Press One Podcast

Steve and Shannon are back with a lively catch-up and a double dose of “Low-Hanging Fruit” on AI before teasing an interview with local business leader Pat Greco about a new St. Charles development (and a little Northwestern Wildcats banter). (36:30) Pat, a key figure in the Foxhaven Square project in St. Charles. They discuss Pat's background in the family business, the vision behind the Foxhaven Square development, and its potential impact on the community. The conversation highlights the importance of family values, perseverance, and the excitement surrounding the new mixed-use space that aims to enhance the local economy and provide a vibrant gathering place for residents.

In this episode, Steve and Shannon Clemonds discuss their busy lives, including Shannon's return to wedding planning after nine years, a neighborhood rodeo party, and the impact of AI in movies. They also share their fall bucket list and thoughts on the polarizing nature of politics. Steve welcomes Pam Marsh, Vice President of Sales at Udemy, to discuss the importance of continuous learning and development in organizations. They explore how learning drives personal growth, organizational performance, and innovation. In our conversation we talked about how the best organizations don’t chase the “next big thing” for the sake of it. Instead, they listen with intent, solve what truly matters, and build trust that keeps customers coming back—and even attracts new ones.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, host Steven Clemonds discusses significant developments in the customer experience sector, including the launch of the iPhone 17, a major donation to the University of Illinois, and the acquisition of Cognigy by NiCE. He highlights the importance of these events for both the tech industry and customer experience, emphasizing NICE's leadership in the Gartner Magic Quadrant. The episode concludes with a positive outlook for the future of NICE and its customers.

This week on the Press One Podcast, Steve and Shannon sit down with Chris and Megan Curren, the husband-and-wife duo behind one of Chicagoland’s most talked-about restaurants—The Graceful Ordinary in St. Charles, Illinois. From a vision of turning a historic riverfront bank building into a warm, modern-day “ordinary” (a colonial gathering place), the Curren's have built more than a restaurant—they’ve created a community hub. In this episode, we cover: Chris’s journey from Chicago’s top kitchens to opening his own restaurant in the suburbs. Megan’s hospitality expertise and the role of culture in shaping unforgettable guest experiences. Why they believe a happy team leads to happy guests—and how they live that every day. The importance of mental health in restaurant culture, and how they’re setting new standards for staff well-being. Their exciting plans for expansion: a new restaurant in Aurora (Winter 2025/26) plus two new concepts coming to St. Charles. Whether you’re passionate about food, leadership, or customer experience, this conversation is packed with insights on building something lasting—one plate, one guest, and one experience at a time.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, hosts Steve and Shannon Clemonds kick things off with their signature blend of banter and relatability. From Cubs vs. Cardinals jabs to summer bucket lists and parenting wins, the episode opens with warmth, laughter, and a healthy dose of real life. Then, Steve sits down with Life Fulfilled podcast host and seasoned content strategist Bernie Borges for a thought-provoking conversation about personal growth, leadership, and finding fulfillment in every season of life. Bernie shares the story behind his unique "Five Life Pillars" framework—health, fitness, career, relationships, and legacy—and how it’s become the foundation for his work in fulfillment-centric leadership. Listeners will learn: Why fulfillment—not just engagement—is the secret to high-performing teams How legacy becomes more important as life progresses Practical ways leaders can build authentic relationships at work Why recognizing small wins can create long-lasting impact How Bernie is helping organizations measure fulfillment as a performance strategy Bernie also discusses the evolution of his podcasting journey, his favorite guests, and his dream interview with Arianna Huffington. Whether you're a leader, parent, or someone seeking more meaning in your day-to-day, this episode is packed with insights that will resonate far beyond your earbuds. 🎧 Plus: Shannon’s iced coffee debacle, Steve’s “Karen tendencies,” and why you should never kayak in the same boat as your spouse.

