

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

12 snips
Oct 14, 2024 • 30min
How to build an empire
Orlando Ashford, Chief People Officer at Fanatics, dives into the complexities of unifying a diverse corporate culture. He discusses how to craft convincing messages for freedom-loving employees and the importance of strategic leadership skills. The conversation highlights the balance between autonomy and alignment in a rapidly expanding organization. They explore the challenges of maintaining a cohesive culture while managing diverse business units, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and clarity as keys to driving progress.

13 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 31min
Unsolicited Advice: Why is Amazon dragging its employees back into the office?
The hosts dive into Amazon's controversial return-to-office policy, questioning its real impact on company culture. They explore employee sentiment, particularly the discontent from women and millennials. Rigid mandates clash with the growing preference for hybrid work models, highlighting a potential disconnect in leadership styles. The discussion also addresses the necessity for collaboration and flexible policies to enhance workplace engagement and productivity in today's post-pandemic landscape.

17 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 34min
You can be happier at work — here’s how (w/ Master Fixer Laurie Santos)
Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale University cognitive scientist and host of The Happiness Lab, shares insights on workplace happiness. She discusses the phenomenon of time famine and underlines the importance of having a best friend at work. The conversation dives into how meaningful connections and job crafting can enhance well-being. Santos emphasizes that employers play a vital role in fostering happiness and explores the business case for prioritizing employee satisfaction. Tune in for practical strategies to transform your workplace into a hub of joy!

Sep 23, 2024 • 35min
Unsolicited Advice: How to find a job you actually want
Finding a job today can feel overwhelming, but there are effective strategies to navigate it. Rejection isn't a personal failure; it’s a step towards success. Self-discovery is crucial—it’s all about understanding your skills and values. Enthusiasm in interviews can set you apart, while innovative hiring practices focus on culture and empathy. Lastly, building lasting connections in the workplace is much like nurturing a marriage, requiring thoughtful engagement from both sides.

5 snips
Sep 16, 2024 • 29min
How to get what you need at work
In this discussion, Ellie, a seasoned consultant with over a decade of experience, seeks insights on enhancing her workplace influence. The hosts tackle the disconnect that often plagues employee-leadership dynamics, offering practical strategies to regain agency. They explore the art of effective communication, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and seeking support. The conversation also highlights the value of a coachable mindset, encouraging listeners to embrace feedback for personal and professional growth.

15 snips
Sep 9, 2024 • 30min
How to turn your habits into something more meaningful (w/ Master Fixer Mike Norton)
Mike Norton, a Harvard Business School professor and author, dives into the power of rituals in our lives. He explains how intentional actions can transform mundane habits into meaningful experiences. The discussion highlights the difference between routines and rituals, emphasizing their role in enhancing well-being and relationships. Listeners receive practical tips for weaving rituals into daily life and improving workplace culture, making connections that foster deeper emotional satisfaction.

Sep 2, 2024 • 53min
How to Fail Better (from Fail Better with David Duchovny)
In a thought-provoking conversation, Kumail Nanjiani, an acclaimed actor and comedian, shares his journey toward embracing failure as a pathway to growth. He discusses the need to shift our perception of failure and highlights the value of authenticity over commercial success. The duo reflect on their artistic journeys, the tension between personal identity and societal norms, and the transformative power of meaningful relationships. They delve into the connection between masculinity and vulnerability, advocating for joy and creativity in both art and life.

26 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 36min
How you can bring out the best in others
Frances, a leadership expert with experience mentoring students, joins Anne, an advocate for growth mindset in relationships and leadership. Together, they reveal ways to create environments that encourage success through high standards and genuine care. Frances shares her leadership journey, highlighting both successes and pitfalls. Anne emphasizes the importance of resilience in parenting and professional settings. They discuss transforming tough love into supportive interactions, urging listeners to cultivate authentic connections that foster growth and satisfaction.

Aug 19, 2024 • 28min
(Re-release) How do I move fast without breaking things?
Joining the conversation is a dynamic head of strategy at a small food startup, focused on navigating the complexities of fast-paced growth. They discuss the delicate balance of making quick decisions while maintaining trust within the team. Insights include reframing speed as a trust issue to enhance productivity, the emotional challenges of evolving roles, and fostering a culture of collaboration. Listeners gain practical strategies for prioritizing stakeholder well-being without sacrificing momentum, especially in the unpredictable landscape of startups.

6 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 30min
How to fight perfectionism (from The Happiness Lab)
Thomas Curran, a researcher on the rise of perfectionism, teams up with Jordana Confino, a recovering perfectionist, to explore the challenges posed by high standards. They discuss the detrimental effects of perfectionism on mental health, especially in today’s social media-driven world. Jordana shares insights on quieting the inner critic and embracing self-compassion, while Thomas highlights the alarming trends in perfectionism among youth. Their dialogue encourages listeners to confront unrealistic expectations and cultivate a healthier relationship with success.


