HR & Payroll 2.0

In this episode, Pete welcomes Anand Pandya, VP and GM of Specialty Solutions for SMBs at ADP, for a timely conversation on the rise of embedded technology and why payroll is becoming mission-critical infrastructure inside modern SaaS platforms. Anand shares why small businesses are increasingly overwhelmed by fragmented back-office software, often juggling multiple systems for payments, accounting, cash flow, employee data, and payroll.  Pete and Anand explore why payroll is uniquely complex as an embedded financial solution, from employee data and tax jurisdictions to deductions, state registrations, garnishments, worker's compensation, retirement mandates, and ongoing regulatory change. They also discuss why SaaS providers cannot treat payroll as a tech-only add-on and why the technology matters, but so do service, compliance support, onboarding, regulatory updates, and the ability to help small businesses when payroll gets complicated.   The conversation also looks ahead to where embedded payroll is headed next, including the growing role of AI, self-service support, real-time compliance prompts, and the movement toward SaaS platforms becoming the operational hub for small businesses. Connect with Anand and ADP:   For C-suite and developers interested in exploring ADP's embedded payroll solution: adp.com/embedded For SMB's interested in exploring ADP for their small business: adp.com/smallbusiness Anand's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anpandya/ Pete's e-book: ‘Payroll In The Flow of Business: How Embedded Payroll Is Becoming Mission-Critical for Modern SaaS Platforms'  https://www.payrollinfluences.com/researches/payroll-in-the-flow-of-business%3A-how-embedded-payroll-is-becoming-mission-critical-for-modern-saas-platforms *The annual Payroll Profession Confidence Index (PPCI) survey is open now through September 30, 2026. Payroll professionals and stakeholders interested in participating in the research can complete the survey at: https://www.payrollinfluences.com/ppci-2026.  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

In this episode, Pete and Julie welcome “The Payroll Nerd”, Troy Markussen, global payroll leader, founder of Nerd Outfitters, and champion of the Payroll 2040 movement, for a timely conversation on the future of payroll talent. Troy shares how he “chose payroll” early in his career, why the profession offers one of the most dynamic and resilient career paths in business, and what his research with students and early-career professionals reveals about pay trust, payroll education, and the expectations of the next generation. The discussion explores why payroll is more than a back-office function, how payroll data can help leaders uncover broader business issues, and why payroll professionals must become more visible, more vocal, and more strategic. Connect with Troy & Nerd Outfitters: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-markusson/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/nerd-outfitters/ https://www.nerdoutfitters.shop/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs1MhTbTid2Y_fAWy2Qd0ZQ https://www.instagram.com/nerdoutfitter/ https://www.tiktok.com/@nerdoutfitter https://www.facebook.com/nerdoutfitter *The annual Payroll Profession Confidence Index (PPCI) survey is open now through September 30, 2026. Payroll professionals and stakeholders interested in participating in the research can complete the survey at: https://www.payrollinfluences.com/ppci-2026.  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome Katharine ‘Kat' Smith, an Australian payroll leader and one of the emerging voices behind the idea of ‘payroll diplomacy', for a thoughtful conversation on advocacy, literacy, risk, and the evolving role of payroll in the enterprise. The conversation explores ‘payroll diplomacy': the skill of translating payroll's operational complexity into language that executives, HR, finance, recruiters, and business leaders can understand. She shares why it's all about influence, storytelling, community, and building the language needed to make payroll's value visible. The group explores why payroll needs stronger advocacy, why literacy is still one of the profession's biggest gaps, and how leaders can move beyond fear-based messaging to tell better stories about risk, compliance, records, employee experience, and business value.   They also dig into the growing pressure on payroll professionals in markets like Australia, where compliance complexity, recordkeeping expectations, and potential criminal liability are raising the stakes.  Plus, how to build payroll foundations from the ground up, with governance and controls to documentation, employee experience, and trust. Connect with Katharine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithkatharine/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie share their POV's and insights on a long list of HR and payroll tech marketplace news and updates rounding out Q2, 2026.  Vendors discussed in the episode include: ADP, Argano, CloudPay, datascaleHR, Deel, isolved, G-P, HiBob, Multiplier, Nuvei and Payoneer, OnePay, Paylocity, Payslip, Remote, Strada Global, and Workday. Mentioned in the episode:  CloudPay Payroll Efficiency Index: https://www.cloudpay.com/press-releases/payroll-performance-increasingly-defined-by-integration-maturity/  Time & Statista: Top Worktech companies of 2026: https://time.com/article/2026/06/09/america-top-worktech-companies-methodology/   Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie share their POV's and insights on the spring updates for analysts from across the HCM tech vendor landscape ahead of summer.  Vendor events and news discussed in the episode include: PrismHR: PrismHRLIVE, SAP SuccessFactors: HCM Experts Workshop, Cornerstone Connect, and UKG Virtual Analyst Day.  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

In this special episode, Julie is joined by Kristy Durst, Sr. Manager of Payroll & HR Administration at Uline, live from the annual World at Work Total Rewards event in San Antonio, TX, for a practitioner conversation grounded in what modern payroll leadership really looks like inside a complex, frontline-heavy business. The conversation explores Uline's move from ADP to the full Workday suite, what it means to optimize a platform after go-live, and why payroll's value increases when leaders stop treating it as a back-office process and start bringing it into decisions earlier.   Julie and Kristy also dig into the realities of running payroll for a workforce of nearly 10,000 employees across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, including the importance of local timekeepers, shared services, compliance ownership, paid sick leave complexity, tax accountability, employee self-service, and the trust that comes from getting pay right. Kristy offers a clear view into the controls, data, judgment, and cross-functional collaboration required to make payroll work at scale.   The conversation looks ahead to the future of payroll talent and technology, from AI adoption and Workday optimization to succession planning, cross-training, and the changing skills payroll leaders need next.  Connect with Kristy:  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-durst-54a0a2b3/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/  OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

