Inside the Strategy Room 278. Frontier Communications CEO Nick Jeffery on purpose, strategy, and keeping it simple
Nov 24, 2025
Nick Jeffery, President and CEO of Frontier Communications, discusses his remarkable journey transforming a struggling telecom giant. He highlights how he turned bankruptcy into opportunity, launching a culture defined by the ambitious goal of 'Building Gigabit America.' Jeffery outlines a straightforward strategy focused on building and selling fiber while improving customer care. He emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven leadership and open communication to energize employees and enhance brand perception, all while steering toward a multi-billion-dollar acquisition by Verizon.
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Fiber As A Strategic End-State Opportunity
- Fiber was an underinvested, end-state technology with huge potential in the US five years ago.
- Frontier could become a leading pure-play fiber provider by seizing that gap and investing at scale.
Purpose Born On A Kitchen Table
- Nick created the company purpose by literally cutting words on his kitchen table until he found the smallest, clearest phrase.
- That process produced 'Building Gigabit America,' which grounded the company's mission and energized employees.
Communicate Purpose With Relentless Transparency
- Communicate purpose and progress relentlessly using open forums so employees see proof, not just promises.
- Hold regular company-wide calls and share honest updates to build trust and sustained engagement.