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    <fireside:genDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:52:19 +0000</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>CX without the BS - Episodes Tagged with “Contact Center Technology”</title>
    <link>https://cswithoutthebs.fireside.fm/tags/contact%20center%20technology</link>
    <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <description>Most CX podcasts are built for Fortune 500 buyers with seven-figure budgets and dedicated transformation teams... This one isn't. CX Without the BS is for the technology advisors, IT leaders, and business owners working in the trenches of SMB and mid-market companies - the "forgotten 5000" who get pitched enterprise solutions they can't afford and ignored by vendors who don't think they're worth the support call. Host Brian Nichols brings real practitioner perspective from the unified communications and contact center space. No guru theater. No vendor hype. No recycled LinkedIn thought leadership dressed up as expertise. Just the actual conversations advisors and buyers need to be having... about why CX deployments fail, where vendors quietly cut corners, which product categories are oversold, and what questions you should be asking before you sign a three-year contract. Each episode pulls from real customer scenarios, market situations, and the framework laid out in Brian's book, The CX Compass. Some episodes are solo deep dives. Others bring in practitioners, advisors, and operators who can break down the mechanics of what actually works - and what's quietly broken behind the demo. If you're tired of buzzword bingo and ready for the version of CX nobody's willing to say out loud... you're in the right place. Subscribe, share it with an advisor or buyer who needs it, and let's cut through the noise together.</description>
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    <itunes:subtitle>Honest takes on customer experience and UCaaS for the SMB and mid-market buyers enterprise vendors forgot... hosted by Brian Nichols.</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Brian Nichols</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>Most CX podcasts are built for Fortune 500 buyers with seven-figure budgets and dedicated transformation teams... This one isn't. CX Without the BS is for the technology advisors, IT leaders, and business owners working in the trenches of SMB and mid-market companies - the "forgotten 5000" who get pitched enterprise solutions they can't afford and ignored by vendors who don't think they're worth the support call. Host Brian Nichols brings real practitioner perspective from the unified communications and contact center space. No guru theater. No vendor hype. No recycled LinkedIn thought leadership dressed up as expertise. Just the actual conversations advisors and buyers need to be having... about why CX deployments fail, where vendors quietly cut corners, which product categories are oversold, and what questions you should be asking before you sign a three-year contract. Each episode pulls from real customer scenarios, market situations, and the framework laid out in Brian's book, The CX Compass. Some episodes are solo deep dives. Others bring in practitioners, advisors, and operators who can break down the mechanics of what actually works - and what's quietly broken behind the demo. If you're tired of buzzword bingo and ready for the version of CX nobody's willing to say out loud... you're in the right place. Subscribe, share it with an advisor or buyer who needs it, and let's cut through the noise together.</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:keywords>CX podcast, customer experience, UCaaS, CCaaS, contact center, unified communications, technology advisors, channel partners, TSD, SMB technology, mid-market IT, vendor evaluation, CX strategy, customer service technology, Brian Nichols, CX Compass, business communications, cloud communications, customer engagement, sales enablement, B2B technology buying, IT decision makers, Telarus, agent experience, omnichannel</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Brian Nichols</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>brian@briannicholsconsulting.com</itunes:email>
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<item>
  <title>Top 3 AI Myths in Contact Centers: BUSTED</title>
  <link>https://cswithoutthebs.fireside.fm/top-3-ai-myths-in-contact-centers-busted</link>
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  <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Brian Nichols</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/75649398-cbc3-4fe1-8aae-3845f4503db8.mp3" length="50086606" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Brian Nichols</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>A contact center industry veteran exposes the truth about AI in customer experience, revealing both its transformative potential and the rampant marketing hype, while emphasizing the enduring importance of human agents in delivering exceptional service.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>52:10</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/b/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;p&gt;Is AI revolutionizing the contact center industry, or is it just another overhyped buzzword? In this episode of CX Without the BS, hosts Brian Nichols and Tom Milligan dive deep into the world of customer experience with Fred Stacey, CEO of Cloud Tech Gurus. Fred's journey from phone agent to industry leader provides a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of CX technology. But what's really happening behind the scenes? Are companies truly benefiting from AI, or are they falling victim to exaggerated marketing claims?&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Fred shares his insights on the current state of AI in contact centers, revealing that while some companies are making significant strides, many are still struggling to separate fact from fiction. He discusses the challenges faced by both buyers and sellers in a market flooded with new AI-powered solutions. Is the promise of AI-driven efficiency and cost savings living up to the hype, or are we witnessing another tech bubble?&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The conversation takes an interesting turn as Fred explores the human side of contact center operations. Despite the rise of AI, he emphasizes the continued importance of employee experience in delivering exceptional customer service. But how can companies balance the adoption of new technologies with the need to invest in their people? Fred offers valuable insights on leadership, training, and creating career paths for contact center employees.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;As the discussion progresses, Fred addresses the biggest "BS" he's encountered in the industry over the past year. His candid assessment of marketing practices in the AI space is both eye-opening and thought-provoking. Are companies overpromising and underdelivering when it comes to AI capabilities? Fred's perspective on this issue is sure to spark debate among industry professionals.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The episode concludes with practical advice for navigating the complex world of contact center technology. Fred shares his thoughts on how companies can make informed decisions when evaluating AI solutions and offers a glimpse into the future of CX. Whether you're a seasoned industry veteran or new to the world of customer experience, this episode of CX Without the BS provides valuable insights and a healthy dose of reality in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>AI customer service, contact center technology, CX innovation, artificial intelligence in call centers, customer experience trends, AI hype in CX, human agents vs AI, employee experience, contact center automation, AI chatbots, customer support technology, CX without BS, AI implementation challenges, future of customer service, AI marketing claims, contact center efficiency, AI cost savings, customer service leadership, CX technology evaluation, AI in business</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Is AI revolutionizing the contact center industry, or is it just another overhyped buzzword? In this episode of CX Without the BS, hosts Brian Nichols and Tom Milligan dive deep into the world of customer experience with Fred Stacey, CEO of Cloud Tech Gurus. Fred's journey from phone agent to industry leader provides a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of CX technology. But what's really happening behind the scenes? Are companies truly benefiting from AI, or are they falling victim to exaggerated marketing claims?</p>