In this special episode, Pete and Julie are joined by Amy Dufrane Ed.D, CEO of the HRCI (HR Certification Institute), live from the annual World at Work Total Rewards event in San Antonio, TX!  Amy shares how HRCI is evolving beyond certification to become a broader career partner for HR professionals, including its global work around HR standards, its collaboration with WorldatWork, and its role in helping practitioners navigate a profession being reshaped by technology, AI, and rising business expectations. The discussion explores why payroll deserves deeper strategic integration with HR and the business, how AI is changing learning needs across the profession, and why credentials still matter in an era where access to information is becoming more democratized. Amy also highlights the growing importance of organizational design, job redesign, change management, and technology upskilling as HR leaders work to build the capabilities required for what comes next. The group also digs into the talent pipeline challenge facing HR and payroll, including how early-career credentialing, university partnerships, and even high school exposure can help bring the next generation into the profession sooner. Connect with Amy and the HRCI: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amydufrane/ HRCI: https://www.hrci.org/home Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/  OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

In this special episode, Pete and Julie are joined by Chelsea Hamilton and Sam Thomeier, live from the annual World at Work Total Rewards event in San Antonio, TX!  Chelsea and Sam unpack why pay transparency remains one of the biggest issues facing total rewards leaders, and why the shift is being driven by more than legislation. From generational expectations and candidate behavior to the long-standing culture of secrecy around pay, the conversation explores why employers can no longer afford to treat compensation as a closed-door topic.   The discussion also gets practical, covering why compensation structure is never truly “done,” how organizations should approach change management before communicating pay philosophy, and why salary ranges only work when managers understand how to explain them.  Chelsea and Sam also dig into the risks and opportunities of AI in compensation, including job-matching tools, salary benchmarking, employee use of AI, and the danger of relying on noisy or biased data. Plus, why getting compensation “right” is not just about market data or compliance.   Connect with Sam & Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-thomeier-2898537/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-hamilton-shrm-cp/ https://herronpalmer.com/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/  OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

In this special episode, Pete and Julie are joined by Sarah Severson, Sr. Manager of Compensation at Medline, live from the annual World at Work Total Rewards event in San Antonio, TX, for a practical conversation on how compensation is evolving inside fast-growing, complex organizations. The conversation explores what happens when family-owned and high-growth companies scale faster than their compensation structures, why job architecture becomes a critical foundation for everything downstream, and how M&A, global expansion, and Workday implementations expose the need for common language, cleaner data, and stronger governance.   Pete, Julie, and Sarah talk the practical side of AI in compensation, from using Copilot for Excel and manager communications to experimenting with AI-assisted job grading and market cleanup. Sarah offers a grounded practitioner view on where AI can accelerate work, where human judgment still matters, and why compensation teams must balance innovation with governance, transparency, and manager enablement.   Plus, a candid look at the realities of modernizing compensation in a growing enterprise, and why the future of comp is not just about better data, but better decisions, better communication, and stronger alignment across the business. Connect with Sarah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-severson-6498ba1b/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/  OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

In this special episode, Pete and Julie are joined by Joe Ranzau, Partner at Grant Thornton, live from the annual World at Work Total Rewards event in San Antonio, TX. Joe brings a CFO-facing lens to the discussion, unpacking why finance, HR, risk, and tax all see payroll differently and why the reporting line may matter less than the governance model around it. The conversation explores payroll's evolving strategic value, the persistent disconnect between HR and payroll, and why payroll professionals must become stronger storytellers, translators, and change agents. Together they explore where payroll really belongs, why it remains one of the most misunderstood functions in the enterprise, and how AI is forcing leaders to rethink process, risk, and governance. The episode also dives into AI's growing role in HR and payroll, from productivity gains and hard-to-measure ROI to procurement restrictions, shadow AI, data safety, and adoption resistance across the workforce. Plus a practical look at what it takes to modernize payroll: clearer ownership, stronger governance, better cross-functional alignment, and a willingness to treat payroll as far more than a back-office process. Connect with Joe:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-ranzau/   Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/  OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

In this special ‘Swapcast' episode, Pete and Julie are joined by fellow WrkDefined podcast hosts, Sean Luitjens and Paul Reiman of ‘Totally Rewarding Chats' for a lively conversation on total rewards, AI, work flexibility, and the changing expectations shaping the workforce. Recorded live from the annual World at Work Total Rewards event in San Antonio, the conversation starts with the energy of the conference itself, where AI has clearly moved from abstract hype to practical application. Sean and Paul unpack how total rewards, compensation, benefits, payroll, and HR are increasingly converging, and why practitioners need peer communities more than ever as they navigate sensitive workforce data, emerging tools, and rapidly changing employee expectations.   Pete leads the group through three timely workplace debates: the four-day workweek as a benefit and retention lever, the rise of employee resistance to company AI strategies, and Gen Z's desire for both career ambition and better work-life balance. The discussion gets practical, exploring why flexibility only works when trust, role design, and administration are aligned; why AI adoption fails when leaders frame it as headcount reduction instead of capacity expansion; and why younger workers may not be rejecting hard work as much as redefining the terms under which they are willing to give it.   Connect with Sean, Paul & Totally Rewarding Chats LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulreiman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-luitjens/  ‘Totally Rewarding Chats': https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/totally-rewarding-chats Novo Insights: https://www.novoinsights.com/ Salary.com: https://www.salary.com/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/  OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome Amy Wang, a shared services and HR operations expert and leader, to explore the intersection of HR, payroll, technology, and enterprise service delivery.  With more than two decades of experience spanning IT, HR operations, and shared services across industries, Amy shares how her unconventional path from IT into HR shaped her approach to building scalable, data-driven service organizations.   Amy shares the diplomacy, governance, and storytelling required to operationalize shared services successfully, and why leaders must continually demonstrate value, communicate wins, and build credibility across the enterprise. The discussion also highlights the critical role of payroll and HR data as foundational infrastructure for modern organizations and why strong governance and standardized processes are essential for scalable service delivery.   From the importance of data readiness and operational discipline to the possibility of new C-suite structures emerging around people, technology, and risk, Amy offers a forward-looking perspective on how HR and shared services are becoming strategic engines for the future of work.   Connect with Amy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywang168/  SSON blogs by Amy: https://www.ssonetwork.com/events-hr-shared-services-week/blog  Connect with the show: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie unpack the top 10 learnings and key takeaways from the recent Workday Innovation Summit for industry analysts in Napa, California.  Each year, Workday gathers analysts for a peek behind the Workday curtain, its GTM, roadmap, customer stories, and big bets on what comes next for the ERP platform and its innovation, its customers, partners, and broader ecosystem.  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/hrpayroll2o.bsky.social  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0    WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

