326: Why People-First Cultures Win in 2026 with Kat Ortiz
Job Search, Promotion, and Career Clarity: The Mid-Career GPS Podcast
Getting education later in life
Kat describes earning a GED, starting college in her 30s, and balancing family while pursuing degrees.
In this episode, John is joined by industrial-organizational psychologist Kat Ortiz to break down how evidence-based practices can transform workplace culture, leadership effectiveness, and employee experience in ways that genuinely support performance and growth.
Kat’s unconventional career journey sets the stage. From earning her GED and starting college in her thirties to choosing IO psychology over the therapy path, she shares how she learned to change systems at scale rather than support individuals one at a time. Her insights reveal why psychological safety, emotionally intelligent leadership, and inclusive design are not optional if organizations want to thrive in 2026 and beyond.
We look closely at what IO psychologists do and how their work shows up in real workplaces. Kat explains how better hiring practices, leadership development programs that actually work, and people-first culture strategies lead to measurable improvements in collaboration and retention. She also highlights how AI can support stronger teamwork by reducing friction, not replacing human connection.
If you are feeling stuck or overlooked, Kat’s message is especially powerful. She reframes career clarity through the idea of agency. “This is where I am now” is the starting point for building momentum, whether you are job-hugging for security or actively planning your next move. You will learn how to leverage sponsors, make small bets that showcase your strengths, and use self-knowledge as your internal career GPS.
For leaders, you will hear practical steps to build psychologically safe environments, create better feedback loops, and design culture rituals that promote accountability and respect. These insights will help you support your teams and advance your own leadership brand.
In This Episode, You Will Learn
• What IO psychology is and how it improves workplace culture
• Why Kat transitioned from therapy to IO psychology and how that shift expanded her impact
• How 2026 workplace trends are affecting mid-career professionals
• How to partner with IO psychologists inside your organization
• How to build agency when you feel stuck, unheard, or undervalued
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