Customer Service Academy
Welcome to Tony Johnson's Customer Service Academy. Join Tony Johnson for a deep dive into customer experience (CX) and employee experience (EX) best practices to drive excellence in your business.
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183: Your Leadership Wake Up Call - 5 Lessons From Labor Day
08/31/2025
183: Your Leadership Wake Up Call - 5 Lessons From Labor Day
This leadership wake up call will help you create your workplace of the future - where people want to be, not where they have to be. Labor Day isn’t just a long weekend. It's an annual celebration of American workers. In this episode of the Customer Service Academy, I take a closer look at the history of Labor Day and the lessons it still holds for leaders today. From the 10,000 workers who marched in the very first Labor Day parade in 1882 to the diverse workforce powering today’s experience economy, this holiday reminds us to honor the people behind the progress. I’ll unpack five leadership lessons that resonate across generations: Why respect must always be the foundation. How recognition fuels engagement and retention. The importance of investing in growth, development, and safety. "Why" communication - and sharing the “why” behind the work to build trust. Backed by fresh stats and practical examples, this episode challenges leaders to go beyond a single holiday and live the principles of Labor Day every day. If you want to lead with purpose, elevate your team, and deliver better experiences for customers, this episode is your blueprint. Subscribe, drop 5 stars, and share this episode to help more leaders bring passion and purpose to their organizations. Links & Resources: 📌 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 📌 Book hospitality training for your team today: Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook:
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182: Technology Enabled, People-Focused Customer Service With Matt Whitmer
08/10/2025
182: Technology Enabled, People-Focused Customer Service With Matt Whitmer
Technology enabled, people-focused Customer Service With Matt Whitmer. In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Matt Whitmer into the studio. Matt is the Chief Revenue Officer and SVP of Marketing at Mosaicx, a conversational AI provider. He has over 15 years of experience in senior leadership focused on CX and enterprise client relationships. What we cover in this episode: It's all about meeting customers where they are in their journey. Customers want to trust the brands they work with. Customers want to feel like they are being helped, not "sold." Build conduits within your organization to ensure open communication and to bust silos. The best customer experience is enabled by technology and AI but driven by people. Subscribe, review, and share this episode to help more leaders bring passion and purpose to their organizations. Links & Resources: 📌 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 📌 Book hospitality training for your team today: 📌 Connect with Matt: or at Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook:
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181: Designing Your Customer Experience Framework and Hospitality Blueprint
07/21/2025
181: Designing Your Customer Experience Framework and Hospitality Blueprint
In this episode, we will discuss the power of your customer experience blueprint as well as the best techniques and tactics to craft a culture of hospitality. Customer Experience (CX) has the power to create a true competitive advtantage as well as generate revenue from customer loyalty and word of mouth marketing. We’ll explore: The power of a strong Customer Experience Framework Getting your organization on the same page to avoid siloes and duplication Creating a space where employees can do their best work and drive repeatable, engaging customer service Developing a team with a heart for hospitality Deploying your customer experience and hospitality strategy Reinforcing, measuring, and coaching your hospitality and CX strategy for success now and into the future Whether you're a business owner, CX leader, C-Suite Executive, or growth-focused professional, this episode will challenge your thinking and offer practical strategies you can implement today. 🎧 Tune in and learn how you can prioritize a hospitality culture within your organization as a part of a cohesive and intentional CX strategy. Links & Resources: 📌 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 📌 Book hospitality training for your team today: 📌 Learn more about Tony: Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook:
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180: How to Create Real Customer Connections with Doug Brown
06/24/2025
180: How to Create Real Customer Connections with Doug Brown
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the art of connection with Doug Brown from CEO Sales Strategies. He is an expert at driving results, uniting teams, and delivering unforgettable customer experiences. You’ll learn why today’s customers are clamoring for connection, and how your business can meet that need by aligning your teams, sharpening your message, and understanding your buyers better than ever. We’ll explore: Why great teams move in the same direction (and how to get yours there) How leaders set the tone for performance and culture by setting the example The power of understanding client objections before they derail your sale The secret to identifying your right-fit buyer and fine-tuning your messaging and marketing Why follow-up is the most overlooked part of both the sales and service cycle How to eliminate silos between sales, marketing, and customer service to create a seamless, connected experience Whether you're a business owner, CX leader, or growth-focused professional, this episode will challenge your thinking and offer practical strategies you can implement today. 🎧 Tune in and discover how to align your people and process to serve customers with excellence. Links & Resources: 📌 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 📌 Book hospitality training for your team today: 📌 Learn more about Diabolocom: Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook:
