Sure, you can make an action figure of yourself with AI. But while everyone's playing with chat prompts and generating funny images, some companies are using AI to free up millions of dollars sitting in warehouses. The future is already here - it's just not evenly distributed. At this point, AI has stopped being "optional" for customer experience. Scott breaks down five operational areas where AI isn't just impressive, it's profitable: from Chick-fil-A's system that predicts sandwich demand every eight minutes to smart mirrors that map your body for perfect outfit fitting. This isn't about which prompt gets the best response. It's about forecasting demand, personalizing at scale, and detecting threats before they cost you. Because while you're deciding whether AI matters, your competitors are already using it to create raving fans. Don't hop on board when it's too late. Right now, AI can be the nitrous oxide for the customer experience engine you already have. ---------- P.S.: If you're ready to take your learning to the next level, beyond what we can cover in this podcast, then Legendary Brands Academy was made with you in mind. The online program will show you exactly how to transform your brand into a game-changer in your industry. No more wishing things could be different -- no more theorizing without action -- no more saying "that's for other brands, but not for me." With Legendary Brands Academy, everything is designed for you to take action and see transformation in real-time. You'll learn the step-by-step systems you can begin to implement today. So if you're ready to see real change, real results, and real Raving Fans for your brand, then you can check out Legendary Brands Academy here: www.LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com (http://LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com) ---------- Sign up for our newsletter, and find more info on how we are building legendary brands at: www.SwozConsulting.com (http://www.SwozConsulting.com)  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ever have a conversation that keeps replaying in your mind weeks after it happened? That's how it felt after talking with Jim Huling in Episode 37. In this episode, Scott and Caitlin dig deeper into the "fiery nuggets" Jim dropped during their discussion. They challenge the false dichotomy between profit and purpose, unpacking why leaders who start with purpose ultimately achieve greater sustainable results than those fixated on quarterly numbers. Most compelling is Jim's observation that "there are high trust teams who don't have high execution, but there are no high execution teams who aren't high trust." This single insight explains why the "soft stuff" isn't actually soft at all -- it's the essential foundation for operational excellence. Whether you've heard the conversation with Jim in Episode 37 yet or not, this discussion might make you rethink what really drives legendary results. ---------- P.S.: If you're ready to take your learning to the next level, beyond what we can cover in this podcast, then Legendary Brands Academy was made with you in mind. The online program will show you exactly how to transform your brand into a game-changer in your industry. No more wishing things could be different -- no more theorizing without action -- no more saying "that's for other brands, but not for me." With Legendary Brands Academy, everything is designed for you to take action and see transformation in real-time. You'll learn the step-by-step systems you can begin to implement today. So if you're ready to see real change, real results, and real Raving Fans for your brand, then you can check out Legendary Brands Academy here: www.LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com (http://LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com) ---------- Sign up for our newsletter, and find more info on how we are building legendary brands at: www.SwozConsulting.com (http://www.SwozConsulting.com)  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What separates exceptional organizations from the rest? In this conversation with Jonathan Reynolds, founder of Titus Talent, Scott and Caitlin explore why finding the right people is the foundation of every legendary brand. Jonathan reveals why traditional recruiting methods often fail and shares his counterintuitive approach to attracting A-players. Through engaging stories and tactical insights, he explains why great candidates want roles that challenge them beyond their current skill set, and why clearly defining excellence matters more than crafting the perfect job description. Most compelling is Jonathan's "one interview question" that cuts through the noise and reveals the truth about candidates. Get ready for a fun ride that's just as entertaining as it is informative! ---------- Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanreynolds/ Check out Titus Talent : https://www.titustalent.com/ ---------- P.S.: If you're ready to take your learning to the next level, beyond what we can cover in this podcast, then Legendary Brands Academy was made with you in mind. The online program will show you exactly how to transform your brand into a game-changer in your industry. No more wishing things could be different -- no more theorizing without action -- no more saying "that's for other brands, but not for me." With Legendary Brands Academy, everything is designed for you to take action and see transformation in real-time. You'll learn the step-by-step systems you can begin to implement today. So if you're ready to see real change, real results, and real Raving Fans for your brand, then you can check out Legendary Brands Academy here: www.LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com (http://LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com) ---------- Sign up for our newsletter, and find more info on how we are building legendary brands at: www.SwozConsulting.com (http://www.SwozConsulting.com)  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if treating your people well wasn't at odds with driving high performance? In this powerful conversation with Howard Behar, former President of Starbucks International, Scott and Caitlin explore why servant leadership is fundamentally about performance, not just being nice. Howard reveals the three primary responsibilities of servant leaders, and why the first focus should always be on helping people grow as human beings. At Starbucks, he created a culture where mistreating people had greater consequences than missing financial targets. Through candid stories from scaling the company from 28 stores to 1000s of stores, Howard demonstrates how this people-first approach drove remarkable business success. Whether you're leading a