We Fixed It. You're Welcome.

3d ago

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. Key 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 theoretical Reinforcing internal accountability and psychological safety Re-centering the brand around community, care, and accessibility Leveraging nostalgia and emotional connection without being performative Using crisis moments as opportunities for product and brand evolution Who This Episode Is For Brand, marketing, and communications leaders Executives and people managers HR and culture leaders Crisis management and PR professionals Anyone interested in how power, culture, and trust intersect inside large organizations 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Dec 9

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. What 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 survive THE 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 development cycles Eighteen months is a lifetime in cultural terms. 7. Find and nurture your early believer community They amplify when the project finally launches. 8. Leave room for weirdness The unexpected idea might be the one culture remembers. 9. Conduct a pre mortem Write the “if this flopped, here’s why” memo before you build. 10. Add delight Great creative work has soul, not just structure. 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Dec 2

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. 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’s This 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/@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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Nov 25

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. Topics 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 robots This 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/@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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Nov 18

Prices are rising, fees are multiplying, and transparency is disappearing. In this episode, we break down how Ticketmaster, rideshares, airlines, and even grocery stores use surge pricing, hidden fees, and algorithmic pricing to squeeze more out of consumers. Fractional CFO Elaine Bogart joins us to explain the financial mechanics behind these tactics and whether personalized pricing is fair game or a violation of trust. We explore equity, transparency, surveillance pricing, and what it would take for companies to fix their relationship with the public. In This Episode: • The rise of ambiguous and personalized pricing across industries • Why Ticketmaster’s monopoly keeps driving fan frustration • How data-driven pricing risks crossing into digital discrimination • The difference between surge pricing and surveillance pricing • Why transparency and trust are now business essentials • Fixing it: what “fair pricing” could look like for companies and customers alike Key Takeaways • Transparency is currency. When customers understand the “why,” they tolerate change better. • Algorithmic pricing can deepen inequality if unchecked for bias or demographic profiling. • Profit isn’t the enemy — opacity is. • Trust is an asset that brands can’t afford to lose in the name of short-term gain. Guest Elaine Bogart – Fractional CFO | Strategic Finance & Growth Advisor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainebogart/ Links 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Nov 11

For many, Victoria’s Secret represented the epitome of femininity, confidence, and glamour. But as our culture shifted toward authenticity and inclusivity, the brand has struggled to evolve. In this episode, we break down how the most iconic lingerie empire dulled its shine, what their attempted rebrand is missing, and what it would take to rebuild trust with today’s consumer. We explore the business, the culture, the fashion, and the future. Is it too late for Victoria’s Secret to reinvent itself? Or is there still power in the fantasy? We break down: ● How Victoria's Secret rose to cultural dominance ● Why the brand struggled as beauty standards shifted ● The competition from Skims, Spanx, and next-gen lingerie brands ● The challenges of rebranding when the market has already moved on ● What it really means for a company to be inclusive beyond marketing ● Why transformation needs to happen internally, not just on the runway We also explore the path forward, proposing ways for the brand to honor its heritage while embracing a broader definition of femininity and confidence. This episode is part culture, part business strategy, part brand therapy. Key Takeaways ● Consumers today are not just buying products. They want to see themselves reflected and respected. ● Performative inclusion will not work. Authenticity requires representation in leadership, design, and decision-making. ● The fantasy does not need to disappear. It just has to widen to include a broader spectrum of customers. ● Brands that survive cultural shifts are the ones that act proactively, not reactively. Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives. Links • 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Nov 4

Wikipedia is undergoing a full-on crisis. As AI search tools like ChatGPT and Google intercept its traffic, while also borrowing its resources, the platform is facing a slow-motion collapse. Donations are shrinking, editors are burning out, and global politics are threatening its open, volunteer-led structure. In this episode, Aaron, Melissa, and Qadira take on a big question: can Wikipedia survive in the AI era and during a time where facts are subjective? We explore how the site can evolve without losing its soul, what happens when truth itself becomes political, and why dissenting viewpoints actually make Wikipedia stronger. What We Cover: • Why AI is draining Wikipedia’s traffic and donations • The tension between openness, neutrality, and regulation • How political and cultural pressures are reshaping Wikipedia globally • Why its volunteer model is breaking — and how AI could help fix it • The role of diversity and localization across 300+ language editions • The future of knowledge in an AI-first world Key Fixes Discussed: • Partnership, not competition: Work with AI companies like OpenAI and Google to license verified content and ensure attribution. • Empower editors: Use AI assistance to reduce burnout and flag misinformation, while celebrating human contributors as the “Wikipedia Influencers.” • Global equity: Invest in non-English versions, local training, and community partnerships to balance global representation. • Governance & transparency: Build stronger frameworks to manage bias, misinformation, and evolving editorial standards. • Education & early adoption: Reintroduce Wikipedia into classrooms and universities to rebuild generational trust. • Stay the public library of the internet: Redefine relevance not by traffic, but by quality and cultural importance. Links 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Oct 28

Ben & Jerry’s, the iconic mission-driven ice cream brand, has hit a rocky patch. Co-founder Jerry Greenfield’s public exit after 47 years has raised big questions about what happens when a brand’s activist soul meets corporate strategy. Aaron, Melissa, and Qadira dig into how Unilever can protect Ben & Jerry’s social mission, rebuild trust with customers, and chart a bold path forward without its founding duo steering the ship. From how to handle vocal founders on the outside to doubling down on values inside, this episode is a masterclass in managing founder-brand tension and preserving legacy in the corporate era. 🧠 What We Cover: The roots of Ben & Jerry’s mission-driven identity Why founder departures can shake a brand’s core How Unilever can re-anchor Ben & Jerry’s in its values Balancing global business strategy with social activism Governance, communications, and culture as tools for the fix Turning public tension into brand opportunity 🧰 Key Fixes Discussed: Double down on the mission: Recommit publicly to the values that made the brand unique. Operationalize the values: Embed activism into business strategy, not just storytelling. Create a new “guardian of the brand soul”: A face or team dedicated to carrying the mission forward. Leverage Unilever’s scale: Use Ben & Jerry’s as a flagship for cause-driven campaigns across all brands. Anticipate founder pushback: Build a strong comms plan to stay steady in public discourse. Codify the culture: Make the mission bigger than any one founder. 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .