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 – regardless of their position on the company ladder. If 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.Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 27, 2025 • 31min
How to negotiate with confidence (w/ Master Fixer Deepak Malhotra)
Deepak Malhotra, a negotiation expert and Harvard Business School professor, dives deep into the art of negotiation. He emphasizes the importance of balancing flexibility with assertiveness and reveals how empathy plays a critical role in conflict resolution. Malhotra explains the key differences between interests and positions, suggesting that understanding underlying motivations can unlock creative solutions. He also explores the ongoing WNBA collective bargaining discussions and unveils his innovative AI negotiation advisor aimed at democratizing negotiation expertise.
10 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 38min
Unsolicited Advice: The WNBA has a leadership problem
After a critical exit interview by WNBA star Napheesa Collier, hosts dive into the league's leadership issues. They explore player safety concerns tied to officiating and the commissioner’s dismissive responses. The discussion shifts to the need for a meaningful apology and the challenges of rebuilding trust with players. Strategies for improving officiating are suggested, alongside a call for transparent collective bargaining negotiations. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding player perspectives and fostering genuine relationships for the league's future.
Oct 13, 2025 • 25min
How employers in Washington State solved a transportation crisis (from Speed & Scale)
In this engaging discussion with Brian Lagerberg, a seasoned transportation policy expert, listeners dive into Washington State's innovative commuter trip reduction plan. Brian shares insights on how the state tackled carbon emissions from commuting through strategies like telework, paid transit, and carpool incentives. He highlights the successful drop in drive-alone rates, evolving from 73% to 68%. The conversation also uncovers how collaboration with employers shaped the initiative and offers transferable policy ideas for other regions aiming to improve commute practices.
45 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 34min
How to communicate with your colleagues
Are you drowning in Slack messages? Dive into the art of effective communication! Discover how to simplify your messages and the power of repetition in making sure they stick. Learn about the role of video and AI in strengthening your internal communications. Hear insights on the challenges of hybrid workplaces and the importance of defining your communication goals. Finally, uncover strategies to ensure your messages cut through the noise and resonate with your team.
11 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 38min
Quick Fixes on Confidence: How to feel less awkward at the office, stay strong during a job search, and build up your team (w/ Morra Aarons-Mele)
In this enlightening conversation, Morra Aarons-Mele, a workplace mental health expert and author of The Anxious Achiever, shares her insights on overcoming workplace anxiety. The discussion covers practical strategies for easing back into in-person interactions after remote work. Morra also offers advice for job seekers facing rejections, emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidence and seeking constructive feedback. Listeners are encouraged to embrace small steps and build a positive mindset in their professional lives.
41 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 42min
How to get your confidence back (Re-release)
Negative feedback can shake your work confidence, as illustrated by a listener who toned herself down after being labeled too assertive. The hosts introduce a 'trust triangle' framework involving authenticity, logic, and empathy to help rebuild trust and confidence with colleagues. They share practical tactics like embracing discomfort through improv and public speaking to rebuild confidence as a byproduct of practice. The core message emphasizes that confidence follows action and consistent practice is key.
14 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 40min
How to beat impostor syndrome
Impostor syndrome affects up to 80% of people, fueling feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The hosts dissect its various forms and discuss how it manifests, especially among high achievers and women. They emphasize the need for self-awareness, realistic self-perception, and the importance of community support. Practical techniques like maintaining performance records and adopting a growth mindset are shared to combat self-doubt. The conversation encourages seeking help and reframing these experiences for healthier professional growth.
8 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 36min
Boost your confidence (w/ Master Fixer Ian Robertson)
Ian Robertson, a psychology professor at Trinity College Dublin and author of "How Confidence Works," dives into the neuroscience behind confidence. He distinguishes confidence from optimism, emphasizing its crucial role in navigating uncertainty. Ian also discusses transforming anxiety into a valuable tool and shares his framework for understanding emotional states. Listeners will discover strategies to turn frustration into growth and the importance of collective confidence, especially in leadership and coaching.
Sep 1, 2025 • 31min
The return-to-work toolbox (re-release)
Transitioning back to work after parental leave can be daunting, especially when juggling personal challenges. A director returns to a changed workplace and grapples with her new identity as a mom. Insights on the emotional rollercoaster of re-entering professional life shine through. Listeners learn about the importance of flexible leadership and teamwork for a successful comeback. The discussion highlights the significant shift from contributor to manager, underlining the need for realistic expectations and effective collaboration.
29 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 45min
Everything Can't Be Priority One | from At Work with The Ready
Prioritization chaos often leads to organizational overload. The hosts uncover the psychological struggles of deprioritizing projects and how identity impacts decision-making. They discuss the sunk cost fallacy and the emotional challenges of shifting focus. There's a push for clarity in evaluating project impact over aesthetics. Leaders are urged to see prioritization as a dynamic discussion, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strategic steering to navigate ever-shifting workplace demands.
