Welcome to the Fitness + Technology Podcast for club owners, operators, and fitness professionals! This show is your #1 trusted resource for the accelerating world of fitness technology. Each week, we bring you an expert interview with a global influencer at the crossroads of fitness and technology. You’ll get the insights, tools, and inspiration you need to stay connected to the pulse of what matters most for your fitness business in the age of exponential technologies. This podcast is brou ...
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The Intuitive Customer - Helping You Improve Your Customer Experience To Gain Growth
Colin Shaw, Beyond Philosophy LLC
We believe you should laugh and learn! 'The Intuitive Customer' podcast achieves this. Hosted by Colin Shaw, recognized as one of the top 150 business influencers by LinkedIn, where he has over 283,000 followers, and Prof. Ryan Hamilton, Emory University, discusses how you can improve your Customer Experience and gain growth. This review sums up: "The dynamic between the two hosts makes this podcast. Each brings a unique take on the topic and their own perspective and plays off each other se ...
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Strategic Leadership & Growth at Life Time With Jeff Zwiefel
29:43
29:43
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29:43In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke sits down with Jeff Zwiefel, Executive Director of Longevity & Performance at Life Time. With over three decades of leadership in the health, fitness, and wellness industry, Jeff brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, brand evolution, and operational excellence. …
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From Legacy to Loyalty: The Practical CX Playbook That Drives a 90 NPS
41:43
41:43
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41:43You can theorise about Customer Experience all day, but gaining a Net Promoter score of 90 is not a theory. It shows a great focus and implementation of Customer Experience. This week, we are exploring how this was achieved with Kamron Kunce, VP of Marketing & Customer Experience at RJ Young. https://www.rjyoung.com/ RJ Young has been in business f…
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How To Make AI Work in the Real World of CX
31:54
31:54
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31:54In this episode of The Intuitive Customer, Colin Shaw speaks with Andy Traba, VP of Product Marketing at NICE, about the company’s new mission: Creating a NiCE World. This isn’t just a rebranding message — it’s a strategic shift toward unified, proactive, and AI-enabled customer experiences. Andy and Colin explore why AI alone isn’t enough, the dan…
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AI vs. Human: Are You Making The Right Choice or a BIG Mistake!
30:27
30:27
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30:27AI is taking over—well, at least some parts of customer service. But how do you know when to automate and when to stick with the good old-fashioned human touch? In this episode, we dive into one of the most crucial decisions organizations are making today: When should you use AI, and when do customers actually need a human? Spoiler alert: If you le…
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Driving Innovation In 3D Design Software With Richard Grönberg
20:54
20:54
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20:54In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Richard Grönberg, Founder and CEO of ECDESIGN — a leading 3D interior design software that empowers sales professionals to quickly plan and visualize any space without the complexity of traditional CAD tools. With over 10,000 companies across 170 countries using the p…
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Accelerating Growth In Boutique Fitness With Julian Barnes
40:51
40:51
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40:51In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke is joined by Julian Barnes, Co-Founder and CEO of The BFS Network, a market intelligence and growth accelerator for beauty, fitness, and self-care businesses. In his role, Julian serves as a strategic growth advisor, helping BFS members enhance profitability and scale smarter.…
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OfferingTree: Building Trust and Tech For Wellness Pros With Eddie Arpin
30:42
30:42
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30:42In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke is joined by Eddie Arpin, Co-Founder of OfferingTree, a comprehensive website, scheduling, and payment solution designed specifically for wellness professionals. OfferingTree empowers coaches, yoga instructors, personal trainers, mindfulness teachers, and other wellness practi…
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The Growth Dilemma: Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things
34:03
34:03
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34:03How do you grow your revenues without upsetting your existing customers? In this episode, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton dive into the new book he has written with Anne Wilson, Senior Lecturer at Wharton. Published by Harvard Business Review Press, the book is called: The Growth Dilemma: Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Dif…
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The Future of Fitness LIVE From Beyond Activ With Bryan O'Rourke
22:36
22:36
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22:36In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his keynote, “The Key Trends Creating Opportunities and Challenges for the Global Fitness Industry in the Next 5 Years” live from Beyond Activ in Singapore. Bryan shares the spotlight for what’s next for fitness across the globe — from emerging technologies and programming i…
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What Customers Really Think About Your AI Experience: Academic Research Reveals the Truth.
1:09:29
1:09:29
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1:09:29Have you ever said “thank you” to a chatbot or Chat GPT? Well, you’re not alone—and you might just be weirder than you think. It turns out AI can be more empathic than people. But what do Customers think of AI experiences? Academic research reveals the answers we discuss in this show. In this special live-recorded episode from the SOCAP Conference,…
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Today’s New World Of Startups & Technologies With Pariskshit Dutt & Jackson Powell
24:12
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24:12In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Pariskshit Dutt & Jackson Powell to the show. They are the founders of Fittest, a hardware-free heart rate tracking platform designed to help gyms boost member engagement, drive accountability, and increase retention. By seamlessly integrating with wearables, Fittest provi…
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The Brand Builds The Promise; Customer Experience DOES NOT Deliver! Why?