<p>Fred shares his insights on the current state of AI in contact centers, revealing that while some companies are making significant strides, many are still struggling to separate fact from fiction. He discusses the challenges faced by both buyers and sellers in a market flooded with new AI-powered solutions. Is the promise of AI-driven efficiency and cost savings living up to the hype, or are we witnessing another tech bubble?</p>

<p>The conversation takes an interesting turn as Fred explores the human side of contact center operations. Despite the rise of AI, he emphasizes the continued importance of employee experience in delivering exceptional customer service. But how can companies balance the adoption of new technologies with the need to invest in their people? Fred offers valuable insights on leadership, training, and creating career paths for contact center employees.</p>

<p>As the discussion progresses, Fred addresses the biggest "BS" he's encountered in the industry over the past year. His candid assessment of marketing practices in the AI space is both eye-opening and thought-provoking. Are companies overpromising and underdelivering when it comes to AI capabilities? Fred's perspective on this issue is sure to spark debate among industry professionals.</p>

<p>The episode concludes with practical advice for navigating the complex world of contact center technology. Fred shares his thoughts on how companies can make informed decisions when evaluating AI solutions and offers a glimpse into the future of CX. Whether you're a seasoned industry veteran or new to the world of customer experience, this episode of CX Without the BS provides valuable insights and a healthy dose of reality in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Is AI revolutionizing the contact center industry, or is it just another overhyped buzzword? In this episode of CX Without the BS, hosts Brian Nichols and Tom Milligan dive deep into the world of customer experience with Fred Stacey, CEO of Cloud Tech Gurus. Fred's journey from phone agent to industry leader provides a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of CX technology. But what's really happening behind the scenes? Are companies truly benefiting from AI, or are they falling victim to exaggerated marketing claims?</p>

<p>Fred shares his insights on the current state of AI in contact centers, revealing that while some companies are making significant strides, many are still struggling to separate fact from fiction. He discusses the challenges faced by both buyers and sellers in a market flooded with new AI-powered solutions. Is the promise of AI-driven efficiency and cost savings living up to the hype, or are we witnessing another tech bubble?</p>

<p>The conversation takes an interesting turn as Fred explores the human side of contact center operations. Despite the rise of AI, he emphasizes the continued importance of employee experience in delivering exceptional customer service. But how can companies balance the adoption of new technologies with the need to invest in their people? Fred offers valuable insights on leadership, training, and creating career paths for contact center employees.</p>

<p>As the discussion progresses, Fred addresses the biggest "BS" he's encountered in the industry over the past year. His candid assessment of marketing practices in the AI space is both eye-opening and thought-provoking. Are companies overpromising and underdelivering when it comes to AI capabilities? Fred's perspective on this issue is sure to spark debate among industry professionals.</p>

