Fixable

Most of us believe that if we’re not talking, we’re listening. But there’s a lot more to listening than just hearing what another person has to say. Emily Kasrielspent decades as a journalist and producer at the BBC before turning her attention to communication, connection, and how to create healthier workplaces. She is now an executive coach and the author of Deep Listening: Transform Your Relationships with Family, Friends, and Foes. In this episode, Anne sits down with Emily at the 2026 TED Conference in Vancouver to discuss how more intentional listening can lead to better relationships, workplace environments, and even a better world. Emily shares six practical steps to practice deeper listening, advice for people working on remote teams, and coaching for leaders struggling to communicate across generational divides.

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Conflict is inevitable, so why are we so bad at it?

In this special featured episode from the new TED podcast, Corner Piece, host Taha investigates the nature of conflict to help his co-hosts, Melissa and Sabrina (and all of us), find healthier ways to handle conflict. He interviews Harville Hendrix, a couples therapist with over 50 years of experience, and Eli J. Finkel, a professor and author of "The All-or-Nothing Marriage". They explain what happens when conflict gets in the way of connection and how to turn it into an opportunity for growth.

Corner Pieceis hosted by the creators of the YouTube channel, Answer in Progress. On this podcast, Taha, Melissa and Sabrina follow their curiosities down rabbit holes with help from expert guests to help you, and themselves, understand the world around us a little bit better.

Find more episodes of Corner Piece here: https://link.mgln.ai/iaPHia

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Culture shapes almost everything about our experience of work, and yet most of us feel powerless to change it. In this episode, Anne and Frances are joined by Harvard Business School professor Ryan Buell to demystify the building blocks of team culture and why it’s so instrumental in driving the performance of an organization. They also share practical advice on how to help your team learn and improve faster, how to protect your people from an unhealthy workplace culture, and how to change the beliefs and behavior of your team with clarity, signaling, and consistency.

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With great power comes great responsibility…and the chance to reflect on what we’ve learned from people who wield it well. In this episode, Anne and Frances look back on their conversations with Kara Swisher, Deborah Gruenfeld, Mrs. Dow Jones, and Hubert Joly about how power at work really works. They dig deeper into why telling the truth to yourself and others is such a strong power move, revisit Hubert’s “currency converter” framework for understanding how power manifests differently in different people, and celebrate the power of graceful leadership. They also share what they’re doing differently after having these conversations, and return to a message that echoed across the series: you already have more power than you think.

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Throughout the Unlocking Your Power at Work series, Anne and Frances have uncovered practical advice for gaining power, building influence, and unleashing the abilities you already have. But once you make it to the top, what do you do with all that power? Hubert Joly is a professor at the Harvard Business School and the former CEO of Best Buy, where he led one of the most celebrated corporate turnarounds of the past decade. In this episode, Anne and Frances sit down with Hubert to dissect his belief that sharing your power and empowering others is the key to strong leadership. Hubert shares the story of how he helped bring Best Buy back from the brink and what he learned from listening to employees on the front lines. He also makes the case for why leadership is more important than ever in a world of AI, and that AI is most powerful when it amplifies “human magic.” Anne and Frances ask Hubert some questions from listeners struggling to share power as leaders, and explore how men and women respond differently to being offered powerful leadership positions.

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Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy you the freedom to make powerful choices. Haley Sacks, also known as Mrs. Dow Jones, is the host of the podcast Financial Tea and a bestselling author the Wall Street Journal calls “the financial guru millennials listen to.” In this episode, Anne and Frances sit down with Haley to discuss the keys to unlocking your financial power at work and in your everyday life. Haley shares some simple steps to start behaving like a Future Rich Person, along with advice for negotiating value from your job when a raise isn’t on the table. Anne and Frances hear from a listener who regrets not taking a higher-paying career path, and together they unpack the many factors—financial and otherwise—that make a job worth your time.

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In the modern workplace, hierarchy and power differences are often viewed as problems to solve. But Deborah Gruenfeld has a different perspective: hierarchy is not only essential to organizations, but we actually crave it in our relationships and communities. Deborah is a professor at Stanford University and a social and organizational psychologist who studies power and powerlessness. In this episode, she joins Anne and Frances to demystify how power actually works at work, why people underestimate their own power, and how to use the power you already have more skillfully. She also offers practical tips for playing your own power up or down, and shares what she has learned studying power dynamics in marriages and long-term relationships. Anne and Frances put their own marriage to the test, exploring whether their partnership truly is—or even should be—equal.

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No matter where you fall on the corporate food chain, you have power at work—you just might not know how to use it. In this new series on Unlocking Your Power at Work, Anne and Frances dig into how to discover, build, and use your power, explore common power dynamics in the workplace, and learn from people who use their full power with honesty and swagger. Kara Swisher is one of the most influential voices in media and has built a career holding the powerful accountable. In this episode, she reflects with Anne and Frances on her own path to power and what she’s learned from watching some people become  corrupted by power while others learn to wield it for good. She also argues that people don’t leave jobs early or often enough, and makes the case for pursuing more than just the opportunities that are offered to you.

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Cold Call is hosted by Harvard Business School Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Brian Kenny. From the history of Hershey to today's biggest AI case studies, Cold Call breaks down the decisions, tradeoffs, and leadership lessons behind some of the most fascinating organizations.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Fixable co-host and HBS professor Frances Frei, and the former co-founder of Kayak and current co-founder and CEO of Boston Venture Studio Paul English. Their conversation explores how English brings new innovations to market. Together they break down the difference between a good idea and a bad one, explain why it’s so important to take a systematic approach to developing new ideas, and explore how English’s creative process dovetails with Frei’s “move fast and fix things” strategy.

To listen to more episodes, follow Cold Call on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. 

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A great coach can be a powerful ally when it comes to solving problems at work and in life—and the good news is, anyone can learn to become one. In this Toolkit segment, Anne is the one in the hot seat as Frances interviews her about her work as a coach and the key components of a high-value coaching session. They dig into the importance of reflection, embracing discomfort, and recognizing behavioral patterns, and answer a few questions from listeners about how to coach their teammates more effectively.

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The act of reflection at work has many names—debrief, post-mortem, after-action review—but no matter what you call it, it’s a wildly powerful tool for making teams better. But are you getting the most out of it? Robert Teschner (whose call sign in the Air Force was “Cujo”) is a former fighter pilot and commander who flew some of the world's most advanced fighter jets before becoming an instructor at the Weapons School. In the Air Force, figuring out what went right and wrong can be a matter of life and death. Today, Cujo teaches business leaders how to bring the awareness, accountability, and rigor of military debriefs to their own teams. Anne and Frances sit down with Cujo to discuss how to conduct a successful debrief, where debriefs can go wrong, and how to get to the root cause of a problem. They also explore the importance of vulnerability and non-judgement when it comes to creating a psychologically safe space for reflection and learning.

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During the pandemic, Anthony Klotz predicted the “Great Resignation”: a mass exodus of unhappy workers leaving their jobs after COVID epiphanies. Now, he’s seeing a different pattern begin to emerge as people opt to hunker down in their current jobs until they can find a better option. Anthony is an organizational psychologist and professor at the London School of Management. His recent book, Jolted: Why We Quit, When to Stay, and Why It Matters, explores how we make decisions in our jobs and careers. In this episode, he joins Anne and Frances to weigh in on the patterns developing right now in the world of quitting, offer practical advice for how to make measured decisions in a fickle job market, and explain the phenomenon he calls “jolts,” when a person experiences something that causes them to suddenly reevaluate their position. Together, they also work through a listener’s dilemma as she navigates a relationship with collaborators who mistrust each other, and offer tips for leaders who suspect a member of their team may be considering quitting.

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Why is it so fun to watch your team win in the World Cup or to be a Knicks fan as they finally get an NBA championship? There’s a collective joy in sports that can also be found in art, theater, and comedy. In this episode of How to Be a Better Human with Maxwell Pearce, Chris talks to him about his accomplishments as a mixed media artist and a Harlem Globetrotter. Maxwell integrates playfulness into his art and in sports—whether it’s using shoelaces as texture in his artwork or training his body to perform a basketball trick shot. Maxwell shares how play is the secret ingredient in his career and how changing the way he thinks about the rules and mistakes allows him to have more fun and more successes. 

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As an editor at Fortune, Nick Lichtenberg made a big stir in the world of journalism and beyond when he revealed that he used AI to help publish over 600 articles this year.His expansive use of this new tech to research, edit, and draft many of his stories has sparked fierce debate  both inside and outside the media industry. In this episode, Nick joins Anne and Frances to break down his approach to AI, and make the case for why AI can’t replace your job, but it can make you better at it. He also shares his theory that AI tools benefit just as much from positive reinforcement as people do, and offers practical advice for how to make the most of them without sacrificing human judgment.

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When change is constant, strong leadership keeps teams grounded and ready for what’s next. Dara Treseder, chief marketing and commercial officer at the tech company Autodesk, has helped lead her organization through this fast-moving moment with clarity and optimism. In this episode, Anne and Frances talk with Dara about her approach to AI and the future of work, and how she helps her team embrace uncertainty with confidence. Dara also shares advice on cultivating advocates early in your career and reflects on a lesson from her mother about the power of persistence.

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In this era of profound change, uncertainty creates not only strategic challenges at work, but emotional ones, too. Ethan Kross is a psychology professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business whose research explores how people can better manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In this episode, Ethan joins Anne and Frances to debunk common misconceptions about managing emotions and shares practical tools for navigating stress more skillfully. He also offers advice for leaders coaching their teams through emotionally charged moments, and helps Frances reframe a conflict with her mother.

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Constraints often feel frustrating and limiting — but they can also create the friction that sparks creative breakthroughs, reveals better solutions, and leads to more thoughtful decisionmaking. In this episode, Anne and Frances are joined by David Epstein, an investigative reporter and bestselling author of the new book Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better. They discuss why limits are powerful tools for clarity and innovation, examining case studies of companies that used constraints to accelerate their success (and others that struggled after removing them). They also explore the constraints-based strategies elite athletes use in their training routines.

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Can a five-minute walk change how you feel all day? Exercise scientist Keith Diaz shows how your body is built for the kind of movement that modern life has quietly erased — and suggests something refreshingly doable: making time for small doses of movement sprinkled throughout the day, as a way to boost your brain and body. And stick around after his talk for a deep dive conversation with our guest host for the week, author and podcaster Manoush Zomorodi, into the ideas he shared on stage and beyond.

This is episode one of a seven-part series airing this week on TED Talks Daily, where Manoush — and the seven speakers she curated for TED2026 — explore how you can live a healthier life in our high-tech era.

To hear more from Manoush, listen to TED Radio Hour wherever you get your podcasts. Check out her new book, Body Electric, to learn more about the hidden health costs of the digital age.

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Do you feel like you’re hitting a wall at work? This week, Anne and Frances are joined by Master Fixers Bob Sutton and Huggy Rao. Bob and Huggy are professors at Stanford University and authors of “The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things Harder”. Together, the four discuss how anyone can eliminate the obstacles to doing their best work—and create constraints that make work even better.

This episode originally aired in 2024.

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Work today is a lot less stable than it used to be. Career paths that once seemed predictable are constantly being disrupted and reshaped, leaving many of us feeling unsteady. In this final episode of the Finding Purpose series, Anne and Frances are joined by Arun Gupta, CEO of the NobleReach Foundation, who has spent his career helping people find ways to serve causes bigger than themselves. Arun makes the case for why following your purpose can be a powerful antidote to instability and anxiety, and shares practical ways to discover your own purpose. Anne and Frances also reflect on what they’ve learned from guests throughout the series.

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In a world that won’t stop changing, knowing what matters most can make all the difference. Yara Shahidi and Keri Salter are a mother-daughter duo building a more inclusive and imaginative Hollywood through their production company, 7th Sun Productions. In this episode, Anne sits down with Yara and Keri at the TED Conference in Vancouver to dig into their “highest order” framework for aligning purpose with priorities. They also reflect on how purpose evolves over a lifetime and explore what today’s changemakers can learn from previous generations.

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In uncertain times, purposeful work can feel impractical and out of reach. But award-winning investigative reporter Jodi Kantor argues that meaning is both essential and available to all of us. Anne and Frances dive into the lessons from Jodi’s latest book, “How to Start: Discovering Your Life's Work,” and explore practical strategies for anyone looking to chart a more purposeful career. The three also discuss two key principles for finding work that matters and challenge the idea that economic stability and purpose are mutually exclusive.