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179: Balancing AI and Humanity in CX with Frederic Durand
05/22/2025
179: Balancing AI and Humanity in CX with Frederic Durand
Balancing AI and Humanity in CX with Frederic Durand, CEO of Diabolocom In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Frederic Durand, Founder and CEO of Diabolocom, a global leader in customer experience solutions powered by proprietary AI. With over two decades of experience transforming customer service for brands like Mitsubishi Electric, Nikon, and Brinks, Frederic brings a practical, global perspective to the evolving world of CX. What we cover in this episode: Why great customer experiences are effortless by design How AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing your team for high-value conversations The critical need to balance AI automation with authentic human connection Why AI integration leads to more WOW moments and stronger customer loyalty How Ignoring AI today is like ignoring computers in the 1980s How AI enables 24/7 service without burnout Why solving problems quickly and easily is the foundation of trust and advocacy Subscribe, review, and share this episode to help more leaders bring passion and purpose to their organizations. Links & Resources: 📌 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 📌 Book hospitality training for your team today: 📌 Learn more about Diabolocom: Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook:
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178: Hospitality That Makes Sun 'n Fun Soar With Gene Conrad
04/25/2025
178: Hospitality That Makes Sun 'n Fun Soar With Gene Conrad
In this high-flying episode, we sit down with Gene Conrad, President and CEO of the Aerospace Center for Excellence and Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland Florida. Sun 'n Fun is one of the largest aviation events in the country and welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually. Key Takeaways: ✈️ Safety First – Safety is the primary focus for the airshow, and should be for your business as well. 👥 People Over Planes – The aircraft might draw a crowd, but it’s the human connection that creates return guests. 🏘️ Build Community – How Sun 'n Fun creates a sense of belonging that drives long-term success. 💪 Perfect Effort – Gene’s powerful philosophy: it’s not about being perfect, it's about putting in perfect effort. 📋 Debrief and Do Something – Why post-event reviews matter only when action follows based on what you learn. Whether you're in the sky or on the ground, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, culture, and delivering remarkable experiences. Subscribe, review, and share this episode to help more leaders bring passion and purpose to their organizations. Links & Resources: 📌 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 📌 Book hospitality training for your team today: 📌 Learn more about Sun 'n Fun: 📌 Learn more about the Aerospace Center for Excellence: Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook:
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177: Developing Coaches Who Get Results: Key Trends in Modern Leadership Training
04/03/2025
177: Developing Coaches Who Get Results: Key Trends in Modern Leadership Training
In this episode of the Customer Service Academy Podcast, we explore the evolving world of leadership development and the critical traits every modern leader needs to succeed—empathy, adaptability, continuous learning, time management, and effective employee engagement. The workplace is changing—and so are the skills leaders need to thrive. We break down how top organizations like Microsoft, Google, and Disney are transforming their leadership training programs and why soft skills are taking center stage. You’ll also get practical, ready-to-use tips for teaching empathy, coaching adaptability, building a growth mindset, and improving how leaders manage their time and recognize their teams. You’ll Learn: Why emotional intelligence is now a core leadership competency How to create a team of leaders who are great coaches What great companies are doing to build resilient, agile leaders How to help managers manage time and prioritize like pros Simple ways to improve communication and boost recognition How to inpsire continuous learning and a growth mindset Links & Resources: 📌 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 📌 Book hospitality training for your team today: 📌 Get the Insights Report: Visit to invest in yourself and your team. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook:
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176: Crafting Memory Making, Loyalty Building Theme Park Experiences
03/02/2025
176: Crafting Memory Making, Loyalty Building Theme Park Experiences
