Customer Experience University - Winning Loyalty & Engagement One Customer at a Time
New York Times #1 bestselling author, Joseph Michelli, Ph.D., shares customer experience, leadership, and business insights from Mercedes-Benz, Starbucks, Ritz-Carlton, Zappos, Pike Place Fish, and many more. At The Michelli Experience, we help front-line employees, managers, and senior leaders deliver relevant and engaging service experiences. To that end, we provide keynote and workshop presentations, short-term and extended consulting services, and bestselling books to meet your needs.
Episodes

Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Driving Customer Experience through Personalization
Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Thursday Jan 18, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Joseph Michelli focuses on the critical role of personalization in customer engagement and loyalty.
Drawing from Marissa Mayer’s perspective on the future of personalization, the episode explores how tailored experiences significantly contribute to customer trust, referrals, and business growth. Dr. Michelli outlines six actionable tips for enhancing personalized customer experiences. These include:
defining the target audience,
developing detailed customer profiles,
analyzing existing data for insights,
identifying key touchpoints,
testing personalized content, and
measuring the impact of these strategies.
Through this episode, listeners gain an understanding of the importance of personalization in today's business landscape. Dr. Michelli emphasizes how technology, while impersonal, can be harnessed to enable personalized interactions that resonate deeply with customers.
The episode is a guide for business leaders seeking to leverage personalization effectively to foster stronger customer connections and drive growth.
Listeners can obtain a detailed infographic based on this podcast from Joseph's website. Additionally, those wanting guidance on leading customer loyalty can reach out to him directly.
If you find value in this podcast, please like, rate, comment, share or subscribe to it!

Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Starbucks - A Guide to Fostering Customer Connection
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Joseph Michelli takes listeners on a journey through the transformative strategies of Starbucks.
Drawing from his book Leading the Starbucks Way, Michelli examines the foundational components that have catapulted Starbucks beyond a mere coffee brand to a global symbol of innovative customer experience.
The episode focuses on three core principles: Embracing Storytelling and Ritual, Fostering Customer Love, and Driving Growth Through Intelligent Innovation. These principles highlight Starbucks' unique approach to creating a welcoming and familiar ambiance, building deep emotional connections with customers, and staying ahead in the market through thoughtful innovation.
Michelli's insights reveal how Starbucks has created a customer-centric environment that resonates with patrons worldwide. The episode serves as a masterclass for businesses seeking to elevate their customer experience by balancing product excellence with genuine human connection, as exemplified by Starbucks' journey.
Listeners can obtain a detailed infographic based on this podcast from Joseph's website. Additionally, those wanting guidance on leading customer loyalty can reach out to him directly.
If you find value in this podcast, please like, rate, comment, share or subscribe to it!

Thursday Jan 04, 2024
The 2024 Customer Experience Thrill Ride: Trends, Projections & Tips
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
In this episode, listeners explore the rapidly evolving landscape of customer experience as it transitioned from 2023 into 2024. Dr. Joseph Michelli provides a comprehensive overview of the past year's significant developments, particularly the impact of AI and machine learning in personalizing customer interactions.
He also covers the increased focus on omnichannel strategies and mobile user experience, underlining how these elements became crucial in 2023. Looking forward, this episode offers Joseph's projections for 2024, including the anticipated rise of voice and conversational interfaces and augmented reality in retail.
Dr. Michelli also addresses the growing importance of customer privacy and the expansion of self-service options. The episode will equip business leaders with insights and strategies to stay ahead in the customer experience domain, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation and innovation in an ever-changing market.
Listeners can obtain a detailed infographic based on this podcast from Joseph's website. Additionally, those wanting guidance on driving a culture of gratitude can reach out to him directly.
If you find value in this podcast, please like, rate, comment, share or subscribe to it!

Thursday Dec 21, 2023
How to Finish the Year Refreshed & Engaged - Reflecting and Revitalizing
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
In this episode, Dr. Joseph Michelli draws inspiration from the book "Unplug the Christmas Machine." He reflects on the transformation of his perspective over the years, focusing on the essence of creating genuine human connections during the holiday season.
Joseph discusses the importance of prioritizing meaningful gift-giving, engaging in activities that align with personal values, and being a peacemaker among friends and family. He emphasizes the power of small gestures like a sincere smile and recognizing the unique humanity in every customer interaction, advocating for creating joyous experiences for team members, customers, family, and friends.
As Dr. Michelli shares these insights, he urges listeners to savor the present moment and cherish the holiday season with loved ones, marking the episode as a reflective pause and a warm conclusion to the year.
Listeners can obtain a detailed infographic based on this podcast from Joseph's website. Additionally, those wanting guidance on personally engaging everyone they serve can contact him directly.
If you find value in this podcast, please like, rate, comment, share, or subscribe to it!

Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Navigating the Holiday Rush with a Relationship-First Approach
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
In this episode, Dr. Joseph Michelli explores the nuanced dynamics of customer relationships during the holiday season. He emphasizes that retail success transcends transactions and is rooted in meaningful interactions and connections.
Dr. Michelli, drawing from his extensive experience, illustrates how the festive period offers more than commercial gains – it's an opportunity for businesses to foster a sense of community and show genuine care for customers.
The installment provides insights into how an attentive approach by staff can significantly enhance the customer's shopping experience. It also addresses the importance of leadership in nurturing employees and customers during high-stress periods.
Dr. Michelli advocates prioritizing customer understanding, selling experiences over products, and transforming retail spaces into inviting destinations. This episode guides leaders and business owners on maintaining a balance between achieving sales goals and creating lasting customer relationships during the bustling holiday season.
Listeners can obtain a detailed infographic based on this podcast from Joseph's website. Additionally, those wanting guidance on driving interactions (as opposed to transactions) can reach out to him directly.
If you find value in this podcast, please like, rate, comment, share or subscribe to it!

Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Customer Experience Excellence Hinges on Knowing Your Competencies
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
In the latest installment of "Customer Experience University," Dr. Joseph Michelli navigates the intricate landscape of customer service strategy. He presents a narrative underscored by his professional experiences, stressing the importance of businesses recognizing and staying true to their core strengths.
By examining cases from renowned companies such as Apple and Disney, the episode underscores how a disciplined commitment to specific competencies can significantly enhance customer relationships. It provides actionable insights for listeners on streamlining and authenticating their service offerings. This episode arms leaders and teams with the know-how to craft a customer experience that not only meets but surpasses expectations, ensuring customer retention and satisfaction.
Listeners can obtain a detailed infographic based on this podcast from Joseph's website. Additionally, those wanting guidance on leading customer loyalty can reach out to him directly.
If you find value in this podcast, please like, rate, comment, share or subscribe to it!

Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Why Customers Leave: 5 Things To Ensure They Stay & Tell Friends
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
In the current episode, Dr. Joseph Michelli addresses the essential challenge of cultivating customer loyalty in a market flooded with choices. He offers actionable strategies for business leaders, emphasizing the vital role of technology in enhancing response times and communication excellence. The discussion includes case studies from various industries, such as e-commerce, where deploying advanced technologies and training has reduced customer complaints significantly.
Another focal point is the effective use of social media, as demonstrated by a beauty brand that galvanized its customer base into brand advocates through consistent, authentic engagement on Instagram.
Additionally, the episode covers the importance of understanding and refining the customer journey, with a home builder client's success story illustrating the benefits of journey optimization on customer engagement and recommendations.
Empowering teams to innovate based on customer feedback is also highlighted, with insights from a technology startup's experience showing how internal feedback mechanisms can lead to better product offerings and increased sales.
Listeners can obtain a detailed infographic based on this podcast from Joseph's website. Additionally, those wanting guidance on leading customer loyalty can reach out to him directly.
If you find value in this podcast, please like, rate, comment, share or subscribe to it!

Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Thankful Leadership - Why & How to Develop a Grateful Culture
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
In this episode, Dr. Michelli focuses on the transformative power of gratitude in the business sphere. Joseph reflects on the foundational role of expressing sincere thanks, not merely as a social formality but as a vital component of corporate culture. He further examines how a simple "thank you" can boost morale, solidify customer relations, and improve overall well-being.
From leadership roles in fostering a culture of appreciation to the practical steps for cultivating gratitude within the workplace, this episode covers actionable strategies for organizations. This narrative illustrates that gratitude can lead to a more engaged, productive, and positively charged environment when woven into the fabric of a company's operations. The installment concludes with an invitation for feedback and engagement, emphasizing that gratitude is more than a response—it's a proactive approach to life and business.
Listeners can obtain a detailed infographic based on this podcast from Joseph's website. Additionally, those wanting guidance on driving a culture of gratitude can reach out to him directly.
If you find value in this podcast, please like, rate, comment, share or subscribe to it!

Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
In this episode, Dr. Joseph Michelli helps you navigate the intricate dance between AI and human service in the modern customer journey, This second episode in a series highlights the union of human touch and technological resources across various stages of a customer's journey. In this installment, you will:
Understand the overarching principles that guide when, where, and how to use AI.
Grasp the pivotal role of human service in tasks like relationship building, and
Discern areas where AI can streamline operations, from personalized ads to detecting fraud.
The episode further segments the customer journey into awareness, consideration, sales, service, and referrals, emphasizing the complimentary roles of AI and humans at each phase.
By its end, listeners are left contemplating how effectively they are merging human interaction and AI to enhance customer interactions.
Listeners can obtain a detailed infographic based on this podcast from Joseph's website. Additionally, those wanting guidance on balancing AI & human service experiences can reach out to him directly.
If you find value in this podcast, please like, rate, comment, share or subscribe to it!

Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
In this episode, Dr. Joseph Michelli discusses the dynamic interplay between technology and human service in shaping customer experiences. In an era dominated by AI and technological advancements, businesses leverage these tools to address labor market challenges, inflation, and shifting consumer needs. Dr. Michelli breaks down the strengths of integrating AI into customer experiences: from enhancing efficiency to offering tailored personalizations. However, it's not just about the technology. The true magic happens when the human touch seamlessly integrates with these tools, leading to elevated customer satisfaction.
From the vantage of the Michelli Experience, he touches upon the hesitations leaders have in seeking assistance and the crucial role of robust leadership in driving a balanced customer experience strategy. With a spotlight on the importance of organizational culture, this episode sets the stage for deeper discussions on the convergence of technology and human touch in future episodes.
Listeners can obtain a detailed infographic based on this podcast from Joseph's website. Additionally, those wanting guidance on balancing AI & human service experiences can reach out to him directly.
If you find value in this podcast, please like, rate, comment, share or subscribe to it!

Retain Customers & Gain Referrals
If you are a customer experience professional, business leader, or entrepreneur with limited time for podcasts, Customer Experience University is for you! These 3 to 5-minute weekly episodes are designed to help you think and act in ways increase customer loyalty and drive word-of-mouth business.