In this episode of You’ve Got People Problems, host Mel Ortiz is joined by longtime Vistage Chair Gary Schulz for a deep dive into one of the most important and overlooked dynamics in business leadership: Who really challenges the CEO, and how do peer groups create transformative accountability for business owners and executives?

Drawing on his experience facilitating CEO and key executive groups across California’s Central Valley, Gary Schulz shares the inner workings of Vistage’s confidential model, from how meetings are structured to the people problems that surface again and again. Mel Ortiz and Gary Schulz compare peer models like Vistage and EO, and highlight why outside perspectives are essential for CEOs facing isolation and major decisions.

Their conversation goes beyond process to tackle the generational, cultural, and personal obstacles CEOs must overcome—in their teams and themselves—to achieve sustained business growth.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

• How Vistage’s peer group and one-to-one model builds powerful accountability for CEOs and executives
• The four focus areas every CEO must master, and why three are all about people
• Common issues that surface including succession, generational transitions, culture, and retention
• Why the right “fit” for next-generation leaders is about more than skills—values and alignment are critical
• Strategies for handling legacy employees who may no longer align with company culture or direction
• How CEOs can evolve from being the “smartest in the room” to building strong, well-rounded leadership teams

This episode is a must-listen for CEOs, business owners, and leaders curious about how peer advisory groups really work, and why having trusted challengers is essential for both personal growth and company success.