Best Grad Conn Podcasts (2025)

1
How to Really Celebrate Pride Month, with Katie Martell 25:15

3y ago25:15

25:15

It’s June, which means it’s pride month, which means we’re all being bombarded by rainbow-festooned corporate logos. But does that really help? Or is it just another example of “woke washing,” the brand pandering that occurs when marketing and social movements collide. The amazing Katie Martell is back with some brilliant insights as we look at alt…

1
The Magic of Sonic Branding 21:00

3y ago21:00

21:00

We’ve all heard them. Those iconic sounds that tell us our computer is starting, or we're about to start binge watching Netflix. They’re sometimes subtle, sometimes more obvious, but always closely associated with a brand experience. Today we explore the power of sonic branding, with real examples and a brief diversion into creating a sonic brand f…

1
How do Your Customers Really Use Your Product? 19:08

3y ago19:08

19:08

The challenge with marketing is that we all think we know our products and services better than anyone. But do we? In today’s episode we learn why we need to get out of our own heads and think like our customers. The results might surprise you. Copernican Shift - Matching Perception to Reality since 1543…

1
Damn the Torpedoes, Full Stream Ahead 19:42

3y ago19:42

19:42

We’re not always great at seeing or predicting the future, mainly because of our tendency to apply familiar (and often outdated) concepts to new ideas. We’re stuck in our well-worn business ruts, too focused on the day-to-day minutia to notice inflection points that create real opportunities for innovation. The streaming services we all know and lo…

1
Why You Need to Keep it Super Simple 18:51

3y ago18:51

18:51

Your business is too complex. That’s because complexity sneaks into all of our workplaces, whether we want it to or not. It’s a hidden problem that’s hurting productivity and frustrating customers. Keep it simple (or, at least, simpler) by focusing on the customer, and understanding what they want to buy from you, and why they want to buy it. Coper…

1
One Bowl to Rule Them All 12:35

3y ago12:35

12:35

Eating cereal can be more than just... eating cereal. For proof, look no further than Obo, makers of a bowl that transforms cereal from a meal to an experience. There’s a valuable lesson here — no matter how mundane your product or service, you absolutely must provide the best experience possible. If a cereal bowl can do it, so can you. Copernican …

1
Six Steps to an Authentic Brand 20:30

3y ago20:30

20:30

Today we learn about marketing from everyone’s favorite mentor and football coach, Ted Lasso. That’s right, coach Lasso teaches us about brand authenticity, and why it’s so important in today’s hyper-connected, UGC content-fueled environment. Smells like potential. Copernican Shift - Matching Perception to Reality since 1543…

1
Adventures in the Metaverse 13:57

3y ago13:57

13:57

We kick things off with energy — specifically energy companies, and how they’re using social media and other modern channels to gather information and manage communication during power-disrupting storms. Then we grab our (virtual) VR headsets and make our first foray into the metaverse. We’ll cut through the hype and explore exactly what the metave…

1
Welcome to the Copernican Shift 10:13

3y ago10:13

10:13

That's right. We're now The Copernican Shift podcast (formerly the Unified-CXM Experience). And although we've changed the name, we haven't changed the format. We'll still feature some of the top marketing guests on the planet, and generally continue to challenge your perspectives about marketing, advertising, and digital channels. I’ve talked abou…

1
The Hidden Danger of Marketing Preconceptions 22:10

3y ago22:10

22:10

Gathering customer insights is so important we’re doing a second show about it. In this follow-up podcast to my discussion with Sonia Sahney, I go into more detail about the time I literally went into people’s homes and watched them do their laundry. It’s taking customer insights to the extreme, and it’s a valuable lesson on how our preconceptions …

1
How to Gather Real Customer Insights, with Sonia Sahney 31:34

3y ago31:34

31:34

The key to being customer centric is understanding your customers. And the best way for you, as a marketer, to understand your customer is to leave the friendly confines of your office or Zoom call and actually engage with the people you’re trying to market to. Sonia Sahney of GE Healthcare joins me for a discussion about customer insight, and ways…

1
Why Buyer-Driven is Better Than Customer-Centric, with Ardath Albee 47:59

3y ago47:59

47:59

B2B buyers are overwhelmed. According to Gartner, 77% of B2B buyers said their latest purchase was complex or difficult. And, sadly, we’re not doing enough to make the process easier. B2B marketing strategist Ardath Albee joins me with insights on what we can do improve the buying process, close more deals, and make our customers happier. You can f…