In this episode of Customer Service Academy, we take a deep dive into the evolving world of theme parks, desitnations, and attractions—and how you can ensure you are delivering loyalty-building experiences for yoru guests. As customer expectations continue to change and evolve, theme parks, resorts, and destinations must innovate to remain competitive. Whether you are running a mega theme park, local attraction, or even a community fair, you will find tips in here to help you build your sales, customer loyalty, and overall experience. We will discuss: ✔️ The five tiers of theme park experiences—Value, Everyday, Elevated, Premium, and Luxury. ✔️ The core experience principles every park must master: Safety, Hospitality, Quality, Simplicity, and Community. ✔️ Top 10 guest expectations in theme parks and how to exceed them. ✔️ How parks are using gamification, interactivity, and immersive experiences to create emotional connections. ✔️ The best special events and seasonal experiences that drive attendance and loyalty. ✔️ How different generations engage with theme parks—from Silent Generation nostalgia to Gen Alpha’s digital-first approach. ✔️ Cutting-edge strategies to reduce wait times and enhance the in-queue experience. 💡 Whether you're a global destination or a regional park looking to compete, this episode is packed with practical insights and CX principles that can help you elevate guest experience and build lasting brand advocacy. Links & Resources: 📌 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 📌 Book hospitality training for your team today: Visit to invest in yourself and your team. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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175: Supercharge Your Business with AI-Driven Customer Service
02/16/2025
175: Supercharge Your Business with AI-Driven Customer Service
AI and hyper-personalization are revolutionizing customer experience (CX) in 2025. Customers expect more than just good service—they demand tailored, predictive, and frictionless interactions across every touchpoint. This will help you grow your business, improve your results, and retain your customers. So, how can businesses keep up? In this episode of Customer Service Academy, we will chat about: 🔹 How AI is reshaping customer service and employee experience (EX) 🔹 The shift from mass personalization to real-time, individualized interactions 🔹 Why predictive engagement is the key to customer loyalty 🔹 AI-driven chatbots, voice assistants, and automation in CX 🔹 Actionable ways businesses can implement AI + personalization today 🔹 Real-world examples from Spotify and Starbucks 🔹 Balancing the human connection with AI tools Businesses that leverage AI for deeper customer connections will lead the future of CX. Are you ready? Listen now! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to stay ahead in customer service, CX, and leadership trends. Download the 4xi 2024 CX Insights Report Here: Visit to invest in yourself and your team. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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174: Meeting People Where They Are to Drive Influence With Jesse Hernandez
02/01/2025
174: Meeting People Where They Are to Drive Influence With Jesse Hernandez
This week we welcome Jesse Hernandez into the studio. Jesse has experience as a leader in the construction space, where he learned to meet people where they are in their journey and inspire teams through intentional communication and listening. - Customer Experience is about consistent quality. - Great leaders are great listeners. - Practicing vulnerability can deepen connections with your team. - Stop solving problems for your team and help them solve problems themselves through critical thinking. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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173: Stop Making It Hard for Customers: 7 Steps Simplify Your Service
01/19/2025
173: Stop Making It Hard for Customers: 7 Steps Simplify Your Service
2025 if the year of simplification, and customers want brands who are easy to work with, deliver on commitments, and personalize their experiences. Stop making it so hard for customers to do business with you - in this episode we talk about 7 ways to make things easier for customers. - Empower your employees to solve problems - Deliver seamless omnichannel experiences - Simplify your processes and eliminate silly policies Visit to invest in yourself and your team. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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172: Your Actionable Blueprint for Customer Experience and Employee Engagement Success in 2025
12/29/2024
172: Your Actionable Blueprint for Customer Experience and Employee Engagement Success in 2025
As 2025 approaches, it is a great time to look back on what happened in customer experience and employee experience in 2024 - and discuss what we can learn from it. 2025 will be a year of continuuing evolution and changing marketplaces. Are you ready to take your business to the next level? - This past year the news was dominated by stories about Crowdstrike, Return to Office Mandates, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). - Hyper personalization will continue to drive consumer and customer satisfaction. - Employees are looking for empathetic leadership and opportunities to learn and grow. - We are welcoming a new generation in Generation Beta in 2025. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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171: Building a People-Centric Internal Culture With Chase Jordan
12/16/2024