In this episode of HR & Payroll 2.0, Pete and Julie welcome Kelly Westfall, a payroll leader known for bringing equal parts precision and heart to one of the most mission-critical (and most misunderstood) functions in the enterprise.  Kelly shares how she found her way from HR and onboarding into payroll leadership and why the complexity, accountability, and responsibility of getting pay right drive her passion and career forward.  The conversation gets real about life in payroll: the constant exceptions, the operational risk, the employee trust equation, and the quiet heroics required to keep pay accurate, compliant, and reliable at scale. Kelly shares what's driving burnout and talent scarcity across payroll teams, why many organizations still under-resource the function while over-relying on it. Kelly reminds us that payroll is a trust function, and payroll leaders will advance through calm influence, fostering community connection, and communicating at the executive level!  Connect with Kelly:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-westfall-cpp-845245b6/ https://gacpayroll.org/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie share their POV's and insights on HR tech marketplace updates and activity making headlines in Q2'2026!   First, an update from the road, including takeaways from the CloudPay Paymakers event in Malta, Workhuman LIVE in Orlando, the Dayforce Distilling AI virtual event, and the SSOW (Shared Services and Outsourcing Week) in Orlando.  Additionally, they discuss several product updates and acquisitions and what it means for buyers and providers across the marketplace.  Vendors news discussed in the episode include: Deel, Gusto + Mosey, Paylocity + Grayscale, Payoneer + Boundless. Phenom + Plum, Remote + Bravas, Revolute, Trinet + Cocoon. Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/hrpayroll2o.bsky.social  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0    WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this special episode, Pete welcomes John Kostoulas, VP of Market Positioning & Strategy at Dayforce and former Gartner Vice President and distinguished HCM tech analyst, for a candid conversation on the future of HR technology, AI adoption, and what it really takes to modernize in the era of agentic AI. John shares his journey from an engineering graduate in Greece to an HCM vendor executive and what the "analyst in him" still sees that most miss. He brings research-backed insights on the AI governance gap, and why trust, not features, is the real barrier to adoption at scale. He also delivers a sharp, no-nonsense framework of AI transformation do's and don'ts for executives who are paralyzed or unsure where to start, including why chasing feature lists over outcomes is the fastest road to regret. The conversation explores the growing "vibe coding your HCM" phenomenon, debating whether SMBs and enterprises can realistically AI-generate their way to payroll and HR solutions. Plus, they talk about the critical difference between a truly unified HCM platform and a fragmented "unified" illusion, and why that distinction is make-or-break for enterprise agility. Connect with John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkostoulas/ John's Post on unified consolidation and AI features: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7439258950371344385/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/  OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this special episode of HR & Payroll 2.0, Pete & Julie are joined by friends of the show, John Bernativicz and Tammy Gillenwater of Willory Consulting to talk their new book: ‘Payroll Like a Boss.'  John and Tammy share the origin story behind the book, the inspiration for writing it, and why themes like bravery, influence, community, and leadership are key elements of the content and increasingly critical for payroll professionals today. They also dig into the challenges holding payroll back, from constant firefighting to lack of recognition, and offer a clear call for payroll to step forward, prove its value, and help shape the future of work. Plus, John and Tammy talk about the ‘movement' and community developing around the book and its goal to elevate the payroll profession. The conversation explores why payroll leaders must move beyond process and compliance to become more strategic, influential, and visible leaders inside their businesses. Want to Payroll Like a Boss? Your Guide to Strategic Payroll: https://johnbernatovicz.com/payroll-like-a-boss/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Payroll-Like-Boss-Guide-Strategic/dp/1662970854/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Connect with John & Tammy:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnbernatovicz/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tammy-gillenwater-cpp-374692107/  Willory Consulting: https://willory.com/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0 X: @PeteTiliakos X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this special episode of HR & Payroll 2.0, Pete catches up with Amberly Dressler, a brand marketing executive known for helping shape one of the most memorable community-led brand stories in HR tech and now leading corporate and partner marketing at Conga.  Amberly shares on the brand mechanics that matter right now: when a rebrand is truly earned versus vanity, how to create a single truth that unites multiple buyer personas, and why consistency beats novelty even when you're personally tired of the message. In a crowded market where buyers are overwhelmed, she argues credibility is built the old-fashioned way: community, repetition, and showing up in the real world, not just on a slide. Drawing from the ‘People Heroes' movement at isolved and the roadshow-first approach that met practitioners where they are, Amberly shares what modern GTM must deliver beyond the software: confidence, change support, and a narrative champions can carry into internal business cases.  They also unpack why relationship-building is the only sustainable growth strategy in HR and payroll, and what it means to show up authentically in public forums like Reddit as AEO, GEO, and SEO collide with AI-driven answer engines. Connect with Amberly:  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberlydressler/ Conga: https://conga.com/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome payroll and compensation expert and practitioner, Bri Mullens, to the show to discuss the convergence of payroll, compensation, benefits, and total rewards.  Bri shares how an accounting background led to a career in payroll and why the key ingredients that kept her there were equal parts numbers, compliance, and real human impact. The conversation covers why aligning payroll with compensation and benefits can be a strategic unlock, especially as pay transparency laws accelerate, and employees expect clearer answers to how, why and what they are paid.   Bri breaks down how she's using market data, partnering closely with HR, and rolling out total compensation letters to help employees understand the full value of their rewards package and provide the transparency that builds trust.  They also discuss modern pay experience enablers such as earned wage access (EWA), the payroll “latency” challenge, and financial wellness. Plus, a practical look at how HR and compensation teams are using AI today without compromising sensitive employee data.   Connect with Bri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianamullens/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete welcomes Asia-Pacific HR and compliance expert Lynette Liew of Links International to the show for a pulse check on one of the most complex and fast-moving regions in the world of work. They explore the rapid evolution of employment compliance across Australia, China, India, and Southeast Asia, the growing shift from global to regional HR and payroll providers, and why enterprise buyers are doubling down on local expertise to manage regulatory risk. The conversation also dives into how AI is reshaping payroll operations, workforce planning, and compliance oversight. Lynette brings frontline insight into statutory volatility, fragmented labor frameworks, digital payments innovation, payroll talent shortages, and why localization, cultural fluency, and deep regulatory knowledge are emerging as true competitive advantages in 2026. Connect with Lynette:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynetteliew/  https://linksinternational.com/research/apac-labour-law-updates/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome Trey Campbell, legendary HR outsourcing and transformation executive, former CEO, and current board member of OneSource Virtual, for a candid conversation on how HR outsourcing and managed services have evolved and where they are heading next. Trey takes us from the early days of HR outsourcing (HRO) to today's automation-driven, cloud-enabled service models that power cloud-based HR operations. He explains why so many large-scale outsourcing deals failed, why “lift and shift” never delivered on its promises, and why standardization, workflow automation, and service design matter more than ever. The conversation goes deep on what CHROs, and CFOs are getting wrong about outsourcing, why payroll and compliance risk, not just cost, drives buying decisions, and why the myth of one global payroll system still hasn't been cracked after 30 years.  Trey shares his perspective on AI, automation, and “services as software,” explaining where intelligent workflows will truly transform HR and payroll and where human expertise will remain essential.  Connect with Trey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/campbelltrey/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

