We Fixed It. You're Welcome.

In this episode of "We Fixed It, You're Welcome" the hosts explore the phenomenon of CEOs who fail upward, examining high-profile cases like Adam Neumann of WeWork, Billy McFarland of Fyre Festival, and Travis Kalanick of Uber. The panel discusses the systemic issues that allow these leaders to continue ascending despite public failures, delving into the role of charisma, cultural intelligence, and the importance of surrounding oneself with expert teams. They debate the fine line between visionary leadership and unchecked ego, and consider the accountability of boards and investors. The conversation touches on the American obsession with singular genius entrepreneurs and the cultural factors that contribute to this trend. Ultimately, the hosts propose a checklist of red flags to help identify and mitigate risks associated with charismatic but potentially problematic leaders.Systematic Issues Allowing Failed Leaders to AscendExamination of factors that enable CEOs to continue failing yet rising in their careersPanel members share personal experiences with such CEOsCharisma and Vision vs. AccountabilityThe fine line between audacity and bluffing in leadershipThe role of charisma and storytelling in CEO successOversight and Board ResponsibilityLack of technical expertise on boards of companies like TheranosThe importance of diverse, qualified board members for proper oversightCultural and Emotional Intelligence in LeadershipDiscussion of how high cultural and emotional intelligence can mask incompetenceThe difference between snake oil salesmen and visionaries with poor executionThe Need for Visionary LeadersThe importance of bold, innovative thinkers in driving progressBalancing visionary thinking with accountability and effective leadershipBuilding Effective Teams Around Visionary LeadersComparison of leaders like Elon Musk to failed CEOsThe crucial role of surrounding visionaries with competent expertsStartup Culture and Founder DynamicsHow startup culture can enable unchecked power for foundersThe challenges of transitioning from founder to effective CEOInvestor Responsibility and Due DiligenceThe role of venture capitalists in enabling risky behaviorThe need for more thorough vetting and accountability in investmentsFixing the System: Identifying Red FlagsDiscussion of ways to spot potentially problematic leadersThe importance of cultural fit and risk appetite in hiring CEOsBalancing Innovation and Responsible LeadershipThe challenge of fostering innovation while maintaining accountabilityCultural differences in approaches to CEO leadership and accountability__________________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.Music by Milo W.Produced by Straight Forward Media Group

In this episode of "We Fixed It. You're Welcome," the panel tackles Netflix's foray into live streaming events. They discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by this strategic shift, including technical hurdles, potential pricing models, and the impact on Netflix's brand ethos. The conversation covers the financial implications, customer expectations, and the need for operational excellence in delivering live content. The panel explores ideas like tiered subscriptions, microtransactions, and expanding into diverse live programming. They ultimately conclude that while there are significant obstacles to overcome, live events could be a valuable addition to Netflix's offerings, potentially driving subscriber growth and engagement in an increasingly competitive streaming landscape.Netflix's Strategic ShiftsAnalysis of Netflix's pivot to streaming and content productionExploration of the company's move into live eventsTechnical Challenges of Live StreamingExamination of Netflix's infrastructure and content delivery networkDiscussion of bandwidth and scaling issues for live eventsFinancial ConsiderationsPeter Braunz's insights on Netflix's financial performance and valuationAnalysis of the costs associated with live events and potential returnsCustomer Experience and ExpectationsDebate on the alignment of live events with Netflix's core value propositionConsideration of customer expectations and potential friction pointsMonetization StrategiesExploration of subscription models and potential micro-transactionsDiscussion on maintaining Netflix's ethos while introducing new revenue streamsTalent and Technical CapabilitiesSuggestions for Netflix to acquire necessary talent for live streamingEmphasis on the need for scalable infrastructure and real-time monitoringFuture of Live Programming on NetflixSpeculation on potential types of live content beyond major eventsDiscussion of international markets and diverse content offeringsPricing Strategies and Subscriber TiersDebate on introducing new subscription tiers or pay-per-view optionsConsideration of pricing strategies for different types of live contentConclusion and RecommendationsGroup consensus on Netflix continuing to explore live streamingEmphasis on overcoming technical challenges and strategic implementation__________________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.Music by Milo W.Produced by Straight Forward Media Group

