What if AI-powered technology could not only solve your customers' problems faster but also anticipate their needs—and why do so many organizations still get it wrong?

On this episode of the Delighted Customers podcast, we unlock the real reasons why companies struggle to implement AI and automation tools effectively, even as consumer expectations for personalization and seamless experiences reach new heights. Greg Kihlstrom, martech and CX expert, demystifies the hype around chatbots and agentic AI, showing us where most companies stumble and what it really takes to reverse-engineer remarkable customer journeys. If you’re wondering why some AI initiatives delight while others fall flat (and what you can do about it), this episode pulls back the curtain.

You should tune in to hear from Greg Kihlstrom, a thought leader at the intersection of marketing, technology, and customer experience, whose podcast network and consulting insights are helping brands evolve—whether you're leading a Fortune 500 organization or an ambitious mid-market player. His deep dive into what’s really working at marketing and CX conferences—and what’s next for both large and small companies—makes this discussion especially valuable for anyone navigating the fast-changing landscape of customer engagement.

Here are three burning questions Greg answers on the show:

• What are the real barriers that have kept companies from leveraging AI (like chatbots and agents) effectively in the customer journey?

• How can AI empower customer service teams to pinpoint root causes and improve experiences—without losing the uniquely human touch?

• For leaders at mid-sized companies, what are practical steps for selecting technology partners and overcoming siloed data challenges as they implement customer-centric AI?

Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation with Greg Kihlstrom! Listen and subscribe to the Delighted Customers podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or find us on your favorite podcast platform.

Meet Greg Kihlstrom

Greg Kihlstrom is a best-selling author, speaker, entrepreneur, and host of The Agile Brand Podcast. With 15+ years of experience at the crossroads of marketing, technology, and CX, Greg is the former founder and CEO of a successful digital agency in Washington, D.C., now working as an independent consultant to leading brands and organizations. He is the founder of The Agile Brand Podcast Network, a prolific writer on the evolving roles of martech and organizational change, and a key influencer in bridging the gap between digital transformation and meaningful customer outcomes. Greg is also recognized for his thought leadership on AI innovation, process improvement, and the future of customer experience.

Connect with Greg Kihlstrom on LinkedIn: Greg Kihlstrom LinkedIn

Show Notes & References

• Subscribe to Greg’s newsletter: "AI Isn’t a Goal or a Strategy" on LinkedIn

• Learn more about The Agile Brand Podcast Network: https://www.theagilebrand.com/

• Catch up with the Delighted Customers podcast on your favorite platform for more episodes!

Join us for a compelling conversation with Bruce Temkin, a true pioneer in the world of customer experience (CX) and the co-founder of the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA), the founder of the XM Institute at Qualtrics, and now, head of Humanity at Scale. In this episode, Bruce shares his journey from shaping the foundations of CX to launching a bold new initiative focused on helping leaders drive sustainable success by putting people first.

We dive into Bruce’s unique approach to making “squishy” concepts like customer experience concrete and actionable, including the creation of the Temkin Experience Ratings and the importance of accessible, meaningful data. Bruce offers candid insights on the evolution of CX metrics, the limitations of traditional surveys and NPS, and why emotion is the most powerful driver of loyalty.

Discover how Humanity at Scale expands the conversation beyond CX, challenging leaders to rethink the false tradeoff between business success and human-centric leadership. Whether you’re a CX professional, business leader, or simply passionate about making organizations more people-focused, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration from one of the industry’s true thought leaders.

Meet Bruce

Bruce Temkin is an Experience Management (XM) visionary and is often referred to as the “Godfather of Customer Experience.” He leads Humanity at Scale and hosts the Humanity at Scale podcast. He most recently founded the Qualtrics XM Institute, which provides thought leadership and training to help organizations around the world and is also building a global community of XM professionals who are radically changing the human experience.

Prior to Qualtrics, Bruce led Temkin Group, which provided research, advisory, and training that helped many of the world’s leading brands build customer loyalty by engaging the hearts and minds of their customers, employees, and partners. He is also the co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Customer Experience Professionals Association. Prior to Temkin Group, Bruce spent 12 years with Forrester Research during which time he led the company's B2B, financial services, eBusiness, and customer experience practices and was the most-read analyst for 13 consecutive quarters. Bruce has a mechanical engineering degree from Union College and a master’s in management from the MIT Sloan School of Management.