Best Frances Frei Podcasts (2025)

1
How to help someone who doesn’t want your help 28:03

1h ago28:03

28:03

How do you build a working relationship after you’ve gotten off on the wrong foot? In this episode, Anne and Frances coach a caller who has been brought in to support a team that doesn’t want his help—and doesn’t trust his organization. Together, they brainstorm ways to reset the partnership, offer genuine support, and fix a broken system from the …

1
Best of Design Matters: Es Devlin 1:05:42

2d ago1:05:42

1:05:42

From acclaimed pop spectacles to Super Bowl halftime shows to the Closing Ceremony for the London Olympics, artist and stage designer Es Devlin has transformed large-scale performative sculptures and environments transporting audiences. She joins to discuss two decades of design spanning opera, theatre, and stadium extravaganzas. Hosted on Acast. S…

1
The strategic genius of Taylor Swift (w/ Master Fixer Kevin Evers) 26:24

2d ago26:24

26:24

We all know Taylor Swift as an international pop superstar—her albums shoot to the top of the Billboard charts, and her recent Eras Tour grossed over $2 billion. But what can we learn from Taylor the businesswoman? In this episode, Anne and Frances sit down with Kevin Evers, author of There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift,…

1
Best of Design Matters: Lucy Sante 59:19

9d ago59:19

59:19

Renowned writer, cultural critic, and scholar of the demimonde Lucy Sante joins to discuss her career and a new memoir, “I Heard Her Call My Name,” reflecting on her transition and self-actualization in her sixties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Quick Fixes: How to energize your team, level up your management skills, and fill a leadership vacuum 30:57

9d ago30:57

30:57

In this Quick Fixes episode, Anne and Frances work to solve three different callers’ tricky problems in under 30 minutes. One listener asks for tips on stepping into a first-time leadership role with confidence, the next wants to motivate her disengaged peers, and a final caller worries about navigating their company’s growth strategy when it’s not…

1
Carol Leifer 1:14:38

16d ago1:14:38

1:14:38

Writer’s Guild Award winner and Emmy-nominated comedian, writer, and producer for television shows such as Seinfeld, The Larry Sanders Show, Saturday Night Live, The Oscars, Modern Family, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and more; Carol Leifer joins to talk about her new book, her writing, and her four-decade career in comedy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/…

1
How to bring a business back to life (w/ Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt) 39:02

16d ago39:02

39:02

The resurrection of Barnes & Noble is one of the most remarkable turnaround stories of the modern business era. Chief revival architect and CEO James Daunt joins Anne and Frances to discuss the unconventional leadership strategies that helped him navigate through the pandemic and keep bookstores alive in the age of Amazon and e-books. They explore …

1
Jon Batiste 1:05:00

23d ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Widely recognized as a musical genius and once-in-a-generation talent, Jon Batiste is one of history’s most brilliant, prolific, and accomplished musicians. The Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar-winning star joins to discuss his legendary career, connecting people through a shared love of music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
How to stand up for your colleagues 31:53

24d ago31:53

31:53

When you spot workplace practices that seem less-than-fair, what can you do to stand up for better treatment of someone else? In this episode, Anne and Frances guide a troubled caller who wants to help fix the lopsided pay structures in her organization and advocate for higher compensation for her junior colleagues. Together, they design a plan to …

1
Michael Goldberg 41:04

1M ago41:04

41:04

Michael Goldberg is the Founder and CEO of Something Special Studios, a creative agency building brands, campaigns, and experiences designed to shape culture. He joins to discuss his multifaceted career and a recent creative endeavor, Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy, a spectacular second showing of the world’s first art amusement park. Hosted on Acast…

1
Quick Fixes: How to adopt a strategic mindset, lose that chip on your shoulder, and know when to walk away 23:06

1M ago23:06

23:06

In this Quick Fixes episode, Anne and Frances work to solve three different callers’ tricky work problems in under 20 minutes. One listener wants to prepare herself mentally to become a senior leader in her organization, the next struggles to move on from a past conflict with a coworker, and a final caller wonders if it’s time to call it quits on t…