In this special episode, Pete is joined by Raju Vegesna, Chief Evangelist at Zoho, live from the annual Zoho Day analyst 2026 event and update in Austin, Texas! Together they explore Zoho's 30-year journey from shipping software on floppy disks to delivering integrated SaaS platforms and now AI-driven solutions, and how the company's distinct culture and values have underpinned that evolution.  The conversation explores the future of SaaS and AI. Raju challenges the narrative that “SaaS is dead,” arguing instead that commoditization of software and AI is a net positive: as costs drop, access and productivity rise across society. They discuss the shift from productivity gains to intelligence gains as the new ROI in software, and how connected data and platforms are foundational for meaningful AI insights. They talk about the gap between AI hype and reality, why many AI projects are not yet delivering ROI, and how we're still in the “plumbing” and protocol phase of this wave and the emerging importance of data and intelligence sovereignty, including why some countries and large enterprises may push back toward on‑premise or sovereign AI. Plus Raju offers guidance for business leaders who feel stuck or behind on AI: it's still early, the ground is shifting rapidly, and the current explosion of innovation will be followed by consolidation, creating a window of opportunity for fast movers.  Connect with Raju: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajuvegesna1/ X: https://x.com/rajuv Website: www.zoho.com  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: https://x.com/HRPayroll2_0  X: https://x.com/PeteTiliakos  X: https://x.com/JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

