Welcome to The Fixer’s Playbook

The World Doesn’t Need More Managers. It Needs More Fixers.

In every organisation, there are people who manage, people who lead, and then there are the Fixers; the ones who step in when things go sideways. This newsletter is for them or for anyone who wants to become one.

What is a Fixer?

A Fixer is someone who thrives in ambiguity, has the ability to diagnose root causes for complex problems and implements an effective solution fast. They embody characteristics that make them resourceful, adaptable, influential, and they have the unique ability to understand people as well as make impactful decisions on the fly.

Fixers in Action: How Ed Catmull Transformed Pixar

Fixers exist in every industry. One of the best examples comes from the world of animation, where Ed Catmull turned Pixar into an industry powerhouse.

• Background: In the early 90s, Pixar was a small company with groundbreaking ideas but struggling financially. They were on the cusp of creating the world’s first entirely computer-animated movie, but internal challenges and external market scepticism threatened their success.
• Challenge: Pixar needed to convince Hollywood of the viability of computer-generated animation, while simultaneously managing internal creative and technical teams through uncharted territory.
• The Fixer’s Approach: As the co-founder and then-president of Pixar, Ed Catmull stepped into the role of a Fixer by fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. He recognized the need to balance the artistic vision with business realities, creating an environment where experimentation was encouraged but aligned with the company’s goals. Catmull also broke down silos, ensuring that creative, technical, and management teams collaborated effectively.
• Outcome: Under Catmull’s leadership, Pixar released Toy Story in 1995, revolutionizing the animation industry and establishing Pixar as a powerhouse in the field. His ability to align diverse teams, manage complex challenges, and push the boundaries of technology and storytelling are textbook examples of how a Fixer operates in a high-stakes environment.

Above excerpt is from ''Becoming a Fixer | by Teivian | 2024''.

Why This Newsletter Exists

Most leadership content focuses on managing teams or scaling businesses, but few talk about how to fix what’s broken when things fall apart.

In the coming issues, I’ll share actionable strategies, mental models, frameworks, and real-world lessons on what it truly means to be a Fixer. No corporate fluff, no overused buzzwords; just practical insights that work when it matters most.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming in The Fixer’s Playbook:

• How to identify the real problem when surface symptoms are distracting everyone
• Mental models that help you approach complex challenges with clarity and precision
• Decision-making frameworks for high-stakes situations where time and data are limited
• Strategies to influence outcomes, even without formal authority or titles
• Case studies from real projects
• The mindset shifts that elevate good problem-solvers into trusted Fixers who deliver lasting impact

This isn’t just a newsletter. It’s a community of problem-solvers.

Ready to Go Deeper?

Some problems can’t be solved with another meeting. Some challenges don’t have a playbook—until now.

If you’re the one people call when things go sideways, Becoming a Fixer is your guide to mastering the art of problem-solving under pressure. Learn the mindset, strategies, and frameworks used by top Fixers to diagnose issues, navigate complexity, and drive real change.

?? Stay Tuned for More: Every issue of The Fixer’s Playbook will equip you with actionable insights to tackle chaos, cut through uncertainty, and drive real impact.

?? Want the full playbook? Get Becoming a Fixer now on Amazon and start mastering the art of problem-solving.

?? Learn more at BecomingAFixer.com

Because leaders inspire and managers coordinate; but Fixers get it done.