In this inspiring episode of the Press One Podcast, host Steve Clemonds sits down with Sheri Shaw Leavens, Associate Dean of Student Affairs at UNC Wilmington and author of My Mama Always Say…: 7 Leadership Lessons Adapted from Southern Wisdom. Sheri shares how the timeless sayings of her mother shaped her leadership journey—from her roots in the South to her role as a higher education leader. You’ll hear powerful stories, practical advice, and heartfelt lessons on authenticity, resilience, and leading with heart. What you’ll learn in this episode: How personal heritage and culture can inform your leadership style Why emotional intelligence is essential in both student development and organizational growth The power of storytelling in leadership and legacy-building Whether you're a leader, educator, or lifelong learner, this episode will leave you motivated and reflective. 🎧 Tune in and discover how the wisdom of one Southern mama can impact the lives of many.

In this episode of the Press One podcast, Host Steve Clemonds welcomes back Chris Irwin-Dudek at Interactions 2025. They discuss the vibrant atmosphere of the conference, the importance of humanizing customer experience, the role of AI in enhancing service, and the significance of empowering teams. Chris shares insights on NICE's new branding and future strategies, while also touching on personal anecdotes about family life and the joys of being a 'girl dad.' Steve also recaps his Top 5 takeaways from his time at Interactions during the weekly Low Hanging Fruit segment and highlights his Hero and Zero of the week.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, hosts Steve and Shannon Clemonds reflect on their recent family trip to France, discussing the highlights and cultural differences they experienced. They share insights on the pace of life in Europe compared to the US, the charm of Paris, and their travel tips for families. The episode also features a segment on their 'heroes and zeros' from the past month, highlighting positive experiences and areas for improvement in travel. Finally, the episode concludes with an interview with Scott Russell, CEO of NiCE Systems, to explore what it takes to lead a global technology powerhouse into its next era of growth. Scott shares his perspective on taking the reins of a company already known for excellence, how he’s evolving the culture to stay innovative, and why NiCE is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in AI-powered customer experience. From rebranding strategies to the role of Copilot and Autopilot in modern CX, this conversation dives deep into the strategic vision shaping the future of digital engagement. Scott also details what he wants his legacy to be focused on once he retires and gets surprised with a few "Circle Back" questions from one of his daughters. 🎧 Tune in, and get inspired by the vision behind one of the world’s most advanced customer experience platforms.

On this episode of the Press One Podcast, hosts Steve and Shannon Clemonds kick things off with their signature mix of humor, parenting chaos, and weekly highlights in their "Weekly Meeting"—from a spirited “school trivia quiz” to test Steve's knowledge around all things Norton Creek Elementary. For "Low Hanging Fruit" this week, Steve and Shannon discuss Graduation Season happening all around the US. They also highlight their Hero's and Zero's of the week that may or may not include a flooding issue caused by one of the hosts....again. Our amazing guest this week is Tony White, the principal of Norton Creek Elementary, who shares his insights on leadership, education, and creating a positive environment for students and staff. He discusses his journey into education, the importance of community, and how to manage change effectively, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. Tony emphasizes the significance of safety, understanding student behavior, and delivering a positive experience for all stakeholders in the educational process. In this engaging conversation, Tony discusses the importance of listening and validating others, especially in a leadership role within education. He emphasizes the promise parents make to their children at birth and how schools play a crucial role in fulfilling that promise. Transparency in decision-making and creating a positive school environment are highlighted as key leadership values. The discussion also touches on the fun aspects of leadership, including surprising questions from teachers and the importance of humor in education.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, hosts Steve and Shannon Clemonds discuss their weekend plans, including Mother's Day celebrations and an upcoming family trip to Paris. They share their experiences with annual flower shopping and reflect on the efficiency of their daughter's school PTO. The conversation shifts to their 'Heroes and Zeros of the Week', highlighting a successful fundraiser and frustrations with travel apps. They also delve into the impact of AI on education and the changing nature of communication in the digital age, particularly the use of emojis and shorthand in texting. Steve also welcomes David Schuringa, a close friend and former telecommunications leader turned realtor. They discuss David's diverse career journey, the influence of his psychology degree on his professional and personal life, and the importance of project management principles in everyday decision-making. The conversation also touches on navigating LGBTQ+ identity in the workplace, insights on retirement planning, and personal reflections on life choices and aspirations.