In this special episode, Pete is joined by Holger Mueller, VP and Principal Analyst at Constellation Research, live from the annual Zoho Day 2026 analyst event and update in Austin, Texas! Drawing on decades of watching Zoho grow from early cloud pioneer to fully integrated “ecosystem,” Holger breaks down what makes Zoho's horizontally and vertically integrated stack so distinctive, and why its people-first culture and homegrown talent strategy show up so clearly in its products and customer relationships.  Pete and Holger dive into the noisy “SaaS is dead” narrative and cut through the hype around AI agents, cloud, and data. They unpack why back-end modernization and elasticity still matter, why all‑in‑one suites are back in vogue, and how integration gaps quietly sabotage ROI in HCM, payroll, and benefits. From orchestration and data lakes to edge computing and mobile‑only HR, they explore how frontline employees, real‑time payments, and smartphones at the “edge” are reshaping how work gets done  Holger argues HR must lean into technology, get closer to IT and data governance, and use AI to turn static policies and PDFs into conversational, employee-friendly experiences, while protecting trust, security, and compliance.   Connect with Holger: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/holgermueller/ X: https://x.com/holgermu BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/holgerbsky.bsky.social Constellation Research: https://www.constellationr.com/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome Matt Vaadi, longtime payroll industry exec, CEO of GuHRoo, and host of The Payrollin' Podcast, to take the pulse on the small businesses buyer and talk about the realities of the marketplace for SMB HR and payroll solutions.  From tech-first vs service-first buyers to the rise of niche payroll providers, Matt offers an insider's view of how small and mid-sized businesses are buying, switching, and scaling HR and payroll today. The conversation explores why overcrowding in the HCM and payroll market is reshaping go-to-market strategies, why centers of influence like CPAs, brokers, and consultants are more powerful than ever, and how private equity and consolidation are quietly redefining PEO and ASO models. The group also digs into the future of embedded payroll, AI-driven automation, and why many SMB buyers are demanding API-driven, workflow-centric platforms instead of traditional systems. Matt shares how specialization is driving higher growth and valuations, and what HR tech and payroll vendors must do to stay competitive in a market where trust, simplicity, and integration now matter more than brand. Connect with Matt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattvaadi/  https://www.guhroo.co/   https://www.payrollinpodcast.com/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie are joined by veteran HR Tech exec and Founder and CEO of Traxxion, Jim Jensen, for a wide-ranging conversation on why workforce management has become one of the most strategic and misunderstood pillars of modern HR.  Drawing on Jim's decades of HR Tech experience, the group explores the past, present, and future of HCM and WFM (Workforce Management) technology in an AI-enabled workplace. The conversation explores how time data, compliance, and scheduling have become foundational to payroll accuracy, employee experience, and operational resilience.  The group dives into the real role of AI in HR and why it should assist, not replace, human judgment, the resurgence of best-of-breed strategies, and why workforce management is now where culture, trust, and engagement are most visibly won or lost. Connect with Jim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimjensen3/ https://www.traxxion.ai/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome longtime HR transformation consultant, HR tech expert, Margaret Godwin, to take the pulse on the SMB HR tech buyer, and explore what's actually happening inside HR teams in small and mid-market organizations. From AI hype versus operational readiness to why service models, not features, are driving vendor churn.  The group discusses why SMBs churn through HCM systems, where HR tech buying decisions break down, and why service, change management, and implementation strategy matter more than features or “best AI.”  Margaret shares frontline insights on AI readiness, managed services, PEO tradeoffs, enterprise platforms moving down market, and the growing gap between what technology promises and what organizations can realistically absorb. Connect with Margaret: ‘HR Tech Minute' Substack: https://hrtechminute.substack.com/profile/posts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtgodwin/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome fintech and cross-border payments expert Andy Valentine to talk about the often-unseen realities of cross-border money movement in global payroll operations.  From FX volatility and treasury bottlenecks to compliance risk, bank fragmentation, and payroll “last mile” failures, this conversation goes deep into why payroll and payments have become a strategic growth conversation and not just an operational one. Together, they explore how embedded finance, fintech partnerships, and improved data transparency are reshaping payroll operations, reducing liquidity strain, and enabling “just-in-time” funding models that let businesses retain cash longer without increasing risk.   Andy shares real-world insights on embedded payments, just-in-time funding, digital currencies, global compliance controls, and how fintech is reshaping liquidity, optionality, and workforce expansion for companies of all sizes. Plus, what to watch for in 2026, including the rise of stablecoins, local payment networks, and deeper integration between payroll, treasury, and HCM systems. Connect with Andy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyvalentine1/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie share their POV's and insights on recent global payroll and EOR marketplace updates and activity making headlines to kick off 2026!   Pete and Julie share their thoughts on recent events, including Dayforce SKO, Strada Global SKO, Papaya Global's 2030 Workforce Summit, and ADP ReThink in Prague.  Additionally, they discuss several product updates and acquisitions and what it means for buyers and providers of global EOR and global payroll.  Vendors mentioned in the episode include ADP, Boundless, Dayforce, Deel, EOS, G-P, Hitekers Omnipresent, Papaya Global, Payoneer, Remote, SKAUD, and Strada Global.  Links mentioned on the show: Pete's Post from the AI workshop in Prague: https://tinyurl.com/ypzupj62 Pete's Post on Global EORs acting like teenagers: https://tinyurl.com/5n6xb2sz  Pete's Payroll Influences Blog on ADP ReThink:  https://www.payrollinfluences.com/post/adp-rethink-event-recap-adp-turns-75  Pete's series on the future of EOR: https://www.globalization-partners.com/blog/evolution-global-eor-as-strategic-growth-engine/  Papaya Global's 2030 Workforce Summit: https://papayaglobal.com/go/event/2030-workforce-summit-recap/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/hrpayroll2o.bsky.social  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0    WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20 Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie are joined by Mary Sue Rogers, a legend and pioneer in global HR, payroll, and workforce transformation!  From her early days modernizing payroll systems to senior leadership roles at IBM, Talent2, and Ascender, Mary Sue shares a rare, long-view perspective on how payroll evolved from a compliance function into the operational backbone of today's global workforce. The conversation spans Asia-Pacific payroll complexity, multinational compliance, board-level risk oversight, and why paying people accurately is foundational to employee experience. Mary Sue also offers sharp insight into AI's real impact on HR, the growing role of payroll as an extension of government compliance, and what CHROs must prioritize as organizations head into an uncertain 2026. Connect with Mary Sue: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogersmarysue Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this special episode, join Pete as he catches up with Nicole Sahin, Founder and CEO of G-P, who shares an insider's POV on the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.  Together, they unpack what Davos is and what attending entails, and the value in the density of global CEOs, heads of state, founders, and policymakers converging annually on the small alpine village.  Nicole shares what that proximity reveals about the direction of business, talent, and technology, and how geopolitical tension and macroeconomic uncertainty are shaping executive conversations. They discuss why business leaders worldwide are seeking stability, cooperation, and frictionless cross-border operations. They explore the evolving reality of global hiring and talent mobility, and how countries like India and the UAE are accelerating digitization to attract innovation and entrepreneurship, and what that means for governance, compliance, and cross-border employment in the years ahead.  Plus, Nicole shares her lens on AI's evolution from disruption narrative to enterprise reality, and why enterprise organizations are moving decisively to embed AI into HR, legal, and compliance functions. Including insights from G-P's AI exploration and productization with G-P Gia.  Connect with Nicole: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolesahin/ https://www.globalization-partners.com/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/  OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome show alumni, global mobility and remote work compliance expert John Lee, Co-Founder and CEO of Work from Anywhere, to unpack what may be the most consequential compliance shift for international remote work in more than a decade.  John joins the show to break down the recent OECD's (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) guidance on cross-border remote working and permanent establishment, and why it creates much-needed clarity for employers and employees.  John explains why the new OECD guidance is so impactful, how it could remove one of the biggest barriers to work-from-anywhere programs, and why tax, HR, payroll, and mobility teams now have a practical framework rather than guesswork. The conversation also explores what's still missing, what's coming next, and how companies should prepare for the next phase of global mobility, talent management, and compliance. Links from the Episode: John's Post: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7405212150887186432/ John's Blog: https://wfa.team/blog/oecd-remote-work-updates/ OECD update: https://www.oecd.org/en/about/news/press-releases/2025/11/oecd-updates-model-tax-convention-to-reflect-rise-of-cross-border-remote-work-and-clarify-taxation-of-natural-resources.html Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j0hnlee/ https://x.com/john_w_lee Connect with Work from Anywhere: https://wfa.team/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-work-from-anywhere-team/ https://x.com/AnywhereTeam  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode of HR & Payroll 2.0, Pete and Julie step into the evolving world of public relations, brand storytelling, and answer-engine optimization with Kate “Katie” Achille, co-host of Up Next at Work and partner at Devon PR.  Together, they explore how PR (public relations) has shifted from traditional media and press releases to a strategic growth engine that now shapes search visibility, AI-powered discovery (AEO), and generative engine optimization (GEO) across the HR technology marketplace.   Katie breaks down why messaging matters more than ever, how companies can differentiate in an overcrowded HR tech, recruiting, and payroll ecosystem, and why the firms winning mindshare aren't the loudest - they're the ones who clearly articulate what they do, who they serve, and how they solve real problems. She shares practical insights on leveraging analysts, navigating buzzwords, aligning brand and product narratives, and building credibility in a market where AI is rewriting the rules of communication. Connect with Katie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieachille/ Up Next @ Work Podcast: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/up-next-work  Katie's Substack, ‘The How': https://thehowof.substack.com/ DevonPR: https://www.devonpr.com/    Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html

