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! Season 3 launched January 20, 2026. Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode!
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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.
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 SunMan Engineering, where he has spent more than 35 years doing product development and prototyping across automotive, aerospace, robotics and telecom. His team has delivered over 1,670 projects for clients including IBM, Sony, Samsung and Apple.
He is a serial entrepreneur and a professor at San Jose State University, and he holds patents on the connected car technology he started building in 2005. He is currently developing what he describes as the smallest transmission in the world, a robotic transmission his research suggests could increase EV range by 40%.
What you will learn
Why Allen's 2005 connected car system was allowed only a seven inch screen, and what that reveals about how organisations decide what is possible
The two numbers Melissa opens with: 12% of advanced manufacturers commercialize at scale, and 95% of filed patents never earn a dollar
How a nonprofit law firm funded by the largest players in an industry can invalidate a small holder's patent, and why Allen was told he could go to jail for owning one
Why Allen says engineers build from product to customer, and why reversing that order is the mistake that has cost him millions
The case for funding an innovation lab out of the cash cow rather than the operating budget, and giving it milestones instead of company OKRs
Why "fail fast" is mostly a slogan when pilots run for eleven years, and what rewarding the kill instead of only the win looks like in practice
How Sunman builds its own technology in the idle gaps between client projects, and what that funding model makes possible
In this episode:
- The driverless car project Allen started in 2005, and the tablet he had to build himself because none existed yet
- Why carriers and automakers told him internet in the car would get people killed
- The Ernst and Young numbers sitting underneath most failed innovation programs
- Why engineers build from product to customer, and why that order has cost him millions
- Funding an innovation lab out of the cash cow instead of the operating budget
- Rewarding the kill and not just the win, and why "fail fast" usually is not fast
- The robotic transmission that could add 40% to EV range, seven years in and still waiting for a window
Connect with Allen Nejah
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-nejah/
Connect with We Fixed It, You're Welcome
Website: https://www.wefixeditpod.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPod
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a review. Share it with someone who loves business strategy, branding, or marketing.
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 simply our views and opinions. We're here to ask the kinds of questions everyone is thinking, have engaging conversations, and explore ideas worth discussing.
If, by the end, we fixed it... you're welcome.
All trademarks, intellectual property, and brand elements discussed remain the property of their respective owners.
Apple's Core Dilemma: Should a New CEO Preserve or Evolve?
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • Duration 01:01:44
Apple has a new CEO. But should John Ternus try to change Apple — or protect what already works?
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 to deliver a major signal
Why Apple should preserve its culture while evolving its operating mechanics
Why Apple needs to sell the thesis, not just live it
What you will learn
Why Steve Jobs and Tim Cook were intentionally different leaders
Why Apple needs the right leader for the right phase, rather than another Steve Jobs
Why Apple's culture may actually be its most important "product"
How Apple shifted from **"Think Different" to "Different Together"
Why John Ternus's biggest challenge isn't hardware — it's becoming a truly enterprise-wide CEO
Why Apple promotes leaders who demonstrate its principles, not just performance
How Apple's "category one" philosophy allows leaders to own their expertise while trusting other leaders to own theirs
Why CEOs can damage companies by trying to have their hands in everything
What Apple's approach to AI reveals about its commitment to privacy
Why Apple may deliberately refuse to be first in AI
Why "we don't care about being the first, we care about being the best" is central to Apple's strategy
Why AR could become Apple's next meaningful product category
What Apple needs to prove before consumers will actually want AR glasses
Why Apple's biggest challenge may be explaining the use case, not building the technology
Why the pressure for a "mic drop" product announcement could become a problem for Ternus
What Apple can learn from its failed succession stories
Why Chris sees the current situation as preemptive positioning rather than fixing a broken company
Why Ternus needs to become a deeper collaborator rather than trying to impose a singular vision
Why Apple should "sell the thesis, don't just live it"
Why the best future for Apple may involve preserving its culture while changing the mechanics around it
Notable quotes
"The culture is the gift that keeps on giving." — Chris Deaver
"For Apple, incremental is revolutionary." — Chris Deaver
"Apple's always been a company that is first about getting the principles right." — Chris Deaver
"We don't care about being the first, we care about being the best." — Chris Deaver
"You don't want to be educating the consumer about this. You want them to experience it." — Chris Deaver
"There's not really a broken per se." — Chris Deaver
"It's almost a preemptive, like, let's not let it break." — Chris Deaver
"Do you really wanna rush Michelangelo's sculpture?" — Chris Deaver
About our guest
Chris Deaver is the co-founder of BraveCore, a leadership and culture consultancy focused on helping organizations build cultures around co-creation and collaboration. His LinkedIn describes his work as spanning two decades inside organizations including Apple and Disney
Connect with Chris Deaver:
Linkedin - LinkedIn
Website - BraveCore
Connect with We Fixed It
, You're Welcome: Website- https://www.wefixeditpod.com
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.
