The Fix Files
Why does everyone else have it together - and I don’t?
“It’s not that you’ve done nothing. It’s that somehow, you’re not where you wanted to be by now—and that comparison makes it feel like you’ve failed.”
Nic Denison
I’ve rebuilt my life more than once. Now I help other people do the same. One real problem at a time.
The Weekly Fix
The Weekly Fix | 07.07.25
The Cost of Staying Stuck Staying stuck feels deceptively safe. You know the terrain. You’ve memorized the exits. You’ve learned how to shrink your needs, dull your instincts, and rationalize your way through another day. But here’s the truth: Familiarity isn’t the same as security.
The Fix Files
Stuck in a job I’ve outgrown - but afraid to let go.
“You’ve outgrown something—but fear is whispering that this might be as good as it gets. The truth? It’s not. But that fear is real, and it’s keeping you stuck.”
The Fix Files
I need to make money - but I’m totally lost.
“Let’s say it out loud: you need to earn more money than you’re making right now. That’s not selfish. That’s survival.”
Applied Strategy
The Healthcare.gov Launch Failure: A Case Study in Readiness Issues
The 2013 launch of Healthcare.gov was intended to provide a seamless experience for Americans to purchase health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Instead, it became a high-profile failure.
Applied Strategy
A Case Study: Washington Metro’s Silver Line Delays: A Lesson in Communication Failures
The Washington Metro’s Silver Line project was one of the most ambitious transportation expansions in the region, intended to provide access to northern Virginia and Washington Dulles International Airport. However, the project faced numerous delays, cost overruns, and communication breakdowns
Applied Strategy
Case Study: HP’s Autonomy Acquisition: A $9 Billion Strategic Mistake
In 2011, HP acquired British software company Autonomy for $11 billion in a deal that was supposed to bolster HP’s position in enterprise software. However, just a year later, HP wrote down $9 billion from the acquisition, citing fraud and mismanagement.
Applied Strategy
Case Study: Sears’ Slow Decline: A Leadership Failure to Evolve
Once a retail giant, Sears was a staple in American shopping for over a century. However, due to a combination of strategic missteps, leadership issues, and a failure to adapt to modern retail trends, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2018.
Applied Strategy
Case Study: The Challenger Disaster: When Leadership Fails to Listen
Despite these warnings, NASA officials proceeded with the launch, pressured by schedule commitments and media attention. The lack of proper communication between engineers and NASA leadership led to the catastrophic decision to launch the Challenger under unsafe conditions.
The Exec Advisor
How to Build Influence Without the Manager Title
Real leadership means earning respect and influence, especially when you don’t have a formal title.
The Exec Advisor
A Project Manager’s Secret Weapon? Soft Skills.
Did you know? 89% of project failures stem from communication and collaboration breakdowns. It’s not just the technical skills—soft skills like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and communication are the key to project success.
Applied Strategy
Kodak’s Missed Opportunity: A Lesson in Strategic Resistance to Innovation
Despite inventing the digital camera, Kodak decided to keep the technology hidden for fear of disrupting its film sales. While competitors like Sony, Canon, and Nikon embraced digital technology and rapidly gained market share, Kodak clung to its legacy business model.