The CX Pod

The retail landscape is transforming faster than ever in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. To find out what’s next, Judith Aquino speaks with Steve Rowen, managing partner at Retail Systems Research, about the technology trends that have been accelerated, retailers’ customer experience priorities, and emerging innovations.

Audio apps and social media networks like Clubhouse are taking off for personal and professional development. Liz Glagowski speaks to business strategist Rita Goodroe about the opportunities in Clubhouse and other audio apps to increase customer engagement, drive sales, and provide great experiences.

Zain Jaffer, an entrepreneur and investor focused on startups and property tech, provides insights into the startups that are not only surviving, but thriving during the pandemic, and predicts which innovations and trends will reshape the customer experience.

State and local healthcare organizations are facing multiple challenges in getting COVID-19 vaccines to communities. Andy Martin, group vice president at TTEC, shares insights and best practices that he and his team have gathered from their work helping public and private sector health organizations address those very challenges as the vaccine rollout continues.

As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout begins across the country, patient experiences vary. Hear what some people had to say in their efforts to receive some of the first doses of vaccine, and how what they’ve experienced can help improve future vaccine distribution.

In part 1 of our series on the role customer experience plays in accelerating COVID-19 vaccine efforts, Ann Marie Muñana, a nursing and healthcare leader at Chamberlain University and member of the Chicago Department of Public Health’s Scientific COVID-19 Vaccine Work Group, shares strategies for earning the trust of vaccine skeptics, ideas for maximizing vaccine resources, and other insights.

As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, prevention guidelines and restrictions can feel incredibly challenging. Eric Yaverbaum, CEO of Ericho Communications, knows firsthand what it is like to be stricken with the coronavirus while leading a company. He shared key insights and lessons for helping employees combat COVID-19 fatigue.

What's next for mobile commerce in a world transformed by COVID-19? What new expectations do customers have and how can brands be prepared? Bill Bloom, founder and CEO of the mobile market research firm Fast Focus, shares insights on the mobile commerce trends that he and his firm are watching for in 2021 and beyond.

In today's climate, companies have a unique opportunity to utilize digital channels to enhance customer conversations and deepen customer relationships. We recently sat down with Sam Rosendorf, senior manager of global enterprise solutions at LivePerson, to learn how organizations can use digital-first technologies like AI and messaging to better serve their customers. No more forcing consumers to wait on hold or navigate complex websites to get answers to questions or to buy products and services. Instead, consumers can get their inquiries resolved using natural language, on the same messaging apps they use to talk to friends and friends and family.

Evan Horowitz, CEO of the creative firm Movers+Shakers, takes us behind the scenes of some of his firm’s most viral TikTok campaigns, explaining how e.l.f Cosmetics’ #eyeslipsface generated over 6 billion views on the video app and millions of user-generated videos. Horowitz also shares tips on telling authentic stories on TikTok and where he sees opportunities for brands to best engage users.