In this episode of "We Fixed It, You're Welcome," the hosts tackle the brand challenges facing pop star Katy Perry. They analyze her career trajectory, from early success to recent struggles with album sales and tour ticket sales. The discussion covers Perry's musical evolution, cultural relevance, and commercial decline, highlighting missteps like collaborating with controversial producer Dr. Luke. The hosts propose strategies for Perry to reconnect with her audience, including embracing authenticity, reassessing her team, and potentially pivoting to more intimate performances. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and adapting to changing market conditions in the music industry. The episode concludes with optimism about Perry's potential for a comeback if she redefines her artistic vision and engages more genuinely with her fanbase.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.
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42:01
Paramount's $69 Million Problem
In this episode of "We Fixed It, You're Welcome," the hosts tackle the controversial topic of executive compensation, focusing on Paramount Pictures and its former CEO Bob Bakish's $69.3 million severance package. The panel, including guest Erik Akutagawa, discusses the ethics of golden parachutes, their impact on employee morale, and potential solutions to align executive pay with company performance. They explore ideas such as performance-based vesting, clawback provisions, and linking executive outcomes to worker protections. The conversation delves into the broader implications of these practices across industries, touching on similar issues in sports and retail. The hosts propose structural reforms to create more accountability and fairness in executive compensation, while acknowledging the challenges of implementing such changes in the current corporate landscape.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.
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36:29
Canada vs. USA: Brand Battles
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. 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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42:01
Fixing Subway's Identity Crisis
In this episode of "We Fixed It, You're Welcome," the hosts tackle the challenges facing Subway, the international sandwich chain. They explore Subway's recent identity crisis, including gimmicky limited-time offers and a shift away from its "eat fresh" image. The discussion covers Subway's history, franchisee concerns, and the need to reconnect with core customers. The hosts propose solutions such as doubling down on fresh ingredients, creating a secret menu, and improving marketing strategies. They emphasize the importance of consistency, customization, and educating customers about existing offerings. With the recent appointment of Greg Lyons as global chief marketing officer, the hosts express optimism about Subway's potential to revitalize its brand and appeal to a new generation of customers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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46:30
Diversity's Business Case Revisited
In this episode of "We Fixed It, You're Welcome," the hosts tackle the controversial topic of Target's recent rollback of DEI initiatives. They explore the business implications, political pressures, and customer reactions surrounding this decision. The discussion delves into the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion in corporate America, examining how companies like Target, Walmart, and Costco are navigating these challenges. The hosts offer insights on rebranding DEI efforts, maintaining brand integrity, and the importance of fostering belonging in business strategies. They conclude with recommendations for Target to salvage its reputation and realign with customer expectations, emphasizing the need for companies to adapt their approach to diversity and inclusion without abandoning core values.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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!
Look for it in the Fall of 2024. Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode!