The conversation explores the evolving perception of wealth and meaning, highlighting a shift towards purpose-driven initiatives among wealthy individuals like Musk and Gates. Taken from the article in the Economist, entitled the Ultra-rich Are Giving Up on Luxury Assets, it discusses how traditional symbols of wealth are losing significance as people seek deeper meaning in their financial pursuits.

Takeaways

• People are starting to think differently about what is meaningful.
• Owning luxury items does not equate to personal meaning anymore.
• Wealthy individuals are focusing on greater purposes for their money.
• Musk and Gates exemplify this shift towards purpose-driven wealth.
• The current transitional period is reshaping our understanding of wealth.
• Eradicating world hunger and space exploration are new priorities.
• Meaning is becoming more important than material possessions.
• The conversation reflects a broader societal change in values.
• Wealth is being redefined in terms of impact rather than ownership.
• Purpose-driven initiatives are gaining traction among the wealthy.

Chapters

• 00:00:12 Introduction to Experience Strategy
• 00:00:41 The Economist Article Discussion
• 00:01:21 Luxury Goods and Experiences
• 00:02:12 Premiumization and Ultra High Experiences
• 00:03:13 Value of Experiences Over Goods
• 00:04:18 Branded Hotels and Innovation
• 00:06:11 Transitional Period in Consumer Perception

Read More:

https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/10/12/why-the-ultra-rich-are-giving-up-on-luxury-assets

Podcast Sponsors:

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Sign up for the Experience Strategist Substack here:

https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

Two articles caught our attention. The first was in The Hollywood Reporter about a new movie theater concepts with private rooms and high end food in New York. The second was a story about the power of IMAX in the movie industry, per the Wall Street Journal.

In this episode, Joe Pine, Aransas Savas, and Dave Norton discuss the evolving landscape of the movie theater experience, particularly in light of the pandemic's impact. They explore new concepts in Hollywood, such as premium movie theaters and IMAX, and how these innovations cater to changing consumer preferences. The conversation emphasizes the importance of customization, personalization, and the need for theaters to create engaging experiences that resonate with audiences. The hosts also provide valuable insights for experience strategists on how to adapt to these trends and enhance the overall consumer experience.

Takeaways

• The pandemic significantly impacted the movie theater industry, leading to a decline in attendance.
• Premiumization is a key trend in the film industry, focusing on enhancing the overall experience.
• Customization and personalization are crucial for attracting audiences back to theaters.
• Consumers decide the 'when' or the situation, then watch the movie
• Theaters need to innovate and create engaging environments to compete with home viewing.
• Experience strategists should measure the money value of time (MVT) in their offerings.
• The integration of social components can enhance the movie-going experience.

Chapters

01:23 Hollywood's New Movie Theater Concepts
02:38 The Impact of the Pandemic on Movie Theaters
04:47 Premiumization in the Film Industry
06:40 Customization and Personalization of Movie Experiences
08:57 Consumer Preferences Post-COVID
11:38 The Role of IMAX and Alternative Experiences
16:41 Innovations in the Theater Space
20:15 Key Takeaways for Experience Strategists

Read More:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/inside-metro-private-cinema-tim-league-movie-theater-1236311204/

https://www.wsj.com/business/media/imax-movie-release-trend-6f4587a2?st=PKpj1G&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Podcast Sponsors:

Learn more about Stone Mantel

https://www.stonemantel.co

Sign up for the Experience Strategist Substack here:

https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

In a recent WSJ article entitled "Travis Kelce Is Jumping In to Save Six Flags Just When It Needed It Most", the author notes that all theme parks are down, and Six Flags needs a rescue. So, we decided to unpack the why, the how, and the what to do to reenergize theme parks.

The conversation goes from Travis' desire for more thrilling roller coasters to proposing new ideas for amusing people. The conversation highlights the need for themed environments to be well-maintained and the significance of pricing strategies in shaping customer perceptions. The hosts also emphasize the necessity for amusement parks to rethink their offerings to attract a broader audience and enhance the overall experience.

