Scott McKain
@scottmckain.bsky.social
Author, Professional Speakers Hall of Fame, Cavett recipient (highest honor in professional speaking), Sales & Marketing Hall of Fame, in two Werner Herzog movies, and Tammy’s husband.
Stop calling it change. Change implies something you can manage. Something with a beginning and end. What we're in now is turbulence.
Unprecedented speed. Unpredictable direction. Simultaneous disruptions. That's a different game. And the strategies we've relied on were designed for a calmer sea.
Unprecedented speed. Unpredictable direction. Simultaneous disruptions. That's a different game. And the strategies we've relied on were designed for a calmer sea.
December 27, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Stop calling it change. Change implies something you can manage. Something with a beginning and end. What we're in now is turbulence.
Unprecedented speed. Unpredictable direction. Simultaneous disruptions. That's a different game. And the strategies we've relied on were designed for a calmer sea.
Unprecedented speed. Unpredictable direction. Simultaneous disruptions. That's a different game. And the strategies we've relied on were designed for a calmer sea.
Always remember, #customers choose you INSTEAD of other options. What do yours have a RIGHT to EXPECT? That should be a central question of your 2026 #CX goals!
#keynotespeaker #leadership #BeyondDistinction
#keynotespeaker #leadership #BeyondDistinction
December 27, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Always remember, #customers choose you INSTEAD of other options. What do yours have a RIGHT to EXPECT? That should be a central question of your 2026 #CX goals!
#keynotespeaker #leadership #BeyondDistinction
#keynotespeaker #leadership #BeyondDistinction
If everyone is trying to #standout, then that becomes just the standard.
Have we reached the limits of #differentiation?
#TranscendTurbulence #Leadership ##StandingOutIsNotEnough #FutureOfBusiness
Have we reached the limits of #differentiation?
#TranscendTurbulence #Leadership ##StandingOutIsNotEnough #FutureOfBusiness
December 27, 2025 at 1:30 PM
If everyone is trying to #standout, then that becomes just the standard.
Have we reached the limits of #differentiation?
#TranscendTurbulence #Leadership ##StandingOutIsNotEnough #FutureOfBusiness
Have we reached the limits of #differentiation?
#TranscendTurbulence #Leadership ##StandingOutIsNotEnough #FutureOfBusiness
As you plan your 2026 goals, #clarity about what you stand FOR should be at the top of your list!
#BeyondDistinction #CX #sales #leadership #keynotespeaker
#BeyondDistinction #CX #sales #leadership #keynotespeaker
December 26, 2025 at 2:24 PM
As you plan your 2026 goals, #clarity about what you stand FOR should be at the top of your list!
#BeyondDistinction #CX #sales #leadership #keynotespeaker
#BeyondDistinction #CX #sales #leadership #keynotespeaker
Wishing you a season filled with meaning, connection, and moments that truly matter.
Stay warm, stay grateful, and stay wonderfully distinctive. ❄️✨
#HappyHolidays #ScottMcKain #Distinction #MeaningfulMoments #StayWarm
Stay warm, stay grateful, and stay wonderfully distinctive. ❄️✨
#HappyHolidays #ScottMcKain #Distinction #MeaningfulMoments #StayWarm
December 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Wishing you a season filled with meaning, connection, and moments that truly matter.
Stay warm, stay grateful, and stay wonderfully distinctive. ❄️✨
#HappyHolidays #ScottMcKain #Distinction #MeaningfulMoments #StayWarm
Stay warm, stay grateful, and stay wonderfully distinctive. ❄️✨
#HappyHolidays #ScottMcKain #Distinction #MeaningfulMoments #StayWarm
One question that can transform the direction of your organization:
“𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴?”
Not “what are we doing”
Not “what’s our next tactic”
But who — and what — we are intentionally evolving into.
“𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴?”
Not “what are we doing”
Not “what’s our next tactic”
But who — and what — we are intentionally evolving into.
December 23, 2025 at 11:00 PM
One question that can transform the direction of your organization:
“𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴?”
Not “what are we doing”
Not “what’s our next tactic”
But who — and what — we are intentionally evolving into.
“𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴?”
Not “what are we doing”
Not “what’s our next tactic”
But who — and what — we are intentionally evolving into.
Clarity isn’t a luxury — it’s the foundation of every transformation.
Confusion is the enemy of relevance.
Before you plan the new year, define what you’re actually trying to become.
Confusion is the enemy of relevance.
Before you plan the new year, define what you’re actually trying to become.
December 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Clarity isn’t a luxury — it’s the foundation of every transformation.
Confusion is the enemy of relevance.
Before you plan the new year, define what you’re actually trying to become.
Confusion is the enemy of relevance.
Before you plan the new year, define what you’re actually trying to become.
Leadership requires constant evolution — not occasional adjustment.
Here are four questions every team should answer before the year ends:
1️⃣ What changed for our customers this year?
Here are four questions every team should answer before the year ends:
1️⃣ What changed for our customers this year?
December 22, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Leadership requires constant evolution — not occasional adjustment.
Here are four questions every team should answer before the year ends:
1️⃣ What changed for our customers this year?
Here are four questions every team should answer before the year ends:
1️⃣ What changed for our customers this year?
One of the biggest killers of innovation?
𝘛𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.
Neuroscience shows that creativity thrives when we suspend judgment — even temporarily.
But most organizations do the opposite:
they brainstorm with a filter already on.
No wonder fresh ideas suffocate.
𝘛𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.
Neuroscience shows that creativity thrives when we suspend judgment — even temporarily.
But most organizations do the opposite:
they brainstorm with a filter already on.
No wonder fresh ideas suffocate.
December 20, 2025 at 3:02 PM
One of the biggest killers of innovation?
𝘛𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.
Neuroscience shows that creativity thrives when we suspend judgment — even temporarily.
But most organizations do the opposite:
they brainstorm with a filter already on.
No wonder fresh ideas suffocate.
𝘛𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.
Neuroscience shows that creativity thrives when we suspend judgment — even temporarily.
But most organizations do the opposite:
they brainstorm with a filter already on.
No wonder fresh ideas suffocate.
If you want to elevate your business, look no further than one of my all-time favorite examples: Taxi Terry.
He didn’t succeed because he had the fanciest car or the lowest fare.
He didn’t succeed because he had the fanciest car or the lowest fare.
December 19, 2025 at 11:00 PM
If you want to elevate your business, look no further than one of my all-time favorite examples: Taxi Terry.
He didn’t succeed because he had the fanciest car or the lowest fare.
He didn’t succeed because he had the fanciest car or the lowest fare.
“Standing out” has become a low bar. Being different might get you noticed — but being 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 different gets you chosen.
You can be different by offering something no one wants. But different isn’t enough.
𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 → 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
You can be different by offering something no one wants. But different isn’t enough.
𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 → 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
December 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM
“Standing out” has become a low bar. Being different might get you noticed — but being 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 different gets you chosen.
You can be different by offering something no one wants. But different isn’t enough.
𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 → 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
You can be different by offering something no one wants. But different isn’t enough.
𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 → 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
The speed of change is so rapid and unpredictable, it’s now TURBULENCE. And it has outpaced the speed of leadership.
December 18, 2025 at 5:01 PM
The speed of change is so rapid and unpredictable, it’s now TURBULENCE. And it has outpaced the speed of leadership.
Your customers already know your #AI strategy is failing. They're just too polite to tell you.
Here's why: You're dumping 93% of your AI budget into technology and 7% into people—then wondering why AI #CX is one of the WORST experiences that customers report.
open.substack.com/pub/scottmck...
Here's why: You're dumping 93% of your AI budget into technology and 7% into people—then wondering why AI #CX is one of the WORST experiences that customers report.
open.substack.com/pub/scottmck...
December 16, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Your customers already know your #AI strategy is failing. They're just too polite to tell you.
Here's why: You're dumping 93% of your AI budget into technology and 7% into people—then wondering why AI #CX is one of the WORST experiences that customers report.
open.substack.com/pub/scottmck...
Here's why: You're dumping 93% of your AI budget into technology and 7% into people—then wondering why AI #CX is one of the WORST experiences that customers report.
open.substack.com/pub/scottmck...
Why are some #customers loyal - and others give you bad reviews?
scottmckain.com
#CX #sales #leadership #distinction
scottmckain.com
#CX #sales #leadership #distinction
December 14, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Why are some #customers loyal - and others give you bad reviews?
scottmckain.com
#CX #sales #leadership #distinction
scottmckain.com
#CX #sales #leadership #distinction
lululemon's CEO is stepping down. The stock has been cut in half from its peak. Business analysts are scrambling to explain what went wrong.
Here's what they're missing: Lululemon didn't lose because competitors made cheaper yoga pants. They lost because...
open.substack.com/pub/scottmck...
#CX
Here's what they're missing: Lululemon didn't lose because competitors made cheaper yoga pants. They lost because...
open.substack.com/pub/scottmck...
#CX
December 13, 2025 at 2:13 PM
lululemon's CEO is stepping down. The stock has been cut in half from its peak. Business analysts are scrambling to explain what went wrong.
Here's what they're missing: Lululemon didn't lose because competitors made cheaper yoga pants. They lost because...
open.substack.com/pub/scottmck...
#CX
Here's what they're missing: Lululemon didn't lose because competitors made cheaper yoga pants. They lost because...
open.substack.com/pub/scottmck...
#CX
Your 2025 strategy is already obsolete.
Whatever growth plan you mapped out, whatever competitive advantages you're banking on—they're not enough. #Customers are changing faster than you are.
2026 demands you go BEYOND...
Are you ready to go BEYOND?
I have a big announcement coming soon --
Whatever growth plan you mapped out, whatever competitive advantages you're banking on—they're not enough. #Customers are changing faster than you are.
2026 demands you go BEYOND...
Are you ready to go BEYOND?
I have a big announcement coming soon --
December 13, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Your 2025 strategy is already obsolete.
Whatever growth plan you mapped out, whatever competitive advantages you're banking on—they're not enough. #Customers are changing faster than you are.
2026 demands you go BEYOND...
Are you ready to go BEYOND?
I have a big announcement coming soon --
Whatever growth plan you mapped out, whatever competitive advantages you're banking on—they're not enough. #Customers are changing faster than you are.
2026 demands you go BEYOND...
Are you ready to go BEYOND?
I have a big announcement coming soon --
What made you distinctive in 2020 won’t guarantee relevance in 2026.
Customer loyalty is now fluid — and almost every advantage has a shorter shelf life.
Distinction is not a lifetime achievement award.
𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦.
Customer loyalty is now fluid — and almost every advantage has a shorter shelf life.
Distinction is not a lifetime achievement award.
𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦.
December 11, 2025 at 7:48 PM
What made you distinctive in 2020 won’t guarantee relevance in 2026.
Customer loyalty is now fluid — and almost every advantage has a shorter shelf life.
Distinction is not a lifetime achievement award.
𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦.
Customer loyalty is now fluid — and almost every advantage has a shorter shelf life.
Distinction is not a lifetime achievement award.
𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦.
The world changed more in the last 5 years than in the previous 20. Your customers know it. Your competitors know it.
Do you?
This should concern every leader: the gap between how fast the world is evolving and how slowly most organizations are adapting.
The data is staggering—
#Leadership #CX #AI
Do you?
This should concern every leader: the gap between how fast the world is evolving and how slowly most organizations are adapting.
The data is staggering—
#Leadership #CX #AI
December 8, 2025 at 10:42 PM
The world changed more in the last 5 years than in the previous 20. Your customers know it. Your competitors know it.
Do you?
This should concern every leader: the gap between how fast the world is evolving and how slowly most organizations are adapting.
The data is staggering—
#Leadership #CX #AI
Do you?
This should concern every leader: the gap between how fast the world is evolving and how slowly most organizations are adapting.
The data is staggering—
#Leadership #CX #AI
Being 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 isn’t the goal — because not all differences create value.
You can be different for the wrong reasons. You can stand out and still fall short.
Distinction is the higher standard.
