Best WRKdefined Podcasts (2025)

1
Salary budgets are shifting — here’s how to stay ahead 27:44

24h ago27:44

27:44

Salary budgets are tightening — but strategy doesn’t have to. Payscale’s 10th Annual Salary Budget Survey reveals that planned pay increases for 2026 are dipping slightly from 2025, with economic uncertainty replacing competition for talent as the top driver of budget changes. But even in a cooling pay environment, HR and comp pros have a window to…

1
Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - The rise of HR-finance convergence and why platforms are acquiring payment processors to create integrated business ecosystems that reshape the technology landscape. 1:02:00

1d ago1:02:00

1:02:00

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss Anaplan's purchase of AI-powered supply chain company Syrup Technologies and Gusto's acquisition of 401K provider Guideline, alongside significant product launches including Salary.com's multilayered AI compensation suite. They analyze OrgView data revealing t…

1
Sarah Smart - The Future of Talent Acquisition in the Age of AI 47:15

14h ago47:15

47:15

Sarah Smart, founder of Horizon Human Resources and a seasoned talent acquisition (TA) leader, joins us this episode to discuss the transformational impact of AI on talent acquisition. We explore how AI is reshaping TA roles, from coordinators to sourcers, and make the case for a fundamental shift in how organizations structure and skill their recr…

1
85 From Pharma to Future: How Bold Leadership Transformed Pluri 44:22

3d ago44:22

44:22

In the Season 3 finale, Pluri CEO Yaky Yanay joins Felicia Shakiba for a powerful conversation on leading transformation through trust, transparency, and bold vision. He shares how he redefined Pluri’s identity—from pharma to cell-based tech innovator—while building a culture that puts people, purpose, and innovation first. A high-stakes, high-insi…

1
Why 78% of Americans Say Leadership is Broken—and How to Fix It 52:27

11h ago52:27

52:27

In this episode of It’s About Payroll, Brian and Walt welcome leadership expert William Davis, author of How to Lead Without Just Managing. With decades of experience in corporate, consulting, and retail leadership, William brings practical insights on what makes leaders truly effective. The conversation dives into today’s leadership crisis, where …

1
Courage at Work: Kristen Kavanaugh on DEI, Agency, and Leadership 28:07

22h ago28:07

28:07

On this episode of Drive Thru HR, Robin Schooling talks with Kristen Kavanaugh, co-author of Courage Over Fear and co-founder of The Agency Initiative. Kristen shares her journey from the Marine Corps to HR leadership at Tesla, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to authenticity, agency, and growth. The conversation explores the book’s …

1
AI Off: Building an HR Application Using AI – Part One 17:22

2d ago17:22

17:22

In this special episode, David and Dwight introduce an interesting live experiment: the “AI-Off.” They’ll explore how modern AI developer tools are making it possible for anyone (regardless of their coding background) to build powerful, enterprise-level applications. Listen in as they brainstorm an HR use case and plan the process of turning a simp…

1
HR, We Have a Problem - The death of traditional performance management and why AI-driven skills inference is the key to future-proofing your workforce in volatile business environments. 43:55

8d ago43:55

43:55

In this special episode* of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Jamie Aitken, Vice President of HR Transformation at Betterworks, discuss the current state of AI deployment in HR and its intersection with strategic performance management. While many employees use ChatGPT individually, organizations show limited AI integration within their …

1
Make the Right Choice: Choosing Fun, Fueling Passion, and Leading with Energy at Work 42:09

10d ago42:09

42:09

In this high-energy and deeply insightful episode of Career Club Live, Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, is joined by keynote speaker, improvisational humorist, and author Joel Zeff, to explore the surprising power of fun at work—and why it's anything but frivolous. Joel, author of Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, a…

1
84 Leaders Navigate Generative AI in Product Development 35:29

2h ago35:29

35:29

Generative AI may be rewriting the rules, but Felicia Shakiba and Claurelle Rakipovic, Chief Product Officer at Pipe, break down what real product leadership looks like. From customer empathy to AI missteps, Claurelle shares sharp lessons on building products that can actually hold their ground. Chapters 00:00 Building Defensible Products in the Ag…

