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100 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Reheating Pizza Hut: Can We Deliver a Comeback?
3 november 2026 · 51 min
The majority of Pizza Hut was just sold to investors for roughly $1.5 billion. Hot deal, right? Not exactly. The pizza category has cooled off, and one of America's most iconic brands is struggling to keep up. Can its new owners turn things around, or do we need to fix it for them? Lees meer
Join Chino Nnadi and Aaron Wolpoff with guest Brandon Solano, former VP at Domino's Pizza, CMO of Papa Murphy's and Wendy's, and current CEO of RAVE Restaurant Group, to dig into why Yum! Brands sold Pizza Hut to LongRange Capital.
Stacking Pizza Hut up against Domino's, Papa John's, Little Caesars and Pizza Inn, the panel tackles third-party delivery, dine-in versus takeout, franchisee challenges and Domino's legendary turnaround, which happened during Brandon's tenure. They also question whether yet another limited-time offer can bring customers back, or whether the real fix starts with the product itself, right down to the freshness of the dough.
The conversation lands on a turnaround plan: a handful of flagship dine-in restaurants with retro vibes and live stages for local talent, warmer delivery-and-carryout locations, a bigger personality on social media, and a quiet recommitment to fresh ingredients. Did we actually fix Pizza Hut, or is it just another half-baked idea?
Panelists:
Chino Nnadi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chino-talentstrategist/
Guest
Brandon Solano – https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-solano-48459392/
Aaron Wolpoff – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingaaron/
Connect With the Show
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
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If you liked this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends! Keep listening to find out how we fix companies and put them back better than…
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Nepo Babies, Inc.
27 oktober 2026 · 46 min
A famous last name can get you the meeting, the press coverage and the first check. It can't answer your support tickets, fix your fulfillment or make the unit economics work. So when a last opens every door, how can we tell whether the business behind it is actually any good? Lees meer
Join Chino Nnadi, Aaron Wolpoff and Melissa Eaton to unpack the world of "nepo babies" in business, which we agree is a loaded term. Using Phoebe Gates' AI shopping assistant Phia, Hailey Bieber's Rhode, David Ellison's Skydance, the Kardashian brand empire and Stella McCartney as examples, the panel breaks down what a famous name really buys: the removal of doubt, faster access to investors, and a financial safety net most bootstrapped founders never get. They also look at who's really behind many celebrity "co-founder" brands, and why the Theranos board is a warning about trusting big names over real expertise.
The conversation lands on a simple test: strip away the story, look at who's actually running the company, and judge it on retention, not reach. A head start isn't the problem. Pretending it doesn't exist is.
Panelists:
Chino Nnadi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chino-talentstrategist/
Melissa Eaton – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mseaton/
Aaron Wolpoff – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingaaron/
Connect With the Show
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
• Follow us on:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPodIf you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends! Keep listening to find out how we fix companies and put them back better than we found them.
Disclaimer
A quick disclaimer. We are going into this somewhat cold and nothing we say should be construed as legal advice, financial advice or anything that would get us in trou… -
Middle Managers Are Back?!
20 oktober 2026 · 57 min
Middle managers were supposed to be one of the layers companies could do without. Organizations flattened their org charts, invested heavily in AI, and removed roles in the name of efficiency. Now the question is whether they also removed the people who help teams think, learn, and work effectively. Lees meer
Abhijit Bhaduri joins Aaron Wolpoff and Melissa Eaton to unpack the management reset happening in an AI-enabled workplace. Drawing on his experience in talent management and global learning and development, he explains why efficiency and effectiveness are not the same, how repeated restructures erode trust, and why employees need enough security to learn new skills.
The conversation explores the future of middle management, the entry-level talent pipeline, the human cost of treating employees as interchangeable line items, and why AI needs thoughtful human escalation when systems fail. The answer is not to stop using AI. It is to redesign work so technology and people can make each other more effective.
In this episode:
Why companies are reconsidering middle management
Efficiency versus effectiveness
How layoffs and reversals damage trust
Why fear makes learning harder
The role of managers in coaching, culture, and escalation
What happens when entry-level jobs disappear
Why AI needs human judgment and customer-service escalation
How employers can invest in employees’ next rolesConnect with Abhijit Bhaduri:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhijitbhaduri/Connect With the Show
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
• Follow us on:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPodIf you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends! Keep listening to find out how we fix companies and put them back better than we found them.
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Advertising Week 2027: Imagining What's Possible
13 oktober 2026 · 57 min
Advertising Week and the future of industry conferences get a full rebuild on We Fixed It You're Welcome, recorded live in New York with Erica Boeke, CEO of XP Land. Lees meer
Aaron sits down with Erica in NYC while Melissa and Chino join remotely to ask why Advertising Week New York now runs out of an old Herald Square mall, why event sponsorship budgets are shrinking, and why the best conference networking happens at fringe events. Erica, who spent years creating brand experiences for Condé Nast titles, lays out an experiential marketing and event marketing strategy playbook for Advertising Week 2027 built around the attendee experience.
In this episode:
- Why Erica last spoke at Advertising Week in a former JC Penney boys department
- The dirty little secret: why she hasn't bought a badge for SXSW, AWNY or Cannes in years
- How 86 devices for the 86th Oscars beat a $250,000 logo-on-a-napkin package
- Why Canva, Sephora and Target no longer need conferences to reach their fans
- The fixes: make New York the campus, program downtime, design moments of awe
What you will learn
Why Advertising Week moved from Broadway theaters to a Herald Square mall, where Erica last spoke inside the old JC Penney boys department
The dirty little secret of big conferences: why Erica hasn't bought a badge for SXSW, AWNY or Cannes in years, and why that should worry organizers
How Erica got Samsung to deliver 86 devices for the 86th Oscars green room, and why that story beats a $250,000 logo-on-a-napkin sponsorship
Why one major insurance tech conference's sponsor list shrank to roughly half of what it was three years ago
How Canva, Sephora and Target built audiences big enough that conferences now need them more than they need conferences
Why the best feedback from a Fast Company Innovation Festival survey was about networking on the shuttle buses
The 2027 fixes: audit the attendee journey, make New York the campus, get out of the mall, program downtime and design moments of awe…
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Sizing Up Oura
6 oktober 2026 · 53 min
Oura has sold millions of rings, generated significant revenue from both hardware and memberships, and pursued a company valuation of more than $15 billion. Lees meer
It was supposed to go IPO…and then it didn’t.
The ring itself? It tracks your sleep, stress, recovery and activity. It’s a major business.
But the ring may be the least interesting part of this story.
In this episode of We Fixed It, You’re Welcome, our panelists Aaron, Melissa and Chino break down the business behind Oura, from its hardware-plus-subscription model to its growing customer base, brand awareness, and health-data strategy and challenge each other about whether an IPO was ever the right move to begin with.
The conversation explores why Oura has succeeded in a crowded wearable market, how it can continue growing, and what happens when a company becomes responsible for an increasingly valuable collection of deeply personal health data.
The central question is:
With all eyes on this company, how does Oura move on from here?
What You Will Learn
Why Oura is more than a ring
How Oura's hardware-plus-subscription business works
Why the subscription model is both an opportunity and a challenge
How Oura can expand its audience
Why Oura's screenless experience is an important differentiator
Why retention does not necessarily mean genuine customer engagement
How raw health data can be turned into actionable guidance
Why customers may want different levels of health information
The discussion around Oura's sleep-data accuracy
Why customer consent matters when collecting health data
How AI could increase the value of biometric information
Why health-data privacy could become increasingly important
What a customer-controlled data permission center could look like
Why longitudinal health data could become a valuable asset
The tension between shareholder expectations and customer privacy
Whether Oura should monetize its data
Whether Oura should introduce additional products
Whether Oura sh…
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Paper or Plastic?
29 september 2026 · 44 min
It feels like one of those environmental debates we settled a long time ago. Lees meer
Paper comes from trees, breaks down, and feels natural. Plastic comes from fossil fuels and represents pollution.
So if we're trying to make the environmentally responsible choice, paper seems like the obvious answer.
Except the closer you look, the less obvious it gets.
Depending on the conditions, paper can require more material, water, and energy to produce than plastic. Plastic can perform better in some lifecycle assessments, while also creating challenges around recycling, microplastics, and environmental impact.
In this episode of We Fixed It, Christine Yeager joins the conversation to unpack the complicated reality behind one of the most familiar sustainability questions.
Christine spent more than 11 years at Coca-Cola, eventually leading its North American Sustainability Project Management Office. She also worked with Circular Action Alliance to help move Extended Producer Responsibility programs from policy into implementation. Today, she helps producers and service providers navigate EPR.
The conversation explores packaging choices, lifecycle assessments, recycling infrastructure, consumer behavior, corporate sustainability, and the economics behind Extended Producer Responsibility.
Because the real question isn't simply paper or plastic?
It's:
What happens to that material across its entire lifecycle?
What You Will Learn
Why paper isn't automatically more sustainable than plastic
Why plastic can perform better in some lifecycle assessments
How lifecycle assessments influence packaging decisions
Why packaging weight matters
How energy sources can change the environmental impact of paper
Why recyclability doesn't guarantee actual recycling
What Extended Producer Responsibility means
How EPR changes the economics of packaging
Why EPR primarily incentivizes recyclability
Why recycling is heavily influenced by geography
Why the same packaging can have different…
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Tackling Sports Streaming: The Hidden Cost of Watching Sports
22 september 2026 · 1 uur 6 min
Watching your favorite team used to be simple. Turn on the television, find the channel, and watch the game. Lees meer
Today, following one team can mean navigating multiple streaming platforms, subscriptions, blackout restrictions, premium tiers, and constantly changing media-rights deals.
In this episode of We Fixed It, Renee Washington joins the conversation to unpack the rapidly changing business of sports media and what it means for the people who actually watch the games.
