First Contact: Stories of the Call Center

From Cost Center to Profit Driver: The CX Transformation Blueprint: Camila Ferreira

Customer Experience (CX) isn't just about service—it's a revenue engine. In this episode, Christian Montes sits down with Camila Ferreira, Founder & CEO of Rise UP, to explore how businesses can transform CX from a cost center into a powerful growth driver. With over 20 years of global experience, Camila shares her journey from finance to CX leadership, the importance of data-driven strategies, and how companies can align their customer experience initiatives with revenue goals.
Listen in to discover how to elevate CX, secure a seat at the boardroom table, and build a strategy that drives loyalty, profitability, and sustainable growth.
🎧 Tune in now and start revolutionizing your CX approach!

AI-Driven Compliance & Sales: How Contact Centers Can Stay Ahead: Nima Hakimi

AI is transforming sales and compliance in contact centers—are you keeping up? In this episode of First Contact: Stories of the Call Center, Nima Hakimi, CEO & Co-Founder of Convoso, breaks down how AI-driven compliance, real-time agent coaching, and smarter tech adoption are reshaping the industry. Discover why most contact centers fail at implementing new technology, how to leverage AI without wasting time and money, and why the future isn’t about replacing agents—but making them AI-powered super agents. Stay ahead of compliance challenges, optimize your sales strategy, and future-proof your contact center. Watch now and level up your CX game!

Debunking Business Myths: The Leadership Blueprint for Contact Centers: Steve Bederman

What if the biggest lessons you’ve learned about business and leadership were based on myths? In this episode of First Contact: Stories of the Call Center, Christian Montes hosts Steve Bederman, President of NobelBiz, as they dive into the truths behind common leadership misconceptions.Steve unpacks the “family culture” myth in businesses, breaks down the complexities of loyalty in the workplace, and shares his experience navigating financial crises with transparency and resilience.Discover how to build real team chemistry, leverage AI without losing the human touch, and avoid the CEO “God Complex.” This conversation is a must-watch for contact center leaders and CX professionals aiming to create sustainable growth in an evolving industry.

What's Next for Contact Centers? Leadership, CX, and AI Insights: Colleen Beers

In this episode of First Contact: Stories of the Call Center, we sit down with Colleen Beers, a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in transforming the contact center and CX industry.
From her journey from a call center agent to a top executive, Colleen shares invaluable insights on leadership, employee empowerment, and the future of customer experience. We explore how AI is revolutionizing the industry, the importance of cross-functional teams, and the role of culture in driving success.
Whether you're a CX professional or a business leader, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Listen now to discover how to lead purposefully, embrace innovation, and create impactful customer journeys.

Empowering Women and Event Success in Lead Generation: Sara Malo

In this episode of First Contact: Stories of the Call Center, host Christian Montes sits down with marketing trailblazer Sara Malo to discuss her inspiring journey and her role in transforming the lead generation industry.
As VP of Partnerships at Lead Generation World, President of LinkUnite, and a leader at Contact.io, Sara shares her experiences in breaking through barriers in a male-dominated industry, empowering women, and redefining the event space in the digital age. From the founding of LinkUnite to her innovative event strategies, Sara offers valuable insights into how businesses can thrive through meaningful collaboration, compliance, and the integration of AI.
If you're looking for expert advice on navigating the evolving landscape of lead generation, digital marketing, and event management, this episode is a must-listen.

Building a Customer-Centric Culture: Annette Franz

In this episode of First Contact: Stories of the Call Center, Christian Montes sits down with customer experience (CX) expert Annette Franz to explore the vital connection between employee experience (EX) and delivering exceptional CX.
 
Annette shares her insights on building a customer-centric culture, effective journey mapping, and the role of data in improving customer interactions. The conversation dives deep into how AI and automation are shaping the future of contact centers, the importance of leadership alignment, and practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Whether you're leading a team or looking to enhance your customer service strategy, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you succeed in today’s business landscape.

The Loneliness Epidemic - How CX Can Bridge the Gap: Nate Brown

🎧 In today’s episode, Nate Brown shares his expert insights on leveraging customer-centric models and community to boost brand loyalty. Learn how integrating digital communities can transform customer interactions and feedback into a strategic advantage for your business.
Nate discusses the crucial role of transparency and co-creation in deepening customer relationships and how these efforts can lead to sustainable success. Don’t miss out on these valuable lessons on building a resilient, customer-focused brand!

The JEPPP Philosophy: Milan Batinich’s Guide to Professional Fulfillment

Join us for an enlightening episode of First Contact: Stories of the Call Center, featuring Milan Batinich, a dynamic speaker, coach, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping individuals discover joy, energy, passion, peace, and purpose—what he calls 'JEPPP'—in their careers. Milan brings a wealth of experience from operational and sales roles across start-ups and Fortune 100 companies, making him a powerful advocate for employee engagement and professional fulfillment.In this episode, Milan shares his inspiring journey from a shy 19-year-old to a seasoned expert in the contact center industry. We dive into the critical aspects of finding meaningful work, the evolving role of AI, and the balance between technology and human touch in customer interactions. Milan provides actionable insights on hiring and retaining top talent, highlighting the importance of employee engagement for outstanding customer experiences.Discover the future trends shaping the industry and learn how to adapt quickly with expert guidance. Milan's dedication to wellness, financial, and professional goals fuels his approach to leadership and coaching. This conversation is packed with valuable takeaways to help you motivate your teams, enhance retention, and find purpose in your work.Tune in now for an inspiring episode with Milan Batinich on First Contact: Stories of the Call Center!

Transformative Leadership: Harnessing AI and EQ for Better Customer Interactions: Thomas Paley

In this episode of "First Contact: Stories of the Call Center," Christian Montes interviews Thomas Paley, Director of Corporate Telecommunications and Contact Center Services at Hilton Grand Vacations. Thomas discusses his leadership philosophy, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence, team empowerment, and soft skills. He also explores the future of AI in customer service and shares how his creative hobbies, like customizing motorcycles, help him stay balanced and inspired. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with practical advice for anyone looking to excel in the contact center industry.
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🔗 Stay connected:https://www.nobelbiz.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/nobelbiz-inc-https://www.facebook.com/nobelbizinc/https://twitter.com/nobelbiz
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NobelBiz Inc. is an industry-leading provider of contact center software solutions, from its patented carrier of carriers network to its new, innovative, and fully remote omnichannel contact center solution: their network guarantees crystal-clear voice quality and 100% uptime.

BPO Excellence: Employee Retention, Engagement, and a People-First Mindset: John Coulter

In this podcast episode, we sit down with John Coulter, Vice President of Call Center Outsourcing Services at Five Star Call Centers. With over a decade of experience in the industry, John has been a trailblazer in transforming call centers into key drivers of business growth and customer loyalty.
He shares his journey from starting on the phones to leading a team, emphasizing the importance of employee retention, engagement, and a people-first mindset. Join us as we delve into the innovations and strategies that make Five Star Call Centers stand out in the competitive BPO landscape.
Grab your headphones, and let’s embark on this journey to discover the human stories behind the headsets.