You've Got People Problems

Melissa Ortiz, Talent Optimization Expert

Let’s be honest. People problems aren’t just HR problems. They’re business problems. They show up as missed goals, unclear accountability, hiring mistakes, disengaged teams, and leaders carrying more than they should. Over time, they slow growth, create frustration, and make running a business feel harder than it needs to be. And they aren’t solved by another policy, personality test, or quick fix. Business would be simple… if it weren’t for people. That’s the reality behind You’ve Got People Problems, a podcast focused on the human side of running a business. Each episode explores how leadership behavior, hiring decisions, role clarity, engagement, and organizational structure directly impact performance, culture, and results. Through honest conversations with business owners, operators, HR leaders, EOS Implementers, and consultants, the show tackles real issues leaders face every day: why the “right hire” still isn’t working, how teams outgrow roles, when full-time isn’t the answer, why accountability breaks down, and what actually drives engagement beyond perks and pay. This isn’t about HR checking a box or leadership theory. It’s about helping leaders slow down, recognize patterns earlier, and make more intentional people decisions that support both the business and the people inside it. If you’re leading a team, building an organization, or trying to get out of the day-to-day firefighting that comes with people problems, this podcast is for you. Subscribe, listen, and start making sense of the people side of your business.

  1. 1D AGO

    Inserting AI Into the Org Chart ​| Ep 35 | You've Got People Problems

    In this episode of You’ve Got People Problems, host Melissa Ortiz is joined by organizational leader Amy Perenon to explore how artificial intelligence is already changing leadership, management, and organizational decision-making. Rather than focusing on future predictions, Melissa and Amy discuss how AI is showing up in real workplaces today. They explore how leaders are using AI as a thinking partner, where it can reduce cognitive load for managers, and why AI should support leadership judgment rather than replace it. The conversation also addresses the challenges leaders face when introducing AI, including skepticism, ethical considerations, and the importance of transparency and trust with teams. Key topics covered in this episode include: How AI is entering the org chart and leadership workflowsUsing AI to support managers and reduce frictionWhere AI adds value without replacing human decision-makingTransparency, trust, and ethical considerations in AI useHow AI is reshaping leadership expectations and rolesWhat leaders should experiment with now versus approach cautiouslyThis episode is especially valuable for founders, operators, and people leaders who are navigating AI adoption and want practical, grounded insight rather than hype. If you are trying to understand how AI fits into your organization while maintaining clarity, trust, and strong leadership, this episode offers thoughtful perspective and real-world examples.

    54 min
  2. FEB 5

    Do we Need a Partner or a Person? The FT/PT/Fractional Debate ​| Ep 34 | You've Got People Problems

    In this episode of You’ve Got People Problems, host Melissa Ortiz is joined by organizational consultant Michelle Scribner to explore one of the most common, and costly, leadership questions: when to hire full-time, when to go part-time, and when fractional or outsourced support makes more sense. Using accounting and operational roles as real-world examples, Melissa and Michelle discuss how leaders often default to hiring before fully understanding the work that actually needs to be done. They unpack how compliance requirements, especially in states like California, add complexity and risk to hiring decisions, and why many organizations unintentionally overcommit too early. Key topics covered in this episode include: The difference between fractional, part-time, and outsourced rolesHow to evaluate capability needs before committing to headcountWhy some functions are better handled externally at certain stagesThe hidden costs of premature or misaligned hiresHow to think about scale, flexibility, and risk when building your team.This episode is especially valuable for founders, operators, and leadership teams navigating growth, compliance pressure, or uncertainty about their next hire. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all answer, the conversation helps leaders ask better questions before making long-term people decisions. If you’re wrestling with whether a role truly needs to be internal, or how to structure support without overextending your organization, this episode offers practical clarity.

    53 min

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About

Let’s be honest. People problems aren’t just HR problems. They’re business problems. They show up as missed goals, unclear accountability, hiring mistakes, disengaged teams, and leaders carrying more than they should. Over time, they slow growth, create frustration, and make running a business feel harder than it needs to be. And they aren’t solved by another policy, personality test, or quick fix. Business would be simple… if it weren’t for people. That’s the reality behind You’ve Got People Problems, a podcast focused on the human side of running a business. Each episode explores how leadership behavior, hiring decisions, role clarity, engagement, and organizational structure directly impact performance, culture, and results. Through honest conversations with business owners, operators, HR leaders, EOS Implementers, and consultants, the show tackles real issues leaders face every day: why the “right hire” still isn’t working, how teams outgrow roles, when full-time isn’t the answer, why accountability breaks down, and what actually drives engagement beyond perks and pay. This isn’t about HR checking a box or leadership theory. It’s about helping leaders slow down, recognize patterns earlier, and make more intentional people decisions that support both the business and the people inside it. If you’re leading a team, building an organization, or trying to get out of the day-to-day firefighting that comes with people problems, this podcast is for you. Subscribe, listen, and start making sense of the people side of your business.