1
On the Clock: Dean Matthews on Time Tracking, Payroll, and People-First Leadership 56:28

6d ago56:28

56:28

Get ready for an inspiring deep dive into the world of payroll, time tracking, and people-first leadership! In this episode of "It's About Payroll," we sit down with Dean Matthews, visionary CEO and founder of On the Clock—a leading time tracking solution trusted by over 15,000 businesses. Dean shares his journey from self-taught developer to SaaS …

1
Gen Z’s Mindset on Retirement Financial Planning 43:47

14d ago43:47

43:47

What does retirement and financial planning look like when you're 25? And, why should young people start caring about it now? In this episode of #GenZ, Dr. Meghan Grace is joined by Zechariah Schaefer, founder of Ascent Personal Finance, to explore what financial planning and retirement preparation actually means for Gen Z. This conversation dives …

1
Overpaid and Under Arrest: The $400K Receptionist Saga 54:39

9d ago54:39

54:39

In this gripping It’s About Your Paycheck true-crime episode, we unravel the unbelievable payroll fiasco at Palm Beach Equine Clinic, where a receptionist was mistakenly paid a veterinarian’s $400K salary for nearly a year. Key Points Covered: The Error: A third-party payroll provider assigned the wrong salary, and internal controls failed at every…

1
David Noe - Improving Employee Experience Without Burning Out 33:28

13d ago33:28

33:28

In this episode, we welcome David Noe, host of the Speakeasy HR podcast and a fellow member of the WRKdefined podcast network. David Noe explains how HR leaders and managers can prioritize employee experience (EX) initiatives, even when everything feels urgent. We discuss how to improve EX without adding to already heavy workloads; the importance o…

1
Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - How billion-dollar talent acquisition deals and private equity consolidation expose the AI ROI reality gap. 54:02

15d ago54:02

54:02

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss Thoma Bravo's $12.3 billion acquisition of Dayforce and Workday's back-to-back purchases of AI companies Paradox and Flowise. They also examine contrasting research on AI adoption, with Goldman Sachs predicting minimal workforce disruption while MIT reports th…

1
PayrollBADIes with B-RAVE (Bonnie Tinder, Raven Intel): HR & Payroll Better Together, Software Selection, AI Adoption & More 32:06

16d ago32:06

32:06

Join this episode to hear from Bonnie Tinder, Founder & CEO of Raven Intelligence, for a no-BS look at what truly drives HR tech implementation success. Bonnie explains why team dynamics and partner quality beat software features, how to use verified customer reviews to pick the right implementation partner, and what really happens when HR and Payr…

1
Wait, Did He Just Say ‘You Should Smile More’? What Women Still Hear at Work 59:23

17d ago59:23

59:23

In this episode of Career Club Live, host Bob Goodwin reconnects with two powerhouse leaders from The Band of Sisters, Lori Tauber Marcus and Cie Nicholson, both former PepsiCo executives and co-authors of You Should Smile More. This follow-up conversation explores the real-world impact their book has had since its release and dives deeper into how…

1
83 How to Navigate M&A with Effective Leadership Integrations 39:24

17d ago39:24

39:24

In the world of private equity and high-stakes M&A, financials are only half the story. The real differentiator? Leadership. This episode explores what leadership qualities truly drive success in mergers and acquisitions, why most private equity due diligence efforts fall short on the people's front, and how to assess leaders before the deal is sig…

1
From Free Willy to The Payroll Support Network: Jody’s Unexpected Career Journey 45:46

13d ago45:46

45:46

In this lively episode of It’s About Payroll, Brian and Walt welcome UK payroll veteran and Payroll Support Network (PSN) co-founder, Jody Cox. With over 20 years of experience, Jody shares her career journey from finance into payroll leadership, including building a payroll function that supported over 11,000 employees. She reveals how PSN started…

1
#9to5Nightmares Episode 16: Reno 911!-Style Video, Harassing Kids at Camp, & Exec Inflates Revenue 11:12