171: Building a People-Centric Internal Culture With Chase Jordan
In this episode we invite Chase Jordan in the studio to discuss leadership, customer experience, and employee engagement. Chase brings a wealth of knowledge as a CXO and franchise owner that he shared with us during this conversation. - Ease of use is the most important tactical action you can take to improve customer experience. - Internal communication is crucial to keeping everyone on the same page and busting silos. - Sharing and collaboration with the team builds loyalty and advocacy. - Have a plan to help employees when they need assistance with tragedies. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Learn More About Chase: and Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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170: Gratitude Through the Lens of Generational Cohorts
11/28/2024
170: Gratitude Through the Lens of Generational Cohorts
Thanksgiving is the perfect time of year to show gratitude - and when you can personalize by generation, you will find a resonance that drives success from your team and with your customers. In this episode we will talk about how to show gratitude to each generation when they are customers and when they are employees. - Think about how each generation likes to be recognized. - Consider how engaging them in personalized ways can build loyalty. - Drive overall success and loyalty through gratitude and recognition. - Every generation values different things from their leaders and their brands. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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169: The Holiday Hospitality Handbook (10 Tips to Elevate Customer Service This Season)
11/16/2024
169: The Holiday Hospitality Handbook (10 Tips to Elevate Customer Service This Season)
The holiday season is here. Is your business ready? In this episode we talk about 10 tips + 1 bonus tip to deliver for your customers this holiday season. From Black Friday through New Year you have an opportunity to remove hassles for your guests and build ongoing loyalty to your brand. - Now is the time to prepare and train your team for the upcoming business increase. - Focus on speed and simplicity to deliver frictionless experiences during this stressful time of year. - Keep personalization in mind to deliver a premium approach to service this holiday season. - Prepare your team to solve problems and anticipate customer needs through training and empowerment. - Keep employee engagement, recognition, and experience in mind all season long to take great care of your team. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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168: Improving Government Customer Service With Chase Oliver, Libertarian Presidential Candidate
11/01/2024
168: Improving Government Customer Service With Chase Oliver, Libertarian Presidential Candidate
In this episode we are proud to welcome Chase Oliver into the studio. Mr. Oliver is the Libertarian candidate for president and on the ballot in 47 states. This interview is shared unedited and in its entirety. We did extend invitations to all major party presidential candidates and all candidates on the ballot in Polk County, Florida. As of the time of this interview recording, only Mr. Oliver agreed to an interview. Note: Any candidate who would like to come on our show and discuss improving customer service in government is welcome. - Improving government customer service begins with transparency and streamlining processes. - Streamlining and improving processes for Veterans Affairs (VA) is a great example of how a government program could be improved. - Removing antiquated processes and updating technology is a key way to improve service to customers accessing government services. - Creating better training systems will impove service and ensure the best employees are retained and challenged to do better each day. Learn More About Chase Oliver: or Visit to invest in yourself and your team. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook:
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167: Balancing Customer Experience and Loss Prevention With Russ Hawkins
10/19/2024
167: Balancing Customer Experience and Loss Prevention With Russ Hawkins
In this episode we welcome Russ Hawkins into the studio to talk about digital customer experienes, loss prevention, and using modern data analytics to drive revenue. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. - Great customer experiences inspires loyalty, advocacy, and referrals for new customers - Demoncratizing access to data and analytics within organizations can lead to decision making with a customer focus - Loyalty programs can lead to improved customer service and decreased theft in your business as you cultivate relationships - Create a culture where stealing is looked down upon and you are selecting people with integrity to joine your team (and be sure you are paying a competitive wage) Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Reach out to Russ: and Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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166: How CX Day and Customer Service Week Will Help You Grow Your Sales
09/29/2024
166: How CX Day and Customer Service Week Will Help You Grow Your Sales
