In this episode of Bytes and Banter, writing expert Leslie O’Flahavan joins us to unpack why great writing is one of the most powerful—and overlooked—tools in tech support. From simple word swaps to game-changing formatting tips, Leslie shares practical ways support teams can write knowledge base content that’s clear, useful, and ready for both humans and AI. If you want your support docs to drive better self-service, reduce ticket volume, and actually help people solve problems—this one’s for you.

✍️ Want to write content people (and AI) can actually use? Visit ewriteonline.com and follow Leslie on LinkedIn for tools, tips, and real-time writing makeovers.

Leslie O’Flahavan has helped thousands of people learn to write well for online readers. As the founder of E-Write, she delivers custom writing workshops for contact center agents, social media teams, and technical staff. Leslie’s expertise spans email, chat, social media, and self-service knowledge articles—and she’s helped major global brands overhaul their entire customer service writing approach. A recognized leader in the space, Leslie was named one of ICMI’s “Top 25 Thought Leaders” in 2024 and has also been featured by Klaus, Netomi, and ProcedureFlow as one of the most influential voices in customer experience. She’s a LinkedIn Learning author of five popular courses and co-author of Clear, Correct, Concise E-Mail: A Writing Workbook for Customer Service Agents.

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HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org

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Bytes and Banter Podcast Team

Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/

Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/

Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/

Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/

Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/

Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com

Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

In this episode of Bytes and Banter, Nate Brown—Head of Education and Enablement at Metric Sherpa and co-founder of CX Accelerator—joins us to explore what it really takes to build a thriving workplace culture.

From selling postage meters to leading CX transformations, Nate reflects on the mentors, lessons, and frameworks that shaped his journey. At the center of the conversation is the idea of the "servant challenger": a leadership mindset that blends empathy with bold action to drive meaningful change.

We discuss the power of intrinsic motivation, how to measure it using tools like Total Motivation, and why aligning employee values with your brand promise is critical. Nate also shares real-world examples—from upskilling efforts at Warby Parker to leadership models from Beth Jenkins and Tanya Alvarez—showing how organizations can foster innovation and high performance by equipping people with purpose, support, and the right tools.

You’ll hear insights on balancing efficiency with human connection, building community through internal feedback loops, and why celebrating small wins can lead to big gains in team engagement.

Whether you're leading a team or looking to inspire one, this episode is full of fresh ideas and actionable strategies to elevate your workplace culture.

🔗 Learn more about the CX Accelerator community: https://cxaccelerator.com/community

Guest Bio – Nate Brown

Nate Brown is passionate about two things: customer experience and community—and he’s built his career at the intersection of both. He co-founded CX Accelerator in 2018, a vibrant online community of over 4,000 CX professionals supporting one another in building better experiences and stronger careers. Nate also leads Advisory Services at Metric Sherpa, helping organizations transform their customer interactions through strategy, alignment, and culture change.

As a CX executive and consultant, Nate has built contact centers from the ground up, led large-scale service transformations, and worked with organizations across industries including gaming, SaaS, retail, and healthcare—supporting brands like CHEP, WB Games, UL, Bosch, and BMI.

He’s the author of The Ultimate CX Primer, and has been recognized globally as a top CX thought leader by ICMI, MartechVibe, Exceeders, and Netomi. In 2023, Kustomer named him the most impactful influencer in the CX landscape.

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HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org

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Bytes and Banter Podcast Team

Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/

Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/

Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/

Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/

Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/

Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com

Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

Jo McRell is the author of "Making Work Work for You" and an innovative employee experience strategist. She’s helped organizations like Google, Intuit, Meta and Gusto better empower their employees. Through her work and the AI ERA Community she co-founded, Jo equips employees and leaders with the tools to navigate disruptions in employee culture, tech, and work models so they can thrive in the future of work.

www.jomcrell.com

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HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org

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Bytes and Banter Podcast Team

Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/

Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/

Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/

Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/

Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/

Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com

Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

In this episode, we explore the growing tech skills gap and how it creates both challenges and opportunities for organizations and professionals. With high demand for expertise in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies, companies are facing barriers like tech debt and skill shortages. We’ll discuss how in-demand skills can help professionals stand out, while tech leaders navigate priorities like AI governance, security, and modernization. Plus, we’ll highlight the increasing need for contract workers to fill critical roles and ways to future-proof your team in this competitive landscape. Featuring brand new data from the Robert Half Demand for Skilled Talent report, join us as we provide fresh insights into the tech talent shortage and its impact.

The Demand for Skilled Talent report can be accessed here:

Tech specific: 2025 Tech and IT Job Trends https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/salary-hiring-trends/demand-for-skilled-talent/tech-it

Full report: Employment Trends in 2025: Demand for Skilled Talent https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/salary-hiring-trends/demand-for-skilled-talent

Guest Bio - George Clauser is AVP & Branch Director at global talent solutions firm, Robert Half. A staffing veteran with nearly a decade of experience, George has successfully assisted companies with contract and contract-to-hire candidates and consultants for projects ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Concurrently, George serves as a board member for the HDI Chicagoland chapter. George holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois Chicago and attended Valparaiso University School of Law.

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HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org

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Bytes and Banter Podcast Team

Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/

Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/

Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/

Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/

Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/

Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com

Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

Ever wondered what it takes to bring a tech podcast to life? In Episode 16, we pull back the curtain for an exclusive interview with the producers of Bytes and Banter! Get a behind-the-scenes look at the vision, challenges, and magic that make each episode happen.

HDI Local Chapters, a non-profit volunteer organization, is committed to empowering the tech community through knowledge and innovation. Join us as we explore the journey of building a platform for thought-provoking conversations in IT Support, Service Management, and beyond.