Takeaways

• Travis Kelce's involvement with Six Flags aims to revitalize the brand.
• Traditional amusement parks are struggling due to lack of innovation.
• Celebrity endorsements alone cannot fix underlying experience issues.
• The upkeep of themed environments is crucial for customer satisfaction.
• Amusement parks need to diversify their offerings beyond roller coasters.
• Experiential innovations are essential to compete with new entertainment options.
• Customer experience should be prioritized over celebrity influence.

Chapters

00:40 Travis Kelce and Six Flags: A New Era?
03:12 The Decline of Traditional Amusement Parks
07:35 The Importance of Experience Innovation
11:44 Revitalizing Legacy Brands
15:14 The Role of Celebrity in Experience Design
17:10 Rethinking Amusement Park Strategies
21:42 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Read More:

https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/travis-kelce-six-flags-jana-1817b730?mod=Searchresults&pos=1&page=1

Podcast Sponsors:

Learn more about Stone Mantel

https://www.stonemantel.co

Sign up for the Experience Strategist Substack here:

https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss an article from the Wall Street Journal about High Point University in North Carolina, which has become a magnet for wealthy students. They explore how the university's focus on creating transformational experiences and life skills prepares students for their future careers. The conversation also touches on the role of parents in educational choices, the future of higher education, and the need for universities to have a strong point of view on their purpose and offerings.

Oh and listen to Aransas' assessement of Love Shack Fancy.

Takeaways

• High Point University is setting a new trend in education.
• Transformational experiences are key to preparing students for careers.
• Parents play a crucial role in educational choices.
• The focus should be on life skills, not just degrees.
• Higher education needs to adapt to changing societal needs.
• Universities must understand their customer base.
• A degree should be seen as an output, not an outcome.
• Colleges need to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
• Transformational offerings can attract students and parents alike.
• The future of education may involve more practical skills and less traditional degrees.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Experience Strategy Podcast
00:39 High Point University: A New Blueprint for Education
05:19 Transformational Experiences in Higher Education
10:26 The Role of Parents in Educational Choices
12:46 Cultural Fit in College Selection
16:48 The Future of Higher Education
21:03 Experiential Retail: Lessons from Love Shack Fancy

Read More:

https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/north-carolina-college-high-point-amenities-30b0fc14?mod=hp_lead_pos7

https://www.loveshackfancy.com

Podcast Sponsors:

Learn more about Stone Mantel

https://www.stonemantel.co

Sign up for the Experience Strategist Substack here:

https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Joe Pine, Dave Norton, and Aransas Savas discuss PwC's recent report on growth through experience. They explore the evolving definitions of customer experience, emphasizing the importance of trust and meaningful interactions. The conversation delves into PwC's four dimensions of exceptional experiences: coherence, personalization, engagement, and distinctiveness. The hosts critique traditional measurement methods in customer experience, advocating for a focus on meaningful experiences rather than mere service delivery. They also discuss the significance of managing moments of frustration and the concept of modes in customer journeys, concluding with insights from case studies in various industries.

Takeaways

• Customer experience is fragile and requires trust.
• Meaningful experiences drive customer loyalty.
• Seamlessness is the baseline, not a value add.
• Exceptional experiences are defined by PwC as coherence, personalization, engagement, and distinctiveness.
• Measurement should focus on meaning, not just metrics.
• Managing frustration can create deeper customer relationships.
• Modes influence how customers interact with experiences.
• Retail must embrace experiential strategies to thrive.
• Trust is a predictor of growth in customer experience.
• The shift towards experience as a business strategy is gaining traction.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Experience Strategy Podcast
02:17 Understanding Customer Experience and Trust
05:21 Defining Exceptional Experiences
09:41 The Importance of Measurement in Experience
12:10 Rethinking Value Creation and Trust
13:57 Managing Moments of Frustration
16:43 Modes and Their Impact on Experience
17:09 Case Studies in Exceptional Experiences
19:30 Conclusion and Future Insights

Read More:

https://www.pwcresearch.com/uc/images/GrowthThroughExperience_2025.pdf

Podcast Sponsors:

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https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Joe Pine, Dave Norton, and Aransas Savas discuss their recent experiences at the Arival Conference and The Collaboratives, focusing on the evolving landscape of travel experiences and the impact of AI on search and social proof. They emphasize the importance of human connection in the age of AI, the significance of time well spent, and the necessity for companies to have a distinct point of view to thrive in a competitive market.

