Fixable
TED
Frances Frei is a Harvard Business professor. Anne Morriss is a CEO and best-selling author. Anne and Frances are two of the top leadership coaches in the world. Oh, did we mention they're also married to each other? Together, Anne and Frances move fast and fix stuff by talking to guest callers about their workplace issues and solving their problems – in 30 minutes or less. Both listeners and guests will receive actionable insights to create meaningful change in the workplace. From CEOs to nurses, the restaurant world to Silicon Valley, Frances and Anne have a plan for anyone hoping to improve their their workplace. Follow Anne on Instagram @annemorriss and on LinkedIn @anne-morriss. Follow Frances on Instagram @francesxfrei and on LinkedIn @francesfreiIf you want to be on Fixable, call our hotline at 234-Fixable (that's 234-349-2253) to leave Anne and Frances a voicemail with your workplace problem, or email us at fixable@ted.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 19min
Quick Fixes: How to level up, job craft, and manage colleagues you can’t stand
Navigate tricky work dilemmas in under 20 minutes! Explore strategies for elevating a small business while balancing customer needs. Discover how to approach role changes and reshape job design for satisfaction. Learn essential leadership mindsets to tackle difficult colleagues and foster positive relationships. This episode is packed with actionable tips for transforming workplace challenges into growth opportunities!
17 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 27min
What leaders are getting wrong about return-to-office (from Rapid Response)
Bob Safian, former editor-in-chief of Fast Company, joins Frances for a deep dive into the contentious return-to-office debate. They unravel the emotional and strategic motivations behind in-office mandates and emphasize the importance of balancing leadership decisions with employee needs. The conversation reveals surprising insights on how AI is reshaping work dynamics, and discusses the merits of hybrid models over rigid policies. Plus, they explore how incorporating movement in meetings can boost information retention and overall productivity.
Feb 17, 2025 • 35min
Power, purpose, and the American presidency with Jared Cohen (from ReThinking with Adam Grant)
In this engaging discussion, Jared Cohen, author of "Life After Power" and former State Department and Google executive, delves into the post-presidency lives of seven U.S. presidents. He shares insights on the psychological challenges they face transitioning away from power and explores the unique paths of figures like John Quincy Adams, who fought against slavery after his presidency. The conversation also touches on the quest for legacy, the impact of presidential advice, and the universal pursuit of purpose beyond achievements.
6 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 34min
How to handle your office crush — and keep it professional (w/ Master Fixer Tia Silas)
What happens when love blossoms at work? The hosts dive into the challenges of office romances, discussing the balance between attraction and professionalism. HR expert Tia Silas shares insights on handling workplace crushes respectfully. They explore the importance of clear policies and open communication to maintain a positive work environment. From navigating romantic signals to policy transparency during breakups, listeners gain practical tips for keeping love and work in harmony, just in time for Valentine's Day!
5 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 41min
How to get your confidence back
Struggling with confidence after negative feedback? Discover strategies to reclaim your assertiveness without losing your authenticity. Explore the challenges of societal pressures in the workplace and the journey of regaining self-assurance. Learn about the 'trust triangle' of empathy, authenticity, and logic to foster trust with colleagues. Embrace discomfort as a path to personal growth, and find out how effective communication can build deeper connections. Tune in for practical confidence hacks and inspiring insights!
35 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 25min
Why you should get good at being bad
Sometimes winning means daring to be bad. The hosts discuss how strategic 'no's can free up valuable capacity for what truly matters. They explore trade-offs in business, using case studies like Apple and Southwest Airlines to illustrate the importance of prioritization. Insights on parenting reveal that children value quality time over busy schedules. Plus, there's an amusing take on the duality of leadership qualities. Embracing imperfections can lead to innovation and personal growth!
5 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 35min
(Re-release) How to outsmart bias at work
Explore the impact of self-narratives on workplace success and how reframing beliefs can empower individuals. Delve into the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries, including construction and insurance, as they confront gender bias and assert their expertise. Learn about the significance of networking and building professional relationships to navigate gender dynamics effectively. Discover strategies for personal agency, balancing individual empowerment with the need for systemic change.
19 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 27min
(Re-release) How to deal with a communication breakdown
Kelli, a dedicated nurse at a leading teaching hospital, shares insights on how communication breakdowns impact patient care. She highlights the emotional toll on healthcare workers and the need for improved transparency among teams. The discussion dives into the significance of small gestures in fostering collaboration and morale within high-pressure environments. Key strategies for enhancing communication among medical professionals are explored, emphasizing how better dialogue can lead to better patient outcomes.
24 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 40min
The Anxious Achiever: Say goodbye to negative self-talk and hello to your superpowers
Sanyin Siang, an advisor, coach, and adjunct professor at Duke University, shares her insights on overcoming negative self-talk to harness personal strengths. She introduces her 'superpowers' framework, encouraging high achievers to focus on their intrinsic gifts rather than perceived flaws. Sanyin emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authentic feedback in recognizing hidden strengths like empathy and integrity. She advocates for a dynamic perspective on career growth, promoting self-discovery and adaptability in professional development.
Dec 23, 2024 • 29min
How to turn your passion project into your career (Re-Release)
David, co-founder of a non-profit empowering Black youth in Miami, seeks insights on transitioning from a full-time job to making his passion project his career. He discusses the challenges of balancing responsibilities while maintaining energy. The hosts share innovative fundraising strategies and entrepreneurial approaches to non-profit work. They highlight the importance of personal connections for securing funding and the emotional impacts of educational programs. Listeners gain valuable tips on navigating the journey from passion to profession, all while avoiding burnout.