Renee brings experience from across sports broadcasting, including work with ESPN, FIFA, NBC Sports and other major sports platforms, along with her background as a former professional soccer player and three-time All-American.
The conversation explores why sports leagues are increasingly prioritizing global audiences, how enormous media-rights deals are reshaping distribution, why local broadcasters and communities still matter, and why athletes themselves are becoming increasingly powerful brands.
For decades, sports broadcasting was built around a relatively simple relationship between fans, teams and television.
That relationship has changed dramatically.
Today, leagues are negotiating enormous media-rights agreements with traditional networks and streaming platforms. A single sport can appear across multiple services, forcing fans to figure out where individual games are being broadcast.
Renee Washington explains that the driving force behind much of this change is money.
Sports media rights represent enormous revenue opportunities, while streaming platforms see live sports as a way to attract audiences, collect viewing data, build habits and introduce viewers to their broader entertainment ecosystems.
But the financial opportunity comes with a cost: complexity.
Fans can find themselves juggling multiple subscriptions simply to follow one team. Local broadcasts have also become less prominent in some markets, while national and global programming has become increasingly important.
Wha…
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Can UPS Still Deliver?
16 september 2026 · 44 min
UPS has spent 119 years building one of the world's most disciplined operating systems. But now the company is changing that machine from the inside: consolidating responsibility, restructuring operations, reducing costs, closing facilities and moving away from Amazon volume that no longer fits the economics of the business. Lees meer
Noel Massie knows what that machine looks like from the inside. He spent 42 years at UPS, beginning as a college student loading trucks in 1977 and eventually becoming a president of five business units and Vice President of U.S. Delivery Operations. He describes a company where managers were given real ownership, frontline employees were trusted to make decisions, and culture was treated as an operating system rather than a poster on the wall.
Aaron Wolpoff, Chino Nnadi and Melissa Eaton use Noel's experience to examine a much bigger business question: Can a company become more standardized and efficient without becoming too rigid to respond when reality gets messy?
The conversation goes deep into UPS's long-running transformation, its volatile relationship with Amazon, the economics of unpredictable volume, the difference between standardizing guardrails and localizing judgment, and why Noel believes the company's biggest competitive advantage is ultimately its culture of ownership.
About the guest
Noel Massie is a former UPS executive with more than four decades of experience in operations, logistics and leadership.
He began working for UPS in 1977 while attending San Jose State University, initially taking a night-loading job to pay for college. He expected to leave UPS after graduation for a position at Hewlett-Packard, but the company convinced him to stay and promoted him into management.
Over the course of his UPS career, Massie became a manager, mid-level leader, president of multiple business units and ultimately Vice President of U.S. Delivery Operations. In his final role, he supported the company's domestic presidents and pr…
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Can Companies Predict the Future?
8 september 2026 · 42 min
Can companies predict the future? Allen Nejah, founder and CEO of SunMan Engineering, joins Aaron Wolpoff and Melissa Eaton on We Fixed It, You're Welcome to explain why he built a connected, voice controlled car dashboard in 2005 and then watched the rest of the industry sell it fifteen years later. Lees meer
This is a conversation about corporate innovation strategy and the distance between a good idea and a good idea at the right time. We get into why only 12% of advanced manufacturing companies ever commercialize an innovation at scale, why 95% of filed patents never earn a dollar, how quarterly earnings pressure quietly shrinks R&D ambition, why a corporate innovation lab has to be funded and measured differently from the rest of the business, and how large companies use patent litigation to push small inventors out of a market.
In 2005, Allen Nejah built a touchscreen tablet that lived in a car dashboard, connected to the internet, and answered when you spoke to it. He called the voice assistant Genie. The iPhone did not exist yet. Tablets did not exist yet. The carriers he pitched asked him whether he was trying to get people killed. Twenty years later every car on the lot ships a version of what he built, and he is not the one selling it.
Aaron Wolpoff and Melissa Eaton use his story to work through the question sitting underneath every innovation budget: how do you tell an idea that is wrong from an idea that is only early? The conversation runs from Ernst and Young's finding that just 12% of advanced manufacturing companies ever commercialize at scale, through the legal machinery large companies use to squeeze small patent holders out of a market, and lands on a practical playbook for funding, measuring and killing innovation projects without punishing the people who ran them. It is for founders, R&D leads, product people and anyone who has been asked to justify a project that will not pay off this quarter.
About the guest
Allen Nejah is the founder and CEO of…
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Apple's Core Dilemma: Should a New CEO Preserve or Evolve?
1 september 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Apple has a new CEO. But should John Ternus try to change Apple — or protect what already works? Lees meer
Chris Deaver, former Apple and Disney leader and co-founder of BraveCore, joins Aaron Wolpoff and Melissa Eaton to unpack one of the biggest questions facing Apple's next chapter: how do you evolve a company without losing the culture that made it great?
Chris brings an unusually close perspective to the conversation. He worked in leadership development at Apple and worked extensively with John Ternus over more than a decade as Ternus developed into the leader Apple ultimately chose to succeed Tim Cook.
The conversation explores why Steve Jobs and Tim Cook were so different, why that difference actually helped Apple, and why John Ternus doesn't need to become either one.
They discuss Apple's collaborative culture, the shift from "Think Different" to "Different Together," the company's approach to AI and privacy, the future of AR, the challenge of creating Apple's next major product category, and the pressure on a new CEO to deliver a "mic drop" moment.
Chris also explains why Apple's current transition is less about fixing a broken company and more about preemptively positioning a healthy company for its next phase.
In this episode:
Why Steve Jobs chose a fundamentally different successor in Tim Cook
What Apple actually needs from John Ternus
Why culture may be Apple's most important product
The shift from "Think Different" to "Different Together"
Why Apple promotes people based on principles, not just results
The danger of a CEO trying to control every function
Apple's "category one" philosophy
What Disney's succession problems can teach Apple
Why Apple's approach to AI is different
Privacy vs. AI's dependence on massive amounts of data
Why Apple doesn't need to be first
The future of AR glasses
What would make consumers actually want Apple's next wearable
Why Apple's next major product doesn't have to replace the iPhone
The pressure on John Ternus…
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Getting Twinkies Out of a Jam | Saving Smucker's Hostess Acquisition
25 augustus 2026 · 55 min
What happens when one of America's most iconic snack brands becomes a multi-billion-dollar acquisition that’s not as sweet as it once seemed? Lees meer
In this episode of We Fixed It, You're Welcome, the team tackles Smucker's $5.6 billion acquisition of Hostess and asks why beloved brands like Twinkies, Ho Hos, Ding Dongs, and Donettes have struggled since joining the Smucker's portfolio.
Joining the discussion is Rebeca Johnson, former VP of Marketing at Frito-Lay and a veteran CMO who has spent decades transforming legacy brands. Together, our panel explores why operational fit matters just as much as brand equity, how evolving consumer habits have reshaped the snack aisle, and what Smucker's could do to turn the Hostess situation around.
In this episode:
Why Smucker's acquisition has struggled despite Hostess' iconic status
The operational mismatch between grocery and convenience store distribution
Why nostalgia alone can't revive legacy brands
How healthier consumer preferences changed the snack category
The importance of shopper psychology and shelf placement
Our own product innovation ideas including healthier Twinkies and Smucker's-inspired flavors
Why great acquisitions fail despite strong financial models
How social media, influencer marketing, and cultural relevance could revive Hostess
The team's complete turnaround strategy for one of America's most recognizable snack brands
If you enjoy lively conversations about business strategy, branding, marketing, operations, acquisitions, and customer experience, this episode is for you.
Connect With the Show
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
🌐 Websitewww.wefixeditpod.com
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Replay: The Automation Irony: Why Are We Still Working So Hard?
18 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 3 min
Research suggests that 30–50% of today’s work tasks could technically be automated. And yet most of us feel busier than ever. Lees meer
So what’s going on?
In this episode, we sit down with author, AI strategist, and business coach Steve Ferman to unpack the “automation irony”: the more tools and systems we add, the less time we seem to get back. Instead of blaming the technology, we dig into the real blockers—governance gaps, cultural resistance, change management failures, rising expectations, and leadership blind spots that prevent automation from delivering the relief it promises.
This isn’t an anti-AI episode. It’s a pro-leadership one.
About Our Guest
Steve Ferman is a tech executive, AI strategist, and certified Scaling Up business coach with over 40 years of experience building, scaling, buying, and selling technology companies. Learn more: https://4pillarcoach.com
Key Topics & Takeaways
Why automation isn’t a tech problem — it’s an operations problem
AI sprawl and shadow AI inside organizations
The danger of implementing tools without governance or guardrails
Why efficiency gains often lead to raised quotas, not reduced workload
The “walled garden trap” and siloed automation efforts
How automation quietly shifts burden upstream and creates hidden burnout
Why layoffs blamed on AI increase fear and stall adoption
The cultural gap between automation promise and employee experience
The need for executive alignment before tool selection
Why adoption requires enablement, not just software licenses
The Core Insight
Automation is not failing.
Leadership strategy is.
Companies often start with the solution — buying the newest AI tool — instead of identifying the operational bottlenecks they actually need to solve. Without executive buy-in, guardrails, and employee engagement, automation simply becomes another layer of work.
And when time is saved?
Organizations often fill it immediately with more output expectations, reinforcing the productivity paradox…
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Replay: Canada vs. USA: Brand Battles
11 augustus 2026 · 49 min
In this episode of "We Fixed It. You're Welcome," the hosts explore cultural and product differences between the United States and Canada. They discuss unique Canadian offerings like specialty sauces at Subway, higher quality fast food, and distinctive snack flavors. Lees meer
The conversation delves into consumer preferences, brand loyalty, and government regulations affecting product quality and availability. The hosts examine why some American brands struggle to expand into Canada and vice versa, highlighting the importance of understanding local markets.
