Press One Podcast

Press One for Sean Huberty

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. 

Press One for Dave Dyson

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.

Press One for Blair Pleasant

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.

Press One for Elizabeth Tobey

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. 

Press One for Dan Belanger

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.

Press One for Avital Waig

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.

Press One for Steve Infante

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.

Press One for Rich Oakes

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.

Press One for Tom Brannen

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. 

Press One for Shannon Clemonds - Thanksgiving Special

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.