1
Creating Your Company Narrative, with Michelle Chiantera 46:43

3y ago46:43

46:43

We all say we put the customer first, but what does that really mean? What actions are you actually taking that show the customer how important they really are? In today’s episode, Michelle Chiantera, CMO at Corel, talks with me about the stories we tell to our customers, and how those stories can translate into real action. You can follow Michelle…

1
How to Be the Best Representative of Your Own Product, with Annie Wissner 41:30

3y ago41:30

41:30

Do you understand the product or service you’re selling? I mean, really understand it? I’m often surprised by the number of marketers who have never actually used the product they’re marketing — maybe have never talked with anyone who has. Annie Wissner, CMO at Whispir, leads by example to make sure the Whispir marketing team knows the product insi…

1
How to Get More Value from B2B Review Sites, with Yoli Chisholm 30:31

3y ago30:31

30:31

Review sites are probably among the first places your prospects go when researching your product or service, and yet these sites are typically an afterthought in most marketing plans. It doesn’t need to be that way. In today’s episode, Yoli Chisholm joins me to discuss tips and tricks for getting the most value out of B2B and B2C review sites. Yoli…

1
Your Complete Guide to Analyst Relations, with Drew Tambling 53:08

3+ y ago53:08

53:08

We’re back with our continuing Modern Marketing Plan series. Today it’s all about analyst relations, a critical, yet often overlooked, part of your marketing plan. Drew Tambling, director of analyst and influencer relations at Sprinklr, steps through why it’s so important, how to get started, and explains why you should probably increase your analy…

1
Inside the Minds of the World’s CMOs 11:34

3+ y ago11:34

11:34

Ever wonder what’s going through the mind of a CMO? The issues they’re thinking about, and the problems keeping them up at night? Resident expert Marshall Kirkpatrick wondered too. So he fired up a few of his research tools (including Sprinklr, of course) and spent some time scouring the Internet to learn what CMOs are reading, and what they’re pos…

1
How to Build 1:1 Customer Engagement at Scale, with Jordan Neuhauser 43:06

3+ y ago43:06

43:06

Jordan Neuhauser, CMO at Trulli Audio, has a passion for music that is matched only by his passion for authentic customer engagement. In today’s episode Jordan and I talk about how Trulli Audio is listening to customers, and — most importantly — reacting quickly and authentically, with personal engagement that reinforces the brand, and creates fans…

1
How to Become a Better Marketer 23:56

3+ y ago23:56

23:56

The key to success for a marketer is to always be learning. And the key to learning is to read. In today’s episode I review some of my favorite marketing and advertising books — from new releases to timeless classics. Add a few of these to your reading list and your career with thank you. You can find the complete list on my blog.…

1
Using is Believing… the 2nd Moment of Truth 16:05

3+ y ago16:05

16:05

Continuing our modern marketing plan series, we’re looking at the 3rd Moment of Truth — the immediate reaction of a customer actually trying your product or service. It’s the moment (or moments, for a complex product) that either keeps your customer coming back for more, or sees them heading for the exits.…

1
Creating Effective Influencer Relationships, with Marshall Kirkpatrick 40:57

3+ y ago40:57

40:57

In part 2 of my conversation with influencer relations expert, Marshall Kirkpatrick, we answer the pivotal question, “why do I even need an influencer marketing program?” Then we move on to the third — and most important — stage of building your influencer relations program: collaboration. Finally, it’s a brief detour to discover what we can all le…

1
How to Build an Influencer Relations Program, with Marshall Kirkpatrick 28:16

3+ y ago28:16

28:16

Authentic, genuine relationships between brands and influencers can benefit everyone involved. The brand learns about the market, and the market learns about the brand. Win, win. In today’s episode I talk with influencer relations expert Marshall Kirkpatrick about the three stages of building an influencer relations program. Marshall Kirkpatrick is…

1
The Secret to Successful B2B Marketing 16:50

3+ y ago16:50

16:50

We’re taking a quick break from our Modern Marketing Plan series to talk about a fascinating article I recently read: “The Blandscape of B2B Marketing Content Needs a Bit of Emotion,” written by Ardath Albee. It’s an insightful look at ways to address the complexity of B2B selling, and more than worthy of a Unified-CXM episode. You can take a look …

1
A New and Improved “First Moment of Truth” 20:04

3+ y ago20:04

20:04

Part 2 of our deep dive into the modern marketing plan where we explore the “First Moment of Truth,” the point in time when a potential customer first encounters your product. In today’s episode we’ll dig into this classic marketing touch point, and then transmute it from the grocery aisle to modern channels. Plus, a quick detour into the world of …