They also touch on the impact of government monopolies on alcohol sales in Ontario and the potential for cross-border product exchanges. The episode concludes with recommendations for Americans to explore Canadian products and for businesses to consider expansion strategies carefully.
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Replay: Are There Too Many Managers?
4 augustus 2026 · 54 min
Are too many people being promoted into leadership roles? As a result, are companies becoming too top heavy? If we’ve created a system that values managers over executers, is this a recipe for disaster? Lees meer
In this episode, we’re joined by Ron Hetrick, Principal Economist at Lightcast and one of the most influential labor economists in the country. Together, we unpack one of the most important questions facing today’s labor market: whether modern organizations are overloaded with managers and what that means for productivity, hiring, layoffs, and career paths.
Drawing on decades of labor market research and macro workforce data, Ron explains why middle managers are often the first cut during layoffs, how that decision can negatively impact companies, and why a contributor-based evaluation might be a better approach.
This dynamic conversation digs into provocative questions we’re all asking, challenges assumptions, and poses some very real solutions about improving our collective thinking about the labor force.
If organizations want stability, they must create career ladders where experts can grow financially without being pushed into management roles if it creates misalignment.
As Ron explains during the episode:
The farther your role is from creating revenue or protecting margin, the harder it becomes to justify during restructuring.
About the Guest: Ron Hetrick
Ron Hetrick is a leading labor economist and Principal Economist at Lightcast. He previously worked at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and advises Fortune 100 companies, policymakers, and workforce strategists.Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
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Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
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If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your f…
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Replay: The Reese’s Controversy with Brad Reese
28 juli 2026 · 1 uur 12 min
For generations, a bite of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup meant one thing: Lees meer
Milk chocolate. Real peanut butter. That unmistakable taste. Now, many loyal fans say something is different.
In this episode, we sit down with Brad Reese, grandson of H. B. Reese and self-appointed “Protector of Reese’s Brand Integrity,” to unpack a controversy that has caught the world’s attention.
Brad and others are upset about the current quality of Reese’s products under Hershey’s control, pointing to a shift in taste and either proven or alleged ingredient swaps.
Emotions are high - people love Reese’s. They want real answers.
This isn’t just about candy.
It’s about trust, heritage, and a beloved company at a cultural tension point with its best customers.
What Sparked the Controversy?
Brad published an open letter to Hershey’s on LinkedIn calling out what he and many consumers observed:
Certain varieties no longer list milk chocolate
Some now use “chocolate candy,” “chocolatey coating,” or compound coating
Peanut butter replaced in some products with “peanut butter creme”
Ingredient changes implemented quietly, without announcement
While The Hershey Company has publicly stated that core ingredients have not changed, consumers began comparing labels and conducting side-by-side taste tests online.
The consumer pushback and Hershey’s response quickly went viral, drawing attention from major media outlets and even commentary from MrBeast while promoting his own line of Feastibles.
A Powerful Quote from Brad
“They’re stooping for pennies and passing up dollars.”
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
Brad Reese
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradreesecom/
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
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If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a re…
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Season 3's Final Fixes
21 juli 2026 · 56 min
What a season it's been! In the Season 3 finale, Aaron, Melissa, and Chino reflect on the biggest lessons, favorite guests, and most memorable fixes from an incredible run of problem-solving. We dig into three popular topics to see what's changed over time, and to add new observations and suggestions that are exclusive to this episode. Lees meer
Melissa revisits Hired or Hustled?, where the team originally exposed unethical recruiters and job search scams. Since then, AI-powered deepfakes, fake candidates, and sophisticated employment fraud have transformed hiring into an even bigger trust problem. The conversation explores why verification has become more important than instinct and what both companies and job seekers must do to stay protected.
Aaron brings back one of the internet's most unforgettable branding moments: McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski's awkward burger video. Was it simply a bad day, or a missed opportunity to turn self-awareness into brilliant marketing? The panel explores how modern CEOs should approach public visibility and why embracing mistakes can sometimes strengthen a brand.
Chino follows up on the viral Japanese 7-Eleven egg salad sandwich experiment after experiencing it firsthand in Canada. While the product generated enormous online buzz, the rollout highlighted a deeper lesson: successful products can't simply be copied into new markets without adapting to local consumer behavior. The team discusses why experience matters more than imitation and how 7-Eleven still has the opportunity to evolve in a creative way.
The episode also features a brand-new listener submission about reinventing the Home Depot shopping experience through smarter technology, AI-assisted associates, and better customer service. The discussion highlights the show's recurring theme that the best solutions often combine technology with human expertise rather than replacing it.
Finally, Aaron, Melissa, and Chino close out Season 3 by thanking listeners, reflecting on wha…
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Reshaping the GLP-1 Economy: A Breaking Consumer Study
16 juli 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy® are transforming far more than weight loss. They're changing how people eat, shop, spend money, dine out, and interact with brands, creating ripple effects across retail, restaurants, healthcare, apparel, and the broader economy. Lees meer
In this episode of We Fixed It, You're Welcome, Aaron Wolpoff and Chino Nnadi sit down with Lisa W. Miller, ex PepsiCo VP Consumer Strategy & Insights and founder of Lisa W. Miller & Associates, to discuss groundbreaking findings from her latest proprietary research on the rapidly evolving GLP-1 economy. With insights from more than 30 industry studies and a survey of 6,500 U.S. consumers, Lisa reveals what businesses need to know as consumer behavior changes in real time.
From the surprising rise of male GLP-1 users to the future of retail, employee benefits, and restaurant innovation, this conversation explores why companies that adapt early will likely have a competitive advantage while those that ignore these shifts risk being left behind.
What You'll Learn
• How GLP-1 medications are reshaping consumer spending habits
• Why restaurants, retailers, and grocery brands are being forced to adapt
• The surprising growth of male GLP-1 adoption and why most brands are missing it
• Why simply labeling products "GLP-1 Friendly" isn't enough
• How apparel companies and wedding retailers are responding to rapid weight loss
• The impact of GLP-1s on HR, employee benefits, and workplace policies
• The opportunities and risks businesses should prepare for over the next several years
• Why understanding consumer behavior matters more than following headlines.
About Our Guest
Lisa W. Miller is a Consumer Insights & Innovation Strategist with more than 30 years of experience helping organizations turn consumer insights into business growth. She previously served as Vice President of Insights at PepsiCo and Vice President of Innovation at Brinker International. Today, through Lisa W. Miller & Ass…
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ChatGPT vs Claude: Which AI is Winning the PR War?
10 juli 2026 · 58 min
OpenAI and Anthropic are locked in a high stakes rivalry, and the fallout is hurting public trust in AI overall. In this episode, the "We Fixed It, You're Welcome" panel (Aaron Wolpoff, Melissa Eaton, and Chino) sits down with veteran tech PR strategist Perry Headrick to unpack whether the ChatGPT vs Claude rivalry is a branding win or a trust disaster. With over 20 years of experience representing brands like AOL, Bing, Yelp, and Logitech, Perry brings sharp, no nonsense insight into why both AI giants are missing the mark with everyday users, and what they need to do to fix it. Lees meer
Guest Bio
Perry Headrick is the founder of Crackle PR, a B2B tech focused communications agency working with startups through publicly traded companies. He also co-hosts the Under Embargo podcast alongside Becca Chambers, CMO at Scale Ventures. Perry brings decades of experience in media strategy, reputation management, and crisis control.
Key Topics Discussed
Why only 17% of Americans trust the people running major AI companies, and 40% consider them untrustworthy
The origin of the OpenAI vs Anthropic rivalry, born from a philosophical split within OpenAI
How the Super Bowl ad wars and competitive digs are backfiring on both brands
The psychology of "AI dread" and why fear, not excitement, dominates public perception
Why AI companies make themselves the star instead of the customer
Perry's real world examples: turning heads at a local Chinese restaurant with an AI generated photo, and using AI to pick better golf clubs
The case for radical transparency over "promiseware" and vague grandiosity
Why sycophantic AI responses (agreeing with everything, false reassurances) erode user trust
The Claude broken links example and why owning limitations matters more than smoothing them over
Reddit and AMAs as an underused trust building tool
Are OpenAI and Anthropic "too big to fail," or heading toward a Yahoo vs Google outcome
Why competing companies dragging each other down risks mak…
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What Even Is a Podcast Anymore?
30 juni 2026 · 58 min
Spotify recently rolled out "personal podcasts," letting anyone generate a custom AI show with no creator involved. So what actually counts as a podcast anymore? Aaron, Melissa, and Chino bring in podcasting veteran and Hall of Famer Rob Walch, who has been a mainstay of the podcast industry since 2005, to unpack where AI fits in, where it doesn't, and why human-made shows probably aren't going anywhere. Lees meer
Rob breaks down the real history of podcasting's biggest growth moments, reacts to the rise of AI in podcasting, and explains why trust, once lost, is brutally hard to win back. Our panel also tackles celebrity podcasts, the trouble with unlabeled AI content, and what actually counts as a podcast these days in a rapidly changing landscape.
Connect With the Show
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
• Follow us on:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPod
If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends! Keep listening to find out how we fix companies and put them back better than we found them.
Disclaimer
A quick disclaimer. We are going into this somewhat cold and nothing we say should be construed as legal advice, financial advice or anything that would get us in trouble. These are our views and opinions. We’re here to ask the kinds of questions everyone’s thinking, have an engaging conversation and maybe come to some conclusions that we feel are worth exploring.
By the end, if we fixed it, you’re welcome. All trademarks, IP and brand elements discussed are property of their respective owners.
Guest Links
Rob Walch's personal podcast: podcast411.com
Co-hosts In and Around Podcasting with Elsie Escobar (new episodes every other week)
Email: rob.walch@global.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/p…
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Is Prime Day a Real Holiday Now?
