Unmasking False Hustle: Revolutionizing Customer Experience

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

#Tech #Thomas Laird #Contact Center #Call Center Operations #Customer Service #Speech Analytics #Call Center Technology #Customer Experience #Expivia #Omnichannel #Usa Call Center #Call Center Outsourcing #Marketing #Business #Center #BPO

40:34

We’ve turned intuition into a buzzword—flattened it into a slogan, a gut feeling, or a vague whisper we don’t always know how to hear. But what if intuition is so much more? What if it's one of the most powerful tools we have—and we’ve just forgotten how to use it? In this episode, I’m joined by Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir , Icelandic thought leader, filmmaker, and author of InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times . Hrund has spent over 20 years studying and teaching the science and art of intuition through her TED Talk, Netflix documentary (InnSæi: The Power of Intuition), and global work on leadership, innovation, and inner knowing. Together, we explore what intuition really is (hint: not woo-woo), how to cultivate it in a culture obsessed with logic and overthinking, and why your ability to listen to yourself might be the most essential skill you can develop. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Why we’ve misunderstood intuition—and how to reclaim it ✅ Practical ways to strengthen your intuitive muscle ✅ What Icelandic wisdom teaches us about inner knowing ✅ How to use intuition during uncertainty and decision-making ✅ Why trusting yourself is an act of rebellion (and power) Intuition isn’t magic—it’s a deep, internal guidance system that already exists inside you. The question is: are you listening? Connect with Hrund: Website: www.hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/hrund_gunnsteinsdottir_listen_to_your_intuition_it_can_help_you_navigate_the_future?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare Newsletter: https://hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com/blog/ LI: www.linkedin.com/in/hrundgunnsteinsdottir IG: https://www.instagram.com/hrundgunnsteinsdottir/ Book: InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times Related Podcast Episodes: How To Breathe: Breathwork, Intuition and Flow State with Francesca Sipma | 267 VI4P - Know Who You Are (Chapter 4) Gentleness: Cultivating Compassion for Yourself and Others with Courtney Carver | 282 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

about a year ago 30:07

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

Join me for an exciting episode where I take a deep dive into the heart of my latest book, False Hustle. Many contact centers and CX leaders are unknowingly sabotaging their own success by focusing on misguided efforts to appear productive.

In this episode, I’ll be sharing insights on how to break the cycle of false hustle and transform customer experience from the ground up. We’ll explore how to strike the perfect balance between the efficiency of AI and the irreplaceable human touch.

Tune in for:

Practical strategies to improve your contact center
Real-world examples of CX transformation
Actionable advice to make your customer service a genuine powerhouse of satisfaction and loyalty

Whether you're a contact center pro or just curious about the future of CX, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss

Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com.

Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia
Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek
Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/
Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel

242 episodes

Unmasking False Hustle: Revolutionizing Customer Experience

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

114 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

Tune in for:

Practical strategies to improve your contact center
Real-world examples of CX transformation
Actionable advice to make your customer service a genuine powerhouse of satisfaction and loyalty

Whether you're a contact center pro or just curious about the future of CX, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss

242 episodes

All episodes

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
Listen to This Before You Build or Buy an AI Auto QA Platform 26:26

5 days ago26:26

26:26

Send us a text Everyone’s rushing to add Auto QA. But most are thinking too small. In this episode, I break down what most platforms get wrong, why scoring calls is just the beginning, and what to look for if you actually want impact, not just another dashboard. Before you build your own or sign a contract, listen to this. It’ll change how you see QA, coaching, and the real future of AI in your contact center. Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
2025 Geek Gauge CCaaS Rankings! 18:24

7 weeks ago18:24

18:24

Send us a text In this episode of the Advice from a Call Center Geek podcast, we unveil our highly anticipated 2025 Geek Gauge CCaaS Rankings. We break down the comprehensive analysis of the top 19 Contact Center as a Service platforms, showing which vendors truly lead the pack in 2025. Using a groundbreaking approach that combines ChatGPT's analytical capabilities with Deep Research, we've evaluated each platform across 18 critical criteria. Whether you're considering a CCaaS migration, evaluating your current vendor, or just keeping tabs on the industry, this vendor-neutral assessment provides the clarity you need to make informed decisions. From AI capabilities to cost transparency, integration ecosystems to operational excellence try to cover it all. Don't miss this essential guide to the current CCaaS landscape, where technology meets practical real-world application through the eyes of AI. Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
What to Demand from Your 2025 Outsourcing Partner- Setting Up Your RFP 23:23

9 weeks ago23:23

23:23

Send us a text In 2025, outsourcing isn’t just about price, it’s about AI, partnership, tech, and long-term CX strategy. In this episode, Tom Laird breaks down exactly what to look for in a modern contact center outsourcing partner and how to build an RFP that separates real CX tech players from the fluff. From AI expectations and data transparency to platform flexibility and agent experience, this is your blueprint for setting the bar higher and finding a partner who can actually meet it. Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
The Survey Delusion: Why NPS and CSAT Are Failing Your Call Center 25:10

