About Purposeful People Leadership | Jacob Schultz, Fractional CPO

People Leadership you can count on.

I step in where you need me most—offering on-demand expertise, building your People function from the ground up, or leading transformative change at pivotal moments. My role is to bring clarity, structure, and momentum so your people and your purpose become true differentiators for your business.

Flexible People Leadership, when and how you need it...

Steady leadership when you need it most.

When your CPO or Head of People is on leave—or when you need extra horsepower for a critical initiative—I provide seamless interim support. I step in with calm, clarity, and judgment to guide your organization through pivotal transitions.

How I can help

Step in during CPO or Head of People leave to keep momentum
Oversee org design, headcount planning, or workforce transitions if needed
Prepare board-ready people data and insights that build confidence
Maintain continuity while supporting sensitive changes like restructures or workforce reductions

LET'S TALK ABOUT COVERAGE

Practical people advice, on call

I created HR Friend to give founders and executives on-call access to experienced People leadership—immediate guidance without extra overhead. Think of it as quick access to a partner who’s seen this movie before and can help you anticipate what’s coming next.

What you'll gain

Clear thinking and confident decisions on urgent issues
Foresight from patterns I’ve navigated many times before
Prepare board-ready people data and insights that build confidence
Perspective that helps you see around corners and prepare for what’s ahead

BOOK A SESSION

OR BUY A PLAN

Executive People Leadership, right-sized for your stage.

Whether you’re building from scratch or leading through transformation, I step in as your part-time People executive. I bring the operator experience and judgment to design the systems, practices, and culture that grow with your business.

How we might work together

Build recruiting and onboarding systems that scale and set people up to succeed
Design stage-appropriate performance management that drives results
Shape compensation, culture, and leadership development practices that fit your values
Establish values and build a culture that fuels results

BOOK A CONSULTATION

As a People Leader....

I’ve spent two decades leading People, Culture, and Talent in organizations scaling from 10 to 400+ employees—mission-driven startups, nonprofits, and growth companies. Along the way, I’ve built and rebuilt every part of the people function: hiring, compensation, performance, org design, culture, and leadership development. I’ve been the operator in the room making tough calls with CEOs and boards, and I’m also a certified coach, which means I help leaders grow while I help their organizations grow. That mix—builder and coach, strategist and partner—is what makes my support both practical and transformational.

23%

Of startups fail due to team or leadership issues.

Source: FF Venture Capital / Failory, Startup Statistics Guide

79%

Of employees say they’ve quit a job due to poor leadership or lack of appreciation.

Source: Saville Assessment, The Cost of Poor Leadership

Fractional leadership is on the rise.

Source: HR Executive, The Rise of Fractional Executive Leadership