23 juni 2026 · 59 min
Happy Prime Day! Amazon Prime Day just turned 11 years old, and what started as a single day invented to fill a sales lull has become somewhat of an actual holiday. How do we celebrate? We buy stuff! Lees meer
In this episode, our panel digs into celebrations engineered by brands and commerce (Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday, Starbucks Red Cup Day) to question whether these types of moments build real community or just psychologically condition consumers to spend on cue.
Joining the conversation is Pearl Servat, a fractional CMO who helped scale Verizon's Visible brand from zero to over a million customers and led the brand's Visible Acts of Kindness campaign, a movement that grew organically out of a single email. Pearl brings the brand-side perspective on building trust, avoiding the "race to the bottom," and the difference between a manufactured sales event and an authentic cultural moment.
Our panel breaks down why Prime Day works (consistency, trust, FOMO, basket-size psychology), where it may be falling short (personalization, social impact, fulfillment promises), and we pitch our own potential improvements, including hyper-personalized deals and a charity-driven "freeze the deals" concept that is up for grabs.Connect with Pearl Servat
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearlservat/
Connect With the Show
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
• Follow us on:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPod
If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends! Keep listening to find out how we fix companies and put them back better than we found them.
Disclaimer
A quick disclaimer. We are going into this somewhat cold and nothing we say should be construed as legal advice, financial advice or anything that would …
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Brand Collabs: Overplayed or Worth the Hype?
16 juni 2026 · 55 min
Brand collaborations are everywhere right now. But for every Swatch x AP with overwhelming demand, there are examples like Nike x Tiffany that leave everyone wondering why those brands aligned. In this episode, Aaron, Melissa, and Chino break down the biggest brand collabs in recent history, figure out what separates the legendary ones from the cautionary tales, and build a framework to predict which ones will actually work. Lees meer
What We Cover
Why brands are obsessed with collabs and why consumers are starting to get tired of them
The Swatch x Audemars Piguet launch that caused mall shutdowns and $25,000 resale prices
What makes a collab feel culturally necessary versus just a marketing stunt
Nike x Air Jordan — how the original celebrity collab still dominates decades later
Nike x Tiffany — two iconic brands, one massive execution failure
Adidas x Yeezy — $2 billion made, a very public breakup, and why Adidas is still profiting
Pepsi x Kendall Jenner — what happens when a brand collab completely misreads the room
Supreme x Louis Vuitton — the collab that redefined streetwear and luxury forever
McDonald's Happy Meal collabs — why they keep getting it right over and over
HM and Target designer drops — when doing collabs too often kills the excitement
The secondary resale market — is it a bug or a feature of a great collab?
Aaron's risk framework for predicting whether a brand collab will succeed or fail
The Collab Risk Framework (Our Fix)
Formalize the unofficial — if customers are already doing it themselves, own it. Lowest risk, built to last. (Taco Bell x Doritos)
Combine shared capabilities — two brands each bring a unique strength the other doesn't have. When done right, something magnetic happens. (Swatch x AP, Supreme x LV)
Shared audience + shared sensibility — the Venn diagram has to be big enough. If it's too small, the market will tell you the hard way. (Nike x Tiffany failed this test)
Curation and scarcity — making something too available k…
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Unraveling High Fashion
9 juni 2026 · 59 min
What happens when luxury brands sell more than products, but the promise of ethics, craftsmanship, and sustainability? Lees meer
In this episode, our panel explores the growing tension between luxury fashion's premium pricing and the increasing scrutiny surrounding supply chain transparency, labor practices, and sustainability claims. Using LVMH and several of its iconic brands as a case study, the conversation examines whether today's luxury consumers are buying status, quality, or a set of values.
Joining the discussion is Kirsten K. Harris (Nordstrom, Nike, Amazon), sustainability strategist and founder of eavolu®, who shares insights from more than two decades in the fashion industry. Together, we unpack the realities of ESG compliance, traceability, greenwashing concerns, counterfeit markets, resale opportunities, and the future of ethical luxury.
The episode highlights why transparency, authenticity, and accountability are becoming essential business strategies for brands that want to maintain consumer trust in an increasingly skeptical marketplace.
Connect with Kirsten K. Harris
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenkharris/
eavolu®: https://eavolu.com
Final Thought
Luxury brands have long sold aspiration and exclusivity. The next generation of luxury may be defined not by what brands say, but by what they can prove. As consumers demand greater transparency, the future of fashion will belong to companies that can align premium products with authentic business practices.
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
• Follow us on:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPod
If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends! Keep listening to find out how we fix companies and put them back better than we found t…
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Bullish on Bagels? Figuring Out Food Fads
3 juni 2026 · 53 min
What separates a food fad that burns out from one that becomes a lasting brand? This episode dives into the psychology and business strategy behind viral food trends, with Pop-Up Bagels as a current example, to answer the question every food founder and investor is asking: how do you turn a moment into a movement? Lees meer
Featured Guest
Talia Solomon — Founder, The Brand Economist
Talia is a fractional CMO and brand advisor with a background in marketing and behavioral science. She has impacted companies across food, media, and consumer tech including Pizza Hut, Papa John's, Maggiano's, Del Taco, Ruby Tuesday, Weight Watchers, Bravo TV, Showtime, and Ring Doorbell. Her cross-industry experience gives her a unique lens on habit formation and consumer psychology.
The Problem
Food trends explode fast, and fizzle just as quickly. Category saturation, cultural shifts, and the gap between first-time curiosity and repeat habit have ended many promising brands. The real question isn't how to generate buzz. It's how to make people come back.
Connect with Talia
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliasacks
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
• Follow us on:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPod
If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends! Keep listening to find out how we fix companies and put them back better than we found them.
Disclaimer
A quick disclaimer. We are going into this somewhat cold and nothing we say should be construed as legal advice, financial advice or anything that would get us in trouble. These are our views and opinions. We’re here to ask the kinds of questions everyone’s thinking, have an engaging conversation and maybe come to some conclusions that we feel are worth exploring.
By t…
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Predicting Kalshi’s Future
26 mei 2026 · 1 uur
With billions of dollars traded weekly across non-traditional and traditional investors, prediction markets have quickly become one of the hottest crazes in finance. In this episode, we grab time with Andrew Lebbos of Benzinga (SVP of Licensing) to explore the current state of prediction market platforms like Kalshi and speculate about their long-term potential for good. Lees meer
This provocative conversation examines why prediction markets have gained mainstream attention, how they differ from traditional investing and sports betting, and whether crowdsourced forecasting can produce more accurate outcomes than other established methods. The discussion also tackles hot-button topics such as regulation, threats of insider information, concerns over gambling addiction, and the importance of customer retention.
From the psychology of gambling to the speculative future of financial markets, this episode explores both the promise and possible risks of turning real-world events into tradable assets.
Connect with Andrew
LinkedIn: Andrew Lebbos on LinkedIn
Benzinga: Benzinga APIs & Data Solutions
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
• Follow us on:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPod
If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends!
Keep listening to find out how we fix companies and put them back better than we found them.
Disclaimer
A quick disclaimer. We are going into this somewhat cold and nothing we say should be construed as legal advice, financial advice or anything that would get us in trouble. These are our views and opinions. We’re here to ask the kinds of questions everyone’s thinking, have an engaging conversation and maybe come to some conclusions that we feel are worth exploring.
By the end, if we …
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7-Eleven’s Egg Salad Experiment
19 mei 2026 · 50 min
7-Eleven has been working on a big comeback for a while. Their first big attempt at reinvention might surprise you: egg salad sandwiches. While quite popular in Japan, 7-Eleven’s big gamble on egg salad sandwiches throughout United States stores is head scratching. In this episode, our panel wonders what led to this decision, discusses the larger business challenges at play, and proposes our own fixes for what 7-Eleven should do next. Lees meer
Along the way, we unpack convenience store culture, customer behavior, retail psychology, operational execution, and take a hard look at how brands can misfire when they try to import global trends without adapting them locally.
The team also debates:
● Why Japan’s 7-Eleven experience feels completely different than anywhere else
● Whether North American consumers trust convenience store “fresh food”
● Why the U.S. $5.50 sandwich may already be positioned incorrectly
● How pop-up experiences and cultural immersion could help revive the brand
● Why iced coffee might actually be a smarter gateway product than egg salad
● How brands can retrain customer behavior instead of chasing viral moments
Plus, Chino gives a firsthand review after testing the North American version of the sandwich
in Toronto and shares her unfiltered reaction to it.Key Takeaways
● Convenience stores in Japan function as an everyday food ecosystem, not just gas
station stops
● Freshness perception matters more than novelty
● Viral products alone don’t build long-term customer habits
● 7-Eleven may need a full retail experience redesign, not just a menu upgrade
● Limited-time cultural pop-ups could create stronger consumer engagement
● Coffee and customizable experiences may offer a lower-risk path to changing
customer behaviorIf you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and share it with another Fixaholic. And next time you walk into a 7-Eleven, ask yourself: are you there out of habit, convenience, or because the brand actually gave you a reason to come back?
…
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Spirit Airlines Out of Runway: What Happens From Here?
12 mei 2026 · 54 min
What happens when a major airline simply runs out of money? Lees meer
In this episode, USA Today’s consumer travel reporter Zach Wichter joins the conversation to break down the shocking collapse of Spirit Airlines and its impact on passengers, employees, competitors, and the future of budget air travel.
After years of financial instability, failed merger attempts, mounting debt, and rising fuel costs, Spirit Airlines officially ceased operations on May 2, 2026, leaving travelers stranded and thousands of employees without jobs. But while the shutdown felt sudden to customers, the warning signs had been visible for years.
Together, we unpack how the airline industry handles collapse, why ultra low cost carriers are becoming harder to sustain, and whether Spirit’s downfall signals a much bigger shift in the economics of air travel.
