
Fixable
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

32 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 31min
Quick Fixes: How to energize your team, level up your management skills, and fill a leadership vacuum
Tackle tricky leadership challenges with expert advice! Discover how to confidently step into your first management role. Learn strategies to motivate disengaged colleagues and navigate the complexities of a growing organization. Emphasizing clear communication and collaboration, this discussion unveils techniques for energizing teams and fostering a proactive work environment. Tune in for insights that turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success!

11 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 39min
How to bring a business back to life (w/ Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt)
James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble and Managing Director of Waterstones, shares his remarkable journey in revitalizing the iconic bookstore chain. He discusses his innovative strategies, including a surprising plan to open 60 new stores despite e-commerce dominance. Daunt emphasizes the importance of a non-hierarchical leadership approach and the principle of kindness in business. He also explores adapting to challenges during the pandemic and reimagining bookstores as community hubs, illustrating how traditional retailers can thrive in a digital landscape.

12 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 32min
How to stand up for your colleagues
Discover how to advocate for fair treatment in the workplace. Navigate pay disparities, especially in demanding fields like veterinary medicine. Learn to motivate teams without financial incentives while fostering a supportive environment. Embrace humility and curiosity to enhance workplace culture. Find out the importance of rigor and optimism in advocacy, and understand how collaboration can drive meaningful change. Tune in for practical strategies to uplift colleagues and create a more equitable workplace.

28 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 23min
Quick Fixes: How to adopt a strategic mindset, lose that chip on your shoulder, and know when to walk away
Explore the art of adopting a strategic mindset to elevate your leadership game. Learn how to let go of past conflicts for better workplace relationships. Discover practical insights on self-reflection and emotional resilience when deciding whether to walk away from unfulfilling business ventures. The hosts tackle tricky work dilemmas, offering actionable advice to empower listeners in their professional journeys.

Mar 17, 2025 • 31min
How to help your team build trust
Establishing trust with customers and constituents is the cornerstone of a healthy organization—but frontline teams must learn how to do it. In this episode, Anne and Frances help a concerned caller who worries that her team isn’t handling the public’s concerns with enough empathy. Together, they brainstorm actionable ways to improve her team’s trust-building skills by celebrating wins, leaning on each other to solve problems, and using the tried-and-true “trust triangle” framework to better understand the costs of their communication patterns. For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 41min
How to repair any relationship (w/ Master Fixer Dr. Becky)
Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and bestselling author known as the 'parenting whisperer,' joins Anne and Frances to discuss the interconnectedness of parenting and leadership. They explore actionable strategies for repairing relationships, emphasizing self-reflection, clear communication, and effective apologies. Dr. Becky shares her insights from her book, *Good Inside*, highlighting how childhood experiences shape adult conflict resolution. The conversation also underscores the importance of empathy and authority in both parenting and leadership.

7 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 24min
Unsolicited Advice: How to handle layoffs with care
The discussion delves into the aftermath of layoffs, shedding light on the emotional turmoil faced by both those let go and those who remain. The importance of community support and leadership accountability is emphasized, urging a culture of compassion over bravado. Strategies for transparent communication and nurturing trust within the organization are explored, while highlighting the long-term impacts on innovation and team engagement. Listeners are encouraged to prioritize self-care and foster emotional well-being to navigate these turbulent transitions.

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.
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