Melanie Gonzalez is the Director of HR and People at BSRI, where she’s been a key member of the Executive Leadership Team since 2020. Born and raised in Miami, FL, to Cuban immigrant parents, she brings a deep passion for community and advocacy. A Florida Bar Certified Paralegal, notary, and certified English-Spanish translator, Melanie has provided pro bono legal support in immigration and Special Immigrant Juvenile cases. At BSRI, she leads HR, organizational communications, culture, and strategic initiatives. Known for her hands-on approach, she ensures the team thrives in what she calls “the ideal workplace.” Melanie is also active in community efforts, including the annual NAMI Walk, championing mental health awareness and support.

In this episode, Jason and Melanie discuss:

• The evolving role of HR and why it’s more about people than just rules
• Embracing AI as a tool for efficiency, not a replacement for human connection
• The importance of workplace culture and how to make it meaningful beyond perks
• Melanie’s personal story—from her Cuban immigrant roots to leading HR at BSRI
• Creative ways BSRI supports retention, including piloting a four-day workweek

Key Takeaways: 

• HR’s evolution demands more than policy enforcement—it now calls for relational leadership, where trust, emotional intelligence, and people-first strategies drive organizational impact.
• Rather than fearing AI as a job disruptor, Melanie illustrates how intentionally integrating it can streamline workflows and empower teams without compromising human connection.
• Culture doesn’t thrive on surface-level perks; it’s cultivated through intentional systems of recognition, communication, and alignment with shared values and goals.
• Leading with vulnerability, Melanie models how consistent pulse checks and open dialogue can transform retention efforts into a culture of belonging and psychological safety.
• Implementing innovations like a four-day workweek isn’t about trend-chasing—it’s about thoughtful experimentation, listening deeply, and balancing flexibility with accountability.

“HR is often seen in a negative light—as the people who get you in trouble, the ones who fire you, or those who only reach out for legal or administrative issues. But it's definitely not about that. We're here to support you. It's a support function. It's about leading with compassion, leading with vulnerability, and creating a safe space for your team. Having a human being in that role is crucial—someone who’s truly in your corner.”

- Melanie Gonzalez

Connect with Melanie Gonzalez:

Website: https://www.bsrinstitute.org/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-gonzalez-/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Connect with Steve and Jason:

LinkedIn: Jason or Steve

Website: Rewire, Inc.: Transformed Thinking 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.