The CX Live!

The CX Live! podcast is an interview-style show for briefing programs and meetings. Our goal is to be your dedicated channel for all things customer experiencer where we ask industry thought leaders the tough questions about building a world-class program. Each month we’ll explore a new topic or trend that impacts customer experience, employee engagement, digitization and more…We’re unfiltered. We’re authentic. We’re having a conversation… join in!

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The CX Live!

The CX Live! Episode 84: Staying Connected & Inspired in a Noisy World with Pete Riddell

April 09, 2025

In our first episode, post the GACEP Spring Conference, Pete Riddell, Executive Creative Director with Derse, shares his gift for human storytelling while offering key ways to stay connected and inspired in today’s noisy world. It’s no surprise that Pete’s moving LinkedIn posts were the ‘inspiration’ for this conversation. From helping us to be more mindful of where we focus our energy and creating opportunities for ‘conversational jazz’ with kindred spirits, to how we center ourselves and take a moment before we respond or participate with others, Pete showcases the joy of savoring connectedness by turning people into storytellers. Be curious, listen, contribute positively to our society, make kind gestures, lift others up, make lasting memories… so many Peteisms.

Highlights

Connection: Check in with friends - how are you doing (daily rating 1 to 10)
Inspiration: practice conversational jazz with kindred spirits - who to reach out to
Being better stewards of our time - unsubscribe from social apps
Remind ourselves of memories - scroll through personal photos instead
Centering ourselves: Being mindful in the moment - doing smallest of things
When you think of friends and family: reach out, text, call, send hand-written note
We have agency to choose how we respond or participate
Humble pebbles to put on the scale - contribute in this noisy world
Curiosity - ask questions that turn people into storytellers

Resources

‘This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life’ by David Foster Wallace
‘This is Water - Commencement Speech’ by David Foster Wallace
‘Dartmouth College Commencement Speech’ by Mr. Rogers

Guest Thought Leader

Pete Riddell, Executive Creative Director, Derse

Pete is the beating heart of Derse’s Customer Experience & Storytelling team. Their mission: to help Derse’s clients tell their best stories … as engagingly as possible. Pete has remained a perpetual student while growing Derse’s experiential practice over his 20+ years. His work includes novel engagement strategies on behalf of IHG, Charles Schwab and Cencora while spanning a broad range of industries, including healthcare, tech, automotive, financial services and hospitality (among others).

A gifted writer, storyteller and thought leader, Pete has presented, authored content and facilitated workshops at ExhibitorLive!, ABPM (now GACEP), HCEA Connect, Event Tech (now EMS), and also with/for Derse clients. He and the CX team love sharing inspiration and trends with clients and kindred spirits in this Golden Age of experience design.