In this episode of Brainfluence, host Roger Dooley welcomes back Richard Shotton, a marketing expert with 23 years of experience working with major brands like Google and Mondelez. Shotton specializes in applying behavioral science to marketing and is the author of two books, including his latest, "The Illusion of Choice: 16.5 Psychological Biases That Influence What We Buy."

LIsteners will learn about the reliability of behavioral science findings in marketing, the power of precise numbers in advertising, and how to use psychological principles like the "generation effect" to make marketing messages more memorable. Shotton also discusses the importance of reducing friction in customer experiences while explaining when a little friction can actually enhance perceptions of quality. Throughout the conversation, he provides practical examples and insights that marketers can apply to improve their strategies and better understand consumer behavior.

Show Notes, Audio, Text, Resources: https://www.rogerdooley.com/richard-shotton-illusion-choice/

"Illusion of Choice" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3WWgD2a

Richard Shotton specializes in applying behavioral science to marketing. He has worked in marketing for 23 years and helps brands such as Google, Mondelez and BrewDog with their challenges. He is the author of The Choice Factory, a best-selling book available in 15 languages, which explains how behavioural science can solve business challenges. His latest book, The Illusion of Choice came out in March 2023. He's the founder of Astroten, a behavioral science consultancy. In 2021 he became an associate of the Moller Institute, Churchill College, Cambridge University.

In this Brainfluence episode, we discuss some surprising customer experience findings from a Harvard Business Review study. Our guest, Mauro Carobene, VP and Global Head of Customer Interaction Suite at Tata Communications, sponsor of the study, joins me to share insights on how enterprises are managing and improving customer interactions today. Mauro notes that despite the high priority placed on improving customer interactions—emphasized by 94-97% of global CXOs and decision-makers—only a minority feel they are doing enough. Tune in as we explore the challenges posed by data silos, the evolving landscape of AI in customer service, and how businesses can leverage technology to provide faster, more useful interactions for their customers. He discusses the important role employee experience plays in creating positive customer interactions and highlights the transformative potential of AI and chatbots in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

Show notes, resources, links: https://www.rogerdooley.com/customer-interactions-hbr/ 

HBR Study: https://www.tatacommunications.com/press-release/nearly-6-10-say-their-businesses-arent-very-successful-at-consistently-delivering-positive-customer-experiences-finds-new-cx-survey/

Playlist - Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWpwOpolJGdKD3qDnQ6SPuXcGSI-WBo_4

Mauro Carobene is Vice President of Customer Interactions Suite at Tata Communications. He joined Tata Communications as part of the Company’s Kaleyra acquisition, where he was the Chief Business Officer. In the last 25+ years, Mauro has held a number of executive roles in the Software/Telecom Industry in companies like DigitalRoute, Comptel and Nokia. Mauro has also served on multiple boards/advisory boards as a telecom software industry expert.