The Intuitive Customer - Helping You Improve Your Customer Experience To Gain Growth

• AI Won’t Save Your Customer Experience—But This Might...

  Episode Summary: Everyone’s talking about AI like it’s some kind of CX fairy godmother—“Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo! Your NPS just went up 50 points!” Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work like that. In this episode, Colin and Ryan are joined by Frederic Durand, CEO of Diabolocom, and Collin D. Ehret, Senior Enterprise Sales Director (yes, another Collin… brace yourself), for a no-fluff, practical, and slightly irreverent discussion about what it really takes to implement AI in your customer experience. Diabolocom Website: https://www.diabolocom.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diabolocom/ Frederic Durand LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fpdurand/  Collin D. Ehret  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinehret/    This is a must-listen if you're wondering: Why most AI deployments stall before takeoff How to avoid drowning in customer data Why your silos are killing your CX And how AI can actually make your human interactions better You’ll hear real-world examples, hard-earned insights, and maybe even a laugh or two (two Colins on one podcast—what could go wrong?). 🔥 Best Quote from the Episode: “AI isn’t a magic wand. If your process is a mess, AI will just make it a faster, more expensive mess.” — Frederic Durand, Diabolocom 🎯 Key Takeaways: Start small, think big: The best AI implementations begin with narrow, clearly defined use cases—not a 3-year transformation plan with 47 KPIs. Data is your foundation: If your data isn’t clean, your AI won’t be either. Garbage in = garbage out, just faster and more confidently wrong. Break the silos: AI can’t fix your customer experience if Marketing, IT, and Customer Service are all playing in separate sandboxes. Empathy still wins: When AI takes care of the boring stuff, your humans can focus on being... well, human. And that’s what customers remember. Vendors should act like partners: Don’t buy tools. Build relationships with people who’ve seen the battlefield—and won. About the Hosts: Colin Shaw is a LinkedIn 'Top Voice' with a massive 284,000 followers and 86,000 subscribers to his 'Why Customers Buy' newsletter. Shaw is named one of the world's 'Top 150 Business Influencers' by LinkedIn. His company, Beyond Philosophy LLC, has been selected four times by the Financial Times as a top management consultancy. Shaw is co-host of the top 1.5% podcast 'The Intuitive Customer'—with over 600,000 downloads—and author of eight best-sellers on customer experience, Shaw is a sought-after keynote speaker. Follow Colin on LinkedIn. Ryan Hamilton is a Professor of Marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School and co-author of 'The Intuitive Customer' book. An award-winning teacher and researcher in consumer psychology, he has been named one of Poets & Quants' "World’s Best 40 B-School Profs Under 40." His research focuses on how brands, prices, and choice architecture influence shopper decision-making, and his findings have been published in top academic journals and covered by major media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. His work highlights how psychology can help firms better understand and serve their customers. Ryan has a new book launch in June 2025 called “The Growth Dilemma: Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things” Harvard Business Press Follow Ryan on LinkedIn. Subscribe & Follow Apple Podcasts Spotify  

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• 🎉 400th Episode Of The Intuitive Customer Podcast! - These Are Our Biggest CX Lessons

  Eight years, 750,000 downloads, and 400 episodes later, The Intuitive Customer is celebrating this major milestone! In this episode, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton reflect on what has changed in customer experience over the years and share their biggest learnings. 📊 The Reality of Podcasting: Podcasting is booming, with 546 million listeners worldwide. 47% of the U.S. population (12+) listens to a podcast at least once a month. Podcast ad spending is projected to hit $4.02 billion in 2024. But here’s the kicker: 50% of podcasts die after three episodes. Only 20% make it past 10 episodes. Most don’t last three years. 💡 We are in the top 2% of all podcasts globally—thanks to you, our listeners! Key Takeaways “Customer experience isn’t just about the experience—it’s about the memory of the experience. People don’t remember every detail; they remember the peak and the end. If you’re not designing for memory, you’re missing a massive opportunity.” 🏆 The Big Customer Experience Lessons from 400 Episodes: 🔹 1. CX is Still a Work in Progress (And That’s a Problem) 🔹 2. Memory Matters More Than You Think 🔹 3. Behavioral Science is the Secret Sauce (That Many Ignore)   Resources Mentioned MasterClass Series: https://beyondphilosophy.com/why-customers-make-instant-decisions-and-how-to-effect-it/ Memory Mini-Series: https://beyondphilosophy.com/our-behavior-is-motivated-by-what-we-recall-so-how-are-memories-formed-memory-mini-series-1-3/   About the Hosts: Colin Shaw is a LinkedIn 'Top Voice' with a massive 284,000 followers and 86,000 subscribers to his 'Why Customers Buy' newsletter. Shaw is named one of the world's 'Top 150 Business Influencers' by LinkedIn. His company, Beyond Philosophy LLC, has been selected four times by the Financial Times as a top management consultancy. Shaw is co-host of the top 1.5% podcast 'The Intuitive Customer'—with over 600,000 downloads—and author of eight best-sellers on customer experience, Shaw is a sought-after keynote speaker. Follow Colin on LinkedIn. Ryan Hamilton is a Professor of Marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School and co-author of 'The Intuitive Customer' book. An award-winning teacher and researcher in consumer psychology, he has been named one of Poets & Quants' "World’s Best 40 B-School Profs Under 40." His research focuses on how brands, prices, and choice architecture influence shopper decision-making, and his findings have been published in top academic journals and covered by major media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. His work highlights how psychology can help firms better understand and serve their customers. Ryan has a new book launch in June 2025 called “The Growth Dilemma: Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things” Harvard Business Press Follow Ryan on LinkedIn. Subscribe & Follow Apple Podcasts Spotify