10 weeks ago25:10

25:10

Send us a text EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Are your post-call surveys actually providing meaningful insights, or just creating a dangerous illusion of customer understanding? In this eye-opening episode of Advice from a Call Center Geek, we tackle the uncomfortable truth about those NPS and CSAT metrics your executive team loves so much. The shocking reality? Only 1 in 20 customers actually completes these surveys, yet companies continue making major strategic decisions based on this minuscule, heavily biased sample. After examining the latest research and industry data, we're ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about customer feedback collection. This episode breaks down: Why survey response rates have plummeted to a dismal 5% and what this means for data reliability How extreme response bias creates a distorted picture of your actual customer experience The fundamental flaws in survey methodologies that no amount of tweaking can fix Why AI-powered sentiment analysis across 100% of interactions represents the future of customer insights Practical steps to transition your contact center to more reliable feedback mechanisms Whether you're a contact center director, CX professional, or operations manager, this episode delivers the wake-up call your customer experience strategy desperately needs. Stop making decisions based on feedback from just 5% of your customers and discover how to capture the complete voice of your customer base. Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
Beyond AHT and SLA: How to Measure Success in AI-Powered Contact Centers 20:00

14 weeks ago20:00

20:00

Send us a text Traditional contact center metrics like Average Handle Time and Customer Satisfaction scores have served the industry well for decades. But as AI transforms how we serve customers, through virtual agents, agent assistance tools, auto-quality assurance, and intelligent summarization, yesterday's KPIs are no longer enough. In this groundbreaking episode, we explore the new measurement framework required for AI-powered contact centers. We'll dissect traditional metrics, introduce essential new KPIs for measuring AI effectiveness, and provide a practical roadmap for evolving your measurement approach. Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or already operating a sophisticated digital-first contact center, this episode delivers actionable insights on: Virtual agent performance metrics beyond simple containment Measuring effective human-AI collaboration Tracking the complete customer journey across AI and human touchpoints Calculating the true ROI of your AI investments Join me as we redefine what success looks like in the age of AI-powered customer experience. Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
Contact Center Coaching 2.0 -Turning QA Insights into Agent Coaching Gold 24:42

17 weeks ago24:42

24:42

Send us a text Most QA programs score agents but don’t actually develop them —and that’s the problem. In this episode, we break down how to move beyond compliance-based QA and use real call insights to coach smarter, faster, and better. You’ll learn: ✅ Why high QA scores don’t always mean high performance ✅ How to shift from traditional QA to coaching-driven QA ✅ The power of Auto QA tools like OttoQa.com for real-time coaching insights ✅ How micro-coaching leads to faster, more effective agent development Stop grading agents and start developing them. Tune in and discover how to turn QA insights into coaching gold! Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
Beyond Words: Measuring AI Empathy Through Impact 18:28

19 weeks ago18:28

18:28

Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode of Advice from a Call Center Geek, we dive deep into one of the most contested questions in customer service technology: Can artificial intelligence truly demonstrate empathy, and how do we meaningfully measure it? While tech companies tout their AI's emotional intelligence capabilities, we'll cut through the marketing hype to examine what empathy really means in customer interactions. We'll explore practical examples from call centers where AI handles emotionally charged situations, comparing them with human responses to similar scenarios. Through real case studies and expert insights, we'll break down the components of empathy, from emotional recognition to appropriate response selection - and assess how AI systems measure up against these criteria. Rather than accepting the binary "AI can/cannot be empathetic" debate, we'll examine the nuanced reality of how AI systems process and respond to emotional cues. We'll discuss concrete metrics used in call centers to evaluate emotional intelligence, whether applied to human agents or AI systems, and question whether these measurements truly capture the essence of empathy. This episode challenges both AI skeptics and enthusiasts to reconsider their assumptions. For call center leaders and CX professionals, we'll provide actionable frameworks to evaluate AI solutions beyond the buzzwords, helping you make informed decisions about implementing emotionally intelligent automation in your customer service operations. Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
Let's Get Real: The True Story of AI in CX & Your 2025 Game Plan 33:12

20 weeks ago33:12

33:12

Send us a text Tired of the AI hype cycle? In this straight-shooting episode, we're diving into what's actually happening with AI in customer experience operations right now. Not what vendors are promising, not what futurists are predicting, but the real deal from someone in the trenches. You'll discover what's genuinely working, what's still smoke and mirrors, and most importantly, how to build your roadmap for 2025. We're unpacking real implementation stories, revealing common pitfalls, and sharing the frameworks you need to evaluate what's right for your organization. Key takeaways: The truth about current AI capabilities in CX (no sugar coating) Which use cases are delivering real value today Critical steps to prepare your team and infrastructure A practical framework for your 2025 planning The mistakes you can't afford to make Whether you're just starting your AI journey or trying to optimize your current operations, this episode gives you the unfiltered insights and actionable steps you need to move forward with confidence. Time to cut through the noise and get real about AI in CX. Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
2025 Predictions for CX and the Contact Center Industry 26:29