In This Episode, We Cover
Why Spirit Airlines officially shut down operations
How fuel prices accelerated the company’s collapse
The real reason ultra low cost airlines struggle long term
What happened to stranded passengers and canceled flights
Why airline shutdowns often happen abruptly
The WARN Act and employee notification responsibilities
How airline creditors influence shutdown decisions
Why Spirit’s collapse could lead to higher airfare industry-wide
The hidden role Spirit played in keeping ticket prices low
The rise of premium travel after the pandemic
How other airlines are responding to Spirit’s disappearance
What happens to loyalty points and travel rewards after an airline dies
Key Insight from the Episode
Spirit Airlines may be gone, but its impact on pricing across the airline industry was enormous.
As discussed during the episode:
Whether or not you flew Spirit, you benefited from Spirit Airlines because they helped drive down prices in every market they touched.
Without that pressure, travelers may soon face significantly higher airfare across the board.
About the Guest: Zach Wichter
Zach Wichter is a consumer…
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Allbirds’ AI Reboot: Bold Leap or Giant Misstep
7 mei 2026 · 1 uur 5 min
Can a financially devastated footwear brand reinvent itself overnight as an AI infrastructure company? Lees meer
In this episode, noted investment strategist Todd M. Schoenberger joins the discussion to unpack one of the boldest corporate pivots in recent memory: Allbirds’ decision to reposition itself as an AI business after losing nearly all of its market value.
Is this the beginning of a revolutionary turnaround or a last-minute headline grab designed to buy time?
Together, our panel explores whether brand loyalty is enough to survive a category shift this extreme, what investors are really reacting to when companies announce “AI pivots,” and whether Allbirds might still have viable paths forward to pursue its original footwear business instead of such a drastic departure.
Are we entering an era where struggling companies can simply add “AI” to their story and reset investor expectations?
As discussed in the episode:
The company didn’t pivot to AI. They pivoted to a headline.
That distinction may define whether Allbirds’ reboot becomes a turnaround story or a cautionary case study.
Across industries, companies are racing to reposition themselves around artificial intelligence.
But investors, employees, and customers are increasingly asking:
What counts as a real pivot?
What signals credibility?
And what separates strategy from survival tactics?
Allbirds provides a rare real-time example of what happens when brand identity, capital constraints, and market hype collide.
Todd M. Schoenberger is CEO of CrossCheck Media and Chief Investment Officer at CrossCheck Management. He is a veteran financial commentator whose analysis has appeared on:
CNBC
Fox News
CNN
Todd specializes in interpreting market signals, investor behavior, and strategic corporate positioning during periods of economic transition.
Connect with Todd on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-m-schoenberger
Some standout insights from this episode:
✔ AI announcements can trigger short-t…
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Napster’s Confusing Comeback
7 mei 2026 · 52 min
Napster once reshaped the music industry by making free digital downloads mainstream. Now it’s attempting another reinvention, this time as an AI-powered music platform. But can a brand once synonymous with piracy successfully re-enter the industry it disrupted? Lees meer
In this episode, our panel sits down with podcast host and music industry partner development expert Seth Schachner (ex Sony Music, Jive Records, Microsoft) to unpack Napster’s history, its current AI ambitions, and whether the company still has a meaningful role to play in today’s creator-driven music ecosystem.
Together, we explore what Napster got right the first time, what’s different now, and what it would take for the platform to succeed in an era dominated by streaming, TikTok discovery, and AI music tools.
What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow Napster changed music consumption foreverWhy the music industry revenue dropped dramatically after early file-sharing platforms emerged How platforms like Apple iTunes and Spotify built on Napster’s behavioral blueprint The real difference between early piracy-era innovation and today’s AI music ecosystem Why AI music tools face skepticism from artists and labels. Whether Napster’s brand still has strategic value. The strongest opportunity Napster has today: creator collaboration platforms
Why independent artist infrastructure may matter more than streaming competition. How TikTok-era discovery is reshaping music success cyclesWhat Napster would need to do to “fix” its comeback strategyIf Napster Wants to Win Again…
The panel suggests Napster should:Lean into collaborative music creation tools support independent artists instead of competing with major streaming platforms build discovery infrastructure for emerging creatorsavoid overextending into too many AI product categoriesfocus on repeat creator engagement instead of passive listening
About the GuestSeth Schachner is a veteran entertainment strategist and founder of Strat Americas. His career include…
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Replay: Lego’s Grown Up Gamble
21 april 2026 · 46 min
LEGO built one of the most iconic brands in history by standing for children, creativity, and open-ended play. But in recent years, a major shift has taken hold. The company is increasingly chasing adult fans with premium, expensive, highly detailed sets, licensed IP, and collector-focused experiences. Lees meer
In this episode, the panel is joined by toy industry veteran Leo Battersby to examine whether LEGO’s pivot toward adults is a smart growth strategy or a dangerous drift away from the very thing that made the brand legendary.
The conversation explores the deep tension between imagination vs instruction, open-ended creativity vs rigid build-by-numbers kits, and long-term cultural pipeline vs short-term revenue growth. With declining birth rates, rising screen time, and changing childhood behavior, LEGO is navigating a radically different world than the one it helped shape.
The group debates whether LEGO is slowly turning from a system of play into a premium model-building brand and what that means for future generations of builders.
Key Topics & Takeaways
Why adult collectors now make up ~25–30% of the toy market
How LEGO’s “Adults Welcome” strategy and 18+ sets changed the brand
The shift from imaginative play to instruction-following construction
Why modern LEGO sets leave less room for creative reinterpretation
The impact of screens, media, and IP on how kids play today
Declining birth rates and what that means for toy company pipelines
The difference between “paint by numbers” and a blank canvas
Why nostalgia is powerful but not a long-term growth strategy
How LEGO risks losing the next generation of builders
The hidden danger of optimizing only for adult money
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
• Follow us on:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixed…
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Replay: Southwest’s LUV Lost
14 april 2026 · 59 min
Southwest Airlines is financially strong. Record revenues. Stock price near multi-year highs. Lees meer
Yet longtime customers are walking away angry.
In this episode, we unpack the growing tension between Wall Street performance and customer loyalty at Southwest Airlines. Host Aaron Wolpoff sits down with brand strategist Rene Huey-Lipton, founder of The Dame Collective and former strategy lead on Southwest during its golden years.
The question at the center of the conversation:
How can a brand be winning financially while simultaneously losing its best customers?From controversial assigned seating to unpopular baggage fees to the triggering “Boarding Royale” Super Bowl campaign, we analyze how strategic shifts have taken the most beloved airline identity in America off course for many consumers.
What We Cover
1️⃣ The Core Problem: Financial Success vs Brand Equity
Southwest reported record revenue, yet load factors are declining
Loyal flyers publicly declaring they are leaving
The emotional equity of “We’re all in this together” is eroding
The danger of extracting more revenue per customer while shrinking the customer base Rene explains how this mirrors classic Wall Street optimization: maximize short-term revenue, risk long-term brand health.2️⃣ The Boarding Royale Backfire
Southwest’s Super Bowl ad mocked its former open seating model.
Instead of feeling like a self-aware evolution, customers felt:
Belittled
Gaslit
Reduced to the punchline
Rene breaks down why making your most loyal customers the joke is a strategic miscalculation.3️⃣ Hierarchy Changes Behavior
Referencing research from Harvard Business School and the University of Toronto, Rene highlights how:
Class distinctions increase conflict
Introducing hierarchy shifts employee roles from hosts to referees
Southwest’s once-democratic seating model helped create community
When tiered seating and baggage fees entered the picture, the cultural dynamic shifted.4️⃣ Internal Culture Risk
Southwest’s frontlin… -
Are There Too Many Managers?
7 april 2026 · 53 min
Are too many people being promoted into leadership roles? As a result, are companies becoming too top heavy? If we’ve created a system that values managers over executers, is this a recipe for disaster?
In this episode, we’re joined by Ron Hetrick, Principal Economist at Lightcast and one of the most influential labor economists in the country. Together, we unpack one of the most important questions facing today’s labor market: whether modern organizations are overloaded with managers and what that means for productivity, hiring, layoffs, and career paths. Drawing on decades of labor market research and macro workforce data, Ron explains why middle managers are often the first cut during layoffs, how that decision can negatively impact companies, and why a contributor-based evaluation might be a better approach. This dynamic conversation digs into provocative questions we’re all asking, challenges assumptions, and poses some very real solutions about improving our collective thinking about the labor force. Lees meerIn This Episode, We Cover
● Why organizations naturally accumulate management layers over time
● The hidden risk of promoting top performers into leadership roles
● How layoffs disproportionately affect middle managers
● The mismatch between workforce expectations and available leadership roles
● Why companies reward management more than execution
● The growing importance of Individual Contributor career paths
● How interest rates and capital costs influence layoffs
● The long term consequences of overhiring during economic spikes
● Why forecasting failures create workforce instability
● How companies can rethink compensation structures to retain expertise
● The role AI may play in reshaping management structures
● Why trades and technical careers are becoming more attractive againKey Insight from Ron Hetrick
One of the biggest workforce challenges today is not simply too many managers. It is a system that rewards leadership titles more than execution excellen… -
Is Outer Space for Everyone?
31 maart 2026 · 46 min
Space exploration used to be reserved for governments and elite astronauts only. Today, commercial launches, private space stations, and civilian missions are raising questions about opening up space travel and making access more widely available.
In this episode, global space policy executive Christopher Hearsey joins the conversation to explore the future of commercial spaceflight, the role of private companies, and whether humanity is entering a new era where space truly becomes accessible to everyone.
