In Episode 15 of You’ve Got People Problems, Melissa Ortiz sits down with Ellie Prentice, an HR leader in the nonprofit space, for a powerful conversation about the role language plays in leadership. From everyday feedback to big-picture messaging, the words we choose can either build trust or quietly erode culture. Ellie shares practical examples and lessons from her work, highlighting how intentional communication can shape healthier, more connected teams.

Ellie brings over two decades of experience in nonprofit and education leadership, and shares real stories from the field about how the right words (and the wrong ones) show up in tough conversations, feedback, and everyday team dynamics.

We cover:

• What it means to lead with words that are tough, tender, and transformative
• How to give feedback that’s clear and human
• Why your words matter more than you think—even when you’re busy, frustrated, or under pressure

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