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  33:06
• How Your Customers Judge You Before You Even Open Your Mouth

  First impressions aren’t just important—they’re everything. Research shows that customers, clients, and even your colleagues are forming opinions about you, your brand, and your business in mere seconds—often before you even get a chance to introduce yourself! In this episode, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton dive deep into the psychology of first impressions, exploring the fascinating (and slightly terrifying) science behind snap judgments. How fast do customers decide whether they like or trust you? Why do first impressions stick so stubbornly? And most importantly—how can you make sure your business gets it right? From real-world business insights to slightly embarrassing personal stories (yes, there’s a “matching tie and handkerchief” moment), this episode is packed with actionable takeaways, humor, and behavioral science gold. If you’ve ever wondered why customers make instant decisions about your brand—and how to make sure those decisions work in your favor—this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Best Quote from the Episode: "People decide if they like you before you even open your mouth. Customers do the same thing with your business. And once that first impression is locked in? Good luck changing it." – Colin Shaw Key Takeaways: ✅ Customers form opinions in seconds. Studies show that people can judge competence, trustworthiness, and likability in as little as 10 seconds—or less! ✅ Your rational brain is slower than your gut. Neuroscience suggests that we make decisions before we consciously think about them—then we just make up a story to justify the decision we already made. ✅ Bad first impressions are a business killer. If your website looks outdated, your store is messy, or your customer service rep is unfriendly—customers won’t stick around to give you a second chance. ✅ The Halo Effect can work for you (or against you). One good first impression can positively color how customers see your entire brand. But a bad one? That impression sticks. ✅ First impressions happen multiple times. The moment a customer sees your ad, lands on your website, calls your contact center, or walks into your store—each moment is a new first impression. Make them count. ✅ Be careful what YOU look for. Your own biases affect how you judge customers, employees, and even your team. If you assume someone is a "bad fit," you’ll find reasons to confirm it—even if it’s not true. 🔎 Why You Should Listen: Want to know how to create the perfect first impression for your business? Curious about the crazy science behind why people judge in a split second? Want to hear Colin and Ryan debate whether a “matching tie and handkerchief” can ruin your career? About the Hosts: Colin Shaw is a LinkedIn 'Top Voice' with a massive 284,000 followers and 86,000 subscribers to his 'Why Customers Buy' newsletter. Shaw is named one of the world's 'Top 150 Business Influencers' by LinkedIn. His company, Beyond Philosophy LLC, has been selected four times by the Financial Times as a top management consultancy. Shaw is co-host of the top 1.5% podcast 'The Intuitive Customer'—with over 600,000 downloads—and author of eight best-sellers on customer experience, Shaw is a sought-after keynote speaker. Follow Colin on LinkedIn. Ryan Hamilton is a Professor of Marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School and co-author of 'The Intuitive Customer' book. An award-winning teacher and researcher in consumer psychology, he has been named one of Poets & Quants' "World’s Best 40 B-School Profs Under 40." His research focuses on how brands, prices, and choice architecture influence shopper decision-making, and his findings have been published in top academic journals and covered by major media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. His work highlights how psychology can help firms better understand and serve their customers. Ryan has a new book launch in June 2025 called “The Growth Dilemma: Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things” Harvard Business Press Follow Ryan on LinkedIn. Subscribe & Follow Apple Podcasts Spotify

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  29:53
• 10 Proven Ways Guaranteed To Build Trust In Your Customers!