CX Day is coming up on October 1st and Customer Service Week is October 7th - 11th. These days are so important to ensuring that you can improve your service and grow your sales. - CX Day is all about the strategy and the ROI on your customer experience investments and programs. - Customer Service Week is more tactical and empahsizes those on the front line who are the face of the oganization. - Creating a CX strategy and customer service program that creates easy experiences for customers and eliminates hassles - Using these events as a springboard into the future to prioritize customer experience as a growth engine for the whole year. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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165: Creating a Customer Centric Culture With Michael Hinshaw
09/15/2024
165: Creating a Customer Centric Culture With Michael Hinshaw
In this episode we welcome Michael Hinshaw into the studio to talk about customer centricity and Visit to invest in yourself and your team. - You must be able to communicate what customer centricity means to your team so everyone is on the same page - Moving to a customer centric culture requires customer understanding and acting on what you hear from customers - Virtual learning is not enough on its own - it takes a combination of in person and virtual learning to drive success. It must also be applicable to their job and the information they need to be successful. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Reach out to Michael: and Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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164: 10 Employee Engagement + Retention Tips From Labor Day
08/31/2024
164: 10 Employee Engagement + Retention Tips From Labor Day
In this episode we share 10 tips to engage and retain your team. This Labor Day is a great opportunity to put employees at the center of yoru thinking to drive customer experience and business results. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. - How you treat your team is how they will treat customers - The history of Labor Day has been all about appreciating and celebrating the contributions of the workforce. - There are opportunities everyday to connect with your team and make them feel welcomed and included. - Lean into communication, professional development, and recognition to drive employee engagement and retention Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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163: Enabling High Performing Customer Success Teams Through AI With Shanif Dhanani
08/18/2024
163: Enabling High Performing Customer Success Teams Through AI With Shanif Dhanani
In this episode we welcome Shanif Dhanani to discuss enabling contact centers and the power of generative AI to improve the customer experience. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. - The best customer experiences are easy and reliable. - Hire people for your customer success roles and contact centers who have a high degree of empathy - AI will continue to improve the chatbot experience and is a key way to use this tool in a real world way - Generative AI will help your customers solve their own problems more quickly Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. To Contact Shanif: or at Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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162: 5 Hard Truths About Employee Engagement
08/04/2024
162: 5 Hard Truths About Employee Engagement
In this episode I share 5 strategies to create a culture of employee engagement and retention. When you create a greate environment for your team, it makes them want to stay longer and give more discretionary effort. And you will grow your sales. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. - Employee engagement is more than just job satisfaction - Build a culture of continuous feedback and improvement - Stay competitive with compensation and pay - Create flexible work environments Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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161: Uncovering What You Don't Know About Your Customers with Aaron Tighe
07/21/2024
161: Uncovering What You Don't Know About Your Customers with Aaron Tighe
In this episode we welcome Aaron Tighe into the studio to talk about customer experience and building a best-in-world experience Visit to invest in yourself and your team. - Great customer experience is about connection. - Empathetic and active listening will help you uncover unmet customer needs. - Learn more about your customers by asking the right questions at the right time. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Aaron's Links: Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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160: Crafting Unforgettable Premium Customer Experiences
07/06/2024
160: Crafting Unforgettable Premium Customer Experiences
In this episode we talk about crafting premium customer experiences within this volotile and competive marketplace. This will create a loyal customer base to grow your sales. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. - Let's talk about the current state of customer experience - What are the current struggles in delivering loyalty-driving customer experiences (CX) - What is a premium customer experience? - How can you craft a premium customer experience for your business? Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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159: Understanding and Wowing Customers With Jessica Embree
06/17/2024
159: Understanding and Wowing Customers With Jessica Embree
