The Pinterest Paradox: From Pins to Purchases

Pinterest was once the quiet corner of the internet. A place for inspiration, planning, and imagination. No shouting. No doom-scrolling. No constant pressure to buy. That version of Pinterest is now under threat.In this episode of We Fixed It, we unpack The Pinterest Paradox. Can a platform built on slow inspiration successfully pivot to fast commerce without breaking user trust? Pinterest is laying off staff, cutting costs, investing heavily in AI, and pushing aggressively into e-commerce. With TikTok Shop, Amazon, and Instagram all competing for attention and dollars, Pinterest is betting that inspiration should lead directly to purchase.Joined by Leon Lin, former Head of Discovery Product at Pinterest and current CEO of FirstCollab, we go inside how Pinterest’s algorithms actually worked and why monetization is harder than it looks.We explore:Browsing vs buying and where Pinterest truly belongsWhen monetization feels helpful vs exploitativeWhy affiliate links and sponsored content can break authenticityHow timing and intent matter more than ad volumeWhy small and local businesses are Pinterest’s biggest opportunityInspo Mode vs Shop Mode as a potential product fixHow Pinterest can evolve without losing its soulThis is not an anti-commerce conversation. Pinterest is a business. But the real question is whether platforms can monetize without alienating the very users who made them valuable in the first place.If Pinterest gets this right, it doesn’t just become another shopping app.It becomes the most trusted bridge between imagination and action.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/wefixeditpodLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpodYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPodIf 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.DisclaimerA 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.

LEGO built one of the most iconic brands in history by standing for children, creativity, and open-ended play. But in recent years, a major shift has taken hold. The company is increasingly chasing adult fans with premium, expensive, highly detailed sets, licensed IP, and collector-focused experiences.In this episode, the panel is joined by toy industry veteran Leo Battersby to examine whether LEGO’s pivot toward adults is a smart growth strategy or a dangerous drift away from the very thing that made the brand legendary.The conversation explores the deep tension between imagination vs instruction, open-ended creativity vs rigid build-by-numbers kits, and long-term cultural pipeline vs short-term revenue growth. With declining birth rates, rising screen time, and changing childhood behavior, LEGO is navigating a radically different world than the one it helped shape.The group debates whether LEGO is slowly turning from a system of play into a premium model-building brand and what that means for future generations of builders.Key Topics & TakeawaysWhy adult collectors now make up ~25–30% of the toy marketHow LEGO’s “Adults Welcome” strategy and 18+ sets changed the brandThe shift from imaginative play to instruction-following constructionWhy modern LEGO sets leave less room for creative reinterpretationThe impact of screens, media, and IP on how kids play todayDeclining birth rates and what that means for toy company pipelinesThe difference between “paint by numbers” and a blank canvasWhy nostalgia is powerful but not a long-term growth strategyHow LEGO risks losing the next generation of buildersThe hidden danger of optimizing only for adult moneyThe Strategic TensionIs LEGO still teaching kids how to imagine… or mostly teaching them how to follow instructions?The panel argues that LEGO is not wrong to pursue adults and licensed IP. The real risk is over-indexing on precision, perfection, and display pieces at the cost of the messy, experimental, imaginative play that originally made LEGO magical.The Big Fix ProposedA “LEGO for Life” ecosystem, including:A subscription-based building journey that grows with the childAn “Anything Box” starter kit with no instructions, just imaginationAge-and-stage based kits that evolve from free play → STEM → advanced buildsA community layer where kids and families share creations and challengesA “Pass the Brick” system for reused bricks to improve accessibilityClear separation between:Kid-first creative play LEGOAdult premium collectible LEGOThe goal:Use adult profits to subsidize kid-first innovation and rebuild the long-term pipeline of LEGO fans.The Big Question This Episode AnswersIs LEGO building the future of imagination, or just really expensive shelf art?Final TakeLEGO doesn’t have an adult problem.It has a pipeline problem.The brand must protect the emotional and creative experiences that make people become adult LEGO fans in the first place, or the nostalgia engine eventually runs dry.PanelAaron WolpoffMelissa EatonChino NnadiGuestLeo Battersby Former Mattel executive and co-founder of Mattel Creations, the adult collectibles business that scaled from zero to $110M. Currently founder of Midnight Rally Club and VP of Brand Creative at Fluid Logic.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/wefixeditpodLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpodYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPodIf 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.DisclaimerA 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 kicks off with a timely and culture-shifting question: Is Dry January actually good for business, or is it a self-inflicted economic slowdown?Every January, millions of people across the U.S. and the world voluntarily press pause on alcohol. What started as a small UK health initiative has become a global behavioral shift, with nearly 1 in 5 adults now participating and overall alcohol consumption at its lowest level in nearly 90 years.But this is not just a personal wellness trend. It’s a market disruption.In this episode, our panel explores how Dry January impacts bars, restaurants, beverage brands, corporate culture, and consumer behavior. We break down whether this movement is just a temporary reset that snaps back in February or a signal of a much deeper shift toward mindful consumption, wellness, and long-term habit change.From inventory planning and staffing challenges to the rise of non-alcoholic beverages, sober-curious culture, and experience-driven hospitality, the conversation reframes Dry January as not just a month, but a strategic testing ground for the future of food, beverage, and social culture.Key Topics & TakeawaysWhy alcohol consumption is at a 90-year low and what that signalsIs Dry January a meaningful reset or just behavioral whiplash?The business impact of 20% of customers disappearing for a monthHow Gen Z and wellness culture are reshaping social drinking normsWhy “mindful consumption” is becoming mainstreamThe rise of non-alcoholic, zero-proof, and better-for-you beveragesHow bars and restaurants should rethink menus, experiences, and inventoryUsing January as an R&D lab instead of a dead monthCorporate culture, team bonding, and moving beyond “happy hour culture”The danger of over-indexing on one month instead of building evergreen optionsStrategic Business Ideas ExploredTreating Dry January as a season, not a stuntDesigning non-alcoholic experiences that feel premium, not like an afterthoughtUsing January to test new menus, pairings, formats, and partnershipsDiversifying revenue beyond alcohol without alienating core customersReframing internal culture toward wellness, inclusion, and balanceBuilding experiences around activities, not just drinkingAvoiding the January 1st / January 30th consumer behavior whiplashWho This Episode Is ForConsumer brand marketers and strategistsOperators dealing with seasonality and demand swingsHR and culture leaders rethinking workplace social normsFood & beverage brand leadersBar, restaurant, and hospitality ownersAnyone interested in how wellness trends reshape entire industriesThe Big Question This Episode AnswersIs Dry January something businesses should fight, ignore, or design for?Final TakeDry January is not the problem.Ignoring the long-term shift in consumer behavior is.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/wefixeditpodLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpodYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPodIf 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.DisclaimerA 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.