1
Todd Pruzan 45:29

1M ago45:29

45:29

Todd Pruzan—a prolific writer, editor, and journalist—recently inherited a collection of several thousand New Yorker covers from his family spanning the past 77 years. He joins to read an essay that explores a number of realizations while reviewing the covers, including his family’s Jewish identity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i…

1
How to help your team build trust 31:20

1M ago31:20

31:20

Establishing trust with customers and constituents is the cornerstone of a healthy organization—but frontline teams must learn how to do it. In this episode, Anne and Frances help a concerned caller who worries that her team isn’t handling the public’s concerns with enough empathy. Together, they brainstorm actionable ways to improve her team’s t…

1
Best of Design Matters: Nell Irvin Painter 1:15:09

1M ago1:15:09

1:15:09

Throughout her prolific writing career, Nell Irvin Painter has published works on such luminaries as Sojourner Truth, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Malcolm X. Her unique vantage on American history pushes the boundaries of personal narrative and academic authorship and asks readers to reconsider ideas of race, politics, and identity. She joins to discus…

1
How to repair any relationship (w/ Master Fixer Dr. Becky) 40:59

2M ago40:59

40:59

Parenthood and leadership have a shared mission to set other people up for success. Renowned “parenting whisperer” Dr. Becky Kennedy (@drbeckyatgoodinside) joins Anne and Frances to discuss the lessons that parenthood and leadership have to offer each other, from how to repair damaged relationships to the importance of embodying your authority and …

1
Best of Design Matters: Suzan-Lori Parks 47:52

2M ago47:52

47:52

Named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Innovators for the Next New Wave,” Suzan-Lori Parks is the first African American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Topdog/Underdog. She joins to discuss her long and illustrious career as a playwright, musician, and novelist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Unsolicited Advice: How to handle layoffs with care 24:28

2M ago24:28

24:28

When an organization lays people off , those who remain are often left scrambling to find their footing – and hold other people up – in an environment that no longer feels stable. In the wake of ongoing tech layoffs and the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the public sector, Anne and Frances are back with a new Unsolicited Advice segment t…

1
Todd St. John 50:42

2M ago50:42

50:42

Founder and Creative Director of the design consultancy HunterGatherer, Todd St. John, joins to discuss his career as a multi-disciplinary artist and designer working in illustration, animation, graphic design, photography, furniture, and industrial design. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Quick Fixes: How to level up, job craft, and manage colleagues you can’t stand 18:39

2M ago18:39

18:39

In this Quick Fixes episode, Anne and Frances work to solve three different callers’ tricky work problems in under 20 minutes. One listener searches for the best way to level up his small business, the next plans to approach their manager about a dramatic role change, and a final caller is interviewing for a new leadership position that would requi…

1
What leaders are getting wrong about return-to-office (from Rapid Response) 27:02

2M ago27:02

27:02

Today, we’re bringing you a special episode from Rapid Response featuring Frances in conversation with Bob Safian the former editor-in-chief of Fast Company. Frances and Bob dive into one of the biggest workplace debates today: the real impact of return-to-office mandates. Together, they challenge conventional wisdom about in-person work, reveal th…

1
Adrian Tomine 1:04:38

2M ago1:04:38

1:04:38

For over thirty years, bestselling author, screenwriter, and New Yorker cover artist Adrian Tomine’s work has set the standard for contemporary storytelling. He has published several books of comics and illustrations, including “Killing and Dying,” “Shortcomings,” and his new book “Q & A.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information…

1
Middle School Math Success with Liz Peyser 9:51

2M ago9:51

9:51

Get ready to unlock the secrets of making math relatable and engaging for middle schoolers with insights from Liz Peyser, National Director of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates. Liz shares her groundbreaking survey findings that reveal how hands-on activities and connecting math topics to students' personal interests can transform…

1
Power, purpose, and the American presidency with Jared Cohen (from ReThinking with Adam Grant) 35:29

2M ago35:29

35:29

What do the most powerful people in the world do after they've achieved success? Jared Cohen is a history buff and a presidential historian. His latest book, “Life After Power,” is a fascinating exploration about what seven American presidents did after leaving the most influential job in the world. In this episode of ReThinking with Adam Grant, an…