37:00
37:00
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37:00How happy are you when you buy auto insurance? If your answer is anything other than thrilled, you’re not alone. In fact, years ago, a UK insurance company tried to convince us otherwise with their tagline “Quote Me Happy.” Spoiler alert: Nobody was happy. This raises a fascinating question: What role does advertising play in the customer experienc…
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The Future of Fitness Presentation: LIVE From SIBEC With Bryan O'Rourke
39:22
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39:22In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his presentation “The Future of Fitness” live from SIBEC. Bryan offers a bold and thought-provoking look at how industry leaders can thrive amid rapid transformation. From navigating global micro and macro trends to redefining leadership, marketing, and digital strategy, thi…
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AI Won’t Save Your Customer Experience—But This Might...
32:19
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32:19Episode Summary: Everyone’s talking about AI like it’s some kind of CX fairy godmother—“Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo! Your NPS just went up 50 points!” Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work like that. In this episode, Colin and Ryan are joined by Frederic Durand, CEO of Diabolocom, and Collin D. Ehret, Senior Enterprise Sales Director (yes, another Collin… brace y…
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The Sales Funnel & Consumer Behaviors: Challenges & Opportunities With Sarah Harris & Hilary McGuckin
46:27
46:27
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46:27In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his webinar with Hilary McGuckin and Sarah Harris from Keepme.ai as they explore how the modern fitness sales funnel is evolving—and what that means for fitness operators, marketers, and tech providers alike. In their conversations, they unpack: The biggest challenges fitnes…
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Successfully Augmenting Fitness Facility Products & Services With Garrett Marshall
35:50
35:50
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35:50In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes back Garrett Marshall, a distinguished leader with over 22 years of experience driving growth in the wellness industry. Garrett’s expertise spans strategy and innovation, executive leadership, business development, strategic partnerships, and technological product dev…
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🎉 400th Episode Of The Intuitive Customer Podcast! - These Are Our Biggest CX Lessons
33:06
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33:06Eight years, 750,000 downloads, and 400 episodes later, The Intuitive Customer is celebrating this major milestone! In this episode, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton reflect on what has changed in customer experience over the years and share their biggest learnings. 📊 The Reality of Podcasting: Podcasting is booming, with 546 million listener…
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Next Gen-Fitness: Innovation, Insights, & Industry Disruption With Bryan O'Rourke
50:18
50:18
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50:18In this episode of the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke joins an exclusive panel live from FIBO to explore the future of the fitness industry through the lens of technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Featuring global industry leaders: Bryan K. O'Rourke – President, Fitness Industry Technology Council | Chairman, Vedere Ven…
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ROOK: Data Integration & Its Utility In Our Industry With Marco Benitez
25:28
25:28
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25:28This week on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Marco Benitez to the show. Marco is the CEO & Founder of ROOK, a wearable API that transforms health data and empowers apps and software with actionable insights. ROOK easily processes and embeds data from hundreds of wearables with single integration and shares access to d…
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How Your Customers Judge You Before You Even Open Your Mouth
29:53
29:53
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29:53First impressions aren’t just important—they’re everything. Research shows that customers, clients, and even your colleagues are forming opinions about you, your brand, and your business in mere seconds—often before you even get a chance to introduce yourself! In this episode, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton dive deep into the psychology of …
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10 Proven Ways Guaranteed To Build Trust In Your Customers!
29:10
29:10
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29:10Trust: it’s the glue that holds relationships together—both personal and professional. Yet, so many businesses get it wrong. In this special milestone episode (yes, 400 episodes!), Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton break down why trust is the foundation of every great customer experience and, more importantly, how you can earn it, keep it, and…
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Elevating Lead Gen. Marketing, Tech, & Data With Mike Arce
40:30
40:30
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40:30This week on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Mike Arce to the show. Mike is the CEO & Founder of Loud Rumor, which helps fitness studios dramatically increase membership by improving their marketing strategies through consulting. Today, Mike joins Bryan to talk about his business, lead generation marketing, implemente…
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Why Short-Form Content & Thinking is Destroying Your Customer Experience And Your Career.
