Episode 83
Brand Story Podcast

Customer-Centric Innovation

featuring Alicia Knight

Senior Product Business Consultant at Southwest Airlines

Alicia Knight, Senior Product Business Consultant at Southwest Airlines, talks about embracing change to improve customer experiences with our president, Steve Gilman.

If your brand is still stuck in the 90s doing things the way they’ve always been done, you’re only doing yourself a disservice. The best brands don’t become successful by standing still — they change and evolve alongside their customers. They listen to feedback, make improvements, and exist to serve their customers in the best possible way.

As a Senior Product Business Consultant at Southwest Airlines, Alicia has seen her fair share of change. In fact, she’s leading it  — working behind the scenes to introduce new technology and processes to Southwest’s operations. In this episode, Alicia shares insights from the airline industry, including some popular Southwest programs you may not be aware of. She also shares the importance of understanding what you’re trying to accomplish as a brand and the opportunities we all have to make the customer experience better.

About the Guest

Alicia Knight

Senior Product Business Consultant at Southwest Airlines

As a Senior Product Business Consultant at Southwest, Alicia works with pilots, dispatchers, and operations stakeholders to provide technology that supports efficient & reliable processes. Her career spans hospitality, education software, and online dating where she has proven success in delivering remarkable customer experiences, driving top-line revenues, and minimizing costs. Her previous roles at Southwest include Senior Product Owner and Digital Product Manager, where she was the digital lead for the successful launch of Wanna Get Away Plus.

Quickfire Q&A

What's a key piece of advice that you wish that leaders or organizations would follow as they're trying to reinvent things or improve things?

Alicia: I think it’s just understanding what you’re trying to accomplish. A lot of people think “this is what this top brand is doing so we need to do it” but it’s really just trying to understand what you’re trying to do instead of just following. The other feedback is to really listen to your customers.

What's a piece of advice that you've been given that’s really stuck with you?

Alicia: Thinking about your overall happiness and making sure you’re working for a job that you’re passionate about. If you really enjoy where you’re working and enjoy the people you’re working with, you’re going to be successful because that passion is going to come through.

If you could give your younger self any advice what would it be?

Alicia: Enjoy life a little bit more. Stay in the present. Embrace new things and get out of your comfort zone. In the past couple of years, I’ve really just wanted to learn more and grow as a person instead of just checking the box.

Related Links

Alicia on LinkedIn

About The Host

Steve Gilman

As the President of Gravity Group, Steve is passionate about helping brands reach their goals through honest, creative marketing and powerful brand stories.

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