1
Paul Tazewell 53:10

2M ago53:10

53:10

Having designed costumes for film, television, Broadway, and regional theaters for more than three decades, Paul Tazewell is one of the industry’s most revered designers. He joins to discuss his career, costuming some of the most memorable characters of our time, and his recent award-winning work on the Oscar nominated film, Wicked. Hosted on Acast…

1
How to handle your office crush — and keep it professional (w/ Master Fixer Tia Silas) 34:16

3M ago34:16

34:16

What should you do when Cupid's arrow strikes at work? Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Anne and Frances are digging into the complicated dynamics of office relationships with the help of Tia Silas, HR expert and the new Chief People Officer at MrBeast, after having served in people leadership roles at some of the most influential companies in the…

1
Best of Design Matters: Emily Nagoski, Ph.D. 1:19:20

3M ago1:19:20

1:19:20

New York Times bestselling, award-winning author and educator Emily Nagoski is one of the most exceptional minds at work today on the science of sexual connection, intimacy, and arousal. She joins to discuss her remarkable career and new book, “Come Together.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
How to get your confidence back 41:05

3M ago41:05

41:05

When negative feedback shakes your confidence, it can be difficult to get back to feeling like yourself at work. In this episode, Anne and Frances help a struggling listener who has spent years toning herself down in the workplace after being told that she was too assertive — now, she feels that her modest approach is holding her back. Together, th…

1
Research is for Everyone with Kate Gasaway 10:34

3M ago10:34

10:34

Unlock the secrets to enhancing instructional programs with research-driven strategies and collaborative insights. Join us as we introduce our new co-host, Hayley Browning, who brings her rich experience as a former elementary school teacher and current role on the Educator Community team at Curriculum Associates. Together, we dive into a compellin…

1
Best of Design Matters: Carrie Brownstein 1:02:34

3M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Celebrated musician, comedian, writer, and director Carrie Brownstein joins to talk about her remarkable career as the co-founder, guitarist, and vocalist of the legendary punk band Sleater-Kinney, her role in the iconic TV series Portlandia, and her new memoir. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Why you should get good at being bad 25:08

3M ago25:08

25:08

Sometimes the only way to win is by finding the courage to lose. This week, Anne and Frances want you to “dare to be bad” in order to free up capacity to excel at more important things. They share insight on the power of strategic “no”s, the value of ruthless prioritization, and how Steve Jobs and Apple delivered breakthrough innovation by strategi…

1
Tiffany Shlain & Ken Goldberg 1:01:40

3M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

Tiffany Shlain is a multidisciplinary artist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, national bestselling author, and the founder of the Webby Awards. Ken Goldberg is the William S. Floyd Distinguished Chair in Engineering at UC Berkeley and an award-winning roboticist, filmmaker, and artist. They join to discuss the life they share together and their many arti…

1
Unlocking Professional Learning Communities with Dr. Pendleton 11:51

3M ago11:51

11:51

Unlock the transformative power of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in schools with insights from our esteemed guest, Dr. Pendleton, Regional Director of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates. Discover how creating a safe and collaborative environment empowers teachers to enhance their skills and positively impacts student ach…

1
How to outsmart bias at work (Re-Release) 35:27

3M ago35:27

35:27

Have you ever felt like something about your identity was getting in the way of your success? This week, a listener needs help pushing through the resistance she’s facing as a woman navigating a male-dominated workplace. Anne and Frances discuss what you can do when someone else’s bias is standing in your way. Together, the three uncover how you ca…

1
Seth Godin 51:45

3M ago51:45

51:45

Seth Godin—renowned author, entrepreneur, and speaker known for launching one of the most popular blogs in the world and writing 22 best-selling books—joins live at Creative Mornings to talk about his new book, This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
How to deal with a communication breakdown (Re-Release) 27:15

3M ago27:15

27:15

Kelli is a nurse at a leading teaching hospital where communication issues are not only leading to resentment – they could also be affecting patient care. After hearing from Kelli about the larger problems at play in the healthcare space, Anne and Frances discuss the link between communication and transparency and guide Kelli into taking matters in…

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Frances Frei Podcasts

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