In this special episode of We Fixed It, You’re Welcome, the team welcomes back financial expert Lukas Sundahl to put real numbers behind our hypothetical business fixes.What’s the actual value of “fixing” a struggling company?Lukas analyzes three big names—Southwest Airlines, Party City, and Jaguar—and shows how our proposed strategies could have meant millions in revenue, survival, and long-term brand strength.Expect insights on:Why Southwest’s baggage fees could still work without killing loyalty?How Party City could have survived with community-driven retail?What Jaguar missed in its EV pivot and how to reclaim brand trust?This episode blends strategy + financial modeling, proving that fixing companies isn’t just theory—it’s measurable impact.Listen, learn, and maybe rethink how YOU approach business pivots.We dive deep into the real numbers behind our “fixes.” With returning guest Lukas Sundahl (CFO, financial strategist, LinkedIn thought leader), we analyze three case studies:Southwest Airlines: Would baggage fees really alienate customers? Or could they generate $350M–$450M while keeping loyalty intact?Party City: How localized inventory and community tie-ins might have saved them from bankruptcy—potentially adding $43M–$130M in value.Jaguar: The pitfalls of abandoning brand heritage in the EV race—and how aligning EVs with Jaguar’s legacy could mean $35M–$179M in gains.Chapters0:00 – Welcome to We Fixed It, You’re Welcome1:20 – Meet our guest: Lukas Sundahl2:40 – How we quantify “fixes”4:20 – Case Study 1: Southwest Airlines8:00 – Case Study 2: Party City14:40 – Case Study 3: Jaguar18:20 – The power of the pivot23:00 – Why grounding fixes in real companies works25:45 – Closing thoughts & where to find LukasKey Themes:The financial impact of strategic pivotsBrand loyalty vs revenue growthThe “power of the pivot” in corporate turnaroundsWhy storytelling + numbers matter in fixing companiesKey Pull Quote“The numbers—whether worst or best case—prove the power of the pivot. Even small strategic shifts could have meant hundreds of millions in value.” – Lukas SundahlSubscribe for more deep dives where we fix big business problems with fresh perspectives.Links:• Website - www.wefixeditpod.com• Follow us on:Instagram: @wefixeditpodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpodYouTube: @wefixeditpodIf 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.