30:49
30:49
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30:49Are we thinking less in the age of information overload? In this episode of The Intuitive Customer, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton discuss the hidden dangers of short-term thinking in customer experience. Businesses are obsessed with quick fixes, but is this addiction to fast results actually damaging long-term success? Join us as we explor…
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Tiny Tweaks That Can Have a BIG Effect (And Why They Sometimes Don’t)
29:39
29:39
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29:39🔹 Ever wonder why you always end up choosing the medium popcorn, even when you weren’t hungry? Or why some websites magically guide you toward the “best” deal? That’s not luck—it’s behavioral science in action. In this episode of The Intuitive Customer, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton reveal the power of nudging—tiny tweaks that subtly influ…
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Upcoming Industry Events & Other Insights With Hans Muench
17:39
17:39
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17:39This week on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes back Hans Muench to the show. As the Director of International Development at FIT-C, he leads the council's efforts to grow the fitness industry, improve fitness user experience, and mature the collection of real-time wellness data through the creation of interoperability s…
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Keepme: Misconceptions About AI Tech Adoption With Ian Mullane
31:49
31:49
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31:49This week on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Ian Mullane to the show. Ian is the Founder & CEO of Keepme, an AI-powered sales and marketing CRM platform for the fitness industry. Launched in April 2019, Keepme has customers globally and assists hundreds of clubs with member acquisition and retention. Today, Ian joins …
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The Psychology Of Discounts: Are You Inadvertently Training Your Customers?
29:18
29:18
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29:18Discounting—it feels like a surefire way to attract customers, right? Everyone loves a good bargain. But what happens when discounts stop being a tool and start becoming an expectation? In this episode, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton dive into the dangerous addiction of price discounting—how it lures in customers, why businesses struggle to…
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Virtual Road Show: Perspectives On The European Fitness Market With Doug Miller
45:59
45:59
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45:59This week on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Doug Miller to the show. With extensive experience as an industry advisor, including his role with IHRSA’s European Council, Doug brings valuable insights into the evolving fitness landscape. As the owner of Virtual Road Show, an innovative app providing transformational ed…
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7 Ways To Break Organizational Silos; The Silent Killer Of Customer Experience
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29:53
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29:53🚀 Are your departments working together or just co-existing in polite chaos? Organizational silos are the silent killer of customer experience. Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, IT, Finance, HR—they all have their own priorities, their own goals, and their own version of success. But do those priorities align? More often than not, they don’t, and…
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Psychological Pricing: 7 Practical Tips You Can Use Today to Boost Sales
37:03
37:03
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37:03Pricing. It’s one of the most critical decisions your business will ever make, yet most people approach it like a finger-in-the-air guessing game. But what if you could tap into psychological principles to not just set prices, but make your customers feel they’re getting a great deal? That’s what this episode of The Intuitive Customer is all about.…
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How to Evoke Emotions That Make Customers Come Back for More
35:03
35:03
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35:03Episode Summary: Are you evoking the right emotions in your customers, or are you unknowingly driving them away? In this episode, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton dive deep into the fascinating (and often overlooked) world of customer emotions. Emotions are at the heart of every customer experience—from frustration and neglect to trust and ha…
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Silence Is Killing Your Business: The Innovation Cost of Quiet Teams
35:31
35:31
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35:31Episode Summary: How can you create an environment where your team feels safe to speak their minds without fear of judgment or reprisal? In this episode, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton are joined by Gary Keogh, an expert in psychological safety and a former corporate leader turned coach. Together, they dive into why fostering openness in te…
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NovoFit: Recognizing Global Trends & Stoic Leadership With Barry McDonald
33:43
33:43
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33:43This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Barry McDonald to the show. Barry is the CEO of NovoFit, an Australian owned and operated fitness equipment distribution company representing some of the top brands in the industry. With 20 years in the health and fitness industry, Barry has extensive experience and insigh…
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10 Career Lessons You Need to Thrive in 2025
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32:42Episode Summary How do you set yourself apart in an ever-evolving professional landscape? In this episode of The Intuitive Customer, Colin Shaw and Ryan Hamilton dive deep into the career lessons they’ve learned over decades of navigating the twists and turns of professional life. This isn’t just another list of career tips—it's a roadmap for thriv…
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Breaking the Routine: How to Help Customers Form New Habits
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27:06
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27:06Episode Summary In this episode of The Intuitive Customer, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton delve into the fascinating world of customer habits. Colin shares his recent experiences shopping at Publix, Aldi, and Whole Foods, uncovering how deeply ingrained habits shape our decisions as customers. The discussion explores the psychology behind h…
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Tariffs, Technology, and Trends: What 2025 Means For You and Your Customers
31:57
31:57
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31:57Episode Summary In this episode of The Intuitive Customer, Colin Shaw and Ryan Hamilton dive into the predictions shaping 2025 and their implications for customer experience. From economic uncertainty and its emotional impacts to the rise of AI in search behavior, they explore how these trends will influence customer decisions and business strategi…
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5 Ways You Can Tell When You Are Being Ripped Off! ...And What To Do About It!