<p>The episode concludes with practical advice for navigating the complex world of contact center technology. Fred shares his thoughts on how companies can make informed decisions when evaluating AI solutions and offers a glimpse into the future of CX. Whether you're a seasoned industry veteran or new to the world of customer experience, this episode of CX Without the BS provides valuable insights and a healthy dose of reality in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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<item>
  <title>What are the BEST AI Tools for Customer Support?</title>
  <link>https://cswithoutthebs.fireside.fm/what-are-the-best-ai-tools-for-customer-support</link>
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  <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Brian Nichols</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/cd0a0a00-850c-48d8-9c32-9fed9e77af04.mp3" length="45817989" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Brian Nichols</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>AI expert exposes the hype and reality of artificial intelligence in customer experience, offering practical insights on how businesses can leverage genuine AI solutions to transform their contact centers and improve customer service.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>47:43</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/b/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;p&gt;Are you tired of the AI hype in the contact center industry? Want to know what's really behind the buzzwords and how to leverage AI effectively for your business?&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In this week's episode of CX Without the BS, hosts Brian Nichols and Tom Milligan sit down with Aarde Cosseboom, co-founder of Clarity CX and creator of Palomar.com. Aarde pulls back the curtain on the reality of AI in customer experience, exposing the BS and highlighting truly innovative solutions. With his unique background as both a contact center leader and tech enthusiast, Aarde offers invaluable insights into the current state of AI and its practical applications.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Discover why most "AI" tools are just glorified chatbots and learn how to identify genuine AI solutions that can transform your business. Aarde breaks down the evolution of contact center technology, from the cloud migration craze to the current AI revolution, and explains why feature matrices have become largely irrelevant in today's market. You'll gain a deeper understanding of conversational AI, its data requirements, and how it differs from other forms of artificial intelligence.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The conversation takes an exciting turn as Aarde introduces Palomar, an innovative AI-powered tool designed to help businesses find the right CX technologies. Unlike traditional search engines or review sites, Palomar acts as a virtual consultant, asking probing questions to understand your unique needs before providing tailored recommendations. Learn how this game-changing platform is set to disrupt the entire sales process in the CX industry. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>AI customer service, contact center technology, CX software, chatbots, conversational AI, Palomar, Clarity CX, customer experience, AI hype, CX innovation, AI tools, contact center solutions, omnichannel support, AI in business, customer support technology, AI consultants, CX trends, AI implementation, machine learning, customer service automation, AI vs human support, CX software comparison, AI ROI, future of customer service</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Are you tired of the AI hype in the contact center industry? Want to know what's really behind the buzzwords and how to leverage AI effectively for your business?</p>

<p>In this week's episode of CX Without the BS, hosts Brian Nichols and Tom Milligan sit down with Aarde Cosseboom, co-founder of Clarity CX and creator of Palomar.com. Aarde pulls back the curtain on the reality of AI in customer experience, exposing the BS and highlighting truly innovative solutions. With his unique background as both a contact center leader and tech enthusiast, Aarde offers invaluable insights into the current state of AI and its practical applications.</p>

<p>Discover why most "AI" tools are just glorified chatbots and learn how to identify genuine AI solutions that can transform your business. Aarde breaks down the evolution of contact center technology, from the cloud migration craze to the current AI revolution, and explains why feature matrices have become largely irrelevant in today's market. You'll gain a deeper understanding of conversational AI, its data requirements, and how it differs from other forms of artificial intelligence.</p>

<p>The conversation takes an exciting turn as Aarde introduces Palomar, an innovative AI-powered tool designed to help businesses find the right CX technologies. Unlike traditional search engines or review sites, Palomar acts as a virtual consultant, asking probing questions to understand your unique needs before providing tailored recommendations. Learn how this game-changing platform is set to disrupt the entire sales process in the CX industry.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Are you tired of the AI hype in the contact center industry? Want to know what's really behind the buzzwords and how to leverage AI effectively for your business?</p>

<p>In this week's episode of CX Without the BS, hosts Brian Nichols and Tom Milligan sit down with Aarde Cosseboom, co-founder of Clarity CX and creator of Palomar.com. Aarde pulls back the curtain on the reality of AI in customer experience, exposing the BS and highlighting truly innovative solutions. With his unique background as both a contact center leader and tech enthusiast, Aarde offers invaluable insights into the current state of AI and its practical applications.</p>

<p>Discover why most "AI" tools are just glorified chatbots and learn how to identify genuine AI solutions that can transform your business. Aarde breaks down the evolution of contact center technology, from the cloud migration craze to the current AI revolution, and explains why feature matrices have become largely irrelevant in today's market. You'll gain a deeper understanding of conversational AI, its data requirements, and how it differs from other forms of artificial intelligence.</p>

<p>The conversation takes an exciting turn as Aarde introduces Palomar, an innovative AI-powered tool designed to help businesses find the right CX technologies. Unlike traditional search engines or review sites, Palomar acts as a virtual consultant, asking probing questions to understand your unique needs before providing tailored recommendations. Learn how this game-changing platform is set to disrupt the entire sales process in the CX industry.</p>]]>
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