227. AI and the Human Element: How to Strike a Balance in the Workplace (Replay) | Brian Solis

Previously recorded in 2023. The actionable recommendations apply even more today! Customer experience teams are deploying chatbots and AI assistants earlier in the service journey because leadership wants faster resolution and lower cost per contact. That shifts more first interactions to automated flows. Customers are encountering decision-tree prompts instead of human conversation. That produces frustration and forgettable moments instead of loyalty-building moments. This episode addresses that operating pattern with a clear alternative: design AI around emotion and memory, not just efficiency. The conversation features Brian Solis, VP of Global Innovation at Salesforce, a digital anthropologist and futurist who has advised thousands of startups and enterprise organizations on innovation and transformation. He brings a human-centered lens to AI, automation, and the future of work, and he shares how leaders can use technology to build better relationships, better experiences, and better business models without losing the human element. What You Will Learn Replace "cheap automation" with human-centered design by mapping each AI touchpoint to an intended emotional reaction and a memorable moment. Close the skills gap for the jobs of the future by investing in soft skills such as creativity, listening, critical thinking, empathy, and leadership. Use AI to reimagine the customer journey and touchpoints, not just to cut cost, so relationships deepen instead of thinning out. Protect creativity and deep work by rewiring daily habits to reduce distraction and restore flow. Run an "undercover boss" moment to feel the customer and employee experience, then adjust processes so people feel understood and valued. Download The Distinctive Business Advantage research report to discover exactly what top-performing companies are doing to drive customer loyalty and sustainable growth, and what you can do as well. Want to bring these findings to your conference or company event? Contact Stacy Sherman Get notified of new articles and podcast episodes. Subscribe to the Doing CX Right® newsletter.