26:08
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26:08Quote of the Episode "If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts and push for clarity—because informed customers are empowered customers." Episode Summary In this episode of The Intuitive Customer, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton discuss the all-too-common experience of feeling ripped off. Drawing on Colin’s personal experi…
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Discover the key insight from 2024 and a plan for how to progress in 2025!
22:22
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22:22Episode Summary: In this special end-of-year episode, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton reflect on 2024, sharing personal and professional lessons learned throughout the year. The conversation dives into themes of resilience in both life and customer experience, the vital role of community, the need for balance, and the hype surrounding AI. Ke…
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Here is How to Get Your Organization to Be More Customer-Centric
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33:08We are frustrated. Despite years of effort across industries, customer satisfaction has only seen marginal improvement since the 1990s. By marginal improvement, we mean it went up four points. That’s right, four. This stagnation suggests a need for deeper cultural and operational changes to prioritize customer experiences truly. Our discussion in t…
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How to Avoid Conflict Between Your Customer Segments to Gain Growth
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41:00Growth is essential for businesses. However, new customers with varying needs, preferences, and identities often accompany growth. Worse, these new customers can annoy or alienate your current customers. So, how do you grow without making your current business blow? Today, we explore the central challenge of growth: expanding your customer base wit…
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Future of Fitness: Navigating Global Trends & Emerging Opportunities With Bryan O’Rourke
31:52
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31:52This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his recording of his recent SIBEC webinar on 12 key trends for 2025 in the global fitness industry. This presentation covers trends for suppliers, gym and health club operators, and others in the global fitness industry. From M&A and finance, to digital fitness, GLP1's, Micro and…
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When Is The Right Time To Implement A Customer Loyalty Scheme?
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35:55Deborah has a pickle. She is considering implementing a Loyalty Scheme but isn't sure when and how to do so. She thought we could help. We can help. The first question, then, is easy. Now. These things work. They don't create real loyalty, but they get people to keep buying from you, giving you more chances to earn loyalty. It's the second question…
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Why Do Customers Tell Me One Thing But Give Me Feedback That Is Different?
25:48
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25:48Why do customers tell you everything is fine when you ask them face-to-face but then give you a less-than-optimal rating later in a survey? Is everyone duplicitous, or are customers stricken with experience amnesia as soon as they make it to the car park? It turns out that it is neither a character flaw nor a medical condition that causes it. We ex…
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Why Government Regulation of Some Aspects of a Customer’s Experience is a Good Thing
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28:08Let's talk about government and Customer Experience. It might surprise you that government and Customer Experience have a tighter relationship than you think. Many organizations, particularly in the private sector, recognize the importance of providing great experiences to keep customers satisfied and loyal. But should governments do the same for t…
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IDEA Health & World Active: The Future of Fitness Professionals With Amy Boone Thompson
20:32
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20:32This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Amy Boone Thompson to the show. Amy is the Owner & CEO of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, the world's leading organization of fitness and wellness professionals and has been for more than 40 years. She is also Chairman for World Active, a global initiative meant to set …
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Are We Reaching a Turning Point in the AI Hype Cycle?
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26:50Taking unproven routes can lead to exciting new possibilities. However, it could also lead to potential failure. That's what makes life interesting, isn't it? Optimistic thinking has led to groundbreaking achievements, like the moon landing in the 1960s. However, it's important to strike a balance between hope and realism. In today's episode, we ex…
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Navigating The European & Global Fitness Industry With Herman Rutgers
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36:03This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Herman Rutgers to the show. As an expert in setting up and expanding international brands in durable consumer goods with a specialization in sports, health & fitness, Herman is the International Ambassador for EuropeActive, the leading non-profit organization representing …
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How Acting on Case Studies Can Irrevocably Damage Your Career
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27:36Over the course of three years, Maersk Line improved its Net Promoter Score (NPS) by an impressive 40 points, resulting in a 10% increase in shipping volumes. Even more remarkable, this growth occurred during a global shipping decline. But can other companies replicate Maersk’s success? Or are case studies like this more cautionary tales than roadm…
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The Three Most Exciting Pieces of Research That No One Knows About!
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34:53If there is one thing that academics know how to do, it’s publish new research. It seems that umpteen studies are published every hour. It can be overwhelming to keep up with it all. So, we undertook it to help you with this week’s episode. We explore three fascinating studies in the realm of consumer behavior with insights from Dr. Morgan Ward, a …
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The Powerful Influence Superstition Plays in Customer Decision-Making
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26:47Colin doesn’t sit in aisle 13 when he flies on an airline. It’s silly but true. He also fancies his red knickers on days when he is speaking in front of large crowds. While this errs on the side of too much information, it also foretells the topic of this week’s episode: superstitions and how they influence our decisions as customers and otherwise.…
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