On this episode, Pete and Julie revisit the show's annual “Where HR and Payroll Leaders Should Focus…” episode, sharing POVs and insights for the Top 5 focus areas for HR & Payroll leaders in 2026! Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/  OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode of HR & Payroll 2.0, Pete and Julie, welcome ‘The Payroll OG' himself, Todd Acevedo of SAP SuccessFactors, and ‘The Payroll ATLien' Imran Sajid of EPI-USE to the show to talk all things payroll!   A couple of industry rock stars, together with Payroll BADIes crew, on a mission to put the swag in payroll (with the gold chains and track suits to prove it) and change how organizations think about payroll, its strategic value, and the professionals who power it! From the origins of the Payroll BADIes podcast and movement to the evolving role of payroll as a data-driven powerhouse in enterprise decision-making, Todd and Imran unpack the cultural, operational, and technological forces redefining the modern payroll landscape. Together, they explore why payroll is no longer a back-office function, but a mission-critical intelligence engine driving compliance, analytics, M&A readiness, and AI-powered service delivery across today's global enterprises. Connect with Todd, Imran, and the Payroll BADies: Todd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddasevedo/  Imran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imran-sajid/  Website: https://payrollbadies.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PayrollBADIes  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/  OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome Bonnie Tinder, CEO and founder of Raven Intel, for a candid pulse check on the state of ERP!  From her early days implementing payroll to tracking more than 4000 ERP and HCM transformation projects, Bonnie brings a unique, practitioner-led view into why ERP is evolving and how AI, data consolidation, and implementation quality are reshaping outcomes for customers. Bonnie explains why implementation success still comes down to people, governance, and clarity of vision, and shares what separates high-performing system integrators from the rest. The conversation explores the resurgence of all-in-one ERP, the rising influence of AI on deployment, and why customers must look beyond vendor accolades to evaluate real-world project results. Connect with Bonnie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnietinder/  X: https://x.com/btinder  Raven Intel: https://ravenintel.com/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/  OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain' and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

On this episode, Pete and Julie share a special announcement and proudly unveil a new marquee sponsorship initiative to fuel the podcast's next wave of growth! Join HR & Payroll 2.0 in welcoming the cohort of brands that will power the show's educational content ad-free in 2026:  G-P (Globalization Partners) is the recognized leader in global employment, ranked No. 1 in every industry analyst report. G-P's global employment platform delivers everything companies of all sizes need to manage the full employee lifecycle with its trusted Global HR Agent, G-P Gia™, and AI-powered Employer of Record (EOR) and Contractor products. G-P supports teams in 180+ countries with more than a decade of global employment experience, the largest team of in-country HR, legal, and compliance experts, and its unmatched proprietary knowledge base. OneSource Virtual (OSV) delivers in-tenant technology and expert services to automate the administrative, transactional tasks of payroll, taxes, accounts payable, benefits, and earned wage access within Workday while ensuring compliance. OSV has worked exclusively with Workday customers for the past 15 years, with a services team that averages 10 years of Workday experience in addition to 20 years of industry experience. With over 1,400 customers, 95 percent retention, and $200 billion in treasury movement annually, OSV helps organizations take their teams from transactional to transformational.  With 55+ apps in nearly every major business category, Zoho Corporation is one of the world's most prolific technology companies. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with international headquarters in Chennai, India, Zoho is privately held and profitable with more than 18,000 employees.   Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners': https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html