22d ago11:12

11:12

We talk about misconduct so you can avoid it. Today’s workforce looks different than ever before. With digital natives now making up the majority, workplace risk isn’t showing up quietly. It Tweets. It posts. It spirals into headlines. That’s why companies are rethinking outdated risk mitigation efforts and adopting social media screening across th…

1
Katherine Jones - The Hidden Costs of AI in HR 41:09

22d ago41:09

41:09

Market Analyst Dr. Katherine Marie Jones joins us this episode todiscuss the pervasive nature of artificial intelligence in the modern world ofbusiness. We explore how AI is more than just office automation—it's a forcereshaping industries, creating new jobs while making others obsolete, andpresenting HR with the critical challenge of upskilling or…

1
HR, We Have a Problem - Why CFOs are now making HR technology decisions and how this collaboration drives productivity, reduces costs, and prevents costly implementation mistakes. 43:13

22d ago43:13

43:13

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper along with Stacey Harris welcome guest RD Whitney, Chief Operating Officer for The CFO Leadership Council, to explore the growing convergence between finance and HR functions. This conversation highlights how CFOs are increasingly involved in HR technology purchasing, particularly in mid-market …

1
Fair pay means nothing if no one believes it 36:09

23d ago36:09

36:09

Fair pay means nothing if no one believes it. That’s the wake-up call from Payscale’s latest Fair Pay Impact Report. Despite rising wages, transparency laws, and improved market conditions, employees don’t believe they’re being paid fairly—and it’s costing businesses their best people. In this episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas is joined …

1
82 AI Transformation: When AI Takes Our Jobs 49:05

24d ago49:05

49:05

Matt Lewis unpacks the realities of AI transformation inside organizations — and what happens when AI takes our jobs. He shares stories of employees navigating the emotional fallout of AI, the role of leadership in reducing resistance, and how identity and self-worth shape the success of change initiatives. Listeners will walk away with practical s…

1
White Glove HR: Empowering People, Powering Business with Sanders Offner 34:58

24d ago34:58

34:58

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 171 of the It's About Payroll podcast! This week, hosts Brian and Walt sit down with Sanders Offner, President of Crescent and Impact HR, to explore the evolving world of HR and payroll for small to mid-size businesses. Sanders shares his journey from starting in a closet to leading a company known for white-glove service, ope…

1
How Gen Z is Rethinking and Preparing for Retirement 40:13

29d ago40:13

40:13

What is the key to a fulfilling career and life? Maybe it isn’t about what happens when we sign off for retirement - if we ever sign off at all. In this episode of #GenZ, Meghan sits down with Noah Sheidlower, economy reporter at Business Insider, to explore a surprising trend reshaping the workforce: more Americans than ever are staying on the job…

1
Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Why the Workday AI bias ruling is a wake-up call for every organization using AI in hiring and what it means for compliance strategy. 1:01:40

29d ago1:01:40

1:01:40

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss significant merger and acquisition activity, including SAP's acquisition of Smart Recruiters and the legal implications of Workday's HiredScore integration amid ongoing bias litigation. The conversation also explores key executive moves, industry recognition, …

1
81 How Change Management Can Save Millions 40:00

1M ago40:00

40:00

What does it really take to lead lasting change inside an organization? Lyon Kassab, Managing General Partner at BoCG Ventures, breaks it down in this episode on organizational change management and how the lack thereof, can cost millions. From the silent weight middle managers carry to the culture shifts that make or break transformation, Lyon sha…

1
From Payroll Panic to Growth Magic: How to Never Miss Payday Again 42:29

1M ago42:29

42:29

In this powerful episode of It’s About Payroll and It’s About Your Paycheck, Brian and Walt sit down with Marshall Leitz, a seasoned lending expert with over 35 years in commercial finance. Marshall specializes in helping fast-growing businesses unlock working capital through receivables, inventory, and equipment financing—without sacrificing equit…

1
Sean Luitjens - Navigating the Mass Confusion in Compensation Today 37:24

1M ago37:24

37:24

In this episode, we welcome back Sean Luitjens, VP of Product Strategy and Partnerships at Salary.com. Drawing from his recent conversations with over 20 WorldatWork affiliates, Sean shares his insights on the most pressing challenges and consistent messages from compensation practitioners on the front lines. He also unpacks the “mass confusion” ca…

