Meet The Avius Team is our new regular blog series where you can get to know the members of the Avius team, learn about their work, lives after 5pm, and thoughts on the wider VoC industry.
This month, we’d like you to meet Ben Story, CEO at Avius.
Ben co-founded Avius in 2006 together with his university friends Will Gunaratne and Luke Williams. He moved to Florida in 2015 to develop the North American side of the business.
If you’re ever struggling to find Ben at events, look for a guy wearing the most flamboyant jacket in the room!
How many jackets do you own, and which one is your favorite?
At last count it was more than 20! Picking a favorite is tricky but I’d say the LEGO-brick jacket edges ahead of the competition.
What’s your greatest achievement?
I do take great pride in Avius. Knowing Avius is helping customers around the world to make a difference is really important to me. In addition, to know that Avius is providing a living for almost 20 people gives me a great sense of achievement.
What would you say is the best thing about working at Avius then?
The people and the passion we all have for our work. The recent months have shown how great we work as a team, are able to stay connected and support each other.
What do you think is the most common mistake businesses make when it comes to collecting customer feedback?
Businesses often make assumptions about what their customers think and need based on a gut feeling rather than evidence and data. That’s why we help companies set out clear survey goals and design the right survey – so that they can really understand their customers and provide quality services their customers need and will appreciate.
If you could give one advice to CX leaders today, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to listen to feedback, especially negative comments. Criticism might be hard to hear, but it’s invaluable to improving your services and growing your business.
How about some advice to your younger self?
Don’t be afraid of confrontation. It’s never as bad as you think it’ll be, so approach it head on!
What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
Shocking to admit, but my phone! It connects me to the world and I’m sure I spend too much time using it each day.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, and could only bring one thing with you, what would it be?
A large box of waterproof matches. Sounds random, but I’ve been watching a number of survival-style programs through lock-down, and making fire seems to be the key to survival.
What’s your favorite drink?
Grey Goose with sugar-free Red Bull.
Favorite snack?
Mint Aero, which is tricky and expensive to get here in the USA!
Favorite movie?
Home Alone. It’s a classic; great film coupled with great memories of watching the film.
What do you enjoying doing in your spare time?
Living in Orlando, I’d have to say visiting theme parks. From Disney World and Universal Studios to SeaWorld. Even if it’s just going for a walk there.
And lastly, do you miss the UK, and if so, what do you miss the most?
Of course! I miss my family – it’s great to connect on the phone but I miss out on a lot of family events being nearly 5,000 miles away from the UK.
Keep an eye out for more interviews with our team members in the near future!