From billionaire tourism headlines to satellite infrastructure that powers everyday life on Earth, this discussion separates myth from reality and explains what space tourism and space commercialization actually means for society.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode Lees meerWhy space is no longer just for astronauts and governments
How private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are accelerating the push for space travel
The legal reality behind the Outer Space Treaty and ownership in space
The economics of space tourism and why costs are still high
How satellites already power GPS, banking, communications, and security systems
Whether governments or private companies should lead the next phase of exploration
About Christopher Hearsey
Christopher Hearsey is a global space executive and founder of OSA Consulting, specializing in commercial space policy and regulatory strategy.
He previously worked at the U.S. State Department and helped support implementation of the National Space Policy. He also co-founded the Space Court Foundation, which promotes global education around space law and governance.
Learn more:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hearsey/
Our PanelAaron Wolpoff – Host and Marketing panelist
Melissa Eaton – Operations and C/X panelist
Chino Nnadi – People, Talent and Culture panelist
Christopher Hearsey - Guest and global space executive
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpo… -
Can Target Hit the Bullseye Again?
24 maart 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
Target is dropping prices on more than 3,000 items to win back shoppers. But can price cuts alone win back customer trust and brand loyalty?
In this episode, our panel analyzes Target’s plan to address declining foot traffic, shrinking sales, and boycotts. We explore whether these price discounts are a short term marketing tactic or part of a deeper brand reset, and whether we think they will work.
From customer sentiment to operations complexity and employee impact, this conversation breaks down what Target can do to hold onto relevance in a crowded retail landscape, and to win back customers who feel Target is no longer for them. Lees meerKey Takeaways
Discounts increase traffic temporarily but do not rebuild loyalty alone
Target risks losing differentiation if it competes purely on price
Brand trust requires transparency and consistency
Employees and customers both need clarity on the company’s direction
A strong narrative must support any pricing strategy
Our Panel
Aaron Wolpoff – Host and Marketing panelist
Melissa Eaton – Operations and C/X panelist
Chino Nnadi – People, Talent and Culture panelist
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
• Follow us on:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPodIf you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends!
Keep listening to find out how we fix companies and put them back better than we found them.Disclaimer
A quick disclaimer. We are going into this somewhat cold and nothing we say should be construed as legal advice, financial advice or anything that would get us in trouble. These are our views and opinions. We're here to ask the kinds of questions everyone's thinking, have an engaging conversation and maybe come to some conclusions that we feel are worth exploring. By t… -
Hired or Hustled? Avoiding Job Search Predators
17 maart 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
In this episode, our panel explores a troubling trend in today’s job market: companies that exist to exploit job seekers. The reality of today’s job market? Ongoing layoffs and exponentially more candidates than open jobs. As a result, many people are opening their wallets to paid recruiters, coaches, career accelerators, and “job connector platforms” that promise hidden opportunities for a steep monthly fee.
It’s all so confusing: which of these services provide legitimate help? Which ones are just middlemen that prey on the unemployed? How can job seekers steer clear of the ones motivated by greed that don’t provide any real value?
Throughout this timely conversation, our panel discusses how the modern job search landscape has changed, why so many questionable services have emerged, and how candidates can protect themselves. We also share practical advice on identifying ethical recruiters, avoiding scams, and navigating the job market with confidence and strategy.
The episode ultimately builds to an upsetting realization: instead of job seekers being treated as the customer, many systems now treat them as a product to be monetized. With this in mind, our panel explains how workers can start to shift the power dynamic by building authentic relationships, verifying credibility, and trusting their instincts when evaluating job search services. Lees meer👥 Get to know our panel:
Aaron Wolpoff – Host & Panelist / Marketing Background
Melissa Eaton – Panelist / Operations & CX Background
Chino Nnadi – Panelist / People, Culture & Corporate Recruitment Background, founder of Like Cappuccino recruitment agencyKey Takeaways
Most legitimate recruiters never charge candidates for job placement.
Many “job search services” profit from fear and uncertainty.
Always research the credibility of coaches, recruiters, or platforms.
Trust your instincts when evaluating job opportunities or programs.
Networking and direct connections remain the most effective path to new opportunities.Subs…
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Southwest’s LUV Lost
10 maart 2026 · 55 min
Southwest Airlines is financially strong. Record revenues. Stock price near multi-year highs.
Yet longtime customers are walking away angry.
In this episode, we unpack the growing tension between Wall Street performance and customer loyalty at Southwest Airlines. Host Aaron Wolpoff sits down with brand strategist Rene Huey-Lipton, founder of The Dame Collective and former strategy lead on Southwest during its golden years.
The question at the center of the conversation:
How can a brand be winning financially while simultaneously losing its best customers?
From controversial assigned seating to unpopular baggage fees to the triggering “Boarding Royale” Super Bowl campaign, we analyze how strategic shifts have taken the most beloved airline identity in America off course for many consumers.
What We Cover
1️⃣ The Core Problem: Financial Success vs Brand Equity Lees meerSouthwest reported record revenue, yet load factors are declining
Loyal flyers publicly declaring they are leaving
The emotional equity of “We’re all in this together” is eroding
The danger of extracting more revenue per customer while shrinking the customer base
Rene explains how this mirrors classic Wall Street optimization: maximize short-term revenue, risk long-term brand health.
2️⃣ The Boarding Royale Backfire
Southwest’s Super Bowl ad mocked its former open seating model.
Instead of feeling like a self-aware evolution, customers felt:Belittled
Gaslit
Reduced to the punchline
Rene breaks down why making your most loyal customers the joke is a strategic miscalculation.
3️⃣ Hierarchy Changes Behavior
Referencing research from Harvard Business School and the University of Toronto, Rene highlights how:Class distinctions increase conflict
Introducing hierarchy shifts employee roles from hosts to referees
Southwest’s once-democratic seating model helped create community
When tiered seating and baggage fees entered the picture, the cultural dynamic shifted.
4️⃣ Internal Culture Risk
Southwest’s fro… -
The Reese’s Controversy with Brad Reese
3 maart 2026 · 1 uur 12 min
For generations, a bite of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup meant one thing:
Milk chocolate. Real peanut butter. That unmistakable taste. Now, many loyal fans say something is different.
In this episode, we sit down with Brad Reese, grandson of H. B. Reese and self-appointed “Protector of Reese’s Brand Integrity,” to unpack a controversy that has caught the world’s attention.
Brad and others are upset about the current quality of Reese’s products under Hershey’s control, pointing to a shift in taste and either proven or alleged ingredient swaps.
Emotions are high - people love Reese’s. They want real answers.
This isn’t just about candy.
It’s about trust, heritage, and a beloved company at a cultural tension point with its best customers.
What Sparked the Controversy?
Brad published an open letter to Hershey’s on LinkedIn calling out what he and many consumers observed: Lees meerCertain varieties no longer list milk chocolate
Some now use “chocolate candy,” “chocolatey coating,” or compound coating
Peanut butter replaced in some products with “peanut butter creme”
Ingredient changes implemented quietly, without announcement
While The Hershey Company has publicly stated that core ingredients have not changed, consumers began comparing labels and conducting side-by-side taste tests online.
The consumer pushback and Hershey’s response quickly went viral, drawing attention from major media outlets and even commentary from MrBeast while promoting his own line of Feastibles.
A Powerful Quote from Brad
“They’re stooping for pennies and passing up dollars.”Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
Brad Reese
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradreesecom/• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
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The Tipflation Trap – Who Eats the Cost?
24 februari 2026 · 55 min
Tipping used to be simple: good service meant leaving something extra. These days, tips seem like mandatory surcharges, and customers are fed up. In this episode, Aaron and Melissa unpack the growing cultural frustration around “tipflation” and why it’s becoming an increasing pressure point for all involved. We debate who really bears the cost in today’s hospitality economy and look at this from all sides.
Joining us is expert restaurant consultant Mark Moeller, founder of the consulting firm The Recipe of Success, who brings over four decades of experience in restaurant operations and turnaround.
Together with Mark, we examine rising labor costs, the psychology of paying, fee transparency, and how to make practices around tipping more sustainable and digestible. Lees meerPractical Takeaways
For Consumers:
● Consider tipping after service is complete
● Speak with management before leaving damaging reviews
● Recognize tipping is tied to systemic wage structures
For Operators:
● Prioritize price and fee transparency
● Use POS data to fairly allocate tip pools
● Invest in training to justify value perception
● Avoid arbitrary surcharges that erode trustThe “Fix” (At Least for Now)
The group proposes:
● Transparent pricing models
● Reduced reliance on hidden fees
● Introduce enticing customer rewards that reinforce tipping behavior
● Continual experimentation with patience and grace on all sides
● Industry-wide creativity and collaborationThere is no overnight solution. But thoughtful policy adjustments, communication, and empathy between operators, staff, and customers may reduce friction.
Guest Spotlight
Mark Moeller
Founder, The Recipe of Success National restaurant consulting firm specializing in operations, training, and financial analysisWebsite: recipeofsuccess.com
Enjoyed the Episode?
Instead of tipping the hosts, leave a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform. And if you're listening from a restaurant or coffee shop, consider showing appreciation t… -
The Automation Irony: Why Are We Still Working So Hard?
17 februari 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Research suggests that 30–50% of today’s work tasks could technically be automated. And yet most of us feel busier than ever.
So what’s going on?
In this episode, we sit down with author, AI strategist, and business coach Steve Ferman to unpack the “automation irony”: the more tools and systems we add, the less time we seem to get back. Instead of blaming the technology, we dig into the real blockers—governance gaps, cultural resistance, change management failures, rising expectations, and leadership blind spots that prevent automation from delivering the relief it promises.
