Experience Action – Details, episodes & analysis

Are you drowning in feedback and still struggling for progress? In this bonus episode, we're bringing you more conversations from the Qualtrics X4 Summit 2026 in Seattle. These conversations tackle the same problem from different angles: how to turn customer and patient feedback into real operational change, and how to protect trust as AI becomes part of the workflow. If you collect surveys, run a CX program, or lead a healthcare team, this one is about what happens after you hit “export.”

First, we talk with leaders from Trillium Health Partners about redesigning their patient experience measurement: Kerry Kuluski, Research Chair in Patient and Family-Centered Care, and Adam Gdyczynski, Senior Corporate Lead, Patient Experience Measurement and Planning. They share how moving from paper and call-center methods to modern digital surveying helped drive an 880% increase in survey responses, plus what they did next to avoid being buried by the volume. We dig into practical tactics like shorter surveys, QR codes on after visit summaries, and using iPads to improve access in areas with lower electronic response rates. We also get into why equitable care depends on knowing who is responding, and how demographic and cultural insights can inform smarter decisions while supporting patient and family centered care.

Then we shift to the trust layer with Qualtrics Chief Security Officer Assaf Keren. We unpack why trust is more than security, why shortcuts create incidents, and why transparency matters when things go wrong. We also get specific about AI governance: third-party risk, building guardrails, managing data access, and keeping a human in the loop when risk is high or confidence is low.

If you want to turn insights into action without losing the human side, listen now. After you finish, subscribe, share this with a teammate, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.

Follow Kerry Kuluski on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-kuluski-a9791b227/

Follow Adam Gdyczynski on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-gdyczynski-mba-che-83100635/

Follow Assaf Keren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/assafkeren/

Resources Mentioned:
Qualtrics -- https://www.qualtrics.com/
Order your copy of Experience Is Everything -- http://experienceiseverythingbook.com
Learn more about CXI Membership™ and apply -- http://CXIMembership.com
Experience Investigators -- https://experienceinvestigators.com

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Leave your review at ratethispodcast.com/xact.

Want to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP on LinkedIn!)

AI is moving fast, but most customer experience programs still get stuck in the same place: teams chase tools, dashboards, and “shiny” promises while the real work and the real problem stay fuzzy. We wanted a grounded conversation about customer experience strategy that actually holds up inside complex organizations, especially when trust, risk, and regulation are part of daily life.

Jeannie Walters is joined by Dr. Elizabeth ErkenBrack, Head of Strategy in the Office of the CEO at Qualtrics. They sat down at the Qualtrics X4 Summit 2026 in Seattle to talk about starting with the outcome you’re trying to achieve, defining who you’re designing for, and mapping the work that needs to change before you ever “plug in” AI. They get specific about where automation helps and where the human touch still matters most, particularly in vulnerable moments like healthcare, financial services, and other deeply personal journeys.

They also dig into the ROI side of experience management: how to shift from CX as a cost center to CX as an investment, how to connect NPS and CSAT to action, and how to tie experience improvements to attributable revenue through churn, retention, conversion, and operational changes. A key takeaway is governance: measurement and execution often sit in different silos, and bringing them into lockstep is an executive decision. If you’re trying to make CX “count” in the C-suite, this gives you language and structure that leaders can align around.

If this helped you rethink how you’re framing your next CX initiative, subscribe, share this episode with a teammate, and leave a review so more people can find it.

Follow Elizabeth ErkenBrack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-erkenbrack-phd-380b5b30/

Resources Mentioned:
Qualtrics -- https://www.qualtrics.com/
Order your copy of Experience Is Everything -- http://experienceiseverythingbook.com
Learn more about CXI Membership™ and apply -- http://CXIMembership.com
Experience Investigators -- https://experienceinvestigators.com

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Leave your review at ratethispodcast.com/xact.

Want to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP on LinkedIn!)

What if the fastest way to beat your competitors isn’t a new feature, but a better feeling at every step of the journey? In this episode, we explore how experiential innovation—improving how customers move, decide, and feel—outperforms price wars, builds trust, and turns small moments into big wins.

Using the CXI Navigator, we break down how leaders align clear intent, cultural commitment, and real customer behavior to reduce friction and increase reassurance. From Uber and Netflix to B2B organizations like Vanguard, the pattern is consistent: spot hesitation, simplify paths, and guide people forward with confidence.

With data showing customers will abandon even beloved brands after a single bad experience, the stakes are clear. This conversation shares practical ways to design calmer, clearer journeys that drive loyalty, speed, and long-term growth. Subscribe for more practical experience strategies, share this with a teammate who owns a part of the customer journey, and leave a review.