  Trust: it’s the glue that holds relationships together—both personal and professional. Yet, so many businesses get it wrong. In this special milestone episode (yes, 400 episodes!), Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton break down why trust is the foundation of every great customer experience and, more importantly, how you can earn it, keep it, and leverage it to drive growth. From sneaky fees that erode confidence to honesty that wins lifelong loyalty, we’re covering ten essential actions that will guarantee your customers trust you—and keep coming back. Plus, we share some eye-opening research on why people sometimes lie more when they actually like you (yes, really). If you’re serious about customer experience, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. 🎧 Listen now to discover: ✅ Why trust isn’t automatic—it has to be earned (and how to do it). ✅ The #1 mistake companies make that destroys trust instantly. ✅ How honesty—especially when things go wrong—can turn a crisis into a customer loyalty win. ✅ The psychology behind why people sometimes lie to be nice (and how this hurts customer relationships). ✅ Why overcommunication is your secret weapon for building long-term trust. 🔹 Best Quote from the Episode: "Trust is built in drops and lost in buckets. You can do everything right for years, but one moment of dishonesty or poor communication can undo it all." 🚀 Key Takeaways: Customers can smell dishonesty a mile away—transparency and consistency are non-negotiable. Trust isn’t just about marketing or sales; it’s company-wide, from legal to customer support. Want to build customer loyalty? Own up to mistakes—your customers will trust you more, not less. The easiest way to build trust? Do what you say you’re going to do. People trust companies that communicate often, even when there’s no new update. Silence breeds doubt. 📢 Don’t just read about it—hear it for yourself! Tune in now and learn how to make trust your biggest competitive advantage. About the Hosts: Colin Shaw is a LinkedIn 'Top Voice' with a massive 284,000 followers and 86,000 subscribers to his 'Why Customers Buy' newsletter. Shaw is named one of the world's 'Top 150 Business Influencers' by LinkedIn. His company, Beyond Philosophy LLC, has been selected four times by the Financial Times as a top management consultancy. Shaw is co-host of the top 1.5% podcast 'The Intuitive Customer'—with over 600,000 downloads—and author of eight best-sellers on customer experience, Shaw is a sought-after keynote speaker. Follow Colin on LinkedIn. Ryan Hamilton is a Professor of Marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School and co-author of 'The Intuitive Customer' book. An award-winning teacher and researcher in consumer psychology, he has been named one of Poets & Quants' "World’s Best 40 B-School Profs Under 40." His research focuses on how brands, prices, and choice architecture influence shopper decision-making, and his findings have been published in top academic journals and covered by major media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. His work highlights how psychology can help firms better understand and serve their customers. Ryan has a new book launch in June 2025 called “The Growth Dilemma: Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things” Harvard Business Press Follow Ryan on LinkedIn. Subscribe & Follow Apple Podcasts Spotify

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  29:10
• Why Short-Form Content & Thinking is Destroying Your Customer Experience And Your Career.

  Are we thinking less in the age of information overload? In this episode of The Intuitive Customer, Colin Shaw and Professor Ryan Hamilton discuss the hidden dangers of short-term thinking in customer experience. Businesses are obsessed with quick fixes, but is this addiction to fast results actually damaging long-term success? Join us as we explore why short-form content gives the illusion of learning, why deep understanding requires more than a 30-second soundbite, and how behavioral science can transform your customer experience for the long haul. From the pitfalls of Net Promoter Score (NPS) to the psychological magic of the Peak-End Rule, this episode is packed with insights that will change how you approach CX. Plus, hear why Colin thinks AI could be the modern-day version of Google Maps—and why that’s not necessarily a good thing! Quote of the Episode “Shortcuts create a false sense of progress. Just because something looks easy doesn’t mean it actually works.” Key Takeaways: 🔹 Short-form content is tricking us into thinking we’re learning – but real understanding takes time, effort, and curiosity. 🔹 Net Promoter Score (NPS) isn’t the holy grail – It’s useful, but without deeper analysis, it’s just another vanity metric. 🔹 The Peak-End Rule explains why customers remember emotions, not experiences – Learn how to optimize key moments in your CX journey. 🔹 AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not a substitute for real thinking – Automation is helpful, but businesses that over-rely on it risk becoming robotic and disconnected. 🔹 Long-term relationships matter more than quick wins – Sustainable customer loyalty is built through trust, emotional connection, and meaningful engagement. About the Hosts: Colin Shaw is a LinkedIn 'Top Voice' with a massive 284,000 followers and 86,000 subscribers to his 'Why Customers Buy' newsletter. Shaw is named one of the world's 'Top 150 Business Influencers' by LinkedIn. His company, Beyond Philosophy LLC, has been selected four times by the Financial Times as a top management consultancy. Shaw is co-host of the top 1.5% podcast 'The Intuitive Customer'—with over 600,000 downloads—and author of eight best-sellers on customer experience, Shaw is a sought-after keynote speaker. Follow Colin on LinkedIn. Ryan Hamilton is a Professor of Marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School and co-author of 'The Intuitive Customer' book. An award-winning teacher and researcher in consumer psychology, he has been named one of Poets & Quants' "World’s Best 40 B-School Profs Under 40." His research focuses on how brands, prices, and choice architecture influence shopper decision-making, and his findings have been published in top academic journals and covered by major media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. His work highlights how psychology can help firms better understand and serve their customers. Ryan has a new book launch in June 2025 called “The Growth Dilemma: Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things” Harvard Business Press Follow Ryan on LinkedIn. Subscribe & Follow Apple Podcasts Spotify

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  30:49

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