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Does your “dream job” really exist? You may know Emily Durham as Emily the Recruiter on social media, where she shares practical, refreshingly honest career advice and coaches people through the biggest professional decisions of their lives. Emily doesn’t believe in the idea of a dream job. In this episode, she joins Anne to make the case for the “awake job” that actively fits into your purpose, lifestyle, and financial needs. Emily reflects on how her own purpose has evolved over time, and answers questions from listeners about how to gracefully quit a job, find a path forward when you feel stuck, and communicate your values to a potential employer.

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What is your true purpose—and how do you find it? This month, Anne and Frances are tackling one of life’s biggest questions in search of answers for Fixers of all ages, from fresh graduates charting their first career moves to seasoned executives craving something more. In this episode, Anne sits down with Molly Graham, a former executive at Facebook and the new host of TED’s WorkLife podcast, to explore what it means to pursue meaningful work and stay open to opportunities you never saw coming. They also answer a question from a new graduate about finding your purpose somewhere between work and life. 

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You might think the biggest, most prestigious job is always the right career move. Patty Stonesifer — founding CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and an early Amazon board member — says that’s exactly the wrong way to decide what to do next. So what should guide your career? In this special episode fromWorkLife with Molly Graham, Patty shares the nine-word personal mission statement she’s used for decades to filter opportunities, turn down what doesn’t fit, and speak up for what matters. Patty shares how you can write your own, and even coaches Molly through creating hers in real time.

WorkLife is a podcast from TED where host and company builder Molly Graham and her expert guests talk through the messy feelings we all experience at work. Ambition and failure, joy and burnout, confidence and self-doubt — this show digs into it all to help you build a career without losing yourself. Listen now:https://link.mgln.ai/kEuQow

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When people don’t feel safe speaking up at work, fear spreads, trust falls apart, and good people head for the exits. That’s the story emerging from Unwell Networks, the media company led by Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper and her husband, Matt Kaplan, where reports describe an alleged pattern of intimidation and retaliation inside the company. In this Unsolicited Advice segment, Anne and Frances unpack what appears to have gone wrong at Unwell Networks and break down the concept of psychological safety: why it matters so much to high-performing teams, how leaders can unknowingly undermine it, and what it takes to build a workplace where people feel safe enough to ask questions, admit mistakes, and disagree without being afraid of what will happen next.

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You can’t avoid stress altogether, but you can choose the kind that helps instead of harms. In this Quick Fixes episode, Anne and Frances are joined once more by Master Fixer Kelly McGonigal to tackle three listener questions in under 30 minutes. One listener asks how to spot the early signs of burnout, another worries about adding the stress of a new job to their already stressful home life, and a final Fixer wants help breaking a compulsive email-checking habit.

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We all deal with stress in our lives, and it’s tempting to try to avoid it altogether. But the people who face stress head-on often handle it most skillfully. In this episode, Anne and Frances are joined by Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University who studies different ways people respond to stress. Together, they unpack practical strategies to strengthen your stress response, examine the choices and attitudes of people who thrive under pressure, and explore the benefits of a “challenge” mindset for you and your team. Kelly also shares nine simple strategies for finding courage in high-stress moments, and makes the case that joy is a risk worth taking.

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Do you feel like work is taking over your life? Guy Winch is a psychologist and author of the book Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life.In this episode, Anne sits down with Guy at the annual TED conference in Vancouver to discuss the insidious ways work can follow you home and how to set boundaries to avoid burnout. They dig into the harmful effects of after-hours rumination, share practical rituals to help you separate work from the rest of your life, and offer tips on how to take a truly restorative vacation. 

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Southwest has long been a beloved, low-cost airline with free checked bags, minimal fees, and one class of seating that made flying feel simple and fair. But recent reversals of those policies, in favor of the bottom line, have left both customers and employees feeling betrayed. In this Unsolicited Advice segment, Anne and Frances take a closer look at what Southwest got so right in the beginning, the decisions that led to this moment, and what CEO Bob Jordan could still do to turn the plane around.

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When it comes to many jobs—think food service and frontline retail—conditions can be miserable and demoralizing. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, Anne and Frances call in MIT professor Zeynep Ton, author of The Good Job Strategy and founder of The Good Jobs Institute, to investigate the systems that make jobs bad and reveal what it takes to make them better for everyone. Zeynep breaks down the four elements of her “good job strategy,” and together they look at companies that have made these changes and are outperforming because of it. 

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What gets in the way of good communication? In this special Quick Fixes episode, Anne and Frances are joined by Matt Abrahams, Stanford lecturer and bestselling author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter,to answer questions from listeners about how to communicate effectively. One listener struggles giving feedback to their elders, and another has a hard time speaking from the heart. A third listener finds themself getting defensive when asked questions, and the last caller wants to learn to speak like a leader without using empty jargon.

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When you mess up, a sincere apology can make all the difference. But making things right takes more than a simple “I’m sorry.” In this episode, Adam takes us from the pre-kindergarten classroom to Formula One’s race track to investigate what it takes to make amends, right wrongs, and repair relationships. 

Guests: pre-K teacher Kath Konecky; management professor Beth Polin; Formula One executive Mark Gallagher.

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Communication is a performance, and if you want to land it, you need to approach it like a performer. In the second part of this essential Toolkit segment, Anne and Frances break down their “deeply/simply” communication framework, share practical advice on how to take control of your presence as a speaker, and make a persuasive case for practicing in low-stakes environments. Frances also shares a surprising piece of style advice.

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We’ve all heard that actions speak louder than words—but the words you choose can have a profound impact on the actions of the people around you. In the first part of this essential Toolkit segment, Anne and Frances break down the learnable skills that everyone can use to communicate more confidently and effectively. They share practical ways to help others avoid embarrassment, get on the same “frequency" with your conversation partners, and deliver comments that are clear, concise, and persuasive.