In the debut episode of "We Fixed It, You're Welcome," host Aaron Wolpoff and his panel of experts, Chino Nnadi, Melissa Eaton, and Peter Braunz, tackle the challenges facing Spirit Airlines. They explore Spirit's recent Chapter 11 filing and its implications. The discussion covers Spirit's history, its ultra-low-cost model, and the potential for rebranding and restructuring. The panel debates the viability of Spirit's new four-tier pricing strategy and the importance of building a community-focused brand. The team offers creative ideas for Spirit's path forward, emphasizing the need for a strong cultural and customer-centric approach.Spirit Airlines: A Brief History and Current ChallengesAaron provides a historical overview of Spirit Airlines, highlighting its evolution from Clippert Trucking Company to its current brand.Discussion of Spirit's financial struggles, including its Chapter 11 filing and failed merger attempts with Frontier and JetBlue.Panel Discussion: Spirit Airlines' Current StatePeter Braunz discusses the impact of macroeconomic forces on Spirit's ultra-low-cost model and the challenges of oversaturation in the airline market.Melissa Eaton questions Spirit's long-term financial sustainability and potential merger opportunities.Chino Nnadi emphasizes the importance of rebranding and customer experience in Spirit's recovery strategy.Rebranding and Marketing StrategiesMelissa suggests Spirit could lean into its budget reputation with viral marketing, embracing its identity with humor and transparency.Aaron proposes building a community around Spirit's frugal brand, creating a sense of belonging among like-minded travelers.Employee Engagement and RetentionChino highlights the need for Spirit to focus on employee retention and morale amidst financial uncertainty.Melissa and Chino discuss creative ways to engage employees, such as tiered incentives and fostering a supportive work culture.Exploring Spirit's New Pricing ModelPeter outlines Spirit's new four-tier pricing structure, from the basic "Go" level to the premium "Go Big" experience.The panel debates the effectiveness of this strategy in attracting customers and competing with other airlines.Final Thoughts and Potential SolutionsThe panel agrees that while they haven't fully "fixed" Spirit, they offer valuable insights and strategies for the airline's recovery.Suggestions include focusing on customer experience, leveraging community building, and exploring creative marketing tactics.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.Music by Milo W.Produced by Straight Forward Media Group

In this episode of "We Fixed It. You're Welcome," the panel tackles the complex issue of corporate holiday parties, using USAA as a case study. The discussion explores the evolving nature of workplace celebrations, generational differences in employee expectations, and the delicate balance between employee appreciation and financial responsibility. The panel, consisting of HR, finance, and marketing experts, delves into the ROI of lavish parties, the impact on company culture, and potential alternatives to traditional celebrations. They address the challenges of inclusivity, the risks associated with holiday gatherings, and the importance of aligning celebrations with overall business health. The conversation concludes with practical suggestions for companies planning holiday events, emphasizing flexibility, employee input, and thoughtful consideration of diverse needs and preferences.USAA Bank DiscussionFocus on USAA Bank's holiday party practices.Melissa shares insights about USAA's significance in San Antonio.Holiday Party PerspectivesDebate on the value and purpose of corporate holiday parties.Discussion of generational differences in holiday party appreciation.USAA's Holiday Party ExtravaganzaHiring of high-profile entertainment acts like Zach Brown Band.Exploration of the costs and benefits of lavish holiday celebrations.Employee Expectations and PreferencesAnalysis of employee preferences for bonuses vs. holiday parties.Examination of differing expectations between on-site and remote workers.Brand and Cultural ImplicationsDiscussion on how holiday parties reflect company culture and brand.Consideration of potential misalignment between party extravagance and company performance.Retention and Recruitment ImpactsExploration of how holiday parties influence employee retention and recruitment.Debate on the long-term effects of setting high expectations for celebrations.Balancing Act: Celebration vs. Business RealitiesDiscussion on aligning holiday celebrations with overall business health.Consideration of potential negative impacts of lavish parties during challenging times.Recommendations for Corporate Holiday CelebrationsSuggestions for incorporating multi-generational feedback.Ideas for offering flexibility and inclusivity in holiday celebrations.Discussion on the pros and cons of including plus-ones at company events.Conclusion and Self-AssessmentPanelists evaluate whether they "fixed" the issue of lavish holiday parties.Acknowledgment of USAA's success and employee satisfaction.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.Music by Milo W.Produced by Straight Forward Media Group

Armchair quarterbacking isn’t just for sports anymore. We’re taking the same approach to companies: what would you do in their shoes?  Each episode, our lively panel will debate a new issue ripped from the headlines involving a different well-known company. Between our instincts, experiences, and unsolicited opinions, we may just come up with gold.  At the end, we’ll critique ourselves and see how we did.  If we fixed it, you’re welcome!