Transforming Customer Contact Leadership with CMP Intensives
In today's dynamic customer contact landscape, staying ahead requires more than traditional training. Recognizing this need, Customer Management Practice (CMP) has launched CMP Intensives, a pioneering executive education program tailored for leaders in the customer contact sector. Announced recently as part of CMP's growth strategy, this program aims to equip executives with the necessary tools to effectively manage the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into customer operations.
The Evolution of Customer Contact Training
CMP Intensives represents the evolution of CMP's commitment to provide impactful training that drives tangible results. Slated to debut just before the Customer Contact Week (CCW) on October 6, 2026, at the Omni Nashville, this program is set to transform how customer contact leaders approach their roles. Mario Matulich, President of CMP, emphasized the urgency for leaders to adapt in an era where AI is reshaping customer interaction. “AI has fundamentally changed the course of customer contact,” he noted, highlighting that companies are under pressure to modernize while ensuring employee engagement and maintaining customer trust.
Bridging the Implementation Gap
The market is flooded with AI solutions, but many organizations struggle with effective implementation. CMP Intensives aims to bridge that gap by providing practical, hands-on training based on independent research and real-life practitioner experiences. This program is designed for executives who want to move beyond theory to actionable strategies that result in improved customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Participants will engage in real-world scenarios, utilizing CMP's frameworks and benchmarking data. The training will be interactive, empowering attendees to apply what they learn in their respective organizations. Resources such as take-home workbooks and scenario planning templates will be included to facilitate ongoing implementation after the training sessions.
Key Sessions and Expert Guidance
The inaugural CMP Intensives will feature two vital executive sessions that address crucial industry challenges. These sessions include “How to Manage the Change of an AI-Augmented Workforce” and “How to Build an AI Roadmap for Self-Service in CX.” Spearheading these discussions will be renowned industry experts like Lance Gruner, former Executive Vice President at Mastercard, and Geoff Burbridge, former Managing Vice President of Customer Channels at Capital One. Their collective experience will provide invaluable insights and guidance, ensuring participants receive the practical skills necessary for success in today's customer contact environment.
Gruner emphasized the importance of actionable outcomes, stating, “Companies don't need another PowerPoint about AI; they need guidance from those with real-world experience.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the driving philosophy of CMP Intensives — to offer executives a clear playbook for implementing AI strategies that yield measurable results.
Leadership in the Age of AI
As the customer contact sector moves forward, challenges will increasingly stem not from technology itself but from leadership capabilities. Geoff Burbridge remarked that successful AI integration hinges on leaders learning how to effectively translate AI into operational models, workforce capabilities, and superior customer outcomes. “We'll help organizations move beyond inspiration to practical implementation,” he stated.
With a mission to remain a reliable constant amidst an evolving market, CMP aims to ensure that customer contact leaders can harness AI's full potential. As organizations navigate this transformative period, CMP Intensives stands out as a vital catalyst for change, providing the necessary support and resources to foster effective AI adoption.
For more information on CMP and its initiatives, visit
Customer Management Practice.