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Giving and receiving feedback is an important part of any job or relationship—but it can be tricky to get it right. This season, Anne and Frances are introducing a new segment called Toolkit: a practical guide to ideas, tools, and frameworks that can help you reach your goals at work and beyond. In this episode, they break down the different kinds of workplace feedback and share common pitfalls that can keep you and your colleagues from reaching your full potential. They also offer actionable tips for delivering both praise and critique, along with advice for what to do with criticism that falls short of constructive.

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The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos, recently carried out a massive layoff that eliminated more than a third of its staff. In this episode of Unsolicited Advice, Anne and Frances dive deeper into the underlying issues affecting the paper and the journalism industry at large, arguing that Bezos should sell the company to a team of can-do entrepreneurs who are willing to truly listen to the data, take big swings, and rebuild the paper’s reputation at a time when great journalism is more important than ever.

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We all carry insecurities and negative beliefs that can quietly hold us back—but rewriting that narrative is up to us. In this episode, Anne and Frances call on leadership expert and executive coach Muriel Wilkins, author of the new book Leadership Unblocked,to unpack the self-doubt that often stands in our way. Together, they break down Muriel’s seven most common leadership blockers, examine where these limiting beliefs come from, and answer listener questions about how to get what you want at work.

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When an organization lays people off, those who remain are often left scrambling to find their footing – and hold other people up – in an environment that no longer feels stable. In the wake of ongoing tech layoffs and the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the public sector, Anne and Frances are back with a new Unsolicited Advice segment to set the record straight about what layoffs mean for an organization — and the responsibility leaders have to own what went wrong.

This episode originally aired on March 3, 2025.

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What makes a company extraordinary? In this episode, Anne and Frances study Zappos, the online shoe retailer that shaped the early days of e-commerce and even outperformed Amazon by delighting everyone in its ecosystem, from customers to employees to suppliers. They discuss how the company bet on exceptional service rather than traditional marketing, built a deliberately distinctive workplace culture, and the steps founder Tony Hsieh took to put happiness at the center of his business model.

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In this Quick Fixes episode, Anne and Frances work to solve three callers’ tricky work problems in under 30 minutes. One listener struggles to collaborate with a difficult colleague, the next asks a follow-up question about a previous episode “How to get good at being bad,” and a final caller wants to empower her team while keeping important issues and decisions on track. 

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With a new year comes new goals and new hopes and dreams. This season, Anne and Frances are introducing a new segment called Toolkit: a practical guide to ideas, tools, and frameworks that can help you reach your goals at work and beyond. In this episode, they tackle the important first step of setting those (ambitious) goals, and break down the tried-and-true Harada Method into a few easy steps. They take a closer look at Shohei Ohtani, a baseball player who put this method into wildly successful practice, and discuss how they set goals in their own lives and in their relationship.

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Next week we're launching a new season of Fixable, so today we're sharing an episode from the archive.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, or burned out at work? In this special Unsolicited Advice episode, Anne and Frances are getting ready for summer by tackling the importance of rest and the power of intention. They offer unexpected tips and tricks for recovering from constant stress, owning what you need to feel alive and engaged, and creating an experience of work that unleashes your ambition.

This episode originally aired on June 23, 2025.

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Edith Zimmerman is a sketchbook cartoonist and writer of the Substack newsletter, Drawing Links. In this episode, she joins Chris to talk about honesty and self-discovery. From sharing her artwork to discussing her sobriety journey to falling in love with running, Edith and Chris explore how creativity and pursuing new activities can help you overcome personal challenges.

This episode is part of the How to Be a Better Human Bonus Videos series. You can find the extended video companion on the TED YouTube Channel.

Watch

Edith draw and go running with Chris: https://youtu.be/1jWA3mE5o9Y

Edith and Chris' interview: https://youtu.be/U_tOmuja0w8

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Timm Chiusano was having one of the worst days of his career when he found himself inexplicably fascinated by a mundane part of the world on his walk home. That moment sparked a life-changing realization: he was addicted to appreciation, and it was actually his superpower. He shares a disarmingly simple practice that will make you happier, more present and better equipped to navigate your most challenging days.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Sarah Jaffe is the author of Work Won’t Love You Back: How Devotion to Our Jobs Keep Us Exploited, Exhausted, and Alone. She and Chris discuss the emotional toll of modern work culture and the importance of community. They also dive into Sarah’s newest book, From the Ashes: Grief and Revolution in a World on Fire, and explore the idea that between pandemics, climate change, and economic inequality, many of us are feeling a huge (and often unacknowledged sense of grief. Sarah explains the concept of “disenfranchised grief” and how collective mourning can invite meaningful social connections.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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As a business journalist, Andrew Ross Sorkin writes for the New York Times DealBook, which he founded, and co-anchors Squawk Box on CNBC. In this episode, Adam and Andrew riff on what makes a great conversation and compare notes on their best and worst interviews—including when Elon Musk told Bob Iger to f*** off. They also investigate what Andrew has learned about the psychology of powerful people and explore surprising insights from his new book, 1929, on the infamous stock market crash.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Doing the best at your job isn't just about working harder — it’s also about connecting better, says psychologist Alyssa Birnbaum. She shares practical, research-backed tips for strengthening relationships with your coworkers (whether you’re together in person or working remotely) in order to boost engagement, fight burnout and make work better for everyone.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Stephen J. Dubner is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and co-creator of Freakonomics—the cultural phenomenon that, over the past 20 years, has grown into a global franchise, changing how millions think, revealing the hidden side of everything, and challenging us to question what we know.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Parenthood and leadership have a shared mission to set other people up for success. Renowned “parenting whisperer” Dr. Becky Kennedy (@drbeckyatgoodinside) joins Anne and Frances to discuss the lessons that parenthood and leadership have to offer each other, from how to repair damaged relationships to the importance of embodying your authority and leading with sturdiness.​​ They also dig into some of the advice in Dr. Becky’s bestselling book Good Inside, and reflects on how childhood experiences can affect your adult relationship with conflict.

This is an episode of TED's Fixable podcast. Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://link.mgln.ai/M3ovC5

You can find transcripts for Fixable at ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

This episode originally aired on March 10, 2025.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Relationships of any kind can be tricky—but therapists are here to help. In this special episode, Anne and Frances talk to clinical psychologist Dr. Orna Guralnik, star of the hit show Couples Therapy, to translate her advice for romantic relationships to the professional world. Together, they discuss the art of deep listening, underline the importance of patience and working through differences, and reframe relationships as a constant cycle of rupture and repair. Dr. Guralnik also reflects on the making of Couples Therapy and gives Anne and Frances advice as a couple who work together.