1
What is Google’s "Zero Moment of Truth"? 16:58

3+ y ago16:58

16:58

We’re well into the 20th century, so why are so many marketers stuck in an outdated broadcast marketing mentality? Today we kick off a multi-part series where we’ll look at the marketing plan of the future (well, the present, really), and why you need to shift your thinking from a broadcast focus, to a conversation focus. It’s all about the “moment…

1
I Love a Parade 21:59

3+ y ago21:59

21:59

Everyone loves a parade. Including me. Today we talk about my own participation in the venerable Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and why process, organization, and workflow are so valuable when building customer experiences. Because you’ve got to get the little things right, in order for your customers to enjoy the big things.…

1
How the Voice of the Customer Fuels CXM 17:47

3+ y ago17:47

17:47

We all say we’re customer centric, but are we really? Today’s episode is all about the customer, specifically the voice of the customer. We’ll look at how best to listen and engage, how to manage thousands of pieces of outbound content, and how omni-channel care can provide a unified view of every individual customer.…

1
Our Amazing, 1-Year Anniversary Extravaganza 15:42

3+ y ago15:42

15:42

That’s right. A whole year. 167 episodes, and we’re still going strong. In fact, we’re just getting started. So, with a year under our belt it seemed like it was about time for an episode...about time. Literally. Because time is a precious commodity, and a key ingredient of stellar customer experiences.…

1
How Beautiful Design Makes a Beautiful Life 12:32

3+ y ago12:32

12:32

It’s marketing day on the Unified-CXM Experience as we explore a gem of an advertising campaign. It’s packed with beautiful people, beautiful art, and beautiful cinematography. It’s a feast for the eyes and ears, and a great example of blending a historic past and a contemporary campaign to create a compelling brand experience. See the video here: …

1
Why Good Decisions Can Lead To Bad Outcomes 6:26

3+ y ago6:26

6:26

The average marketing department has 91 martech point solutions. And I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t think that number is too high? So, how did we get here? It’s not because we’re making bad decisions. But it might be that we’re approaching the decision-making process all wrong. In today’s episode we look at employee empowerment, the challeng…

1
Back to Basics — What is CXM, Really? 13:28

3+ y ago13:28

13:28

We talk a lot about CXM on this podcast, which makes perfect sense — it is the “Unified-CXM Experience” podcast, after all. But it occurred to me recently that we might not be on the same page when it comes to understanding the nuances of CXM. So, in an effort to achieve total CXM harmony, we’re going back to basics today.…

1
How to Solve Marketing Amnesia 18:14

3+ y ago18:14

18:14

A hundred years ago, when you walked into a shop, the shopkeeper probably knew you. He knew what you liked, knew what you just purchased, and knew what you might purchase again. It was a relationship built on knowledge and trust, and it benefited both the seller and the consumer. Today, with most brands, we’re largely anonymous. Whether it’s brick-…

1
What’s so Funny About Conversational Marketing 15:24

3+ y ago15:24

15:24

We’ve entered the conversational era of marketing. Unfortunately, too many marketers are stuck in the broadcast world of mass email blasts and anonymous ads. It’s time to change, and we can start by taking a cue from comedians. Yes, comedians. They happen to be brilliant communicators who have mastered the art of conversational marketing (whether t…

1
Boost Your CXM Success with a Unified Approach 27:21

3+ y ago27:21

27:21

A recent Forrester study found that 82% of firms said CX is a top priority, but only 46% feel they’re getting a comprehensive view of their customers. In today's podcast I talk with Maxie Schmidt-Subramanian, VP and Principal Analyst at Forrester, about the journey to great CXM, and how to give your organization a competitive advantage. Watch the w…

1
Building a Better Pancake Batter 19:08

3+ y ago19:08

19:08

Three customer experiences for the price of one. We start with a brilliantly-designed pancake batter container, move on to a customer support story featuring missing bricks, and end with a not-so-great headphone repair. It’s pancakes, pieces, and pods as we explore how small interactions can make a big difference.…

1
A Marketer’s Guide to Modern Channels 17:12

3+ y ago17:12

17:12

The way we communicate has constantly evolved since we first drew on cave walls. It’s always changing. So why are we so resistant to these new channels when they first appear? Whether it’s TV in the 1940s, the Internet 50 years later, or social media today, too many marketers take too long to embrace new channels (to their detriment, I might add). …

1
The Legendary Appeal of Podcasts, with Justin Shriber 21:29

3+ y ago21:29

21:29

Today we go full meta, with a podcast about... podcasts. Justin Shriber, CMO at People.ai, joins me to talk about how their Legends of Sales and Marketing podcast drives lead generation and creates personal connections with industry leaders. From there we explore the most important attributes of a sales leader, and finish up with a life lesson deri…

