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    <fireside:genDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 13:28:33 -0500</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>CX without the BS - Episodes Tagged with “Customer Experience Management”</title>
    <link>https://cswithoutthebs.fireside.fm/tags/customer%20experience%20management</link>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0500</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:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <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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  <title>Is Your CX Provider Lying to You?</title>
  <link>https://cswithoutthebs.fireside.fm/is-your-cx-provider-lying-to-you</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Brian Nichols</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/15ff5f6c-ebbd-4f0c-bdbd-7a5ab0bc9a9a.mp3" length="58454567" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Brian Nichols</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>What if there was someone who could cut through the noise and tell you exactly what's wrong with today's CX industry - especially when it comes to serving small and medium-sized businesses? Meet Daniel Vaughan, a refreshingly honest voice who's challenging the status quo and exposing the truth about what really matters in customer experience.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:00:53</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>&lt;p&gt;Are you tired of the BS in customer experience technology? What if there was someone who could cut through the noise and tell you exactly what's wrong with today's CX industry - especially when it comes to serving small and medium-sized businesses? Meet Daniel Vaughan, a refreshingly honest voice who's challenging the status quo and exposing the truth about what really matters in customer experience.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In this explosive episode of CX Without the BS, Daniel shares his journey from sustainability graduate to accidental tech sales professional, revealing how multiple career setbacks led him to create Emmettson ROI. His approach? Actually giving a damn about clients and refusing to play the typical channel games that plague our industry.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Brian and Tom dive deep with Daniel into why so many CX providers ignore smaller businesses, and how this massive gap in the market is leaving countless companies underserved. The conversation gets particularly heated when discussing the "zoo bears" of the industry - those comfortable legacy players who've stopped innovating and started coasting.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The group tackles the elephant in the room: how empty "empathy" has become in corporate mission statements, and why most companies' claims about caring for customers are completely hollow. Daniel explains his unique approach to research and client relationships, demonstrating why actually doing your homework matters more than making endless cold calls.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This episode isn't just another tech discussion - it's a wake-up call for anyone involved in customer experience, technology sales, or business consulting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, you'll walk away with a fresh perspective on what it means to truly serve clients rather than just sell to them. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>customer experience,CX technology,tech sales,SMB technology,contact center solutions,business consulting,channel partners,technology advisory,customer service solutions,sales strategy,business transformation,tech industry critique,customer experience management,business technology,enterprise solutions,SMB solutions,channel management,tech industry analysis</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Are you tired of the BS in customer experience technology? What if there was someone who could cut through the noise and tell you exactly what's wrong with today's CX industry - especially when it comes to serving small and medium-sized businesses? Meet Daniel Vaughan, a refreshingly honest voice who's challenging the status quo and exposing the truth about what really matters in customer experience.</p>

<p>In this explosive episode of CX Without the BS, Daniel shares his journey from sustainability graduate to accidental tech sales professional, revealing how multiple career setbacks led him to create Emmettson ROI. His approach? Actually giving a damn about clients and refusing to play the typical channel games that plague our industry.</p>

<p>Brian and Tom dive deep with Daniel into why so many CX providers ignore smaller businesses, and how this massive gap in the market is leaving countless companies underserved. The conversation gets particularly heated when discussing the "zoo bears" of the industry - those comfortable legacy players who've stopped innovating and started coasting.</p>

<p>The group tackles the elephant in the room: how empty "empathy" has become in corporate mission statements, and why most companies' claims about caring for customers are completely hollow. Daniel explains his unique approach to research and client relationships, demonstrating why actually doing your homework matters more than making endless cold calls.</p>

<p>This episode isn't just another tech discussion - it's a wake-up call for anyone involved in customer experience, technology sales, or business consulting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, you'll walk away with a fresh perspective on what it means to truly serve clients rather than just sell to them.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Are you tired of the BS in customer experience technology? What if there was someone who could cut through the noise and tell you exactly what's wrong with today's CX industry - especially when it comes to serving small and medium-sized businesses? Meet Daniel Vaughan, a refreshingly honest voice who's challenging the status quo and exposing the truth about what really matters in customer experience.</p>