1
HR, We Have a Problem - How to avoid the HR vendor selection trap and why taking control of the process can save millions in failed implementations. 52:47

1M ago52:47

52:47

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Brett Ungashick, Founder and CEO of Outsail, discuss one of the most challenging aspects of HR leadership: selecting and buying the right software solutions. They explore common pitfalls that derail software purchases and strategies for running a thorough, stakeholder-friendly evaluati…

1
80 Leadership Evaluation in Private Equity Due Diligence 27:06

1M ago27:06

27:06

Felicia Shakiba and Vikash Jha pull back the curtain on how private equity really sizes up leadership during acquisitions for business growth. From reading the silent signals to decoding executive chemistry, they reveal the high-stakes art of aligning leaders with ambitious growth plays. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Leadership Evaluation in Private Eq…

1
Inside Rain’s Mission to Make Every Day Payday 30:44

1M ago30:44

30:44

✅ Summary – In this episode of It’s About Payroll, hosts Brian and Walter welcome Aaron Martin and Shohan from Rain, a leading Earned Wage Access (EWA) company on a mission to end payday lending and improve financial wellness. Aaron shares how lessons from his father shaped his approach to saving, while Shohan recounts his own experience escaping p…

1
Turning pay into a business driver: A CHRO + CFO conversation 33:18

1M ago33:18

33:18

When the CFO asks why… will you panic or present your case with confidence? In this episode of Comp and Coffee, we go behind the scenes with Lexi Clarke and Philip Watson to uncover how HR and Finance can stop speaking past each other—and start building stronger pay strategies together. Whether you're preparing for budget season or defending comp d…

1
Neil Thompson - Why Your Best Tech Talent Needs Better Speaking Skills 31:48

1M ago31:48

31:48

In this episode, we welcome Neil Thompson, founder of Teach the Geek, to discuss the critical need for developing speaker training programs for technical staff within an organization. Neil shares his personal story of struggling with public speaking as an engineer and how it inspired him to help other technical professionals improve their communica…

1
Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - AI breakdowns; vendor announcements related to absence and leave management, benefits, and compensation; layoffs rising; and the importance of trusted data sources. 54:44

1M ago54:44

54:44

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss topics ranging from AI system failures and labor market shifts to an increased vendor focus absence and leave management, compensation, and benefits. They also discuss sources HR leaders should be considering for decision-making data and a satirical essay that…

1
Gen Z is Getting Off Screens and Connecting IRL 47:56

1M ago47:56

47:56

We’ve talked about the rise of in-person events and “fourth spaces”—but today, we’re zooming in on the real engine behind this shift: the people who gather others and bring communities together. In this episode, Meghan Grace is joined by Andrew Roth, Gen Z researcher, Forbes 30 Under 30 alum, and Founder of dcdx and Offline. Together, they unpack h…

1
79 How to Be More Confident 36:41

2M ago36:41

36:41

How can executives build authentic confidence and overcome self-doubt? Kip Knippel, President & CEO of KIP Search, shares actionable strategies for navigating imposter syndrome, embracing risk-taking, and leading with clarity. Discover how mentorship, direct communication, and self-awareness help women thrive in male-dominated leadership roles. Lea…

1
Dr. V on Allyship, Inclusion, and Your Role in Culture Change 41:38

2M ago41:38

41:38

🎙️ In It’s About Payroll Episode 168, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Victoria Mattingly (Dr. V)—an organizational psychologist, global keynote speaker, and founder of Mattingly Solutions. From allyship and mental health to data-driven DEI, Dr. V delivers powerful insights rooted in both lived experience and psychological science. Her mission? To make…

1
Jobs Report, Starbucks Optics + HR’s Reinvention 26:59

2M ago26:59

26:59

In this host-only episode of Drive Thru HR, Robin Schooling and Michael VanDervort dig into the latest 2025 U.S. jobs report that reveals virtually zero net job growth and the ripple effects of economic uncertainty on talent strategy. They unpack the simmering Starbucks union impasse and the optics of leadership’s return-to-office workaround as a l…