Takeaways

• AI searches are five times longer than traditional searches.
• Web crawlers for AI tools are limited and slow.
• Search can be considered an experience in itself.
• The importance of social proof is increasing in search results.
• Human connection is essential in the age of AI.
• A good tour guide can significantly enhance the experience.
• Companies must have a unique point of view to survive.
• The concept of time well spent is crucial for success.
• Sameness in offerings will be a challenge for businesses.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are vital for experience strategists.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Experience Strategy Podcast
01:29 Insights from the Arrival Conference
05:50 The Impact of AI on Search and Experience
12:11 The Importance of Human Connection
19:00 Time Well Spent: A New Perspective
23:18 Conclusion and Future Directions

Podcast Sponsors:

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Learn more about Stone Mantel

https://www.stonemantel.co

Sign up for the Experience Strategist Substack here:

https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

Adweek just did a write up on Uber's new ad campaign and we found reasons to concur with the article and take what Uber is doing farther. In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aranzas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss Uber's new advertising campaign, focusing on its storytelling approach and the importance of experiences in marketing. They explore how Uber positions itself as a service that enables meaningful experiences, the emotional, social, and systemic jobs it could fulfill, and the broader implications for brands in commoditized industries. The conversation also delves into the significance of modes and situations in user experience, and how universal storytelling can resonate with diverse audiences.

Takeaways

• Uber's new campaign emphasizes storytelling over traditional advertising.
• Experiences are crucial for differentiation in a commoditized market.
• Uber positions itself as an enabler of meaningful experiences.
• The campaign highlights reliability and dependability as key selling points.
• Emotional and social jobs are opportunity areas for Uber experiences.
• The storytelling is both universal and situational--and Tiktokky
• Modes and situations play a significant role in Uber experiences.
  
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Uber's New Campaign
01:40 The Power of Storytelling in Advertising
04:00 Experiences as Differentiation in Marketing
07:28 The Role of Uber in Enabling Experiences
09:47 Promises and Expectations in Service
12:06 Social and Emotional Jobs of Uber
13:47 Aspirational and Systemic Jobs to Be Done
16:35 Modes and Situations in User Experience
20:17 Universal Storytelling in Advertising
22:24 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Read more

https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/uber-drives-home-the-power-of-showing-up-in-new-on-our-way-ad/

Podcast Sponsors:

Learn how to inspire advocacy

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Learn more about Stone Mantel

https://www.stonemantel.co

Sign up for the Experience Strategist Substack here:

https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

In a recent HBR article, Yang Li shares his theory for how Pop Mart won young customers. But we think that fragmented attention is not what Pop Mart has mastered. Instead, they have mastered markets within/situational markets. In this conversation, the speakers delve into emphasizing the importance of customer engagement and customization. They discuss Pop Mart's innovative strategies for capturing consumer attention and fostering a sense of belonging among customers. The dialogue also explores the evolution of market segmentation, the significance of creating immersive experiences, and the need for brands to prioritize experience over traditional branding methods.

Other brands discussed include Ffern, Lego, and Cracker Jacks.

Takeaways

• Attention is one of the three currencies of the experience economy. It's not an economy.
• Pop Mart's success only partially lies in addressing fragmented consumer attention.
• Demographics are not effective for understanding individual consumers.
• Brands must cultivate surprise and delight and a sense of belonging.
• Timeless principles of experience design are still relevant today.
• Fusing real and virtual experiences can enhance customer engagement.
• Brands should focus on creating immersive experiences at home.
• The experience is more important than the brand itself.
• Packaged goods companies should prioritize customer experience in their strategies.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Experience Economy
02:54 Pop Mart's Success in the Market
05:50 The Evolution of Market Segmentation
08:57 Creating Loyalty and Belonging
11:58 The Role of Surprise and Anticipation
15:03 Fusing Real and Virtual Experiences
17:57 Lessons from Pop Mart for Other Brands

Read more

https://hbr.org/2025/07/how-pop-mart-won-young-customers-in-a-fragmented-attention-economy

Podcast Sponsors:

Learn how to inspire advocacy

https://www.thecargoagency.com

Learn more about Stone Mantel

https://www.stonemantel.co

Sign up for the Experience Strategist Substack here:

https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com