22 weeks ago26:29

26:29

Send us a text As we wrap up another year, it's time for our highly anticipated ACG 2025 Predictions Episode! In this special forecast, we'll dive deep into the future of technology and customer experience, sharing valuable insights from the entire Expivia team. What groundbreaking technologies will reshape the CX landscape? How will AI continue to evolve in the customer service space? What new challenges and opportunities await contact centers in 2025? Join us as we break down our expert predictions and analyze the trends that will define the industry over the next 12 months. Drawing from our hands-on experience and industry expertise, we'll explore everything from emerging digital solutions to shifting customer expectations. Whether you're a CX professional, technology enthusiast, or business leader, you won't want to miss these critical insights into what's coming in 2025! Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
The Future of Contact Center Outsourcing: What to Expect in 2025 21:29

24 weeks ago21:29

21:29

Send us a text (I apologize for the poor audio on this episode, we had a mic failure, but the content is awesome so I hope you still find value!) In this episode of the ACG podcast we explore the future of contact center outsourcing in 2025. We dive into what a modern BPO RFP should include, moving beyond buzzwords like 'white glove service' and 'scalability' to focus on the advanced capabilities and innovations shaping next-gen outsourcing. If you're planning to outsource your contact center operations, this session will provide actionable insights to help you make informed decisions and unlock the full potential of your partnerships. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the evolving world of customer experience. Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
The Future of QA: Why AI is a Game-Changer for Contact Center Quality in 2025 31:39

26 weeks ago31:39

31:39

Send us a text The way contact centers approach Quality Assurance is undergoing a major transformation, and AI is at the heart of it. In this episode, we explore how advanced tools are enabling intent analysis, uncovering customer behavior patterns, and streamlining QA processes to deliver more meaningful insights. Learn how solutions like OttoQa are helping contact centers move beyond traditional scoring models, driving smarter evaluations, and creating better customer outcomes. If you're looking to future-proof your QA strategy, this conversation is a must-listen. Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
Mastering Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Your Ultimate Contact Center Superbowl Playbook 16:56

28 weeks ago16:56

16:56

Send us a text Black Friday and Cyber Monday are almost here, bringing the year's biggest sales rush! For contact centers, this is the Super Bowl of customer service, and preparation is everything. In this episode of ACG, we dive into updated best practices to help your team stay ahead, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and handle the holiday sales frenzy like pros. Whether you're looking to optimize staffing, fine-tune your processes, or leverage AI tools to manage the madness, we've got you covered. Get ready to crush this year's holiday sales season! Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁, 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁: 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗠𝗕 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 27:49

35 weeks ago27:49

27:49

Send us a text In this episode of ACG, we explore how small and medium-sized businesses can harness authentic artificial intelligence to transform their contact centers without overspending. With a flood of so-called "AI" products in the market, we help you distinguish genuine solutions from the fakes to ensure you're investing wisely. Learn how focusing on Knowledge Management Systems, smart integrations, and agent-level AI tools can deliver immediate ROI. Whether you're facing challenges with lower interaction volumes or cost barriers, this episode offers practical strategies to help you compete with industry giants and boost customer satisfaction. Tune in for actionable insights that make real AI accessible and effective for SMBs. o1 Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
Unmasking False Hustle: Revolutionizing Customer Experience 30:07

39 weeks ago30:07

30:07

Send us a text Join me for an exciting episode where I take a deep dive into the heart of my latest book, False Hustle . Many contact centers and CX leaders are unknowingly sabotaging their own success by focusing on misguided efforts to appear productive. In this episode, I’ll be sharing insights on how to break the cycle of false hustle and transform customer experience from the ground up. We’ll explore how to strike the perfect balance between the efficiency of AI and the irreplaceable human touch. Tune in for: Practical strategies to improve your contact center Real-world examples of CX transformation Actionable advice to make your customer service a genuine powerhouse of satisfaction and loyalty Whether you're a contact center pro or just curious about the future of CX, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss Tom Laird’s 100% USA-based, AI-powered contact center. As the only outsourcing partner on the NICE CXone Customer Executive Council, Expivia is redefining what it means to be a CX tech partner. Learn more at expiviausa.com . Follow Tom: @tlaird_expivia Join our Facebook Call Center Community: www.facebook.com/callcentergeek Connect on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlairdexpivia/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callcenter_geek Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9041993/ Watch us: Advice from a Call Center Geek Youtube Channel…

Advice from a Call Center Geek!

1
Calming Irate Customer Interactions: 5 Proven Techniques 24:43

43 weeks ago24:43