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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
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.
28 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.
Aug 18, 2025 • 38min
Mellody Hobson on taking tough feedback | from ReThinking with Adam Grant
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and TED podcast host, chats with Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments and a trailblazer in finance. They dive into the art of receiving tough feedback and the transformative power it holds for personal growth. Mellody shares her journey overcoming financial insecurity, highlighting how feedback shaped her career. The duo emphasizes emotional resilience, the importance of honest communication, and the necessity of supporting authenticity in leadership, particularly for underrepresented voices in the workplace.
Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 15min
Best of Design Matters: Gloria Steinem | from Design Matters
Gloria Steinem, a feminist icon and award-winning writer, reflects on her remarkable six-decade journey in activism. She shares personal stories about her family that shaped her identity and activism, emphasizing the power of storytelling to drive change. The discussion ranges from her transition from journalism to feminist advocacy and the vital role of anger as a catalyst for empowerment. Gloria also envisions a unique diner that embodies democratic values, illustrating the importance of community in the pursuit of equality.
8 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 10min
How to calm your anxiety, from a neuroscientist | from TED Health
Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscientist passionate about mental health, shares groundbreaking insights on anxiety. She reveals that anxiety can be transformed into a powerful ally rather than an obstacle. Wendy introduces effective strategies like mindful breathing and movement, highlighting their impact on promoting calmness and creativity. She emphasizes the importance of body awareness and the role of empathy in managing anxiety. Discover how these simple techniques can help you thrive in everyday challenges and even harness anxiety for improved performance.
9 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 32min
Intelligent failure with Amy Edmondson | from Behind the Money
Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor and author of 'Right Kind of Wrong', joins Andrew Hill, Senior Business Writer at the Financial Times. They delve into the concept of intelligent failure, emphasizing its role as a valuable learning opportunity rather than a setback. Edmondson critiques Silicon Valley's 'fail fast' mantra, advocating for psychological safety in organizations to foster open communication and innovation. The discussion highlights different failure types and encourages leaders to embrace transparency and learning from mistakes.
Jul 21, 2025 • 26min
Generational differences are vastly exaggerated | from WorkLife with Adam Grant
Nicole Smith, a seasoned journalist with management experience in a newsroom, joins Jennifer Deal, a leading expert on generational shifts, to explore the fiction behind workplace generational divides. They challenge the myths of age stereotypes, arguing that shared motivations unite employees more than differences divide them. The conversation reveals strategies for bridging gaps across age groups and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and respect to foster a healthier work environment.
6 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 18min
The trick to powerful public speaking | from TED Business
Lawrence Bernstein, a communication expert, shares invaluable insights on overcoming public speaking nerves. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with your audience through casual conversations, introducing the clever 'coffee shop test' to ease anxiety. Bernstein encourages speakers to downplay their fears and focus on storytelling to enhance engagement. Alongside Modupe's 'Grandma test,' they both highlight how simple communication can transform public speaking from a daunting task to an enjoyable interaction.