1
How to Unlock the Benefits of Unified-CXM 12:43

3+ y ago12:43

12:43

Increasingly, customers are holding us to a higher standard. That’s why unified is better than integrated. Unified-CXM breaks down silos and provides a single view of your customers, enabling you to identify customer issues, and take appropriate action.By Grad Conn

1
The Massive Potential of Unified-CXM 18:26

3+ y ago18:26

18:26

Whether you’re selling B2B, or B2C, you’re selling to people. Often the same people. And these people appreciate rewarding experiences and responsive brands. In today’s episode we look at the intersection of B2B and B2C, and how a truly unified customer experience can make your customers happier.By Grad Conn

1
A Surefire Way to Make a Point 15:05

3+ y ago15:05

15:05

Collecting, managing, and applying feedback is a critical piece of the CX process. In today’s summer flashback episode I go back to my P&G days to regale you with a story about marketing recommendations, and the gift of honest, unfiltered feedback.By Grad Conn

1
The New Customer Experience, with Danny Wright 28:52

4y ago28:52

28:52

It’s an exciting time to be in marketing. Organizations are finally waking up to the fact that their brand isn’t what they say it is. Their brand is a reflection of the experiences they land with their customers. In this Adweek webinar, Danny Wright and I talk about the three fundamental shifts that are transforming customer expectations, and the s…

1
How the World’s Greatest Brands do Mass 1:1 Marketing 1:01:47

4y ago1:01:47

1:01:47

I’ve said this before (and I’ll probably say it again), but there has never been a better time to be a marketer. In this MarketingProfs webinar, Valerie Witt and I explore the merging of mass reach with 1:1 engagement — a sea change that gives brands unprecedented marketing potential. You’ll hear examples of how leading brands have implemented mass…

1
Brand Authenticity in the Age of Technology, with Rob Harles 24:36

4y ago24:36

24:36

Your brand is not what you say it is. Your brand is what your customers think it is. And that’s built on experiences, including purchasing, support, and customer care. In part 2 of my discussion with Rob Harles we talk about our unhealthy obsession with scale, and why we need to spend more time listening, engaging, and communicating with our brand …

1
How to Humanize the Customer Experience, with Rob Harles 27:46

4y ago27:46

27:46

Have we lost sight of why we’re focused on the customer experience in the first place? In today’s episode, Rob Harles and I take a walk in our customers’ shoes to discover how to make the customer experience human again. Rob Harles is the Global Lead for Modern & Emerging Channels for Accenture Interactive. You can find him on LinkedIn https://www.…

1
The Contact Center Revolution 34:02

4y ago34:02

34:02

Customer communication preferences have changed. And the pace of change has only accelerated during the past year. In this CX Network Live webinar, Georgina Wilczek and I talk about how to have meaningful conversations with your customers, and why great customer service must integrate all communication channels. CX Network Live: https://www.cxnetwo…

1
Imagine… If We Truly Think Different 12:38

4y ago12:38

12:38

In today’s episode we imagine a richer, more satisfying retail shopping experience. An experience where we’re known, valued, and appreciated. Is that too much to ask? (spoiler alert: no). Today we’re talking about the Apple Store.By Grad Conn

1
Managing Your Energy to Avoid Burnout, with Neha Saxena 40:09

4y ago40:09

40:09

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Today Neha and I tackle stress, provide some thoughts on how to manage a jam-packed schedule, and explain why multitasking isn’t really a thing. All of this, and a couple of breathing exercises to keep you on track.By Grad Conn, with Neha Saxena

1
How to Get Started with Social Selling, with Dennis Mathew 30:08

4y ago30:08

30:08

Selling has always been about relationships. But on social media, this concept is generally ignored. Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook become the equivalent of the non-stick pan guy at the state fair, making as much noise as possible to get attention. On today’s episode, Dennis Mathew and I talk about how to create genuine, authentic social selling r…

1
Imagine… Better Traction for Your Customer Experience 10:12

4y ago10:12

10:12

We talk a lot about experiences, but today is where the rubber meets the road. Literally. Continuing on our “Imagine” series, I look at a product that really hasn’t changed much in the last 70 years — tires. They’re among the most important safety features of our cars, and they're ripe for CX transformation. Because so much is riding on your tires.…

1
How to Beat Procrastination, with Neha Saxena 36:58

4y ago36:58

36:58

We’re finally getting around to an episode on… procrastination. Neha and I explore why we put off those things we know we should be doing. And we start it all with an invigorating breathing exercise that will give you the energy to tackle those tasks you’ve been ignoring for far too long.By Grad Conn, with Neha Saxena

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Grad Conn Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen