In July 2018, I had a chance to speak in Rancho Palo Verdes at the NBJ Summit. I think I would move to the area given the opportunity. It’s a wonderful oasis in between the [INSERT ADJECTIVE/S HERE] of Southern California and the serenity of a beachside community. Before walking off stage, I noticed a graphic recording by The Sketch Effect off to my left. I missed it during my presentation, but was more than curious about what was captured…
Through a Research Lens: What Captured My Attention in 2018 and What’s in My Purview for 2019
Prophet’s Emily Schreck recently interviewed the Altimeter analysts to spotlight some of the things that we never get a chance to share, such as what we’re working on, what has our attention and what’s on the horizon. Schreck’s piece is now live. This year has been a whirlwind for Altimeter’s famed analysts; Charlene Li, Brian Solis, Susan Etlinger and Omar Akhtar. The team has published several new research reports, presented keynote speeches at top global industry conferences, and helped some…
Designing the Future of Customer Experience
My last book, X: The Experience When Business Meets Design, explored the art and science of experience design. Looking beyond the disparate, but important disciplines of customer experience, brand experience, user experience, service experience, I sought to spark a creative coalescence between them…hence, “X.” It’s the letter, and more importantly, the experience, they share. Why leave experiences to chance? Why should experiences be disconnected and impersonal? Yet, for the most part, even in an era of digital transformation and machine…
Find Joy and Meaning Along the Long and Winding Road of Life
A moment if you will…away from everything else. Sometimes I wonder how I got here. If I had to be honest, I would say that none of it was intentional. And if I had to be fully transparent, there were many throughout my life who believed I wouldn’t amount to much. There was a time when I believed them. I let it define me. The truth is that I still think about it from time to time. Am I supposed…
Humanity and Transparency are Genuine Value Propositions
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to keynote #SMMW18 in San Diego on the “State and Future of Social Media” and how we can (and need to) take back control of technology’s role in our lives. It was the first time speaking on the subject after walking away from it for several years. It was a big talk…first time presenting it. It was also a big audience…several thousand attendees. I was nervous and human and trying to stay centered….
A Prelude to Innovation: Figure Out How The World is Changing and How To Be More Relevant as It Evolves
There are many places in this world I hope to one day experience. On that list was Sofia, Bulgaria. I use the past tense as I’m so happy to report that I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful city (and country) for the DigitalK conference. What a great event! I presented on topic that I refer to as “A Prelude to Innovation.” It’s meant to spotlight the important actions and events serving as the introduction to innovation itself. Shortly…
It’s an Ideal World After All; The Importance of an Open Mind
If you and I stood on opposite ends of the number “6” painted on the floor, it’s likely that one of us would see a “6” and the other would see a “9.” As rock legend, and one of my favorite musical idols of all time, Jimi Hendrix once sang, “If 6 were 9.” You could be so sure I see what you see, and I could be certain, you see what I see. It’s all a matter of perspective…
Tomorrow’s Products and Services Need to Offer Innovative (Not Just Iterative) Experiences
Napa Valley, what a wonderful place to visit. Some of my favorite wineries are in Napa. Paraduxx, Far Niente, Harlan, Mascot, Nickel and Nickel, Chandon, Domain Carneros, Cuvaison, Schug, just to name a few. Napa is also a wonderful place to work. And, I recently had an opportunity to do so when I was asked share my vision of the future at the Senior Living Innovation Forum. I’m not an expert in senior living care nor am I a master…
Customer journeys start with smartphones, but brands still don’t get mobile
Customers are not going to wait for brands to get the mobile journey right…they’ll move on and find someone else who gets them. Customers are increasingly and overwhelmingly mobile-first. For the most part, many brands are still learning how to optimize traditional e-commerce experiences let alone mobile sites and apps. The Amazons of the world don’t make it any easier to keep up. Yet every day, customers are reaching for their smartphones to learn about what to buy, what to…
Digital Transformation: Strategies for Success
Brian Solis on Digital Transformation, “Transforming businesses through digital innovation — blazing through dreams, disruption and delivery.”
