer experience leadership. 

With a global remit in the healthcare division at Philips, Tina has established the importance and the governance for customer centricity. In discussion with CX Superheroes podcast host Christopher Brooks, they discuss the career path of a CX professional, why we do it, and what good outcomes look like. 

The examples and experience share are a gold mine of insights, ideas and inspiration for any up and coming CX professional. And for those who hold senior positions you will be able to resonate with the realities of 'lonely leadership' Tina refers to. 

Tina is one of those voices you wish was heard more often, but such is her commitment to embedding customer centricity in the organisation we were grateful to grab this rare interview. So please take notes. I promise you something Tina shares you will use within a week. 

As the host of the CX Superheroes I have the privilege of speaking to some of the smartest, progressive and qualified individuals from the world of customer experience. Across the discipline we find we touch other disciplines as well, such as research and UX. And in this episodes our guest is a specialist from this area UX and CX Research; Agnieszka Mroczek, owner of GEKO Research based in Poland. 

In discussion, Agnieszka shares how her pure research background gives her the training creating customer-centric solutions and leveraging qualitative research in product and service design. We hear about the techniques, learnings and challenges Agnieszka has experienced in this field. 

Perhaps most importantly, we are reminded that the process of research and what we research is about human behaviour and emotions, which is a reoccurring theme in our conversation.

We also appreciate the dangers of short cutting the exercise, or using researchers who are not connected to what the business is trying to achieve. It really is a master class worth listening too.

If you have UX or CX research questions o requirements, please contact Agnieszka directly https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnieszka-mroczek/

You can not switch on your computer or smart phone without having an AI solution promising to change your ways of working presented to you. So does a topic which is moves from top billing to bargain basement and back again daily need another podcast? 

Well yes, if the discussion on AI is one which isn't being addressed; readiness. Of a 100 companies, 99 are rushing forward and testing AI live in front of their customers. Some examples of hugely inappropriate outcomes from AI are demonstrating the technology in the wrong hands, or untested, can destroy in minutes what CX specialists in a business have taken years to build up.

Your CX Superheroes podcast host, Christopher Brooks, invited brothers Umberto and Vittorio Padovano, co-founders of Destination AI to bring some balance to the discussion. After discussing their business start up idea in 2023 when in Monaco, we've kept track on their journey. Now, open for business, and with clients, they have developed a 'readiness' assessment to help organisations understand where they are on their journey of incorporating AI in to their business ecosystems.

What they are finding is that there is still a naive emphasis from many on just 'commercialising' AI. There assessment and recommendation report is helping clients move on top optimising the wider benefits of AI. To hear what these are and the mistakes others are making....which is extremely useful if you are on that journey, listen in to the latest episode. 

If it's a topic of further interest connect with Umberto and Vittorio through LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/umberto-padovano-2999411a5/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/vittorio-padovano-47835a20a/

In this episode, Christopher Brooks, CX Influencer of the Year 2024, and CX Superheroes podcast host, speaks with Patrick McCullough, President of Hallmark Business Connections. In an enlightening exchange, they talk about the role of human connection in business today. While digital communication is efficient, does it create real emotional engagement? Patrick shares insights on balancing digital and personal touch points, the impact of recognition on employees, and why a simple greeting card can make all the difference. Discover how businesses can build stronger relationship experiences with customers and employees through authentic, thoughtful communication.

In the first of the 14th series of CX Superheroes podcasts, we welcome CEO of Helpshift, Eric Vermillion. In conversation with series host, Christopher Brooks from Lexden, the focus is on how effective tech can improve customer outcomes. Eric's experience goes back to the start of the modern CX movement, having worked with vendors who pioneered the landscape we know today. 

From working with everyone from local retailers to global enterprises, Eric has one of the most informed perspectives on how to optimise technology to both improve the experiences customers encounter, but also the outcomes they are left with. 

We deep dive into the advancement of the gaming sector when it comes to CX, and Eric showcases some great examples others can learn from. Here's a link to their case studies on their website too. https://www.helpshift.com/customers/. Both Christopher and Eric have worked with gaming companies and share their hands on experiences of how different the 'player' is when it comes to dealing with companies. 

And he explains how AI isn't a magic wand, it's about creating the best outcomes and then employing the tech to achieve this, rather than the other way around. And leaving the humans to deepen the relationship - a perfect mix. 

A really insightful podcast rich with ideas and tips for those looking to create better outcomes. 

The topic of AI in business, is ringing across all functions. Customer experience is no different. But just what value can it bring, and what governance is needed to ensure gains?

To find out how AI is making improvements in customer service CX Superheroes host, Christopher Brooks meets with Devashish Mamgain, CEO and Founder of Kommunicate. Devanshish shares his of wealth of knowledge on AI and the journey he has taken with Kommunicate to arrive at creating better outcomes for clients and their customers with AI in customer support. 

Hear how what matters most to customers is the priority of AI too. And also appreciate from Devanshish how to govern AI within an organisation to ensure its potential is achieved. 

We hear how AI is making a meaningful difference in customer support. Devanshish generously shares the learning from his journey, on this topic. If you enjoy this subject and want to know more, contact Devanshish on https://www.linkedin.com/in/devashish-mamgain-1a639320/. 

Several months ago I received a book in the post with a note which read, 'Dear Christopher, Enjoy reading our book and let us know what you think of it. We would be happy to become part your CX book club, kind regards Friederike and Aleksandra. And now it has happened!

Join me Christopher Brooks, your host for the CX Superheroes podcast series as we complete the 6th CX Book Review in our one off series with Friederike Niehoff and Alexsandra Pilniak. Combining our CX Book Club Q&A with some guest members, and our CX Superhero podcast, we have created an interesting mash up. 

Hear how having worked together at Kramp, Friederike and Aleksandra vowed to work again, and with encouragement set about to write a book which focussed on the  many reasons CX programmes fail. It acts as a safety manual helping others avoid the pitfalls our intrepid duo have encountered.

The book is full of their favourite inspirations; both frameworks and commentators. Throughout it becomes clear how important they believe  authenticity to achieve success from CX, and its a position we can all get behind. 

We also hear how the process worked in creating the book and how a partnership is needed when it comes to content.  

So tune in to the latest podcast, on the final book review of the current series.