Resources Mentioned:
Learn more about CXI Membership™ and apply -- CXIMembership.com
Order your copy of Experience Is Everything -- experienceiseverythingbook.com
Experience Investigators Website -- experienceinvestigators.com

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Leave your review at ratethispodcast.com/xact.

Want to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP on LinkedIn!)

Ever felt like you're walking a tightrope trying to satisfy high-maintenance clients while keeping your team's spirits high? You're not alone, and in this episode, we're tackling that very challenge. Prepare to unlock the secrets of preempting client anxiety with proactive communication, and discover how a Customer Experience Mission Statement can become your North Star, guiding every client interaction to reflect your company's core values. We'll reveal how to navigate the customer journey with foresight and finesse, ensuring that your clients feel heard, valued, and—most importantly—cared for without draining your precious resources.

Then, we switch gears to celebrate the heartening bonds we forge with our clients. It's a deep dive into the art of empathy, where compassion meets curiosity, creating partnerships that are more than just business transactions—they're collaborative adventures. And yes, we even touch on our first 'bleep' moment, a candid question that opens up a treasure trove of insights. This episode is an invitation to reflect on your approach to client relationships and to enhance the way we all craft exceptional experiences. So, buckle up, and let's embark on this enlightening journey together.

Remember, your questions at askjeannie.vip are the fuel that keeps our conversations engaging, and for that extra bit of guidance, don't forget to visit experienceinvestigators.com.

Resources Mentioned:
Experience Investigators Learning Center -- experienceinvestigators.com
Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube -- youtube.com/@jeanniewalters

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Leave your review at ratethispodcast.com/xact.

Want to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP on LinkedIn!)

Discover the transformative power of AI in shaping customer experiences as Maria Villablanca, CEO of the Future Insights Network, joins us to break down the evolving relationship between supply chain management and customer satisfaction. As we navigate the era of 'machine customers,' we need to understand how our businesses can adapt to meet the demands of an audience that expects instant gratification. Delve into AI's ripple effects on customer service roles, where efficiency gains are weighed against the potential for job displacement, and explore how historical economic shifts can inspire optimism for a workforce braced for change.

Unpack an intriguing case study where a brand's bold pricing and production strategy turns the supply chain playbook on its head, offering unique insights into consumer trust and the anticipation of demand. This episode takes you through the crucial balance of meeting customer needs while navigating the complexities of AI-driven markets. Join us for a conversation that will leave you with a richer understanding of the AI revolution in customer experience and ready to embrace the future of innovation and opportunity.

About Maria Villablanca:
Maria Villablanca (mariavillablanca.com), the creator of The Transform Talks Podcast and The "Voices in Transformation" interview series, is considered one of the leading creators and influencers in the supply chain and business transformation space. Setting out to cut through the hype and noise around supply chain and business transformation many years ago, Maria has interviewed hundreds of senior leaders from some of the world's most admired organisations to this date, with her contributions seeing her gain recognition as a highly acclaimed, influential, empowering and inspiring supply chain, logistics and procurement thought-leader, entrepreneur and woman in business and a LinkedIn Top Voice in the leadership category. Maria is an official Gartner Peer Community and Sustainable Procurement Pledge Ambassador and furthers the supply chain and manufacturing industry by mentoring and advising technology and solution providers (Brinc's Oxagon x McLaren Accelerator and 3SC respectively) and leading one of the world's biggest and fastest-growing supply chain and manufacturing networks, Future Insights Network, as CEO and Co-founder.

Follow Maria on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/mariavillablanca/
Follow Maria on YouTube at youtube.com/@MariaPVillablanca

Resources Mentioned:
Experience Investigators Learning Center -- experienceinvestigators.com
Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube -- youtube.com/@jeanniewalters

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Leave your review at ratethispodcast.com/xact.

Want to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP on LinkedIn!)

Ever been swamped with data but starved for insights? Our latest episode is a game-changer for CX leaders aiming to harness the power of customer journey mapping. Jeannie Walters takes a burning question from CXI Flight School™ and propels it into a strategic discussion teeming with actionable takeaways. We navigate the complexities of integrating operational data into journey maps, ensuring you walk away equipped to craft insightful paths without data overload.

This isn't just about creating customer journey maps; it's about painting a story that resonates with customers and drives your business forward. The insights here promise to refine your approach, striking a balance between intricate detail and overarching vision. Strap in for a session that's all about turning the cacophony of customer interactions into a symphony of strategic action.

Resources Mentioned:
Experience Investigators Learning Center -- experienceinvestigators.com
Learn more about CXI Flight School™ -- cxiflightschool.com

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Leave your review at ratethispodcast.com/xact.

Want to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP on LinkedIn!)