1
HR, We Have a Problem - The unsurprising truth about AI bias in hiring vs human discrimination 41:02

2M ago41:02

41:02

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and Jeff Pole, Co-Founder & CEO of Warden AIi, discuss the reality of AI bias in talent acquisition and hiring processes. This conversation covers the shared responsibility between vendors and organizations when implementing AI tools, practical guidance for evaluating AI systems, and the importa…

1
Prem Kumar - A New Era of AI-Powered Recruiting 36:53

2M ago36:53

36:53

In this episode, we welcome Prem Kumar, the CEO and co-founder of Humanly, an AI-powered hiring platform. We discuss how AI is reshaping the world of recruiting by improving speed, enhancing the candidate experience, and allowing for greater scalability without losing the essential human touch. Prem also discusses the importance of building trust w…

1
78 Leadership Tips on the Employee Experience 35:33

2M ago35:33

35:33

How can HR leaders move beyond surveys to drive real business outcomes? Scott Leuchter, Global Chief People Officer at Ideal Tridon Group, shares how predictive analytics uncovers key drivers of performance, retention, and productivity. Learn how data-driven assessments, feedback loops, and smart change management can transform employee experience …

1
Why Top Companies Listen to John Lee on Cross-Border Payroll 46:20

2M ago46:20

46:20

🎙️ Episode 167 of It’s About Payroll is here, and we’re going global—literally. We sat down with John Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Work From Anywhere, to unpack the real challenges behind remote work across borders—and how smart payroll strategy is the key to making it work. 🧭 From managing permanent establishment risk and multi-country tax complianc…

1
Gen Z and the Grannycore Trend 31:38

2M ago31:38

31:38

What do Mahjong, knitting, and bread baking have in common? They are more than cozy pastimes and they’re at the heart of one of Gen Z’s fastest-growing cultural trends: Grannycore. In this episode, Meghan Grace is joined by Roseli Ilano, Head of Community and Trends Expert at Eventbrite, to explore why younger generations are turning to traditional…

1
Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - How companies demanding 50+ hour weeks to fund automation are amplifying workforce anxiety while 80% of workers already fear job displacement. 46:53

2M ago46:53

46:53

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson break down the latest HR tech news, covering major acquisitions in the skills data space and global expansion moves. The episode examines how companies like Workday are positioning themselves for government contracts and international growth, particularly in India, wh…

1
Carlee Wolfe - Balancing AI and Humanity in Leadership Development 37:04

2M ago37:04

37:04

In this episode, we welcome Carlee Wolfe, Associate Vice President of Leadership Development and Organizational Effectiveness at Hyatt Hotels. We discuss how AI is reshaping leadership, growth, and coaching in the workplace. Carlee also explores the shift from generalized feedback to personalized, data-driven insights, and the importance of balanci…

1
#9to5Nightmares Episode 15: The Internet Never Forgets. Neither Do Your Employees. 22:20

2M ago22:20

22:20

We talk about misconduct so you can avoid it! In this episode of #9to5Nightmares, your hosts Amy Warren and Micole Garatti break down the latest batch of workplace scandals that blew up online—and what they reveal about modern misconduct, leadership failures, and the reputational landmines hiding in plain sight. From a pediatrician’s shocking post …

1
77 The ROI of Alignment in Private Equity 34:45

2M ago34:45

34:45

How can private equity leaders align fast growth with long-term mission? Manna Tree’s Co-Founder Ross Iverson shares how founder-investor alignment drives execution, protects purpose, and reduces risk. From navigating CEO transitions to using Gestalt protocols and trust-building retreats, Ross breaks down how great governance turns alignment into a…

1
Payroll Is Beautifully Complex – Max Explains Why! 54:50

2M ago54:50

54:50

🎧 EPISODE 166: The Global Payroll Playbook with Max van der Klis-Busink Podcast: It’s About Payroll Hosts: Brian Escobar & Walt Tynes This week, we’re honored to welcome Max van der Klis-Busink — global payroll leader, award-winning author of The Global Payroll Manager’s Playbook, and founder of Passion for Payroll & The Payroll Comedian. Max share…

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