team of two or two thousand, this conversation offers practical wisdom on creating human-centered leadership that drives both personal and organizational excellence. ---------- Connect with Howard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-behar-24ba274/ Check out Howard's Starbucks legacy: https://archive.starbucks.com/record/howard-behar Learn more about Howard: http://howardbehar.com/ ---------- P.S.: If you're ready to take your learning to the next level, beyond what we can cover in this podcast, then Legendary Brands Academy was made with you in mind. The online program will show you exactly how to transform your brand into a game-changer in your industry. No more wishing things could be different -- no more theorizing without action -- no more saying "that's for other brands, but not for me." With Legendary Brands Academy, everything is designed for you to take action and see transformation in real-time. You'll learn the step-by-step systems you can begin to implement today. So if you're ready to see real change, real results, and real Raving Fans for your brand, then you can check out Legendary Brands Academy here: www.LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com (http://LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com) ---------- Sign up for our newsletter, and find more info on how we are building legendary brands at: www.SwozConsulting.com (http://www.SwozConsulting.com)  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What can we learn from someone who's generated over $21 billion in enterprise value through digital transformation? In this conversation with Ben Elmore, Scott and Caitlin explore the often-misunderstood world of bringing technology and people together. Ben shares why 70% of digital transformation efforts fail, and how his team achieves an 85% success rate instead. Through stories from his work with Under Armor and faith-based organizations, he reveals that technology is only 1/3 of the transformation equation (and why starting with tech often leads to disaster). Whether you're leading a digital initiative or simply trying to navigate a changing marketplace, this conversation offers practical wisdom on balancing technology with the human elements that make change stick. ---------- Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminelmore/ Check out Servant: https://www.servant.io/ Check out Intevity: https://www.intevity.com/ ---------- P.S.: If you're ready to take your learning to the next level, beyond what we can cover in this podcast, then Legendary Brands Academy was made with you in mind. The online program will show you exactly how to transform your brand into a game-changer in your industry. No more wishing things could be different -- no more theorizing without action -- no more saying "that's for other brands, but not for me." With Legendary Brands Academy, everything is designed for you to take action and see transformation in real-time. You'll learn the step-by-step systems you can begin to implement today. So if you're ready to see real change, real results, and real Raving Fans for your brand, then you can check out Legendary Brands Academy here: www.LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com (http://LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com) ---------- Sign up for our newsletter, and find more info on how we are building legendary brands at: www.SwozConsulting.com (http://www.SwozConsulting.com)  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

After decades coaching thousands of executives across 21 countries, Jim Huling has experienced first-hand what separates thriving teams from those that merely survive. What if the most crucial element of team success -- in the real world -- isn't always what we expect it to be on paper? In this eye-opening conversation, Jim reveals to Scott and Caitlin the missing component he's consistently found to be the downfall of even the most operationally excellent teams. Through compelling stories and hard-won insights, Jim explains why "trust" isn't just a buzzword. It's the bedrock upon which excellence is built and sustained. For leaders tired of constantly fighting the same battles, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what truly matters. Are you ready to transform your leadership approach from one that merely hopes for excellence, to one that naturally inspires excellence? Buckle up, as Jim's wisdom could be a game-changer for you. ---------- Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhuling/ ---------- P.S.: If you're ready to take your learning to the next level, beyond what we can cover in this podcast, then Legendary Brands Academy was made with you in mind. The online program will show you exactly how to transform your brand into a game-changer in your industry. No more wishing things could be different -- no more theorizing without action -- no more saying "that's for other brands, but not for me." With Legendary Brands Academy, everything is designed for you to take action and see transformation in real-time. You'll learn the step-by-step systems you can begin to implement today. So if you're ready to see real change, real results, and real Raving Fans for your brand, then you can check out Legendary Brands Academy here: www.LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com (http://LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com) ---------- Sign up for our newsletter, and find more info on how we are building legendary brands at: www.SwozConsulting.com (http://www.SwozConsulting.com)  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What happens when you combine lightning-fast growth with unwavering quality standards? In this conversation with Grace Chadwick, COO of Crumbl Cookies, Scott and Caitlin explore how one of the fastest-growing food brands manages to maintain excellence while changing their entire menu weekly. Grace reveals the unexpected foundation of Crumbl's success: a tech-first approach that enables real-time communication, training, and customer feedback across thousands of locations. From their customized rating system to their innovative recruiting strategies, discover how Crumbl has turned the traditional food industry model upside down. Most importantly, learn why finding the right cultural fit has been key to Crumbl's extraordinary journey -- creating an environment where innovation thrives, and rapid change becomes a competitive advantage. ---------- Connect with Grace on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracielachadwick/ ---------- P.S.: If you're ready to take your learning to the next level, beyond what we can cover in this podcast, then Legendary Brands Academy was made with you in mind. The online program will show you exactly