Most founders think they have a “people problem” or a “process problem.” The truth? It’s almost always both. Without clear systems, people get frustrated. Without empowered people, processes get ignored. And now with AI and automation accelerating, the stakes are higher than ever.

In this episode of Founder Talk, Ryan Weiss, founder of EPS Optics, shares how he helps companies streamline workstreams, align teams, and prepare for a future where AI is rapidly reshaping jobs. From diagnosing broken processes to balancing structure with creativity, Ryan explains why the companies that win are the ones who combine people and process to create real impact.

We dive into how poor order entry created billing chaos at one client, why “healthy conflict” is essential for accountability, and what happens when you let blind spots hold your business back. Ryan also shares his journey from building a lawn care company at 15, to living in the Philippines and building outsourcing teams, to writing Optics, his Amazon bestselling book on process and perception.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why most business frustrations come from missing processes or ignored systems

✅ How to balance creativity with structure in your team

✅ Why AI will replace many jobs and how to adapt before it happens

✅ The SIPOC framework (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) that transforms workflows

✅ Why the future belongs to leaders who impact people, not just profits

If you’ve been searching “how to fix broken processes,” “people vs. process in business,” or “how AI will impact jobs,” this episode gives you the no-fluff truth.

Connect with Ryan

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancweiss/

Guest Website: https://learnmore.epsoptics.com/

If you are a B2B company that wants to build your own in-house content team instead of outsourcing your content to a marketing agency, we may be a fit for you! Everything you see in our podcast and content is a result of a scrappy, nimble, internal content team along with an AI-powered content systems and process. Check out pricing and services here: ⁠https://impaxs.com⁠

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction and Name Pronunciation

00:12 German Heritage and Pronunciation Variations

00:54 The Importance of Process in Business

03:49 Balancing Process and Creativity

06:59 Diagnosing and Solving Process Issues

19:03 The Role of External Experts

31:32 Living and Working in the Philippines

34:16 The Future of Customer Service and AI

34:38 AI Replacing Jobs: The Future of Work

35:22 Streamlining Business Operations

36:01 Preparing for Automation and AI

37:40 Impact of AI on Computer Science Careers

38:39 Adapting to Technological Changes

43:36 The Importance of Mindset in Career Evolution

49:14 Writing a Book: Process and Benefits

56:09 Building a Business and Making an Impact

59:55 Connecting and Growing Through Relationships