On this episode of HR & Payroll 2.0, Pete and Julie welcome Ross Heron, CEO of the Australian Payroll Association to explore one of the world's fastest-evolving and complex payroll landscapes!  Ross unpacks why Australia has surged up the global payroll complexity rankings, how new legislation is reshaping employer accountability, and why compliance is becoming a board-level conversation. Together, they dive into the mounting risks facing payroll leaders, the accelerating talent and payroll skill shortage, and the emerging role of payroll as a strategic, data-driven advisor to the business. Ross shares what's driving innovation, where AI adoption truly stands, and how forward-thinking organizations are reimagining payroll as a financial well-being engine and not just an administrative function amid unprecedented regulatory and technological change. Connect with Ross & the Australian Payroll Association: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossheron/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/australian-payroll-association  Website:  https://austpayroll.com.au/  ‘Beryl' AI Payroll Assistant: https://info.austpayroll.com.au/beryl-payroll-assistant  Australian Industry Report 2025: https://austpayroll.com.au/2025-payroll-industry-report Australian AI Adoption Report 2025: https://austpayroll.com.au/payroll-ai-adoption-report Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome Sue Danino, a seasoned CFO and shared-services executive who has spent her career at the intersection of finance, payroll, and enterprise transformation. Sue dishes on how CFOs truly view payroll's strategic value - from controllership and cash-flow forecasting to risk, compliance, and data-driven decision-making. Together, the trio explores payroll's wedge between HR and Finance, and how that tension can be turned into partnership, influence, and better business outcomes. Sue shares candid stories from leading large, complex organizations through M&A, global payroll consolidation, and multi-provider landscapes, highlighting why payroll must be at the table early for any acquisition, restructuring, or technology investment. The conversation explores the rise of automation and AI inside finance functions, the growing importance of real-time integrations, and why documentation, governance, and cross-functional relationships matter more than ever. Connect with Sue: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suedanino/  https://www.focuscfo.com/fractional-cfo-team/sue-danino  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this episode, Pete and Julie share their POV's and insights on long list of HR and payroll tech marketplace updates and activity making headlines to wrap up 2025!   Pete and Julie share their thoughts on recent events including UKG Aspire and Workday Rising EMEA.  Plus acquisitions, product announcements, and news from vendors across HCM, Payroll, Benefits, EOR, fintech, compliance, managed services, and more.   Vendors mentioned in the episode include ADP, Alight, Bitwage, Deel, DarwinBox, G-P, IBM, Paychex, Paystand, SD Worx, Strada Global, UKG, Vensure Employer Solutions, and Workday.    Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/hrpayroll2o.bsky.social  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0    WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome award-winning Chief Marketing Officer, founder, author, and TV host Jeanniey Walden to the show for a masterclass in modern leadership, marketing, brand storytelling, and authenticity! From her early career at JCPenney to leading marketing for global brands like Mercer, Rite Aid, and DailyPay, Jeanniey shares how authenticity, inspiration, and relatability – all central elements in her signature “AIR” framework can transform not only marketing but also internal culture. She reveals how DailyPay's branding became a verb, why HR leaders are natural marketers, and how AI is reshaping creativity, communication, and brand trust. The conversation dives into how AI is reshaping marketing strategy and what it means for trust, creativity, and authenticity. Jeanniey shares her experience testing a fully AI-powered “virtual team,” what she's learning from it, and why she believes AI replaces inefficiency, not humanity.  From the future of demand generation to the return of face-to-face connection, Jeanniey shares invaluable insights for leaders, reminding us that in an AI world, the most powerful brands will be built on emotion, trust, and human connection. Connect with Jeanniey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannieywalden/ X: https://x.com/LiftOffShow Website: https://www.liftoffcompany.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Liftoffwithjeanniey  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome ‘ATLien', HRIS strategist, payroll expert, and CEO of Transcenders Consulting Group, and host of the Human-Roll Podcast, Tiana Neal! Tiana shares here path of a career in radio and television to finding passion and purpose in HR and payroll.  And why curiosity, courage, and a love of fixing things shaped her career and her work helping organizations modernize HR and payroll systems.  From the rise and angst with AI to compliance complexity to why so many companies still mistake tech problems for people problems. Tiana shares how HR and payroll leaders can embrace change, elevate the employee experience, and lead their businesses into what's next. Plus, Pete, Julie and Tiana talk through a handful of notable workplace and HR related news articles and share their POV's and have a little fun with each!  Connect with Tiana: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiana-neal-22903386/ Website: http://www.transcendersconsultinggroup.com/ Blogs: https://www.transcendersconsultinggroup.com/ourblog  The Human Roll Podcast: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/the-human-roll Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this special episode recorded live at the CIPP's (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPP ACE) in Newport, Wales, Pete sits down with Ian Giles, Global Payroll Director at Dayforce, for a high-energy conversation on the “golden age of payroll!” From the rise of AI to the rebirth of real-time pay, Ian shares his view from the front lines of global payroll transformation, where technology, trust, and talent are redefining what it means to lead in this profession. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping payroll roles, why flexibility is the new currency of attraction, and how earned-wage access and continuous calculation are accelerating the move beyond the traditional pay cycle. Ian also offers candid advice for payroll leaders on building strategic influence, restoring trust, and embracing innovation before they're left behind. Connect with Ian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/payrolllife/ Dayforce: https://www.dayforce.com/ Connect with the show:    LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0  X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this special episode, recorded live at the CIPP's (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPP ACE) in Newport, Wales, Pete sits down with Steve Elcock, Director of AI & HCM Product at Zellis, for a conversation on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of payroll and HR. The two explore why payroll is the ultimate test case for trustworthy AI, and why future-ready organizations must invest in AI literacy, clean data, and standard operating models before expecting results. Steve unpacks the real-world applications of AI in payroll, from data quality and model trust to embedded security and responsible automation, sharing how AI is bringing explainability and precision to one of the most risk-averse functions in business. Together, they explore what it takes to move beyond the hype, discussing AI readiness, data scaffolding, sustainability, and why domain expertise will define the next generation of payroll innovation. Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-elcock-4b04a2/ Zellis: https://www.zellis.com/  About Zellis ELLA: https://www.zellis.com/software/ai-with-humanity/  Connect with the show:    LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0  X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this special episode recorded live at the CIPP's (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPP ACE) in Newport, Wales, Pete catches up with HCM transformation and global payroll executive, Wendy Muirhead, Founding Partner of WH People! From the shifting compliance landscape in the U.K., to the cultural and economic forces shaping payroll investment worldwide, Wendy shares the current climate and pulse across the marketplace as organizations strive to “do more with less” and unlock the hidden strategic value in modern payroll operations.  Pete and Wendy explore how payroll leaders are earning a seat at the table, by mastering data, governance, and storytelling that moves the C-suite from “approval  to investment” - sharing how payroll leaders can step beyond execution to become strategic advisors, driving business outcomes through insight, collaboration, and influence at the C-suite level. Together, they challenge the perception of payroll as a back-office function, spotlighting the profession's evolution toward risk mitigation, business transformation, and strategic influence. Connect with Wendy: WH People: https://wh-people.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendymuirhead0980/  Connect with the show:    LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0  X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this special episode recorded live at the CIPP's (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPP ACE) in Newport, Wales, Pete catches up with the world-famous duo behind the most recognized payroll recruiting brands in the world - JGA Recruitment co-founders and payroll evangelists Nick Day and Tom Coughton! Together, they unpack the evolving payroll talent landscape, exploring how AI, hybrid work, and shifting expectations are reshaping the skills, leadership, and mindset required to thrive in modern payroll.  From the global war for payroll talent to the rise of the Chief Payroll Officer and the paradigm-shifting concept of a “Chief Payroll Ethicist,” the trio dives into the importance of storytelling, trust, and leadership development in attracting the next generation of payroll professionals. Packed with candid discussion and actionable advice, this episode challenges payroll and HR leaders alike to rethink the critical practice positioning in the organization and how they attract, retain, and empower the next generation of payroll professionals. Connect with Nick and Tom: JGA Recruitment: https://jgarecruitmentinc.com/ Nick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/  Tom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-croughton/  Connect with the show:    LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0  X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this special episode recorded live at the CIPP's (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPP ACE) in Newport, Wales, Pete sits down with Jen Cozier, VP of Product Management for Workday Payroll, to unpack how AI, data, and orchestration are transforming the payroll experience.  They explore why trust, data quality, and employee experience are shaping payroll's position and impact for a new strategic era, and how modern payroll teams can elevate their strategic influence, attract new talent, and lead with innovation in what Pete has called the “golden age of payroll.” Connect with Jen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencozier/  Workday Payroll: https://www.workday.com/en-us/products/payroll/overview.html  Pete's recent e-book “From Cost Center to Strategic Partner: The ROI of Modern Payroll” in partnership with Workday: https://shorturl.at/MjlYn  Connect with the show:    LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0  X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this special episode recorded live at the CIPP's (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPP ACE) in Newport, Wales, Pete sits down with Samantha O'Sullivan, Policy Lead at the CIPP, to unpack the evolving role of payroll in shaping national policy and digital transformation. They discuss the CIPP's groundbreaking secondment with His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), a first-of-its-kind partnership embedding a payroll leader directly inside government to help modernize the U.K.'s tax and payroll infrastructure. Samantha shares how this collaboration is redefining payroll's strategic value, driving modernization of legacy systems, and bringing a practitioner's voice into national transformation initiatives. The conversation dives into why payroll must have a seat at the table - in both government and the C-suite - and how empathy, collaboration, and data-driven leadership are reshaping the profession. From payrolling benefits in kind to tackling the UK's £475 billion tax landscape, this episode spotlights payroll's power to influence policy, enhance compliance, and elevate its standing as a true strategic function. Connect with Samantha: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-o-sullivan-mcippdip-policy-lead/ CIPP Website: https://www.cipp.org.uk/ Join the CIPP: https://www.cipp.org.uk/membership/join-online.html Connect with the show:    LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0  X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