🔊 Tune in and discover the stories behind the stories! #BytesAndBanter #TechPodcast #BehindTheScenes

Watch the episodes on YouTube: Bytes and Banter

Second Paragraph: Guest Biography

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HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org

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Bytes and Banter Podcast Team

Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/

Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/

Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/

Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/

Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/

Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com

Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

Kevin Apolinario is an experienced IT professional with over 12 years of customer service experience and eight years in IT support and system administration. Specializing in cybersecurity and blue team tools such as Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Sentinel, he serves as an Information Technology Security Specialist at Ollion, where he focuses on deploying endpoint security solutions and managing identity and access controls. His expertise also includes implementing antivirus solutions and conducting vulnerability scans to strengthen cybersecurity defenses.

Beyond his technical role, Kevin is a dedicated technical trainer and speaker committed to mentoring aspiring IT professionals. Through his YouTube channel, Kevtech IT Support, and various training platforms, he has helped over 24,000 individuals secure IT support roles. His instructional content covers topics such as CompTIA A+, Network+, entry-level helpdesk skills, customer service, and resume writing. Kevin has shared his insights at organizations including Microsoft, Jobtrain, Upwardly Global, Spiceworks, HDI, and Merit America. Passionate about guiding individuals into the tech industry through non-traditional pathways, he continues to inspire and educate the next generation of IT professionals.

Kevin Website https://www.kevtechitsupport.com/

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HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org

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Bytes and Banter Podcast Team

Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/

Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/

Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/

Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/

Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com

Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

Doug Rabold, North America XLA Institute Evangelist and long-time Disney enthusiast, discusses his career pivot from Sales to IT and how experience management is reshaping IT Service Management. He shares insights on shifting Service Desks from reactive to proactive support, delivering exceptional experiences, and the growing impact of XLAs in North America. Doug also previews the future of experience management and its role in elevating IT leadership in 2025.

XLA Institute https://www.linkedin.com/company/xla-institute/

Doug Rabold is a committed CX and ITSM Leader who has led high-performing global teams of up to 350 resources and managed a portfolio of contracts exceeding $60M annual revenue. He is an acknowledged Customer Experience and Employee Experience expert who focuses on developing talent to deliver exceptional support.

Doug attended University of Illinois, holds numerous certifications and is a Certified Instructor. He has extensive public speaking experience, is a frequent podcast guest, and a contributing author to several publications. Doug is the XLA Institute North America Evangelist, Past-Chairman of the HDI Board of Directors, sits on the ITAM Forum Strategic Advisory Council and AOTMP Advisory Council.

Doug was named 2021 AOTMP IT Management Professional of the Year, was a finalist for 2021 HDI Best Service and Support Manager and was selected as People’s Choice Winner for 2018 HDI Manager of the Year. He was named an HDI Top 25 ITSM Thought Leader 2022-24. Doug was selected by Customer Experience Magazine as a Top 25 CXMStar Influencer in 2023-24. He was a 2023 Top 50 CX Influencer by CX Network, AOTMP University Influencer, and MattsenKumar CX Thought Leader. He was recently named a 2024 ICMI Top 25 CX Thought Leader

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HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org

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Bytes and Banter Podcast Team

Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/

Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/

Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/

Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/

Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/

Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com

Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com

Lisa Duerre is the CEO & Co-Founder of RLD Group, a Collective of Leadership Development Coaching and Consulting Experts helping Tech Companies take culture transformation out of the clouds, banish burnout, and drive bottom-line results by co-creating Strengths-Based Leadership Development Solutions.

RLD Group is a WBENC Certified (WBE, WSOB) Leadership Consulting Firm with expertise in HR strategy and organizational design, developing leadership pipelines, talent retention, burnout prevention, and team performance in the complex hybrid-work world for Leaders in Tech.

Lisa spent 20+ years in Silicon Valley as a top-level executive inside Fortune 500 tech companies. Now, she leverages her corporate experience and gift of facilitation and leadership development to help organizations to put the heart of the human back in Tech and create the FIRM Leaders of tomorrow. Lisa’s insights have been featured by leading NBC, CBS, ABC, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Entrepreneur, WomLead Magazine, FeedSpot, Thrive Global, Authority Magazine, Romper, The Mercury News, and more.

Lisa is also the host of Ctrl+Alt+Delete with Lisa Duerre™ Podcast, rated in the top 10 Podcasts on Technical Leadership by FeedSpot - a gold mine of no-nonsense conversations between Lisa and top leadership experts & business executives across all industries to equip leaders in tech with practical tools to help them thrive at work and in life.

Lisa is actively raising awareness for Lipedema as she discusses her journey of discovering that she’s been living with this disease, a misunderstood and underdiagnosed condition affecting as many as 1 in 11 women.

When she’s not living the busy CEO life of leading RLD Group or paving the way for leaders in tech, Lisa loves exploring her home area of Portland, Oregon with her co-founder & husband, Randy, their daughter Emily, and their fun-loving Cavapoo, Yogi.

Media Kit: https://rldgroupllc.com/media-kit-lisa-duerre

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HDI Local Chapters is an all volunteer not-for-profit that brings Technical Support professionals together to connect, share and discuss common challenges, and learn from industry innovators and each other --- https://www.hdilocalchapters.org

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Bytes and Banter Podcast Team

Creative Producer/Host: Rocky McGuire - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockymcguire/

Executive Producer: Terri Oropeza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toropeza/

Associate Producer: Colleen Rush - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-rush-3603241/

Associate Producer - Daniel Guinto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-guinto-7b723630/

Technical Producer: Dustin Canter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustincanter/

Podcast Operating System: https://www.PodTechs.com

Post-Production: https://www.PodTechs.com