In this episode of the Press One podcast, hosts Steve and Shannon Clemonds reflect on their podcast journey, share exciting family news about an upcoming trip to Paris, and discuss the emotional transition of their youngest child starting kindergarten. They highlight positive and negative customer experiences from the week, introducing a new segment called 'Hero of the Week' and 'Zero of the Week.' The conversation also touches on current events, including the impact of AI on language learning apps like Duolingo and a humorous story about a man who climbed Mount Fuji and went back for his phone. Tyler Buehler shares his journey from the call center industry to leading services teams at NICE. He discusses the importance of change management in customer experience transformations, common mistakes customers make during projects, and the evolving role of AI in the industry. Tyler emphasizes the need for partnerships between IT and business, the significance of data in AI deployments, and the excitement surrounding NICE's unified solutions. He also reflects on personal leadership lessons learned from being a father and husband.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, hosts Steve and Shannon Clemonds discuss the transition from spring to summer, reflecting on the busy nature of household management and the nostalgic desire for a laid-back summer. They delve into the ethical implications of AI in radio, particularly a case where an AI host was used without disclosure, and explore the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing a shift towards skills over traditional college degrees. In Part 2 of our interview with Robin Gareiss, she discusses the importance of personal connections in professional life, the joy of community service, and the significance of customer experience in technology. She reflects on leadership transitions within her company, the value of networking at conferences, and offers advice for young entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and spiritual guidance.

In Part 1 of this 2 part episode of the Press One Podcast, host Steve Clemonds welcomes Robin Gareiss, who shares her journey from working in customer service to becoming a prominent figure in tech journalism and research. They discuss her college experiences at the University of Illinois, her career transitions, and the founding of her research firm, Metrigy, which focuses on connecting technology use to business success. In this conversation, Robin discusses the importance of bridging gaps in customer experience through data-driven insights and research. She emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing customer service, not replacing human jobs, and introduces the concept of 'agentics'—a combination of agency analytics and advanced AI frameworks that can improve workflows and decision-making. The discussion also touches on the evolving relationship between AI and customer interactions, highlighting the need for a balance between technology and the human touch. Steve also welcomes a new co-host, Shannon Clemonds. They discuss their recent Easter celebrations, family traditions, and the excitement of planning a surprise trip to Paris for their children. They also engage in a fun segment where Shannon answers personal questions, revealing insights about her preferences and dreams. They wrap up with a light-hearted discussion about community events and what adults would want to collect in an Easter egg hunt.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, Steve Clemonds interviews Einat Weiss, the Chief Marketing Officer at NICE. They discuss Einat's journey to becoming a CMO, the importance of storytelling in marketing, and how leadership changes can foster agility within a company. Einat shares her approach to encouraging creativity within her team and navigating the evolving landscape of AI in marketing. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Interactions event and concludes with personal insights from Einat. Steve also shares personal anecdotes and insights into customer experience, highlighting the innovative strategies of the Savannah Bananas in transforming baseball into a captivating entertainment experience. He also discusses a recent miscommunication regarding AI by the U.S. Secretary of Education, emphasizing the importance of awareness in leadership roles.