In this episode, Pete and Julie welcome Ed Tech expert and CEO of Integrity Advocate, Brandon Smith, to discuss career transitions and the current state and outlook for education technology.  Brandon shares his remarkable journey from a dedicated law enforcement officer working undercover in narcotics to a C-suite leader in the educational technology sector. Brandon reveals how navigating the ethical dilemmas he encountered in law enforcement, including exposing corruption within his own department, and how those experiences fueled his passion for making a positive impact in the education sector, and led to a pivotal career change that reshaped his life. Brandon shares his lens on the state of ed tech and highlights the pressing need for innovation in higher education.  He discusses how institutions are adapting to changing student demographics and the rise of microlearning, delving into the complexities of educational institutions and emphasizing the importance of understanding their unique cultures and the impact of new leadership on the adoption of technology.  Plus, Brandon addresses the growing trend of students opting for alternative pathways to education, including skills-based certifications and online courses, and the role these play in shaping the future workforce. Connect with Brandon: Integrity Advocate: https://integrityadvocate.com/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonasmith/ X: https://x.com/EdTechXperts  Book: ‘The Silent Leader': https://a.co/d/ftlfMKH Ed TechExperts: https://edtechxperts.org/  info@edtechxperts.org  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

Continuing in their Gen Z mindset series, Pete and Julie welcome Luke Powers, a recent college graduate who navigated the challenging transition from college intern to career professional in today's competitive job market. Luke shares his journey as a middle child watching his siblings navigate their own career paths, offering a unique perspective on the pressures facing young professionals today.  His journey began with dual enrollment in high school, followed by Northeastern University's innovative co-op program, where he discovered his passion for data analytics and business intelligence.   From securing multiple offers to facing the harsh reality of his chosen offer being rescinded, and how it ultimately led him to landing at E15 Group (part of Compass Group), where he now works on fan experience analytics for the Memphis Grizzlies. His journey illustrates the importance of agility, networking, and resilience in today's evolving workplace. Connect with Luke: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-powers1/ About E15 Group: https://www.e15group.com/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

In this episode, Pete and Julie welcome Monica Miller, SVP of Payroll and Workforce Strategy – an accomplished Payroll Executive, to the show to discuss how payroll is being redefined as a strategic driver of business outcomes at the Compass Group.  Monica shares her unique journey from Navy intelligence officer to leading one of the world's largest and most complex payroll operations. She reveals how Compass harmonized payroll and HR systems after decades of acquisitions, reduced payroll error rates, and built a data science team (including a chef turned data scientist) that unlocked new levels of accuracy, compliance, productivity, and business impact.  Monica highlights how payroll data led to process improvement, cost savings and a seat at the executive table.  She highlights the critical impact of AI, from fraud detection to scheduling optimization, and how employee self-service and mobile access are transforming the workforce experience. This episode offers a peek into the future of payroll as a strategic business partner, sharing powerful lessons from building a data-driven payroll Center of Excellence, scaling through automation, and gaining insights to position payroll at the heart of business impact!  Connect with Monica:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-miller-53509882/ Monica's Conversation with Pete on The Source by DailyPay: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/94-the-future-of-payroll-ai-analytics-and-agility/id1524098995?i=1000711162869  Connect with the show:    LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0  X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

In this episode, Pete and Julie welcome G-P's Deputy General Counsel, Nicole Forbes, to the show to explore the controversial H-1B visa overhaul, its perceived "talent tariff” and what it means for business and HR professionals across sectors.  They discuss the angst and impacts from the new executive order, the implications of the $100K filing fee, lottery reforms favoring higher wages, and ramped-up enforcement under ‘Project Firewall'. Nicole breaks down how these changes disrupt talent acquisition, especially in tech and engineering, and explores alternatives like Employer of Record (EOR) solutions for building global teams' agility and risk avoidance.  From legal challenges and worker anxieties to strategic advice for HR leaders navigating uncertainty, this discussion equips you with insights to rethink talent strategies and safeguard agility and innovation.   Connect with Nicole & G-P:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleforbes-/ G-P: https://www.globalization-partners.com/ H1B Exec Order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers/ Connect with the show:    LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0   X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0