Ready to navigate the choppy waters of customer expectations? Take a seat with Jeannie Walters as we chart a course through the complex seas of customer experience management challenges.

In this episode of Experience Action, we tackle the pressing issue of meeting and exceeding client expectations, even when industry woes like staff shortages and technology hiccups threaten to sink our ships. We're not just talking about avoiding disappointments here; we're focused on turning potential letdowns into opportunities for delight and loyalty. We look candidly at the real-world repercussions of failing to fulfill promises. We're sharing the tools and mindset shifts necessary to ensure your customers feel seen, heard, and, most importantly, satisfied—even when the going gets tough.

Resources Mentioned:
Experience Investigators Learning Center -- experienceinvestigators.com
Article: How a Service Code Empowers Employees to Deliver Exceptional Experiences -- https://experienceinvestigators.com/customer-centric-culture/customer-experience-service-code/

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Leave your review at ratethispodcast.com/xact.

Want to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP on LinkedIn!)

Explore the horizon where artificial intelligence meets human touch in customer experiences with our host, Jeannie Walters. We're traversing the fine line between the innovative prowess of AI and the essential need for empathy in customer service. Get ready to unlock the secrets of AI that don't just streamline processes but fundamentally enhance the quality of customer interactions. From personalized service to predicting needs and the seamless operation of chatbots and virtual assistants, we're delving into how these tools should be aligned with your brand's heart and soul, all while safeguarding the sanctity of customer privacy.

Join us for a conversation that promises to empower your organization with AI while keeping the customer relationship at the core.

Resources Mentioned:
Experience Investigators Learning Center -- experienceinvestigators.com
Learn more about CXI Flight School™ -- cxiflightschool.com

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Leave your review at ratethispodcast.com/xact.

Want to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP on LinkedIn!)

Get ready to navigate the cutting-edge of customer experience (CX) with Jeannie Walters and special co-host Michelle Morris  - Associate Director of CX Business Transformation at Verizon Connect. We're peeling back the curtain on Sam's Club's groundbreaking AI-based receipt verification system and exploring the ripple effects on the future of retail. Discover how this innovation could transform the checkout experience, tackle theft, and what it means for customer engagement.

Switching lanes, we delve into the government's customer experience revolution, with a spotlight on the USDA's recent initiatives. Reflect on the executive order that's shaking up agency status quos and the newfound trust blooming between citizens and their government.

This isn't just a conversation about technology; it's about humanizing the automated, ensuring accuracy, and strategically mapping the customer journey to adapt to this new frontier. We're also confronting CX blind spots regarding AI integration and the declining comfort customers feel around these tools.

Tune in for a thought-provoking session that promises to leave you with a fresh perspective on AI's role in our lives and a renewed passion for excellence in customer experience across all sectors.

About Michelle Morris:
Michelle Morris is the Associate Director of CX Transformation at Verizon Connect.  She is a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) as well as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB). Michelle is a former board member for the CXPA (Customer Experience Professionals Association). In previous roles, Michelle developed and led two CX practices in the Professional Services (Crowe) and Printing/Manufacturing (Lexmark) industries and was a CX Design consultant and the Sr. Manager of Contact Center Sales for Verizon Business.  Prior to starting her CX adventures, she spent 15 years in Product Development, designing laser printing devices.  Michelle holds 6 U.S. Patents for her work as an engineer.

Follow Michelle on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/morrismichellek/.

Resources Mentioned:
Experience Investigators Learning Center -- experienceinvestigators.com
Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube -- youtube.com/@jeanniewalters

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Leave your review at ratethispodcast.com/xact.

Want to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP on LinkedIn!)

Unlock the secrets to a customer experience that's both innovative and effortless. On this episode of Experience Action, Jeannie Walters peels back the layers on how to introduce new features and services without overwhelming your customers. Discover how customer-centric design and clear communication can make all the difference, as she offers up actionable strategies rooted in understanding customer pain points and the art of incremental changes. Get ready to learn the importance of accessible tutorials, demos, and why fostering feedback loops is your ticket to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

Join the conversation as we tackle the challenge of balancing simplicity with cutting-edge innovation. With insights gathered from years of expertise and real-world examples, this episode is a treasure trove for those passionate about enhancing the customer journey. We're not just talking about customer experience—we're transforming ideas into impactful action. So, if you're ready to elevate your strategy and drive tangible business results, this is the episode you won't want to miss.

Resources Mentioned:
Experience Investigators Learning Center -- experienceinvestigators.com

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Leave your review at ratethispodcast.com/xact.

Want to ask a question? Visit askjeannie.vip to leave Jeannie a voicemail! (And don't forget to follow Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP on LinkedIn!)