In our next Quarterly Business Review, Steve has a co-host as Jim Heck joins the podcast. They explore a variety of light-hearted topics, from their personal sports fandoms to the evolution of Steve's podcasting journey. They share humorous anecdotes, discuss their favorite theme songs, and delve into unique food combinations. They have a fun conversation with Jeremy Markey, who shares his career journey, detailing his experiences in the contact center industry, the differences between BPO and internal contact centers, and the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the workplace and emphasizes the importance of stakeholder involvement in decision-making processes. The conversation highlights the evolution of workforce management and the significance of trust in remote work environments. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of RFPs and vendor relationships, emphasizing the importance of adequate time for contract negotiations. They share personal anecdotes that highlight life lessons learned through parenting and reading, particularly focusing on the topic of menopause. The discussion culminates in a light-hearted debate about the best movie trilogies, showcasing their passion for cinema and storytelling.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, Steve Clemonds interviews Paola M. Doebel, who shares her career journey, insights on technology's role in customer experience, and the importance of being easy to do business with. They discuss the challenges in customer experience, the significance of consumer centricity, and how NICE is evolving to meet client needs. Paola also reflects on her leadership philosophy and the importance of change management in executing strategies effectively. In this engaging conversation, Paola and Steve delve into the intricacies of change management, the essence of leadership, and the journey of aspiring leaders. Paola shares her insights on navigating the emotional phases of change, the importance of being a supportive leader, and the sacrifices that come with leadership roles. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning and humility, while also sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the challenges and rewards of leadership. The discussion culminates in Paola's vision for her team, aiming to be recognized as a formidable force in the market. Steve also shares personal updates, including officiating a wedding and attending a keynote speech by a former guest. He discusses insights from an Accenture study on customer experience, emphasizing the importance of technology in enhancing customer interactions. The conversation also touches on recent political gaffes, highlighting human nature and the need for accountability.

In this episode of the Press One podcast, host Steve Clemonds shares a fun and family-oriented episode featuring his daughters, Charlotte and Amelia. The conversation covers family activities, the girls' thoughts on work and future aspirations, and playful questions about their favorite things. The episode highlights the joys of parenting and the lightheartedness of family interactions, making it a unique and enjoyable listen.

In this episode of the Press One podcast, host Steve Clemonds welcomes Chris Irwin-Dudek, who shares insights about his journey, the importance of emotional leadership, and the role of relationships in business success. They discuss the significance of events in the CCaaS world, how to align passion with daily work, and the power of collaboration. Chris emphasizes the need to plant your flag and take action, while also reflecting on personal branding and the importance of being authentic. The conversation wraps up with light-hearted moments about favorite television shows and a call to action for listeners.

In this episode of the Press One podcast, host Steve Clemonds shares insights on customer experience, highlights a wild recent incident involving HP's customer service strategy. Steve also visits with Sean Huberty, VP of Operations at Priceline as he shares his unique travel experiences, including a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica. He discusses his career journey from Microsoft to Priceline, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in leadership. The conversation shifts to the impact of AI on customer experience, highlighting the need for companies to embrace customer centricity. Sean also addresses the build vs. buy debate in technology and the significance of continuous innovation in customer experience. The episode concludes with a surprise "Circle Back" question from a colleague that discusses a time where Sean was part of a Charity Auction.

In this episode of the Press One podcast, host Steve Clemonds welcomes Dave Dyson, founder of Eclipse Telecom. The conversation begins with light-hearted sports banter about their favorite NFL teams, the Bills and the Chiefs. As the discussion progresses, Dyson shares his insights on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the challenges and misconceptions surrounding it. He recounts his journey to founding Eclipse Telecom, highlighting the importance of common sense in customer experience and the need for businesses to adapt to changing client expectations. Dyson concludes with predictions about the future of customer experience, stressing that companies must prioritize ease and efficiency to succeed in a competitive landscape. In this engaging conversation, Steve Clemonds and Dave Dyson explore the evolving landscape of customer experience (CX) and the critical role of AI in shaping business practices. They discuss the necessity of perpetual optimization in CX, the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding AI implementation, and the importance of consultative approaches in technology solutions. Dave shares personal reflections on wins in life and business, and concludes with bold predictions for the future, emphasizing the transformative potential of technology. Steve reflects on his recent experiences, including a disappointing Super Bowl and a nostalgic return to the University of Illinois. He draws parallels between these experiences and customer service, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail in creating memorable moments. Clemonds also critiques a major airline for their late entry into customer experience initiatives.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, host Steve Clemonds engages with Blair Pleasant, the Principal Analyst and founder of COMMfusion, to discuss the evolving landscape of customer experience (CX) and the role of technology in enhancing it. They explore the importance of change management in technology adoption, the challenges posed by fragmented technology solutions (Frankenstacks), and the ongoing debate between building versus buying AI solutions. Blair emphasizes that CX is a collective responsibility across organizations and reflects on the significant changes in the industry over the years. The conversation concludes with predictions for the future of CX, highlighting the potential for proactive customer service through AI. Steve also discusses various topics leading up to the Super Bowl, including personal reflections on family moments, the impact of recent layoffs in the tech industry, and the excitement surrounding Super Bowl commercials. Note: This episode was recorded prior to the Super Bowl.

In this episode of the Press One podcast, host Steve Clemonds welcomes Elizabeth Tobey, VP of Marketing at NICE, to discuss her career journey, the importance of change management in AI adoption, and strategies for workforce augmentation. They explore the current AI hype cycle, the build vs. buy debate in technology solutions, and share personal anecdotes and insights. The conversation highlights the need for organizations to adapt to rapidly changing technology while ensuring employee engagement and understanding. Steve also reflects on his recent experiences at the NICE annual sales kickoff in Las Vegas. He shares insights about the energy and engagement of the new leadership team, the value of networking and learning from colleagues, and the challenges he faced with health issues following the event.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, host Steve Clemonds shares personal reflections on a transformative year, discussing family travel experiences (0:45), health improvements, and the importance of play in life (4:11). He also looks forward to the upcoming sales kickoff event with his Top 5 Things to look forward to at Sales Kick Off. Steve also welcomes Dan Belanger, President of NICE Americas (12:55), who shares insights about his career journey, the importance of AI in enhancing customer experience, and the unique position of NICE in the market. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the customer service industry, the upcoming sales kickoff event, and the excitement surrounding the future of NICE. In this conversation, Dan discusses his experiences in leadership roles across various organizations, emphasizing the importance of building trust, being honest, and prioritizing people over processes. He reflects on the challenges of balancing work and family life while maintaining a focus on personal growth and vulnerability as a leader. The discussion also touches on the significance of transparency and the need for leaders to be open about their limitations and experiences.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, Steve Clemonds interviews Avital Waig, who shares her journey in sales enablement, her professional aspirations, and the importance of balancing work and life while managing a global team. Avital discusses the significance of customer engagement, the role of AI in enhancing sales training, and her excitement for the upcoming Sales Kickoff 2025. The conversation also touches on best practices for sales pitches and personal reflections on family and career. Host Steve Clemonds reflects on the holiday season and discusses various topics related to customer experience (CX) and generative AI. He shares personal experiences with FedEx, highlighting challenges in logistics and customer service. The conversation transitions into the importance of generative AI in enhancing CX strategies, emphasizing that AI should be viewed as a tool rather than a standalone strategy.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, Steve Infante shares his unique journey to becoming a leader in the customer experience (CX) and technology space. He discusses the importance of partnerships in the channel, the role of AI in enhancing customer experiences, and the evolving trends in the CX industry. Infante also introduces his new podcast, The CX Kitchen, where he merges his love for cooking with insights on customer experience. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, including his football background and memorable pranks, making for an engaging and insightful discussion. Host Steve Clemonds welcomes back Andy Bollinger to discuss various topics ranging from personal comfort foods to career influences and holiday traditions. The conversation flows through rapid-fire questions, insights on sales careers, and the importance of mentorship, culminating in a light-hearted discussion about Christmas traditions and family experiences. Finally, Steve shares a humorous story about starting an Instagram account to poke fun at his own domestic mishaps.

In the first Quarterly Business Review of the Press One Podcast, with Co-Hosts Steve Clemonds and Andy Bollinger, they chat with Rich Oakes who shares his journey from a small town in Ohio to becoming the President of GigSmart. He discusses the importance of hard work, customer experience, and the value of feedback. Rich reflects on his experiences at Cutco, emphasizing persistence and grit in entrepreneurship. He also shares insights on raising a future college athlete and the role of social media in business development. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, valuable lessons, and a light-hearted approach to serious topics. Steve Clemonds and Andy Bollinger engage in a lively conversation covering Andy's background, personal insights, and career reflections. T Steve also reflects on the transition back to routine after the Thanksgiving holiday, sharing personal anecdotes about the cold weather in Chicago and a disappointing experience at a Northwestern basketball game. He emphasizes the importance of customer experience in sporting events.

