

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

19 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.

30 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
Discover effective strategies for building trust within teams, especially in government settings. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, authenticity, and open communication to enhance team dynamics. Learn about the 'trust triangle' framework and the concepts of 'trust wobbles' and 'trust anchors.' Explore how celebrating wins and fostering a culture of recognition can strengthen team bonds. Practical insights are shared on navigating challenging dialogues and promoting a collaborative environment for growth.

28 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.

6 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 34min
How to handle your office crush — and keep it professional (w/ Master Fixer Tia Silas)
What happens when love blossoms at work? The hosts dive into the challenges of office romances, discussing the balance between attraction and professionalism. HR expert Tia Silas shares insights on handling workplace crushes respectfully. They explore the importance of clear policies and open communication to maintain a positive work environment. From navigating romantic signals to policy transparency during breakups, listeners gain practical tips for keeping love and work in harmony, just in time for Valentine's Day!

5 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 41min
How to get your confidence back
Struggling with confidence after negative feedback? Discover strategies to reclaim your assertiveness without losing your authenticity. Explore the challenges of societal pressures in the workplace and the journey of regaining self-assurance. Learn about the 'trust triangle' of empathy, authenticity, and logic to foster trust with colleagues. Embrace discomfort as a path to personal growth, and find out how effective communication can build deeper connections. Tune in for practical confidence hacks and inspiring insights!