<p>In this explosive episode of CX Without the BS, Daniel shares his journey from sustainability graduate to accidental tech sales professional, revealing how multiple career setbacks led him to create Emmettson ROI. His approach? Actually giving a damn about clients and refusing to play the typical channel games that plague our industry.</p>

<p>Brian and Tom dive deep with Daniel into why so many CX providers ignore smaller businesses, and how this massive gap in the market is leaving countless companies underserved. The conversation gets particularly heated when discussing the "zoo bears" of the industry - those comfortable legacy players who've stopped innovating and started coasting.</p>

<p>The group tackles the elephant in the room: how empty "empathy" has become in corporate mission statements, and why most companies' claims about caring for customers are completely hollow. Daniel explains his unique approach to research and client relationships, demonstrating why actually doing your homework matters more than making endless cold calls.</p>

<p>This episode isn't just another tech discussion - it's a wake-up call for anyone involved in customer experience, technology sales, or business consulting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, you'll walk away with a fresh perspective on what it means to truly serve clients rather than just sell to them.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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<item>
  <title>How to Make Customers LOVE Your Call Center</title>
  <link>https://cswithoutthebs.fireside.fm/how-to-make-customers-love-your-call-center</link>
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  <pubDate>Fri, 14 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Brian Nichols</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/b6ecde51-9751-4bc2-8830-d814180321a2/d6777bff-8caf-411a-a1aa-e622f682744e.mp3" length="46656605" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Brian Nichols</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Charlie Newark-French, CEO of Sharpen, discusses how practical AI and innovative solutions are transforming the contact center industry to create customer experiences that people love (or at least don't hate as much).
</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>48:36</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;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Are you tired of the endless marketing fluff and empty promises in the CX industry?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Join us for a no-nonsense conversation on "&lt;strong&gt;CX Without the BS&lt;/strong&gt;" as we dive deep into the real issues and solutions in the contact center world. In this episode, Brian Nichols and Tom Milligan sit down with Charlie Newark-French, CEO of SharpenCX, to cut through the noise and get to the heart of what truly matters in customer experience. If you're looking for genuine insights and practical advice, this is the episode you can't afford to miss!&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Charlie Newark-French brings a wealth of experience from his roles in UCaaS, CCaaS, and AI, making him the perfect guest to discuss the future of contact centers. From his early days as a venture capitalist investing in RingCentral to his leadership roles at Fuse and HyperScience, Charlie has seen it all. Now, as the CEO of SharpenCX, he's on a mission to revolutionize the industry with innovative, user-friendly AI solutions tailored for the SMB market. Discover how SharpenCX is setting new standards and why Charlie believes the contact center of tomorrow will be one that people love—or at least don't hate as much.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In this episode, we tackle the big questions: &lt;strong&gt;_What does the contact center of tomorrow look like? _&lt;/strong&gt;How can AI be used effectively without falling into the trap of overhyped marketing? Charlie shares his vision for a future where contact centers are not just cost centers but valuable assets that enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Learn about the three key trends driving this transformation: the move to the cloud, the rise of digital channels, and the integration of automation and AI.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;But it's not all tech talk. We also get personal with Charlie, exploring his journey from South London to New York City and his passion for making a real impact in the CX space. Hear firsthand how his experiences have shaped his approach to leadership and innovation. Plus, get a sneak peek into the unique culture at SharpenCX and why it's a company built on authenticity and real results, not just buzzwords.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Don't miss out on this engaging and informative episode of "CX Without the BS." Whether you're a CX professional, a business leader, or just curious about the future of customer service, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Hit that subscribe button, ring the notification bell, and join us as we strip away the BS and get real about customer experience. &lt;/p&gt;
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  <itunes:keywords>customer experience, contact center, CX without the BS, AI in customer service, usable AI, contact center of tomorrow, sharpen CX, Charlie Newark-French, Tom Milligan, Brian Nichols, CX industry, marketing fluff, BS in CX, SMB market, cloud-based technology, digital transformation, innovation, stability, customer satisfaction, radiologists, automation, machine learning, venture capitalist, RingCentral, hyper science, mortgage processing, UCaaS, CCaaS, customer service agents, AI replacement, technology disruption, industry trends, business leadership, entrepreneurship, startup scaling, customer service technology, CX solutions, customer engagement, customer journey, customer loyalty, customer retention, sales and marketing, business strategy, industry insights, thought leadership, innovation in CX, future of CX, CX innovation, customer experience management, customer service management, contact center management, customer service technology, customer experience technology, CX tech, contact center tech</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p><strong><em>Are you tired of the endless marketing fluff and empty promises in the CX industry?</em></strong> Join us for a no-nonsense conversation on "<strong>CX Without the BS</strong>" as we dive deep into the real issues and solutions in the contact center world. In this episode, Brian Nichols and Tom Milligan sit down with Charlie Newark-French, CEO of SharpenCX, to cut through the noise and get to the heart of what truly matters in customer experience. If you're looking for genuine insights and practical advice, this is the episode you can't afford to miss!</p>

<p>Charlie Newark-French brings a wealth of experience from his roles in UCaaS, CCaaS, and AI, making him the perfect guest to discuss the future of contact centers. From his early days as a venture capitalist investing in RingCentral to his leadership roles at Fuse and HyperScience, Charlie has seen it all. Now, as the CEO of SharpenCX, he's on a mission to revolutionize the industry with innovative, user-friendly AI solutions tailored for the SMB market. Discover how SharpenCX is setting new standards and why Charlie believes the contact center of tomorrow will be one that people love—or at least don't hate as much.</p>

<p>In this episode, we tackle the big questions: <strong>_What does the contact center of tomorrow look like? _</strong>How can AI be used effectively without falling into the trap of overhyped marketing? Charlie shares his vision for a future where contact centers are not just cost centers but valuable assets that enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Learn about the three key trends driving this transformation: the move to the cloud, the rise of digital channels, and the integration of automation and AI.</p>

<p>But it's not all tech talk. We also get personal with Charlie, exploring his journey from South London to New York City and his passion for making a real impact in the CX space. Hear firsthand how his experiences have shaped his approach to leadership and innovation. Plus, get a sneak peek into the unique culture at SharpenCX and why it's a company built on authenticity and real results, not just buzzwords.</p>

<p>Don't miss out on this engaging and informative episode of "CX Without the BS." Whether you're a CX professional, a business leader, or just curious about the future of customer service, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Hit that subscribe button, ring the notification bell, and join us as we strip away the BS and get real about customer experience.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p><strong><em>Are you tired of the endless marketing fluff and empty promises in the CX industry?</em></strong> Join us for a no-nonsense conversation on "<strong>CX Without the BS</strong>" as we dive deep into the real issues and solutions in the contact center world. In this episode, Brian Nichols and Tom Milligan sit down with Charlie Newark-French, CEO of SharpenCX, to cut through the noise and get to the heart of what truly matters in customer experience. If you're looking for genuine insights and practical advice, this is the episode you can't afford to miss!</p>

<p>Charlie Newark-French brings a wealth of experience from his roles in UCaaS, CCaaS, and AI, making him the perfect guest to discuss the future of contact centers. From his early days as a venture capitalist investing in RingCentral to his leadership roles at Fuse and HyperScience, Charlie has seen it all. Now, as the CEO of SharpenCX, he's on a mission to revolutionize the industry with innovative, user-friendly AI solutions tailored for the SMB market. Discover how SharpenCX is setting new standards and why Charlie believes the contact center of tomorrow will be one that people love—or at least don't hate as much.</p>

<p>In this episode, we tackle the big questions: <strong>_What does the contact center of tomorrow look like? _</strong>How can AI be used effectively without falling into the trap of overhyped marketing? Charlie shares his vision for a future where contact centers are not just cost centers but valuable assets that enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Learn about the three key trends driving this transformation: the move to the cloud, the rise of digital channels, and the integration of automation and AI.</p>

<p>But it's not all tech talk. We also get personal with Charlie, exploring his journey from South London to New York City and his passion for making a real impact in the CX space. Hear firsthand how his experiences have shaped his approach to leadership and innovation. Plus, get a sneak peek into the unique culture at SharpenCX and why it's a company built on authenticity and real results, not just buzzwords.</p>

<p>Don't miss out on this engaging and informative episode of "CX Without the BS." Whether you're a CX professional, a business leader, or just curious about the future of customer service, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Hit that subscribe button, ring the notification bell, and join us as we strip away the BS and get real about customer experience.</p>]]>
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