Getting Twinkies Out of a Jam | Saving Smucker's Hostess Acquisition
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 • Duration 54:31
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?
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
📲 Follow Us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wefixeditpod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPod
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a review. Share it with someone who loves business strategy, branding, or marketing.
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 simply our views and opinions. We're here to ask the kinds of questions everyone is thinking, have engaging conversations, and explore ideas worth discussing.
If, by the end, we fixed it... you're welcome.
All trademarks, intellectual property, and brand elements discussed remain the property of their respective owners.
Replay: The Automation Irony: Why Are We Still Working So Hard?
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 • Duration 01:02:40
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.
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 instead of relieving it.
Strategic Fixes Proposed
1️⃣ Start with Operations, Not Software
AI should solve clearly defined operational friction, not chase trends. Diagnose before you deploy.
2️⃣ Build Governance Early
Create AI councils, guardrails, usage policies, and clear expectations. Avoid AI sprawl.
3️⃣ Ask Employees First
“What are two tasks you hate doing?”
Automate those first to build trust and momentum.
4️⃣ Protect Reclaimed Time
Hard-code reclaimed hours into the operating model.
Allocate portions to:
Innovation
Upskilling
Strategic thinking
Reduced workload
5️⃣ Redefine Productivity
More output is not always better output.
Innovation, morale, and long-term sustainability matter.
6️⃣ Treat AI Like a New Colleague
Onboard it. Train around it. Clarify when human judgment overrides automation.
7️⃣ Keep Humans in the Loop
AI lacks empathy, emotional intelligence, and true reasoning.
The human element remains essential.
Who This Episode Is For
Executives implementing AI initiatives
HR and People & Culture leaders
Founders and startup operators
Technology and operations leaders
Anyone feeling busier despite automation
The Big Question This Episode Answers
Is automation actually freeing us, or are we just running faster on the same wheel?
Final Take
Automation can absolutely give us time back.
But only if leaders resist the temptation to immediately reinvest every reclaimed minute into higher output expectations.
The real opportunity isn’t just efficiency.
It’s reinvention.
If done right, automation shifts work from execution to strategy, from repetition to creativity, from burnout to innovation.
But that shift requires intentional leadership, cultural clarity, and guardrails.
Otherwise, we're stuck with the burden of knowing we'll never catch up, no matter how many time-saving tools we add.
Subscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.
Steve Ferman: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4-pillar-coach/
• 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.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Replay: Canada vs. USA: Brand Battles
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 • Duration 48:42
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.
Replay: Are There Too Many Managers?
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 • Duration 53:31
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.
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
• 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.
Replay: The Reese’s Controversy with Brad Reese
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 • Duration 01:12:30
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:
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
• 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.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Season 3's Final Fixes
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 • Duration 56:12
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.
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 what they've learned from each other and their guests, and teasing what's coming in Season 4, including conversations about sports, space, the future, and many more problems waiting to be fixed.
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.
Reshaping the GLP-1 Economy: A Breaking Consumer Study
Thursday, July 16, 2026 • Duration 01:03:30
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.
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 & Associates, she helps leadership teams translate research into actionable business strategies.
Connect with Lisa:
• LinkedIn: Lisa W. Miller
• Website: Lisa W. Miller & Associates
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 beconstrued 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.
ChatGPT vs Claude: Which AI is Winning the PR War?
Friday, July 10, 2026 • Duration 57:58
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.
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 making the entire AI category look unsafe
DuckDuckGo's rise as a case study in giving users control (the option to turn AI off)
Connect with Perry Headrick
LinkedIn: Perry Headrick
Podcast: Under Embargo (co-hosted with Becca Chambers, CMO at Scale Ventures)
Website: cracklepr.com
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:
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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.
