This week on The Modern Customer Podcast, Josh Linkner—globally recognized innovation expert, bestselling author, tech entrepreneur, and professional jazz guitarist—shares his insights on how leaders can unlock creativity, overcome fear-driven barriers, and build a culture where bold ideas thrive.

From embracing AI as a co-pilot to applying frameworks like the 'To-Test List' and 'Judo Flip,' Josh shares actionable strategies for tackling challenges with creativity and adaptability. Whether leading teams or enhancing customer interactions, this conversation delivers practical insights to spark bold innovation.

🎧 Tune in now to start 2025 with a mindset of bold innovation and fearless creativity!

👉 Visit https://joshlinkner.com/ to learn more about Josh Linkner and his work.

Key Highlights for Easy Listening:

01:57 Balancing Automation with Human Compassion in Customer Service

03:28 Turning Challenges into Opportunities with Creative Problem-Solving

05:28 Using the 'To-Test List' and 'Judo Flip' to Drive Creative Problem-Solving

08:52 Driving Innovation Through Small, Manageable Steps

09:55 The Power of Empathy, Artistry, and Emotional Intelligence

11:25 Create Memorable, Human-Centered Customer Interactions

14:59 Cultivating a Creative Mindset for Problem-Solving

17:25 How Leaders Can Build a Culture of Safety, Creativity, and Bold Innovation

22:29 Rapid Fire Questions with Josh Linkner

Blake Morgan is a customer experience futurist, keynote speaker, and author of three books on customer experience. Her new book is called The 8 Laws of Customer-Focused Leadership: The New Rules for Building A Business Around Today’s Customer.

Follow Blake Morgan on LinkedIn

For regular updates on customer experience, sign up for her weekly newsletter here.

The U.S. hotel industry saw occupancy rates reach 67% in October 2024 (Statista, 2024). In such a high-demand period, success isn’t just about elegant rooms or luxurious amenities—it’s about how every guest feels during their stay.

In this episode of The Modern Customer podcast, Bashar Wali, Founder & CEO of This Assembly and Practice Hospitality, shares his expertise on crafting exceptional guest experiences through emotional intelligence, authentic connections, and a culture of care.

Drawing from decades of experience, Bashar dives into the power of hiring the right people, turning routine interactions into meaningful moments, and addressing guest feedback with transparency and empathy.

Whether it’s building team loyalty or creating memorable experiences, this conversation offers actionable insights every hospitality professional can apply right away.

Tune in now to discover how emotional intelligence and a people-first approach are redefining hospitality success.

Key Highlights for Easy Listening:

05:31 The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Building Hospitality Teams

07:53 Understanding Emotional Connections: Love Languages in Guest Experiences

12:29 Memorable vs Transactional Experiences: What Truly Matters to Guests

15:07 Service Recovery: Addressing Bad Reviews with Transparency

18:53 Creating a Culture of Care: Retaining Top Talent in Hospitality

21:27 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts on Elevating Guest Experiences

Learn more about Bashar Wali and his work at hotelier.life.

Blake Morgan is a customer experience futurist, keynote speaker, and author of three books on customer experience. Her new book is called The 8 Laws of Customer-Focused Leadership: The New Rules for Building A Business Around Today’s Customer.

Follow Blake Morgan on LinkedIn

For regular updates on customer experience, sign up for her weekly newsletter here.

This week on The Modern Customer Podcast, Meridith Elliott Powell—an award-winning sales keynote speaker and master certified business growth strategist—reveals how embracing uncertainty can fuel growth, resilience, and success in both life and business.

With over 600,000 learners completing her LinkedIn course, Meridith shares powerful insights on mindset shifts, the often-overlooked power of small details, and actionable strategies for entering 2025 with clarity, purpose, and momentum.

If you're ready to turn uncertainty into your greatest advantage and step confidently into the new year, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Blake Morgan is a customer experience futurist, keynote speaker, and author of three books on customer experience. Her new book is called The 8 Laws of Customer-Focused Leadership: The New Rules for Building A Business Around Today’s Customer.