This isn’t an anti-AI episode. It’s a pro-leadership one. Lees meerAbout Our Guest
Steve Ferman is a tech executive, AI strategist, and certified Scaling Up business coach with over 40 years of experience building, scaling, buying, and selling technology companies. Learn more: https://4pillarcoach.comKey Topics & Takeaways
Why automation isn’t a tech problem — it’s an operations problem
AI sprawl and shadow AI inside organizations
The danger of implementing tools without governance or guardrails
Why efficiency gains often lead to raised quotas, not reduced workload
The “walled garden trap” and siloed automation efforts
How automation quietly shifts burden upstream and creates hidden burnout
Why layoffs blamed on AI increase fear and stall adoption
The cultural gap between automation promise and employee experience
The need for executive alignment before tool selection
Why adoption requires enablement, not just software licenses
The Core Insight
Automation is not failing.
Leadership strategy is.
Companies often start with the solution — buying the newest AI tool — instead of identifying the operational bottlenecks they actually need to solve. Without executive buy-in, guardrails, and employee engagement, automation simply becomes another layer of work.
And when time is saved?
Organizations often fill it immediately with more output expectations, reinforcing the productivity paradox instead … -
Super Bowl Commercials – Do They Really Work?
10 februari 2026 · 1 uur 40 min
This year, companies spent $8–10 million for a single 30-second Super Bowl commercial, before production, celebrity fees, and amplification even begin. It’s one of the biggest marketing bets any company can make, and one of the few remaining moments of true mass, real-time cultural attention.
In this episode, the panel tackles the real question behind the hype:
Do Super Bowl commercials actually work, or are brands gambling millions on a flashy coin flip?
To answer this question, we're joined by featured guests and ad agency experts Anaka Kobzev (main episode and included post-show) and Amelea Renshaw (post-show) who have both been instrumental in shaping Super Bowl campaigns, among other things:
- Anaka has led global communications for legendary agencies like McCann and TBWA and is Founder and Principal of Through Line Advisory, helping brands to elevate their visibility through strategic communications and content.
- Amelea is Head of Strategy at Lucky Generals NY, spearheading brand positioning, award-winning creative campaigns, and comms thinking for brands such as Universal (with a 2026 ad spot), Ally, Google, Peloton, Pinterest, and Girls Who Code.
Recorded in two parts, the episode opens with a pre-game breakdown, where the panel evaluates the economics, risks, and strategic rationale behind Super Bowl advertising. After the game, the conversation continues with a bonus after-show, analyzing what actually aired, which ads cut through, which ones missed, and what patterns emerged across categories like AI, finance, health, food and beverage.
With perspectives from brand strategy, communications leadership, and deep agency experience, the group goes beyond “Was it funny?” and instead evaluates ROI, readiness, cultural fit, and long-term brand impact. Lees meerKey Topics & Takeaways
Why Super Bowl ads now cost 2–3× more than a decade ago
The difference between awareness, engagement, and actual business impact
When Super Bowl ads amplify strength vs expose weakness
Why… -
The Pinterest Paradox: From Pins to Purchases
3 februari 2026 · 56 min
Pinterest was once the quiet corner of the internet. A place for inspiration, planning, and imagination. No shouting. No doom-scrolling. No constant pressure to buy. That version of Pinterest is now under threat.
In this episode, we unpack The Pinterest Paradox. Can a platform built on slow inspiration successfully pivot to fast commerce without breaking user trust? Pinterest is laying off staff, cutting costs, investing heavily in AI, and pushing aggressively into e-commerce. With TikTok Shop, Amazon, and Instagram all competing for attention and dollars, Pinterest is betting that inspiration should lead directly to purchase.
Joined by Leon Lin, former Head of Discovery Product at Pinterest and current CEO of 1stCollab, we go inside how Pinterest’s algorithms actually worked and why monetization is harder than it looks. Lees meerWe explore:
Browsing vs buying and where Pinterest truly belongs
When monetization feels helpful vs exploitative
Why affiliate links and sponsored content can break authenticity
How timing and intent matter more than ad volume
Why small and local businesses are Pinterest’s biggest opportunity
Inspo Mode vs Shop Mode as a potential product fix
How Pinterest can evolve without losing its soulThis is not an anti-commerce conversation. Pinterest is a business. But the real question is whether platforms can monetize without alienating the very users who made them valuable in the first place.
If Pinterest gets this right, it doesn’t just become another shopping app.
It becomes the most trusted bridge between imagination and action.Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
• Follow us on:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
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Keep listening to find out … -
Lego’s Grown Up Gamble
27 januari 2026 · 45 min
LEGO built one of the most iconic brands in history by standing for children, creativity, and open-ended play. But in recent years, a major shift has taken hold. The company is increasingly chasing adult fans with premium, expensive, highly detailed sets, licensed IP, and collector-focused experiences.
In this episode, the panel is joined by toy industry veteran Leo Battersby to examine whether LEGO’s pivot toward adults is a smart growth strategy or a dangerous drift away from the very thing that made the brand legendary.
The conversation explores the deep tension between imagination vs instruction, open-ended creativity vs rigid build-by-numbers kits, and long-term cultural pipeline vs short-term revenue growth. With declining birth rates, rising screen time, and changing childhood behavior, LEGO is navigating a radically different world than the one it helped shape.
The group debates whether LEGO is slowly turning from a system of play into a premium model-building brand and what that means for future generations of builders. Lees meerKey Topics & Takeaways
Why adult collectors now make up ~25–30% of the toy market
How LEGO’s “Adults Welcome” strategy and 18+ sets changed the brand
The shift from imaginative play to instruction-following construction
Why modern LEGO sets leave less room for creative reinterpretation
The impact of screens, media, and IP on how kids play today
Declining birth rates and what that means for toy company pipelines
The difference between “paint by numbers” and a blank canvas
Why nostalgia is powerful but not a long-term growth strategy
How LEGO risks losing the next generation of builders
The hidden danger of optimizing only for adult money
The Strategic Tension
Is LEGO still teaching kids how to imagine… or mostly teaching them how to follow instructions?
The panel argues that LEGO is not wrong to pursue adults and licensed IP. The real risk is over-indexing on precision, perfection, and display pieces at the cost of the messy, exp… -
Dry January: The Business of Not Drinking
20 januari 2026 · 54 min
Season 3 kicks off with a timely and culture-shifting question: Is Dry January actually good for business, or is it a self-inflicted economic slowdown?
Every January, millions of people across the U.S. and the world voluntarily press pause on alcohol. What started as a small UK health initiative has become a global behavioral shift, with nearly 1 in 5 adults now participating and overall alcohol consumption at its lowest level in nearly 90 years.
But this is not just a personal wellness trend. It’s a market disruption.
In this episode, our panel explores how Dry January impacts bars, restaurants, beverage brands, corporate culture, and consumer behavior. We break down whether this movement is just a temporary reset that snaps back in February or a signal of a much deeper shift toward mindful consumption, wellness, and long-term habit change.
From inventory planning and staffing challenges to the rise of non-alcoholic beverages, sober-curious culture, and experience-driven hospitality, the conversation reframes Dry January as not just a month, but a strategic testing ground for the future of food, beverage, and social culture.
Key Topics & Takeaways Lees meerWhy alcohol consumption is at a 90-year low and what that signals
Is Dry January a meaningful reset or just behavioral whiplash?
The business impact of 20% of customers disappearing for a month
How Gen Z and wellness culture are reshaping social drinking norms
Why “mindful consumption” is becoming mainstream
The rise of non-alcoholic, zero-proof, and better-for-you beverages
How bars and restaurants should rethink menus, experiences, and inventory
Using January as an R&D lab instead of a dead month
Corporate culture, team bonding, and moving beyond “happy hour culture”
The danger of over-indexing on one month instead of building evergreen options
Strategic Business Ideas Explored
Treating Dry January as a season, not a stunt
Designing non-alcoholic experiences that feel premium, not like an afterthought
Usi…
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REPLAY: How Much Are Our Fixes Worth? Let's Find Out Together!
13 januari 2026 · 33 min
In this special episode of We Fixed It, You’re Welcome, the team welcomes back financial expert Lukas Sundahl to put real numbers behind our hypothetical business fixes.
What’s the actual value of “fixing” a struggling company?
Lukas analyzes three big names—Southwest Airlines, Party City, and Jaguar—and shows how our proposed strategies could have meant millions in revenue, survival, and long-term brand strength. Lees meerExpect insights on:
Why Southwest’s baggage fees could still work without killing loyalty?
How Party City could have survived with community-driven retail?
What Jaguar missed in its EV pivot and how to reclaim brand trust?This episode blends strategy + financial modeling, proving that fixing companies isn’t just theory—it’s measurable impact.
Listen, learn, and maybe rethink how YOU approach business pivots.
We dive deep into the real numbers behind our “fixes.” With returning guest Lukas Sundahl (CFO, financial strategist, LinkedIn thought leader), we analyze three case studies:
Southwest Airlines: Would baggage fees really alienate customers? Or could they generate $350M–$450M while keeping loyalty intact?
Party City: How localized inventory and community tie-ins might have saved them from bankruptcy—potentially adding $43M–$130M in value.
Jaguar: The pitfalls of abandoning brand heritage in the EV race—and how aligning EVs with Jaguar’s legacy could mean $35M–$179M in gains.
Chapters
0:00 – Welcome to We Fixed It, You’re Welcome
1:20 – Meet our guest: Lukas Sundahl
2:40 – How we quantify “fixes”
4:20 – Case Study 1: Southwest Airlines
8:00 – Case Study 2: Party City
14:40 – Case Study 3: Jaguar
18:20 – The power of the pivot
23:00 – Why grounding fixes in real companies works
25:45 – Closing thoughts & where to find LukasKey Themes:
The financial impact of strategic pivots
Brand loyalty vs revenue growth
The “power of the pivot” in corporate turnarounds
Why storytelling + numbers matter in fixing companiesKey Pull Quote
“The numbers—whethe… -
REPLAY: Jaguar’s EV Rebrand — How to Fix a Luxury Icon
6 januari 2026 · 52 min
Jaguar’s EV rebrand was meant to redefine the luxury car brand — but instead, it sparked massive backlash, confused loyal customers, and even led to their CEO stepping down. In this episode, we break down exactly what went wrong with Jaguar’s electric vehicle strategy, why their marketing campaign failed, and how they can fix their brand without losing their iconic heritage. Lees meer
Discover the key lessons every business can learn from Jaguar’s rebranding mistake, the reality of competing in the EV market, and the blueprint to reconnect with loyal buyers while attracting a new generation.