Hosts & Guests

Anne Morriss (Instagram: @annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss)

Frances Frei (Instagram: @francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

Orna Guralnik (Instagram: @ornaguralnik)

Links

https://anneandfrances.com/

https://www.ornaguralnik.com/

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In this brand-new Fixations segment, Anne and Frances reveal the companies and tools they’ve been fixated on recently—and the lessons we can learn from what they’re getting right. Frances tells the story of how The Farmer’s Dog saved dinnertime for her pets and champions Blackmagic Design’s switcher device as a game-changer for remote presentations. Anne recounts her 5-star experience with Waymo’s self-driving cars and makes the case for manila folders.

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Technologist Tristan Harris has an urgent question: What if the way we’re deploying the world’s most powerful technology — artificial intelligence — isn’t inevitable, but a choice? In this eye-opening talk, he calls on us to learn from the mistakes of social media’s catastrophic rollout and confront the predictable dangers of reckless AI development, offering a “narrow path” where power is matched with responsibility, foresight and wisdom.

After the talk, Sherrell reflects on why it's wise to slow down AI's development and discuss about the organizations working to safeguard AI's impact.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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In this Quick Fixes episode, Anne and Frances work to solve three callers’ tricky work problems in under 30 minutes. One listener seeks advice on stepping into a leadership role for the first time, the next struggles with feeling powerless in a middle management position, and a final caller tries to regain the support of her team after receiving some difficult feedback.

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We’re constantly negotiating in our everyday lives—deciding where to go to dinner, haggling with sellers on Facebook Marketplace—but when it comes to higher-stakes conversations, clinching the deal can be daunting. In today’s episode, Frances calls on her colleague Deepak Malhotra for his expert advice at the negotiating table. They discuss how to balance flexibility and assertiveness, the pivotal role of empathy in conflict resolution, and the critical difference between interests and positions. Deepak also gives his take on the breakdown in talks over the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement and shares plans for his new AI negotiation advisor.

Hosts & Guests

Anne Morriss (Instagram: @annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss)

Frances Frei (Instagram: @francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

Deepak Malhotra (LinkedIn: @prof-malhotra)

Links

https://anneandfrances.com/

https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=189290

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After the Minnesota Lynx were knocked out of the WNBA playoffs, star player Napheesa Collier used her exit interview to issue a scathing critique of the league’s leadership. In this installment of Unsolicited Advice, Anne and Frances coach the WNBA’s commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, on how to rebuild player trust, take full accountability for the league’s problems, and deliver an effective apology. They also address stalled progress in the players’ collective bargaining agreement and discuss what it will take for Engelbert to become a true champion for the organization’s most important stakeholders: the women on the floor playing world-class basketball.

Hosts

Anne Morriss (Instagram: @annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss)

Frances Frei (Instagram: @francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

Links

https://anneandfrances.com/

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How much time do you spend commuting to and from work in your car? And do you drive alone? In the US, the transportation sector emits more carbon pollution than any other sector—but in 1991, Washington State decided to take matters into their own hands. In this episode, Ryan and Anjali talk to Brian Lagerberg, who worked on the state’s commuter trip reduction plan: a policy that required employers to provide their employees with alternative ways to get to work. Together, they unpack the factors that led to the plan’s success and discuss how other cities and states can promote the same practices that make Washington the carpool state, and the kind of model that others can follow.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Do you find yourself overwhelmed by too many Slack messages? Or unsure how to talk so that people will listen? In this episode, Anne and Frances help a caller who finds herself in the middle of a communication breakdown between her and her colleagues. Together, they explore the power of understanding your message deeply and communicating it simply. They also discuss the benefits of frequent, intentional repetition and the value of tools like video and AI to aid in company-wide communication.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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In this special Quick Fixes episode, Anne and Frances are joined by Morra Aarons-Mele, workplace mental health expert and author of The Anxious Achiever, to help three different callers with their confidence conundrums. One listener feels awkward in-person after years of remote work, the next wants to prepare his team for his exit from the company, and a final caller struggles to keep her spirits high during a frustrating job search.

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Hosts: Anne Morriss (@annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss), Frances Frei (@francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

Guest: Morra Aarons-Mele (Instagram: @morraam | Website: https://morraam.com/) 

Links

https://anneandfrances.com/

The Anxious Achiever by Morra Aarons-Mele

Hiding in the Bathroom by Morra Aarons-Mele

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When negative feedback shakes your confidence, it can be difficult to get back to feeling like yourself at work. In this episode, Anne and Frances help a struggling listener who has spent years toning herself down in the workplace after being told that she was too assertive — now, she feels that her modest approach is holding her back. Together, they use Anne and Frances’s “trust triangle” framework to explore how empathy, authenticity, and logic can help you rebuild confidence and trust with your colleagues, and share helpful confidence hacks for getting comfy with discomfort.

What problems are you dealing with at work? Text or call 234-FIXABLE or email fixable@ted.com to be featured on the show.

This episode originally aired on February 3, 2025.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Up to 80% of people experience impostor syndrome at some point in their lives—a feeling of inadequacy and anxiety about perceived flaws. In this episode, Anne and Frances break down exactly what impostor syndrome is, why we tell ourselves stories that distort reality, and how to break free from these harmful thought patterns. They also introduce some close relatives of impostor syndrome and discuss the pathway back to confidence and a clear-eyed relationship with our own abilities. 

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Anne and Frances are back with a new season of Fixable to tackle a subject that impacts everyone’s experience of work: confidence. In this episode, the pair sit down with Master Fixer Ian Robertson, a professor of psychology at Trinity College Dublin and author of the new book How Confidence Works: The New Science of Self-Belief,to discuss where confidence comes from, how to inspire confidence in others, and how to deal with overconfident leaders. Ian also shares his confidence framework and explains why anxiety is actually your friend. 