In this episode we welcome Jessica Embree from Tulip Marketing into the studio to talk about customer centricity, understanding your customers, and marketing solutions to help your customers thrive. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. - Start by listening to your customers and establishing robust communication - Look beyond demographics and focus on solving problems for customers and clients - Find small ways to give little wows to your customers and clients - Find ways to be generous with your expertise Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. LEARN MORE ABOUT JESSICA: Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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158: 8 Hospitality Insights to Improve Your Customer Experience
06/01/2024
158: 8 Hospitality Insights to Improve Your Customer Experience
In this episode we discuss the importance of taking your vacation and time off to drive business and personal results. I also share 8 tips to improve your customer service through key hospitality insights. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. - Prioritize your team training and experience - Focus on pesonalizing experiences for your customers - Lean into innovation and technology to solve problems for customers - Be creative to hear your customers and understand their feedback Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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157: Building Customer Loyalty Through Sustainability With Christy Cook
05/19/2024
157: Building Customer Loyalty Through Sustainability With Christy Cook
In this episode we invite Christy Cook into the studio to discuss sustainability and ESG (environmenal, social, and governance). It is all about ensuring you deliver great experiences as well as make a positive impact in your community. Visit to learn how you can win better, retain better business. EPISODE NOTES: - Customer experience begins with an intentional approach with strategially placed communication and education around sustainability. - Sustainability is important to customers and is a business imperative. - Nail the low hanging fruit like tracking your utilities and finding ways to improve your power consumption. - You are probably doing more than you think you are, so be sure to communicate what you are already doing with your customers. - Check out competitor's sustainability reports for ideas and a potential roadmap for your efforts. It's time for the great service comeback! Visit today to invest in yourself and your team. Reach out to Christy: Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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156: Your 5 Step Roadmap to Customer Centricity
04/22/2024
156: Your 5 Step Roadmap to Customer Centricity
In this episode we will discuss 5 strategies to create a culture of customer centricity in your organization. In other words, let's keep customers at the center of everything we do. Visit to invest in yourself and your team. - Start by prioritizing your employee experience - Cultivate customer understanding - Align with customer needs - Ensure a robust feedback mechanism to measure and gauge impact It's time for the great service comeback! Visit Visit to invest in my latest virtual hospitality program. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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155: Smarter Chatbots + AI to Delight Customers With Peter Voss
04/08/2024
155: Smarter Chatbots + AI to Delight Customers With Peter Voss
In this episodes we invite Peter Voss from Aigo.ai into the studio to talk about Artificial Intelligence and how it can reduce friction for customers and consumers. Visit to invest in your sales team. - Don't let the rulebook get in the way of creating great customer experiences. - Hyper pesonalization is a key way to build loyalty by customizing experiences and recognizing customer preferences. - Great automation can help you win during your peak periods by serving customers more quickly. - Cognitive AI will be a game changer to help supplement contact center agents and serve customers more effectively than generative AI. Get in touch with Peter Voss: It's time for the great service comeback! Visit Visit to invest in my latest virtual hospitality program. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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154: 7 Tips to Selecting Your Customer Experience Leader
03/26/2024
154: 7 Tips to Selecting Your Customer Experience Leader
In this episodes we share some observations from Key West Florida hospitality and how to select the very best CX leader for your business. Visit to invest in your sales team. When you are hiring your CX leader: - Hire someone with a stong CX background, experience in operations, but they don't need to have specific knowledge of your particular market. - They must be a great communicator and skilled at bringing people together. - Look for leaders who can connect data to insights to actions. - Have the presence to be the voice of the customer and employee in every room they enter. It's time for the great service comeback! Visit Visit to invest in my latest virtual hospitality program. Tony Johnson is a Customer Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and Author with a wide background including decades in retail and restaurants. He regularly speaks and coaches organizations to IGNITE THEIR SERVICE using his common sense approach to Customer engagement. Tony has spoken to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to unlock their amazing capacity for excellence. Check out my FREE Resources and Training Tools: Web: YouTube: Twitter: Instagram: Tik Tok: Facebook: Music:
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