how to transform your brand into a game-changer in your industry. No more wishing things could be different -- no more theorizing without action -- no more saying "that's for other brands, but not for me." With Legendary Brands Academy, everything is designed for you to take action and see transformation in real-time. You'll learn the step-by-step systems you can begin to implement today. So if you're ready to see real change, real results, and real Raving Fans for your brand, then you can check out Legendary Brands Academy here: www.LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com (http://LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com) ---------- Sign up for our newsletter, and find more info on how we are building legendary brands at: www.SwozConsulting.com (http://www.SwozConsulting.com)  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What happens when you get direct advice from an industry pioneer? In this episode, Scott and Caitlin explore how valuable conversations with industry pioneers can transform your business approach. Caitlin shares insights from her recent meeting with Chuck Coonradt, the original "Godfather of Gamification," revealing his counterintuitive advice about explaining what you do to potential clients. Rather than leading with methodology, learn why focusing on the problems you solve creates deeper connections. Through this conversation, Scott and Caitlin demonstrate how meeting with legends isn't as intimidating as it seems -- it just requires the right approach. Discover practical strategies for making these connections, preparing effective questions, and extracting insights that can create significant shifts in your business strategy. ---------- P.S.: If you're ready to take your learning to the next level, beyond what we can cover in this podcast, then Legendary Brands Academy was made with you in mind. The online program will show you exactly how to transform your brand into a game-changer in your industry. No more wishing things could be different -- no more theorizing without action -- no more saying "that's for other brands, but not for me." With Legendary Brands Academy, everything is designed for you to take action and see transformation in real-time. You'll learn the step-by-step systems you can begin to implement today. So if you're ready to see real change, real results, and real Raving Fans for your brand, then you can check out Legendary Brands Academy here: www.LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com (http://LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com) ---------- Sign up for our newsletter, and find more info on how we are building legendary brands at: www.SwozConsulting.com (http://www.SwozConsulting.com)  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We've spent the past few weeks getting specific about The Three C's of Hiring -- and now it's time to put it all together. It's one thing to have all the knowledge and strategies, but what do you do when you encounter questions along the way? Scott and Caitlin wrap up this Mini-Series by detailing specific guardrails, pitfalls, and common questions you might encounter as you apply the Three C's to your hiring process. You'll learn: How to prevent hiring people that think and behave exactly like you (and why that's such a common pitfall!) How to use the Three-Legged Stool approach to evaluate what qualities can be wobbly versus rock solid When to say "no" to potential candidates (even when your optimistic side wants to say yes) Understanding realistic expectations for the hiring process, and how to troubleshoot challenges that arise With the Three C's of Hiring under your belt, and practical guardrails to keep your hiring process running smoothly, you're ready to go out there and hire your rockstar team! ---------- P.S.: If you're ready to take your learning to the next level, beyond what we can cover in this podcast, then Legendary Brands Academy was made with you in mind. The online program will show you exactly how to transform your brand into a game-changer in your industry. No more wishing things could be different -- no more theorizing without action -- no more saying "that's for other brands, but not for me." With Legendary Brands Academy, everything is designed for you to take action and see transformation in real-time. You'll learn the step-by-step systems you can begin to implement today. So if you're ready to see real change, real results, and real Raving Fans for your brand, then you can check out Legendary Brands Academy here: www.LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com (http://LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com) ---------- Sign up for our newsletter, and find more info on how we are building legendary brands at: www.SwozConsulting.com (http://www.SwozConsulting.com)  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Last episode, Scott and Caitlin addressed the fundamentals of hiring for Competence. Now, it's time to enter troubleshooting mode. You might know the secrets of how to assess for Competence, but what do you do when real-world complications blur the lines? Through candid conversations and surprising revelations, they address critical questions like: Is it possible for someone to be too competent for a job? How do you not just hire competent employees, but also retain them? What if you work in a stereotypically "difficult" industry to find competent employees, like fast food? How do you create a "win" for everybody, while staying true to your company's core values? Scott and Caitlin close with a powerful perspective from Truett Cathy that perfectly frames the balance between valuing people and maintaining standards. ---------- P.S.: If you're ready to take your learning to the next level, beyond what we can cover in this podcast, then Legendary Brands Academy was made with you in mind. The online program will show you exactly how to transform your brand into a game-changer in your industry. No more wishing things could be different -- no more theorizing without action -- no more saying "that's for other brands, but not for me." With Legendary Brands Academy, everything is designed for you to take action and see transformation in real-time. You'll learn the step-by-step systems you can begin to implement today. So if you're ready to see real change, real results, and real Raving Fans for your brand, then you can check out Legendary Brands Academy here: www.LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com (http://LegendaryBrandsAcademy.com) ---------- Sign up for our newsletter, and find more info on how we are building legendary brands at: www.SwozConsulting.com (http://www.SwozConsulting.com)  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.