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Hosts: Anne Morriss (@annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss), Frances Frei (@francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

Guest: Ian Robertson (Website: https://ianrobertson.org/) 

Links

https://anneandfrances.com/

https://ianrobertson.org/

How Confidence Works: The New Science of Self-Belief

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What’s the best way to transition back to work after going on leave? Wren is a newly minted director at a fintech company who got promoted into the role just a few months before going on maternity leave–and now she’s returning as the mom of a child with health challenges. However, her job and team have changed dramatically in her absence, and Wren doesn’t feel like the same person she was before her baby, either. Not knowing how to go into the office again, Wren turns to Anne and Frances for help. Anne and Frances give Wren a bombshell—she’s not going back to her old job, she’s starting a new one. Together, they create a plan for a successful restart and making the most of any transition.

This episode originally aired 9/18/2023

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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We talk a lot about doing less to get more—but in practice, most organizations end up doing the opposite. When priorities pile up, and nothing gets removed or finished, the result is a familiar kind of chaos: too many projects, too little focus, and an endless loop of adding more in hopes of getting unstuck.

This week, Rodney Evans and Sam Spurlin unpack one of the most common organizational dynamics they see: the “more-is-more” trap of priority overload. They dig into why deprioritizing anything at work feels so psychologically and politically fraught, how identity and sunk costs keep teams clinging to low-impact efforts, and ways for leadership teams to prioritize at a org wide level, not just assemble a laundry list of everyone’s pet projects.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Criticism rarely comes wrapped in a shiny gift box, tied with a bow. As a trailblazing leader, one of Mellody Hobson’s gifts is finding the diamond in the rough. She and Adam unpack how to look for the grain of truth in any critique, when to discount feedback, and what it takes to be honest without being brutal.

This episode originally aired on June 15, 2021.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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For over sixty years, Gloria Steinem has been at the center of American culture and political life, where she has been instrumental in shaping our ideas about feminism, humanity, and equal rights for all people. She joins to talk about her legendary career as an award-winning journalist, New York Times best-selling author, co-founder of one of the most significant magazines of the 21st century, and an activist whose work has impacted the place women and girls now have in the world.

This episode originally aired on Design Matters July 1, 2024.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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What if you could transform your anxiety into something you can actually use during your work day? This week, we're revisiting a talk by neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki, who shares two evidence-based activities — breathing and movement — that can soothe your nervous system and fuel creativity and connection.

This episode originally aired on TED Health on July 9, 2024.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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This week, we’re bringing you an episode from the FT’s Behind the Money podcast: Every year, the Financial Times selects the most outstanding business book of the year. For 2023, the top pick is a book about failure. The FT’s senior business writer Andrew Hill sits down with the winner, Amy Edmondson, the author of Right Kind of Wrong and “the world’s most influential organisational psychologist”. Edmondson’s book explores the value in failure, what we can learn from it and what’s wrong with Silicon Valley’s “fail fast, fail often” mantra.

Follow Behind the Money wherever you listen to podcasts.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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There are 5 different generations in the workplace today, and strong views can lead to conflict between age groups. But are generational differences really the problem? In this episode, Adam investigates the root causes of age stereotypes, why they hold us all back, and how to overcome generational divides at work. Guests: journalist Nicole Smith and research scientist Jennifer Deal.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Why do so many of us get nervous when public speaking? Communication expert Lawrence Bernstein says the key to dealing with the pressure is as simple as having a casual chat. He introduces the "coffee shop test" as a way to help you overcome nerves, connect with your audience and deliver a message that truly resonates. After the talk, Modupe explains a similar approach in academia called the "Grandma test," and how public speaking can be as simple as a conversation with grandma.

This talk originally aired January 27, 2025.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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The arrival of non-human intelligence is a very big deal, says former Google CEO and chairman Eric Schmidt. In a wide-ranging interview with technologist Bilawal Sidhu, Schmidt makes the case that AI is wildly underhyped, as near-constant breakthroughs give rise to systems capable of doing even the most complex tasks on their own. He explores the staggering opportunities, sobering challenges and urgent risks of AI, showing why everyone will need to engage with this technology in order to remain relevant.

This episode originally aired May 15, 2025.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Dawn Burrell is a celebrated long jumper, an Olympic athlete, and a chef’s whose cooking made her a semifinalist for a James Beard Award — and these are just a sampling of her many accolades. In this episode, Dawn talks about how she navigated the career shift from athlete to chef, redefining success for herself, and finding joy and fulfillment in the kitchen cooking for others. She and Chris also discuss ways to grow from failure, build confidence, and the creative process of starting something new – whether it’s a career or a recipe.

Listen to How to fix any problem (w/ Anne Morriss and Frances Frei) on How to Be a Better Human at https://link.mgln.ai/wtjj9J

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Host: Chris Duffy (Instagram: @chrisiduffy | chrisduffycomedy.com)

Guest: Dawn Burrell (Instagram: @chefdawnburrell | Facebook: @chefdawnburrell | LinkedIn: @dawnburrell) 

Links

chefdawnburrell.com/

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Are you feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, or burned out at work? In this special Unsolicited Advice episode, Anne and Frances are getting ready for summer by tackling the importance of rest and the power of intention. They offer unexpected tips and tricks for recovering from constant stress, owning what you need to feel alive and engaged, and creating an experience of work that unleashes your ambition.

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Hosts: Anne Morriss (@annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss), Frances Frei (@francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

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https://anneandfrances.com/

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Most of us try to avoid conflict, particularly at work. But when done right, conflict can be a tool to strengthen interpersonal bonds and generate better results. In this episode, Anne and Frances team up with Amanda Ripley, global conflict journalist and author of the bestselling book High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out. They tackle the missteps teams often make when it comes to handling conflict and provide actionable alternatives to foster healthy conflict habits in any organization.

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Hosts: Anne Morriss (@annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss), Frances Frei (@francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

Guest: Amanda Ripley (Instagram:@ripleywriter | Website: amandaripley.com/) 

Links

https://anneandfrances.com/

High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out

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When your organization is bending under the weight of external pressures, it can be difficult to lead your team with strength and clarity. In this episode, Anne and Frances guide a caller who is grappling with burnout as she leads her LGBTQ+ organization through a challenging political climate. Together, they identify strategies for motivating a team with low morale, adapting to a changing environment, and creating opportunities for learning and growth. 

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Hosts: Anne Morriss (@annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss), Frances Frei (@francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

Links

https://anneandfrances.com/

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You might know Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey from their iconic roles as best friends Shane and Alice on The L Word—they’re best friends in real life, too! In this special episode, Anne and Frances talk with Kate and Leisha about their new book So Gay for Youand uncover the story of their friendship and its critical role in their success as actors on the show (and beyond). They dig into the benefits and risks of working with your friends, discuss the importance of honest communication, and explore how the L Word team leveraged real-world relationships for better storytelling.

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Hosts: Anne Morriss (@annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss), Frances Frei (@francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

Guests:

Kate Moennig (Instagram: @kateomoennig) 

Leisha Hailey (Instagram: @leishahailey) 

Links

https://anneandfrances.com/

Book: So Gay for You

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A good boss is a rare breed. That’s because running an organisation is hard. It means getting to grips with the world’s most baffling substance: people.

The Economist’s management columnist, Andrew Palmer, is here to help. With his trademark wit, he distills advice and experience from bosses across business and the public sector. 

Whether you manage people now or want to in the future; whether you’re in charge of a company or you dream of founding one; whether you want to build a culture or just give a good presentation—Boss Class is for you.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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In a world filled with requests, many of us are struggling to stay afloat. Even if you’re not a people-pleaser, the desire to maintain a positive reputation can make it hard to turn others down. In this episode, Adam explores the art and science of delivering an effective “no.” He highlights strategies for setting boundaries with others to create space for yourself—and healthier relationships with those around you.

This episode originally aired April 29, 2025.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcripts

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Fixable receives calls and questions from listeners all over the world—including Antarctica! In this Quick Fixes episode, Anne and Frances work to solve three callers’ tricky work problems in under 30 minutes. One listener struggles to build trust within his constantly changing expedition team, the next has a creative idea to encourage healthy conflict, and a final caller finds themself caught in the middle between junior employees and senior leadership.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Studies show that companies would benefit from having fewer and better meetings. So how can you turn your workplace gatherings from time-wasters to productivity boosters? In this episode, Anne and Frances are joined by Priya Parker—acclaimed speaker, facilitator, and best-selling author of The Art of Gathering—to unlock the true power of bringing people together. They brainstorm helpful tips for planning and facilitating great meetings, emphasize the importance of asking good questions, and explain why being “chill” is often detrimental to leadership.

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Hosts: Anne Morriss (@annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss), Frances Frei (@francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

Guest: Priya Parker (Instagram: @priyaparker) 

Links

https://anneandfrances.com/

https://www.priyaparker.com/

The Art of Gathering book

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Today, we’re bringing you a special episode from What It's Like To Be... a podcast from Dan Heath where he explores the world of work, one profession at a time, and interviews people who love what they do.

Dan is speaking with Dr. Hindatu Mohammed, a veterinarian from Austin who opens up about the tough, yet crucial, decisions she helps pet owners make regarding their pets’ health care. It’s a fascinating look at how empathy and expertise come together in the world of veterinary medicine.

You can listen to more episodes of What It's Like To Be... at https://link.mgln.ai/fixabledanheath

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Looking for a job can be frustrating and exhausting. Unsolicited Advice is back and this time Anne and Frances are helping YOU find work you actually want to do. They share useful tips and tricks for anyone facing today's daunting job market — from navigating rejection burnout to standing out in interviews. They also give employers advice you didn’t ask for on how to find great candidates who will elevate your team.

What problems are you dealing with at work right now? Call or text 234-FIXABLE or email fixable@ted.com to be featured on the show.

This episode originally aired September 23, 2024.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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How do you build a working relationship after you’ve gotten off on the wrong foot? In this episode, Anne and Frances coach a caller who has been brought in to support a team that doesn’t want his help—and doesn’t trust his organization. Together, they brainstorm ways to reset the partnership, offer genuine support, and fix a broken system from the inside out.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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We all know Taylor Swift as an international pop superstar—her albums shoot to the top of the Billboard charts, and her recent Eras Tour grossed over $2 billion. But what can we learn from Taylor the businesswoman? In this episode, Anne and Frances sit down with Kevin Evers, author of There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift, to dig into the vision, entrepreneurial instincts, and bold decision-making that built Swift’s global empire.

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Hosts: Anne Morriss (@annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss), Frances Frei (@francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

Guest: Kevin Evers 

Links

https://anneandfrances.com

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For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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In this Quick Fixes episode, Anne and Frances work to solve three different callers’ tricky problems in under 30 minutes. One listener asks for tips on stepping into a first-time leadership role with confidence, the next wants to motivate her disengaged peers, and a final caller worries about navigating their company’s growth strategy when it’s not at all clear who is in charge.

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Hosts: Anne Morriss (@annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss), Frances Frei (@francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

Links

https://anneandfrances.com/

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Instagram:@ted

YouTube:@TED

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LinkedIn:@ted-conferences

Website:ted.com

Podcasts:ted.com/podcasts

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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

The resurrection of Barnes & Noble is one of the most remarkable turnaround stories of the modern business era. Chief revival architect and CEO James Daunt joins Anne and Frances to discuss the unconventional leadership strategies that helped him navigate through the pandemic and keep bookstores alive in the age of Amazon and e-books. They explore James’s non-hierarchical approach to team building, dive into the challenges he faced on his mission to revitalize the company, and discover the principle at the heart of his strategy: being nice.

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Hosts: Anne Morriss (@annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss), Frances Frei (@francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

Guest: James Daunt (Instagram | LinkedIn | Website) 

Links

https://anneandfrances.com/

https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/management/james-daunt/

Subscribe to TED 

Instagram:@ted

YouTube:@TED

TikTok:@tedtoks

LinkedIn:@ted-conferences

Website:ted.com

Podcasts:ted.com/podcasts

For the full text transcript, visitted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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

When you spot workplace practices that seem less-than-fair, what can you do to stand up for better treatment of someone else? In this episode, Anne and Frances guide a troubled caller who wants to help fix the lopsided pay structures in her organization and advocate for higher compensation for her junior colleagues. Together, they design a plan to gather data and make a rigorous and optimistic case to the higher-ups while supporting those affected in the meantime.