You can be different for the wrong reasons. You can stand out and still fall short.
Distinction is the higher standard.
December 7, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Being 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 isn’t the goal — because not all differences create value.
You can be different for the wrong reasons. You can stand out and still fall short.
Distinction is the higher standard.
You can be different for the wrong reasons. You can stand out and still fall short.
Distinction is the higher standard.
Most businesses claim to compete on customer experience, but they often rely on clichés.
In a world of identical promises, going beyond distinction lies in actual delivery, not declarations.
In a world of identical promises, going beyond distinction lies in actual delivery, not declarations.
December 4, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Most businesses claim to compete on customer experience, but they often rely on clichés.
In a world of identical promises, going beyond distinction lies in actual delivery, not declarations.
In a world of identical promises, going beyond distinction lies in actual delivery, not declarations.
Data can guide you. Stories change you. AI only magnifies whatever you feed into it.
Right now, we’re watching a strange paradox emerge: with everyone using the same tools, the same prompts, and the same shortcuts, AI is actually pushing many messages toward sameness.
Right now, we’re watching a strange paradox emerge: with everyone using the same tools, the same prompts, and the same shortcuts, AI is actually pushing many messages toward sameness.
December 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Data can guide you. Stories change you. AI only magnifies whatever you feed into it.
Right now, we’re watching a strange paradox emerge: with everyone using the same tools, the same prompts, and the same shortcuts, AI is actually pushing many messages toward sameness.
Right now, we’re watching a strange paradox emerge: with everyone using the same tools, the same prompts, and the same shortcuts, AI is actually pushing many messages toward sameness.
🌟 A question to shape your week:
"𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳, 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲?"
Leadership isn’t just about hitting targets or delivering results—it’s about the experience you create every day.
"𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳, 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲?"
Leadership isn’t just about hitting targets or delivering results—it’s about the experience you create every day.
November 30, 2025 at 1:01 PM
🌟 A question to shape your week:
"𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳, 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲?"
Leadership isn’t just about hitting targets or delivering results—it’s about the experience you create every day.
"𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳, 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲?"
Leadership isn’t just about hitting targets or delivering results—it’s about the experience you create every day.
𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 — 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻?
In February, you’ll discover how you can go Beyond Distinction. Learn the research behind the strategies and tactics required to attain the highest level of success in an AI-transformed world.
In February, you’ll discover how you can go Beyond Distinction. Learn the research behind the strategies and tactics required to attain the highest level of success in an AI-transformed world.
November 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM
𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 — 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻?
In February, you’ll discover how you can go Beyond Distinction. Learn the research behind the strategies and tactics required to attain the highest level of success in an AI-transformed world.
In February, you’ll discover how you can go Beyond Distinction. Learn the research behind the strategies and tactics required to attain the highest level of success in an AI-transformed world.
The day after Thanksgiving reminds us of something AI can’t replicate:
The human ability to make others feel valued.
AI can increase efficiency…
It can streamline workflows…
But it cannot replace the impact of a leader who says,
“I see you. I appreciate you. You matter here.”
The human ability to make others feel valued.
AI can increase efficiency…
It can streamline workflows…
But it cannot replace the impact of a leader who says,
“I see you. I appreciate you. You matter here.”
November 29, 2025 at 12:00 AM
The day after Thanksgiving reminds us of something AI can’t replicate:
The human ability to make others feel valued.
AI can increase efficiency…
It can streamline workflows…
But it cannot replace the impact of a leader who says,
“I see you. I appreciate you. You matter here.”
The human ability to make others feel valued.
AI can increase efficiency…
It can streamline workflows…
But it cannot replace the impact of a leader who says,
“I see you. I appreciate you. You matter here.”
This Thanksgiving, may gratitude guide your moments, distinction define your connections, and every experience leave a lasting impression.
#HappyThanksgiving #Gratitude
#HappyThanksgiving #Gratitude
November 27, 2025 at 1:01 PM
This Thanksgiving, may gratitude guide your moments, distinction define your connections, and every experience leave a lasting impression.
#HappyThanksgiving #Gratitude
#HappyThanksgiving #Gratitude