Optimize with empathy: Gwen Hammes on turning behavior into brand impact

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4fEzKXi ----------------------- Got a question? Want to recommend a guest? Or do you want to tell me how the show can be better?  Send me a voice message via email at podcast@usertesting.com ----------------------- Episode summary:This week on Insights Unlocked, Nathan Isaacs sits down with Gwen Hammes, co-CEO of CRO Metrics, to explore how brands can turn real customer behaviors into powerful, business-driving insights. With a career spanning top global agencies and now leading a growth experimentation firm, Gwen shares how her experience in different cultures, especially Mexico City, helped reshape her leadership style, making it more adaptable, empathetic, and outcome-focused. What you'll learn in this episode: Why conversion optimization is more than just a tactical fix—it’s a rich source of behavioral insight How cultural experiences can break rigid thinking and inspire more creative, human-centered problem-solving What symmetrical messaging is and why it’s one of the most overlooked opportunities for brands How to use experimentation to de-risk web redesigns and new capabilities Ways to reframe change to make it energizing for teams rather than destabilizing How CRO Metrics is adopting AI tools, not just for efficiency but to deepen client insights Why mentorship and community-building matter, and how Gwen is investing in the next generation of women in growth Resources & Links: Gwen Hammes on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-hammes/) The CRO Metrics website (https://crometrics.com/) Nathan Isaacs on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanisaacs/) Learn more about Insights Unlocked: https://www.usertesting.com/podcast

Om Podcasten

What does it take to create experiences customers love, craft campaigns that captivate, and drive measurable results? Insights Unlocked features candid conversations with the builders, creators, and innovators driving some of the world’s most impactful digital transformations. Tailored for marketing, product, UX and CX leaders, each episode delivers actionable insights to help you create customer-first strategies and stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape. Each episode is about 30 minutes long. From optimizing product launches to leveraging AI for smarter workflows, Insights Unlocked is your go-to resource for designing experiences that resonate, drive loyalty, and achieve business results. Guests include influential leaders like Brian Solis, April Dunford, Kate Towsey, Jacob Nielsen, Teresa Torres, and Judd Antin among others, offering their expertise in CX, UX, and innovation. The podcast also highlights strategies and success stories from leading brands such as Verizon, Signet Jewelers, Figma, Microsoft, Tesco Bank, and more. UserTesting leaders and industry experts join as guest hosts, alongside show producer Nathan Isaacs, award-winning journalist and Senior Manager of Content Production at UserTesting. Brought to you by UserTesting, the leader in human insights and proactive customer experience strategies, Insights Unlocked empowers CMOs and marketing teams to craft experiences that drive growth, loyalty, and impact. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Show notes, curated clips and more at usertesting.com/podcast.