Follow

Hosts: Anne Morriss (@annemorriss | LinkedIn: @anne-morriss), Frances Frei (@francesxfrei | LinkedIn: @francesfrei)

Links

https://anneandfrances.com/

Subscribe to TED 

Instagram:@ted

YouTube:@TED

TikTok:@tedtoks

LinkedIn:@ted-conferences

Website:ted.com

Podcasts:ted.com/podcasts

For the full text transcript, visitted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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

In this Quick Fixes episode, Anne and Frances work to solve three different callers’ tricky work problems in under 20 minutes. One listener wants to prepare herself mentally to become a senior leader in her organization, the next struggles to move on from a past conflict with a coworker, and a final caller wonders if it’s time to call it quits on their small business.

Follow

Host: Anne Morriss (Instagram | LinkedIn), Frances Frei (Instagram | LinkedIn)

Links

https://anneandfrances.com/

Subscribe to TED 

Instagram:@ted

YouTube:@TED

TikTok:@tedtoks

LinkedIn:@ted-conferences

Website:ted.com

Podcasts:ted.com/podcasts

For the full text transcript, visitted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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

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

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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

Parenthood and leadership have a shared mission to set other people up for success. Renowned “parenting whisperer” Dr. Becky Kennedy (@drbeckyatgoodinside) joins Anne and Frances to discuss the lessons that parenthood and leadership have to offer each other, from how to repair damaged relationships to the importance of embodying your authority and leading with sturdiness.​​ They also dig into some of the advice in Dr. Becky’s bestselling book Good Inside, and reflects on how childhood experiences can affect your adult relationship with conflict.

You can find transcripts for Fixable at ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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When an organization lays people off , those who remain are often left scrambling to find their footing – and hold other people up – in an environment that no longer feels stable. In the wake of ongoing tech layoffs and the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the public sector, Anne and Frances are back with a new Unsolicited Advice segment to set the record straight about what layoffs mean for an organization — and the responsibility leaders have to own what went wrong.

For Fixable transcripts, please visit https://www.ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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

In this Quick Fixes episode, Anne and Frances work to solve three different callers’ tricky work problems in under 20 minutes. One listener searches for the best way to level up his small business, the next plans to approach their manager about a dramatic role change, and a final caller is interviewing for a new leadership position that would require him to manage problematic colleagues.

What problems are you dealing with at work? Text or call 234-FIXABLE or email fixable@ted.com to be featured on the show.

You can find transcripts for Fixable at ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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

Today, we’re bringing you a special episode from Rapid Response featuring Frances in conversation with Bob Safian the former editor-in-chief of Fast Company.

Frances and Bob dive into one of the biggest workplace debates today: the real impact of return-to-office mandates. Together, they challenge conventional wisdom about in-person work, reveal the unspoken motivations behind pro-RTO leadership decisions, and share practical strategies for running more efficient meetings — whether remote or in-office. Plus, Frances unpacks how AI is reshaping corporate life in ways that might surprise you.

Rapid Response features candid conversations with top business leaders navigating real-time challenges. The pace of change in business is faster than ever — and leaders need to adapt just as quickly. So tune in to Rapid Response for sharp insights and actionable strategies for innovators, creators, and decision-makers.

Subscribe to Rapid Response on YouTube: youtube.com/@RapidResponseShow

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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

What do the most powerful people in the world do after they've achieved success? Jared Cohen is a history buff and a presidential historian. His latest book, “Life After Power,” is a fascinating exploration about what seven American presidents did after leaving the most influential job in the world. In this episode of ReThinking with Adam Grant, another podcast in the TED Audio Collective, Adam and Jared discuss the psychology of the founding fathers, debate the pros and cons of pursuing a legacy, and share what these historic figures can teach us all about pursuing and finding purpose.

Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts

For more, follow ReThinking with Adam Grant wherever you get your podcasts.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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What should you do when Cupid's arrow strikes at work? Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Anne and Frances are digging into the complicated dynamics of office relationships with the help of Tia Silas, HR expert and the new Chief People Officer at MrBeast, after having served in people leadership roles at some of the most influential companies in the world. Together, they discuss best practices for disclosing a new workplace relationship, how to approach your office crush respectfully, and the challenges that romance can create in organizations.

What problems are you dealing with at work? Text or call 234-FIXABLE or email fixable@ted.com to be featured on the show.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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

The Democratic Party lost big in the 2024 election cycle. What are the lessons party leaders should take from what happened? In this special Unsolicited Advice episode, Anne and Frances share their thoughts on how the Democratic Party failed to understand what voters needed most. They explore how the party can identify its underlying problems, rebuild trust, and craft a rigorous and optimistic way forward – skills all leaders need in a complex, fast-moving world.  

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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When negative feedback shakes your confidence, it can be difficult to get back to feeling like yourself at work. In this episode, Anne and Frances help a struggling listener who has spent years toning herself down in the workplace after being told that she was too assertive — now, she feels that her modest approach is holding her back. Together, they use Anne and Frances’s “trust triangle” framework to explore how empathy, authenticity, and logic can help you rebuild confidence and trust with your colleagues, and share helpful confidence hacks for getting comfy with discomfort.

What problems are you dealing with at work? Text or call 234-FIXABLE or email fixable@ted.com to be featured on the show.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Sometimes the only way to win is by finding the courage to lose. This week, Anne and Frances want you to “dare to be bad” in order to free up capacity to excel at more important things. They share insight on the power of strategic “no”s, the value of ruthless prioritization, and how Steve Jobs and Apple delivered breakthrough innovation by strategically underperforming. Frances explains why you can’t always trust your own instincts, and Anne reflects on the lessons she learned in her early days of parenting. 

What problems are you dealing with at work? Text or call 234-FIXABLE or email fixable@ted.com to be featured on the show.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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Have you ever felt like something about your identity was getting in the way of your success? This week, a listener needs help pushing through the resistance she’s facing as a woman navigating a male-dominated workplace. Anne and Frances discuss what you can do when someone else’s bias is standing in your way. Together, the three uncover how you can find your agency in unexpected places – and why you must use it unapologetically. This episode originally aired January 29, 2024.

Transcripts for Fixable are available at go.ted.com/fixablescripts.

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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