Jaguar’s EV rebrand was meant to redefine the luxury car brand — but instead, it sparked massive backlash, confused loyal customers, and even led to their CEO stepping down. In this episode, we break down exactly what went wrong with Jaguar’s electric vehicle strategy, why their marketing campaign failed, and how they can fix their brand without losing their iconic heritage.Discover the key lessons every business can learn from Jaguar’s rebranding mistake, the reality of competing in the EV market, and the blueprint to reconnect with loyal buyers while attracting a new generation.📌 Topics Covered:Jaguar EV rebrand failure explainedWhy the marketing campaign missed the markThe danger of abandoning brand heritageHow to merge tradition with EV innovationStrategies to win back luxury car buyersIf you’re interested in brand strategy, luxury cars, electric vehicles, or marketing case studies, this breakdown is a must-watch.https://wefixeditpod.com/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.

In this episode of "We Fixed It, You're Welcome" the hosts tackle American Eagle's controversial ad campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney. Marketing expert Lola Bakare joins to dissect the brand's misstep, exploring the importance of inclusive marketing and authentic consumer engagement. The discussion delves into the risks of shock marketing, the power of Gen Z consumers, and the need for diverse voices in decision-making processes. The panel offers strategic advice for American Eagle to regain trust, emphasizing accountability, employee engagement, and aligning actions with stated values. This episode challenges conventional marketing approaches and provides insights on navigating brand crises in the age of cancel culture.https://wefixeditpod.com/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.

In this episode, our panelists discuss crowd-sourced fixes that were submitted to our show, an end-of-season tradition. We talk about various companies that are top of mind for our episode contributors, focusing on loyalty programs and customer experiences. We explore the implications of changes in loyalty programs like Carnival's, emphasizing the importance of communication and customer engagement. The conversation also touches on innovative ideas for Amazon's delivery services and Uber's potential loyalty tiers, highlighting the need for personalization and enhanced customer experiences. The episode wraps up with reflections on the season and gratitude towards listeners.TakeawaysThe holiday season is a time for reflection and engagement with listeners.Crowd-sourced fixes provide valuable insights into customer expectations.Effective communication is crucial when changing loyalty programs.Phased approaches can ease customer transitions during program changes.Personalization in loyalty programs can enhance customer satisfaction.Delaying shipping for registries can address space and timing issues for customers.Innovative delivery solutions can improve customer convenience.Uber's loyalty program could benefit from tiered rewards and personalization.Partnerships with local businesses can enhance service offerings.The importance of accountability and corporate responsibility in customer relations.Chapters00:00 Holiday Traditions and Listener Engagement00:59 Crowd-Sourced Fix: Carnival Rewards Program14:10 Crowd-Sourced Fix: Amazon Baby Registries23:09 Exploring Loyalty Programs and Customer Expectations23:35 Rethinking Postal Services: Innovative Partnerships31:12 Amazon's Delivery Ambitions: A New Era for Logistics35:20 Uber Loyalty Programs: Enhancing Customer ExperienceSubscribe 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/wefixeditpodLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/wefixeditpodYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WeFixedItPodIf 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.DisclaimerA 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.

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 & TakeawaysWhy this incident may be more than a single “bad apple”How lower-level employees can change the balance of power inside companiesThe internal ripple effects of executive misconduct on morale and qualityPsychological safety, retaliation, and why employees stop speaking upCulture as a system, not a slogan on the wallThe difference between cosmetic fixes and structural changeWhy silence and minimal PR responses no longer workHow consumer trust, nostalgia, and brand legacy can be rebuiltTurning a crisis into a catalyst for reinventionStrategic Fixes ExploredIsolating the incident without denying systemic responsibilityHolding executives to higher character and integrity standardsMaking leadership behavior measurable, not theoreticalReinforcing internal accountability and psychological safetyRe-centering the brand around community, care, and accessibilityLeveraging nostalgia and emotional connection without being performativeUsing crisis moments as opportunities for product and brand evolutionWho This Episode Is ForBrand, marketing, and communications leadersExecutives and people managersHR and culture leadersCrisis management and PR professionalsAnyone interested in how power, culture, and trust intersect inside large organizationsDisclaimerA 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.

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 surviveTHE FIX: How to Avoid the Culture Shrug1. 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.

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’sThis 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.