In this engaging conversation, Tom Brannen shares his journey from a Georgia Bulldog to a successful consultant and business owner in the technology sector. He discusses the importance of storytelling and video content in growing his companies message. The conversation also delves into the challenges of customer service in today's digital age, questioning why many companies still struggle to meet customer expectations despite advancements in technology. In this conversation, Tom Brannen and Steve Clemonds explore the challenges and opportunities in customer experience (CX) across various sectors, including government and private enterprises. They discuss the impact of legacy systems, the importance of consumer expectations, and how organizations can create positive relationships with their customers. The conversation highlights successful examples, such as Chick-fil-A, and emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how businesses engage with consumers. Steve reflects on his Thanksgiving traditions, the importance of family gatherings, and the excitement of the upcoming holiday season. He shares his passion for sports, particularly his pride in the University of Illinois athletic programs. The conversation shifts to the potential of generative AI in transforming retail pharmacies and travel experiences, highlighting its ability to enhance customer service and streamline operations.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, hosts Steve Clemonds and Shannon Gail celebrate Thanksgiving by reflecting on family, productivity, and the importance of taking time off work. They discuss the 'One Thing a Day' method for managing tasks during the busy holiday season and delve into the impact of AI on creative industries. The episode also features fun games and personal insights, making it a light-hearted yet meaningful conversation. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various themes surrounding family life, sports rivalries, healthy eating, and holiday traditions. They share personal anecdotes about balancing work and family, the importance of shared meals, and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst busy schedules. The discussion also touches on navigating differences of opinion, the significance of family support, and the joy of practical jokes during family gatherings. As they approach the holiday season, they reflect on cherished memories and the dynamics of dividing holiday time between families, all while keeping the conversation light-hearted and relatable.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, Robert Jackman shares his journey from a business career to becoming a best-selling author and therapist. He discusses the impact of imposter syndrome, the importance of self-validation, and practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries in both personal and professional life. The conversation emphasizes the significance of intuition and self-compassion in navigating life's challenges, culminating in the introduction of Robert's new book, 'The Courage to Set Healthy Boundaries.' Host Steve Clemonds shares personal reflections on his daughter's achievements after winning a recent award, discusses CVS Health's innovative retail strategies and how he believes digital strategies in Customer Experience are having a big affect on in store efforts to improve sales, experience, etc.

In this Episode of the Press One Podcast, Peter Sabine shares his unique journey from being an Air Force acquisitions officer to becoming the RVP of Strategic Sales for Nice. He emphasizes the importance of customer experience and making business interactions easy, especially in the context of modern technologies like AI and analytics. The conversation highlights the significance of personal branding and the interconnectedness of professional relationships. In this conversation, Peter Sabine discusses the challenges customers face when evaluating AI technologies, the importance of having a clear vision for AI implementation, and the complexities of navigating the AI vendor landscape. He shares personal anecdotes about frugality and financial awareness from his childhood, and concludes with a light-hearted discussion about his favorite Australian snacks. Also in this episode, host Steve Clemonds shares personal updates, including reflections on turning 40 and the lessons learned as he enters a new decade. He emphasizes the importance of friendships, health, and travel, drawing insights from an article by Rudri Patel.

In this bonus episode of the Press One Podcast, host Steve Clemonds and guest Sarah Kelly delve into the art of sales and pitch preparation. They discuss common mistakes made during presentations, the importance of understanding the audience, and the difference between a pitch and a meeting. Sarah emphasizes the need for authenticity in storytelling and the significance of engaging the audience by considering what they should feel, think, and do after the presentation. The conversation wraps up with best practices for effective presentations, highlighting the importance of genuine connection and belief in the product being sold.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Kelly shares her journey from working in corporate environments to becoming an entrepreneur with her company, Sarah Says. Sarah emphasizes that effective communication is crucial for success in business and highlights the need for relatable storytelling to connect with audiences. In this engaging conversation, Sarah Kelly shares her passion for coaching and empowering others, particularly through storytelling and public speaking. She recounts her experiences coaching individuals to pitch their ideas and the emotional connections formed during these processes. The discussion also touches on humorous family anecdotes, cultural reflections from her travels, and her aversion to karaoke. Also in this episode, host Steve Clemonds discusses the significance of storytelling in business and customer experience. He shares personal anecdotes about family and community events, emphasizing the importance of human connection and emotional investment in customer interactions. The episode features a fun family game segment and highlights Ryan Reynolds' entrepreneurial success through storytelling.

In this episode of the Press One podcast, host Steve Clemonds interviews Anthony Mulizio, co-owner of Preferred Electric. They discuss Anthony's journey from working in the field to managing the business, emphasizing the importance of customer experience, adaptability, and employee empowerment. Anthony shares insights on overcoming challenges during the pandemic and the significance of brand loyalty in securing new projects. The conversation concludes with the weekly "Circle Back" question as well as his one go-to food item and if he likes pineapple on pizza. Steve also discusses his recent family trip to central Illinois, celebrates friends' milestone birthdays, and dives into the importance of customer service in the age of AI. He highlights a recent Harvard Business Review article on improving customer service with AI, emphasizing the need for personalization and the alarming percentage of organizations not yet utilizing AI. The conversation then shifts to Zoom's challenges in maintaining a frictionless customer experience as they expand their services.

In this episode, Joe Johnson, founder of Obvious Shirts, shares his unique journey from a corporate job at CareerBuilder to launching a successful e-commerce apparel brand. He discusses the importance of customer experience, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the role of creativity in his business. Joe also reflects on his philanthropic efforts and the personal connections that have shaped his career. The conversation highlights the significance of following one's gut feeling and the impact of community engagement in building a brand. Your host, Steve Clemonds, also shares his weekend experiences, including family outings and a neighborhood HOA meeting that revealed the complexities and even some dramas of two different eras living in the same neighborhood. He emphasizes the importance of kindness in neighborhood interactions and introduces a new sponsor, Obvious Shirts!

In this episode of the Press One podcast, host Steve Clemonds interviews Eric Ludwig, co-founder of Rise Technology Advisors. They discuss Eric's journey into entrepreneurship, the importance of customer experience in technology migration, and the evolving landscape of AI and automation. Eric shares insights on how businesses can assess their readiness for technology changes, the significance of building consensus among stakeholders, and the differences between AI and automation. Also in this episode, Steve discusses various topics including personal anecdotes, his unpopular opinions, and customer experience insights with the help of a colleague in this weeks Low Hanging Fruit.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, host Steve Clemonds interviews Wendy Olek, SVP of Strategic Sales at NICE. They discuss Wendy's career journey, the challenges she faced as a female leader in a male-dominated industry, and the impact of AI on business. Wendy shares her insights on building relationships with executives, offers advice for young women in business, and reflects on her personal life and family. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, trust, and inspiration in leadership. Also in the episode, Steve shares his personal experiences and reflections on the challenges of launching a new podcast. He discusses the recent Dreamforce event and the ongoing competition between Salesforce and Microsoft, particularly in the realm of AI solutions. Clemonds highlights the hesitance of executives to invest in AI due to various challenges, including policy issues and lack of readiness within organizations. He emphasizes the importance of having a solid foundation for AI implementation and the role of NICE in addressing these challenges.

The Press One podcast, hosted by Steve Clemonds, aims to bring a relatable and engaging discussion around customer experience and business. The first episode features our weekly "Low Hanging Fruit" segment and kicks off with an interview of Shannon Gail, Founder of Shannon Gail Events. Shannon, a serial entrepreneur, shares her journey in the hospitality and event production industry and offers insights into creating personalized customer experiences. She emphasizes the importance of listening to clients and customizing services to meet their needs. Shannon also discusses the challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how she navigated them with grace and resilience. The conversation touches on topics such as business differentiation, building a strong team, and the significance of having a finance background. Overall, Shannon's story highlights the importance of trust, confidence, and taking calculated risks in entrepreneurship.