#157 The Anxious Generation
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark Slatin
Release Date: 10/16/2025
The Delighted Customers Podcast with Mark Slatin
What if just 40 seconds of genuine compassion could tangibly lower a cancer patient’s anxiety—and what if this “wonder drug” holds the key not just for healthcare, but for every leader who wants to create more fulfilling workplaces and customer experiences? The impact of this question is profound. On this episode of the Delighted Customers podcast, I sat down with Dr. Stephen Trzeciak (“Dr. T”), whose groundbreaking research proves that compassion isn’t just good for our conscience—it’s scientifically measurable, essential, and transformative for both the receiver and the...
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Is it really possible to build trust with customers in a business landscape overflowing with misinformation and emotional volatility? That burning question is at the heart of my conversation with Michael Forsberg, Director of Client Experience at BrandTrust. In an era many call "post-truth," business leaders face steep challenges in distinguishing what's real from what's noise—especially when it comes to understanding their customers' motivations. Michael’s work focuses on uncovering the human truths and emotions driving decisions across industries from tech to healthcare to financial...
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What if the financial metrics you rely on to measure your company’s success are actually steering you away from long-term customer loyalty and sustainable growth? In our latest episode of the Delighted Customers podcast, live from Harvard Business School, I dive into this burning question with Rob Markey, professor at Harvard and seasoned veteran at Bain. Rob challenges the conventional wisdom around company valuation, urging us to look beyond the income statement and balance sheet, and instead, consider the real engine driving revenue—our customers. The impact of this discussion is...
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Are you unknowingly sabotaging your own well-being at work—and at home—by trying to fix everyone else's problems? So many of us find purpose and validation in helping, supporting, and “solving” for others. But what happens when that good intention tips into burnout, resentment, and codependent relationships? In this episode, I dig into the hidden costs of being a “serial fixer” with my guest Leah Marone, whose new book offers a powerful wakeup call for leaders, parents, and anyone in a people-focused role. Leah shines a light on why constant fixing and over-helping backfire, both...
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Is it possible to deliver life-changing news—with compassion—without sacrificing precious time or the physician’s own well-being? It’s a burning question for healthcare professionals everywhere, and the impact of getting it right goes far beyond the exam room. Not only does compassionate communication ease patient anxiety and foster loyalty, but it also drives better outcomes, even in the face of a system that pressures doctors to prioritize speed and productivity (those infamous RVUs!). As the demands on clinicians mount, many struggle with “compassion fatigue,” and patients...
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What happens to innovation, team dynamics, and trust in organizations when a significant portion of employees are emotionally fragile, risk-averse, and struggle with interpersonal interactions? In this episode of the Delighted Customers podcast, I dive into the profound impact of generational shifts on workplace culture, leadership, and customer experience. Drawing insight from the best-selling book, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, my guest Charlie Green and I explore how Gen Z—shaped by overprotective parenting, the rise of social media, and the isolating effects of Covid—are...
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What’s stopping CX leaders from turning mountains of customer data into executive-ready stories that prompt real change? In this episode, we dig deep into one of the most urgent—and often overlooked—challenges for customer experience (CX) teams: crafting compelling, actionable narratives from all that customer insight. Data is everywhere, but too often the dots just don’t get connected in a way that the C-suite cares about. The difference between a statistic and a strategic priority? It’s all in the storytelling. In my conversation with Ania Rodriguez, CEO of JourneyTrack, we...
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What happens when a profession built on human insight faces a tidal wave of change—from evolving business demands to the rise of AI? How do CX leaders stay relevant and drive meaningful results in this new landscape? This episode digs deep into the shifting world of customer experience (CX) with Greg Melia, CEO of the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA). I bring Greg back to the show because he sits at the epicenter of the profession’s evolution, witnessing firsthand how CX is growing up—no longer a scrappy teenager, but a vital contributor to business outcomes. The...
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What drives customers to cling fiercely to a brand, even when it means paying more or overlooking problems others wouldn’t forgive? Is our political identity quietly fueling a new kind of “super loyalty” that’s transforming customer behavior, for better or worse? In this episode of the Delighted Customers podcast, I dive into these burning questions with my returning guest, Dr. Forrest Morgeson, associate professor, researcher, and interim chairperson of the Marketing Department at Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business. Forrest, drawing on a unique blend of academic...
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What happens when your company’s reputation—and your customers’ trust—hangs by a thread? Are you ready for a moment when a crisis isn’t just possible, but inevitable? In this episode, I dive deep into one of the most critical topics for today’s leaders: how strategy, communication, and integrity intersect to protect (and sometimes rebuild) your organization's trust in the face of crisis. When everything is on the line, understanding this intersection isn’t just important—it’s essential. The choices you make, and how you communicate them, can mean the difference between...
info_outlineWhat happens to innovation, team dynamics, and trust in organizations when a significant portion of employees are emotionally fragile, risk-averse, and struggle with interpersonal interactions?
In this episode of the Delighted Customers podcast, I dive into the profound impact of generational shifts on workplace culture, leadership, and customer experience. Drawing insight from the best-selling book, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, my guest Charlie Green and I explore how Gen Z—shaped by overprotective parenting, the rise of social media, and the isolating effects of Covid—are changing the future of professional services firms and beyond. The implications are not just for the workplace, but for entire industries that rely on innovation, adaptability, and trustworthiness from their teams.
You need to listen to this episode because Charlie Green is not just an expert on trust—he literally wrote the book on it! As the co-author of The Trusted Advisor and founder of Trusted Advisor Associates, Charlie brings unparalleled authority and hands-on experience to the discussion. If you’re responsible for hiring, leading, or influencing teams in any organization, Charlie offers the data, the anecdotes, and the actionable advice you need to spot warning signs and respond effectively.
Here are three questions Charlie answers during our conversation:
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What are the biggest risks facing organizations as Gen Z moves into leadership roles?
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How can managers recognize and respond to "emotional fragility" and risk-aversion in their teams?
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What practical strategies can leaders use to build trust, resilience, and effective collaboration in a hybrid, post-pandemic world?
Don't miss this timely episode! Listen and subscribe to the Delighted Customers podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—plus, it's available on all your favorite podcast platforms.
Meet Charlie Green
Charlie Green is the co-author of The Trusted Advisor and author of Trust-Based Selling. As founder of Trusted Advisor Associates, Charlie has trained, coached, and consulted with thousands of professionals in global firms like Accenture, McKinsey, and the Big Four. His expertise centers on the mechanics of trust, trustworthiness, and how deep human connection drives the best business outcomes. With decades of experience and a powerful network, Charlie is a sought-after advisor, webinar host, and keynote speaker, especially on topics of leadership and organizational culture. Charlie holds credentials in consulting and business development, and he’s committed to helping leaders at every level create more resilient, responsive, and trustworthy organizations. Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn here.
Show Notes & References
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Trusted Advisor Associates: https://trustedadvisor.com
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Charlie Green's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliegreen/
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Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone (book reference)
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Contact Charlie Green: cgreen@trustedadvisor.com
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