📌 Topics Covered:
Jaguar EV rebrand failure explained
Why the marketing campaign missed the mark
The danger of abandoning brand heritage
How to merge tradition with EV innovation
Strategies to win back luxury car buyersIf you’re interested in brand strategy, luxury cars, electric vehicles, or marketing case studies, this breakdown is a must-watch.
https://wefixeditpod.com/
A quick disclaimer. We are going into this somewhat cold and nothing we say should be construed as legal advice, financial advice or anything that would get us in trouble. These are our views and opinions. We're here to ask the kinds of questions everyone's thinking. Have an engaging conversation and maybe come to some conclusions that we feel are worth exploring. By the end, if we fixed it, you're welcome. All trademarks, IP and brand elements discussed are property of their respective owners.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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REPLAY: American Eagle: Jeans, Genes, and Controversy
30 december 2025 · 58 min
In this episode of "We Fixed It, You're Welcome" the hosts tackle American Eagle's controversial ad campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney. Marketing expert Lola Bakare joins to dissect the brand's misstep, exploring the importance of inclusive marketing and authentic consumer engagement. The discussion delves into the risks of shock marketing, the power of Gen Z consumers, and the need for diverse voices in decision-making processes. The panel offers strategic advice for American Eagle to regain trust, emphasizing accountability, employee engagement, and aligning actions with stated values. This episode challenges conventional marketing approaches and provides insights on navigating brand crises in the age of cancel culture. Lees meer
https://wefixeditpod.com/
A quick disclaimer. We are going into this somewhat cold and nothing we say should be construed as legal advice, financial advice or anything that would get us in trouble. These are our views and opinions. We're here to ask the kinds of questions everyone's thinking. Have an engaging conversation and maybe come to some conclusions that we feel are worth exploring. By the end, if we fixed it, you're welcome. All trademarks, IP and brand elements discussed are property of their respective owners.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Crowdsourced Fixes Vol. 2
23 december 2025 · 47 min
In this episode, our panelists discuss crowd-sourced fixes that were submitted to our show, an end-of-season tradition. We talk about various companies that are top of mind for our episode contributors, focusing on loyalty programs and customer experiences. We explore the implications of changes in loyalty programs like Carnival's, emphasizing the importance of communication and customer engagement. The conversation also touches on innovative ideas for Amazon's delivery services and Uber's potential loyalty tiers, highlighting the need for personalization and enhanced customer experiences. The episode wraps up with reflections on the season and gratitude towards listeners. Lees meer
Takeaways
The holiday season is a time for reflection and engagement with listeners.
Crowd-sourced fixes provide valuable insights into customer expectations.
Effective communication is crucial when changing loyalty programs.
Phased approaches can ease customer transitions during program changes.
Personalization in loyalty programs can enhance customer satisfaction.
Delaying shipping for registries can address space and timing issues for customers.
Innovative delivery solutions can improve customer convenience.
Uber's loyalty program could benefit from tiered rewards and personalization.
Partnerships with local businesses can enhance service offerings.
The importance of accountability and corporate responsibility in customer relations.Chapters
00:00 Holiday Traditions and Listener Engagement
00:59 Crowd-Sourced Fix: Carnival Rewards Program
14:10 Crowd-Sourced Fix: Amazon Baby Registries
23:09 Exploring Loyalty Programs and Customer Expectations
23:35 Rethinking Postal Services: Innovative Partnerships
31:12 Amazon's Delivery Ambitions: A New Era for Logistics
35:20 Uber Loyalty Programs: Enhancing Customer ExperienceSubscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
• Follow us on:
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Campbell’s in Hot Water: Simmering the Brand Back Down
16 december 2025 · 46 min
A beloved American brand finds itself in boiling hot water after a senior executive at Campbell’s is secretly recorded making racist remarks, mocking customers, disparaging the company’s products, and boasting about substance use at work. The recording goes public, the executive is fired, and Campbell’s stock hits a 52-week low. But the real question is not whether the executive deserved to go, it’s what this incident reveals about leadership, culture, and accountability inside the organization.
In this episode, our panel is joined by brand growth advisor Javier Farfan (NFL, New Balance, PepsiCo, McDonald's, Anheuser Busch) to unpack what happens when private behavior becomes public, how quickly trust can erode, and why firing one executive is rarely enough to fix a systemic problem. The discussion explores the internal cultural damage, the external brand risk, and the opportunity Campbell’s now has to reset its values, reconnect with consumers, and rebuild trust from the inside out.
Rather than debating whether the scandal will blow over, the conversation focuses on what meaningful recovery actually looks like and what brands must do when values, leadership behavior, and public perception collide. Lees meerKey Topics & Takeaways
Why this incident may be more than a single “bad apple”
How lower-level employees can change the balance of power inside companies
The internal ripple effects of executive misconduct on morale and quality
Psychological safety, retaliation, and why employees stop speaking up
Culture as a system, not a slogan on the wall
The difference between cosmetic fixes and structural change
Why silence and minimal PR responses no longer work
How consumer trust, nostalgia, and brand legacy can be rebuilt
Turning a crisis into a catalyst for reinvention
Strategic Fixes Explored
Isolating the incident without denying systemic responsibility
Holding executives to higher character and integrity standards
Making leadership behavior measurable, not theor…
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Avoiding the Culture Shrug
9 december 2025 · 45 min
Some movies and products flop so badly they become infamous. Others become instant classics. But then there are the ones in the middle. The ones with hype that launch and then disappear without a trace. No cultural impact. No lasting impression. Just a collective… “meh.”
This episode examines that dangerous middle ground we’re calling a culture shrug and why, for companies and creators, it can be worse than outright failure.
Aaron, Melissa, and Qadira explore why projects that check every box still vanish instantly, how companies misread cultural signals, and what it really takes to make something with staying power in an era where trends can shift on a dime. Lees meerWhat we cover
• What a “culture shrug” is and why it can be more painful than a flop
• Why effort, budget, and talent don’t guarantee cultural relevance
• How movies, brands, and products fail when they aim for everyone
• What happens when creativity gets diluted by committees
• Why companies often misunderstand what audiences actually want
• The timing problem between culture speed and corporate speed
• How nostalgia, remakes, and algorithms fail to ignite connection
• The danger of creative teams being shielded from real cultural insight
• Why safety ideas can be instantly forgettable
• Why younger audiences don’t react the way companies assume
• The power of niche enthusiasm and true believers
• How internal culture determines whether bold ideas surviveTHE FIX: How to Avoid the Culture Shrug
1. Start with “So what?”
If you cannot answer it clearly, the idea is not ready.
2. Treat data as input, not instruction
Algorithms reveal behavior, not soul, and never the “why now.”
3. Test, but don’t sand down the edges
Over testing destroys personality and guts.
4. Put a trusted tastemaker in charge of final decisions
Not a tyrant, not a committee — a clear, culturally aware leader.
5. Build emotional stickiness
If people don’t feel it, they won’t remember it.
6. Re-evaluate cultural resonance throughout long dev… -
Wendy's "Vanilla" Shakeup: Let's Get Bolder & Back on Top
2 december 2025 · 53 min
Wendy’s was once the fresh, honest, slightly rebellious burger chain. Today it’s stuck between fast food giants on one side and premium burger rivals on the other. Prices match McDonald’s, but the brand isn’t perceived as a value leader. Quality is decent, but not elevated enough to compete with Five Guys or Shake Shack. Lees meer
So what is Wendy’s now?
We sit down with Paul Tuscano, former Chief Digital Officer at KFC US, the man behind their massive digital reinvention. He shares insights from decades in QSR, hospitality, and customer experience to break down why Wendy’s is struggling and how to fix it.
What we cover
• Why Wendy’s lost its lane
• Whether Project Fresh will work
• The strengths and weaknesses of the Wendy’s menu
• How loyalty, kiosks, personalization, and AI can change QSR
• Why Wendy’s social media works, but the stores don’t reflect it
• Why legacy brands need clarity and simplicity
• How to make Dave Thomas relevant to Gen Z
• Why culture and franchise alignment matter more than new tech
• How Chick fil A wins with consistency, not complexity
• A step by step strategy to rebuild Wendy’sThis episode is a must watch for anyone interested in branding, food, marketing, digital transformation, or turning around legacy companies.
Guest: Paul Tuscano Former Chief Digital Officer, KFC US LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paultuscano/
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
• Follow us on:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPodIf you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends!
Keep listening to find out how we fix companies and put them back better than we found them.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.Learn m…
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Humans vs Robots? The Real Future of Work with Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, CEO of Psyonic
25 november 2025 · 54 min
This episode explores one of the biggest questions of our time: are robots replacing humans or helping us reach our full potential?
We sit with Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, the visionary CEO of Psyonic, whose bionic hand technology is restoring touch for amputees and powering next generation robotics at NASA, Amazon, Google, Mercedes, Meta, and more. Lees meerTopics include
• Are robots a threat or an opportunity
• Why most robot replacement headlines are exaggerated
• How bionic hands are restoring real human lives
• The business responsibility behind automation
• How companies can prepare their workforce
• Why kids accept humanoid robots faster than adults
• How robotics and AI create new careers
• Why the future is humans plus robots, not humans versus robotsThis is a human centered, optimistic, grounded, and deeply personal discussion that reframes the future of work.
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
• Website – www.wefixeditpod.com
• Follow us on:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPodIf you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends!
Keep listening to find out how we fix companies and put them back better than we found them.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices