Best WRKdefined Podcasts (2025)

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The Wild World of Global Trade with Wendy Cutler 45:48

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4h ago45:48

45:48

In this conversation, Wendy Cutler, a former U.S. trade negotiator, discusses the complexities of international trade, the role of government in negotiations, and the evolving landscape of U.S. trade policy. She emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural nuances in negotiations, the impact of political changes, and the need for a balanced …

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91 From Athlete to Investor: How to Build Wealth & Scales Startups 36:29

1d ago36:29

36:29

Can financial education turn athletes into powerful investors? In this episode of CPO PLAYBOOK, Danny Cortenraede shares his journey from entrepreneur to investor and mentor, helping athletes and early-stage startups build long-term wealth. Drawing from his background scaling multiple companies, Danny now leads initiatives that teach athletes how t…

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Employee Relations in 2026: Risks, Reality, The Road Ahead 32:56

1h ago32:56

32:56

In this episode of DriveThruHR, hosts Robin Schooling and Michael VanDervort speak with Deb Muller, founder and CEO of HR Acuity, about the evolving landscape of employee relations as we approach 2026. The conversation covers key trends in employee relations, the impact of AI on HR functions, the importance of trust and risk management, and the men…

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Payroll Cowboys: Wrangling W-2s, Taxes & Year-End Chaos 58:47

3h ago58:47

58:47

In this cowboy-themed year-end special of It’s About Payroll, Brian and Walter saddle up to ride through the biggest payroll updates every pro must prepare for as 2025 closes and 2026 approaches. They kick off with news around the economy — including U.S. foreclosure filings rising nearly 20% year-over-year and property insurance premiums spiking 7…

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How Gen Z Uses Comedy to Cope 45:11

14h ago45:11

45:11

There’s a reason the phrase “laughter is the best medicine” became such a popular thing to say. A good helps us feel better, but is also a way Gen is making sense of the world and their lives. In this episode of #GenZ, host Meghan Grace sits down with the podcast’s own editor — comedian, creative producer, and grief group facilitator Leah Kramer— t…

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Steve Brink - Why US Executive Pay Leads the Global Market 36:31

18h ago36:31

36:31

Steve Brink, CEO of GECN Group, joins us this week to discuss the complex world of executive compensation. Steve breaks down why the US pays a premium compared to the rest of the world, how boards are shifting their focus from simple compensation to holistic talent management, and the global trends driving executive pay structures today.…

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HR, We Have a Problem - Why implementation partners matter more than the software itself and how to choose the right one for your HR tech project. 47:50

6d ago47:50

47:50

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Bonnie Tinder, Founder and CEO at Raven Intelligence, explore how too many HR tech projects fail not because of the software itself, but because of poor implementation planning and partner selection. Bonnie shares how to evaluate system integrators, spot red flags during the selection …

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90 What Makes a Great CEO in Healthcare Entrepreneurship Today? 33:30

8d ago33:30

33:30

How do you take a healthcare innovation from lab to market—without losing your shot at impact? In this episode of CPO PLAYBOOK, Sasha Schrode, CEO of FEMSelect, shares her founder journey from licensing IP out of the University of Pennsylvania to raising venture capital, securing FDA approval, and selling her first company. Now leading FEMSelect, S…

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Holiday Mashup: Payroll, Pay Cycles & Pie 1:00:00

4d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

🎙️ Welcome to a special holiday mashup episode of "It's About Payroll"! 🎉In this episode, your hosts dive into a festive mix of payroll hot topics and holiday fun. We break down the real impact of off-cycle payrolls—are they a customer service win or a business headache? We debate whether payroll should stand alone as its own department and if it d…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - What 28 years of HR Tech research reveals about the shift from siloed systems to workforce technology. 33:51

13d ago33:51

33:51

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Susan Richards, Teri Zipper, and Cliff Stevenson, discuss how HR technology is shifting from functional systems to workforce tech that connects HR, IT, and finance. The conversation covers what's driving AI adoption beyond the hype, why learning platform vendors were notably absent from the show floor…

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The Tryptophan Myth: Why People Are REALLY Exhausted at Work 9:04

9d ago9:04

9:04

In this “Snackable HR” episode, Robin unpacks the real reason your team is running on empty before December even starts - and it's not the tryptophan. She examines how eleven months of "do more with less," unmet promises, and relentless pushing has left people exhausted, disengaged, and quietly checking out. This is a call to stop blaming something…

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89 Leadership Training: Unlocking Explosive Business Growth Through Culture and Performance 35:40

15d ago35:40

35:40

What happens when you bet on people instead of acquisitions? In this insightful episode of CPO PLAYBOOK, Pia Ostos, EVP and Chief Performance Officer at Inmar Intelligence, shares how prioritizing leadership training fueled explosive business growth and transformed company culture. By investing in leadership development and embedding clear leadersh…

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Going Viral on TikTok and meeting the Jonas Brothers 50:42

10d ago50:42

50:42

In this conversation, Scott shares his unexpected journey from a viral resume incident to appearing on national television. He discusses the challenges and excitement of being contacted by major media outlets, preparing for his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and the surreal experience of meeting the Jonas Brothers. Scott reflects…

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Why All Roads Lead to Payroll and Workday Knows It 49:39

11d ago49:39

49:39

In this episode of It’s About Payroll, Brian and Walt sit down with Trista Yerkich-Faul, an 18-year Certified Payroll Professional and former Workday HCM consultant with deep expertise bridging payroll operations and HR technology . Trista breaks down one of the industry’s biggest misconceptions: that Workday is only for large enterprises. She expl…

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Creepy Uncles’ Abuse of Power in Law Enforcement, Healthcare, & Education: #9to5Nightmares ep 19 24:46

16d ago24:46

24:46

It’s that time of year. The leaves are falling. The wind is breezing. The apple orchards are blooming. And everywhere, people are bracing themselves for the one thing scarier than deep-frying a turkey: Thanksgiving with that uncle. Every family has one. The boundary-pusher. The over-sharer. The inappropriate commenter. But in the workplace, these “…

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Bob Pulver - Maintaining Personal Agency Through AI Integration 53:07

15d ago53:07

53:07

Bob Pulver, host of the Elevate Your AIQ podcast and a 25-year enterprise tech and innovation veteran, joins us this week to unpack the urgent need to move past "AI" as a buzzword and define what "Responsible AI" truly means for organizations. He shares his insights on why we are all responsible for AI, how to balance playing "defense" (risk mitiga…

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HR, We Have a Problem - How to use the AI already in your HR tech stack to solve real business problems and build workforce trust. 41:36

20d ago41:36

41:36

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Sofia Whelan, Managing Partner at HorizonHuman, explore how HR can lead during AI adoption. The conversation addresses the gap between AI hype and real-world application, focusing on workforce planning, transparency, and solving actual business problems. Key points covered include: ↪️ …

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Gen Z's Resourceful Approach to Travel 51:17

16d ago51:17

51:17

In this episode of #GenZ host Dr. Meghan Grace sits down with Gabby Beckford — award-winning travel creator and founder of Packs Light and SeekPTO. From solo trips at 17 to funding travel through scholarships, fellowships, and global programs, Gabby has built a life around one belief:Travel isn’t about money. It’s about mindset. Together, Meghan an…

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Drones Are Evolving, Can We Protect Ourselves? 59:27

21d ago59:27

59:27

The conversation with Logan Harris, CEO of Spotter Global delves discusses how radar combined with other sensors are critical to detecting threats in real time and enable decision makers to counter the threat of drone. The risks of drone used by nefarious actors is matched by the risk of inadvertent civilian use and Logan shares his recommendations…

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88 How Private Equity Shares Equity to Motivate Employees 39:22

22d ago39:22

39:22

When private equity enters the picture, alignment becomes everything. But how do you keep employees motivated through uncertainty? Start with equity. Former private equity backed CEO Adam Coffey explains how incentive equity—not just stock options—can drive performance, increase retention, and turn employees into value creators. Whether you’re lead…

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Paychecks, Purpose, and Plant-Based Living with Tabitha Brown 43:35

18d ago43:35

43:35

Welcome to a special reposting of Episode 89! In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with the incredible Tabitha Brown—America’s mom, actress, author, and social media sensation. Tabitha shares her journey from humble beginnings in Eden, North Carolina, to becoming a beacon of positivity, wellness, and authenticity for millions. In this episod…

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Pay transparency again? What you actually need to know for 2026 35:19

23d ago35:19

35:19

Another conversation about pay transparency? We know what you are thinking, haven’t we already covered this? But the truth is, 2025 changed everything. From a wave of new state laws in the U.S. to Canada and the EU rewriting the playbook, pay transparency has moved from policy talk to daily reality. With 2026 around the corner, the stakes are only …

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Noah Mithrush - Why Your HR Tech Isn't Being Adopted (and How to Fix It) 24:18

22d ago24:18

24:18

Noah Mithrush, Director of Growth Marketing at Guusto, joins us live from the UKG Aspire Conference to unpack the critical intersection of User Experience (UX) and Employee Experience (EX) in HR technology. Noah explains why so many HR programs fail to gain adoption and how even the best intentions can be derailed by a poor user experience. We disc…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Why HR leaders need AI policies before employees create security risks by using their own AI-supported tools at work. 1:42:22

27d ago1:42:22

1:42:22

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson return with a jam-packed, catch-up episode discussing the wave of strategic acquisitions, the growing importance of viewing compliance as a talent strategy, and the rise of "bring your own AI" in organizations. This conversation also explores how vendors are solving r…

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AI's Impact on HR Strategy - Jessie Roberts, Nextdoor 30:59

24d ago30:59

30:59

Does AI free up HR to focus on strategy?Host Michael VanDervort welcomes Jessie Roberts, Head of People Business Partners at Nextdoor, for a conversation about the intersection of HR and technology. Together, they examine how artificial intelligence is transforming the HR landscape, questioning whether it truly frees HR professionals to focus on st…

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87 Mastering M&A Culture: How 10 Companies Operate as One 40:25

29d ago40:25

40:25

Join Tim Ringel, CEO of Meet, as he shares his unique experience of having 10 companies work together under one roof. In this insightful video, Tim reveals the challenges, benefits, and surprises that come with such an innovative setup. From collaboration and creativity to potential conflicts and logistical hurdles, Tim provides a candid look at wh…

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From Chaos to Control: Lessons from a Payroll Powerhouse 49:30

25d ago49:30

49:30

In this episode of It’s About Payroll, hosts Brian Escobar and Walter Duncan sit down with industry powerhouse Jenny Lee, a seasoned payroll and HCM expert known for driving transformation through process optimization and collaboration. Jenny shares her journey from hands-on practitioner to strategic leader, revealing what truly makes a payroll imp…

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AI overload? What HR Tech 2025 got right (and wrong) 36:23

1M ago36:23

36:23

At HR Tech 2025, AI stole the spotlight, but not everyone was convinced. Amid the hype and bold claims, HR and compensation professionals were asking tougher questions: What’s actually working? What’s just marketing? And how can AI really make their jobs easier? In this episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas sits down with Peh Keong Teh, Chie…

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Nate Rees - Tackling the $8.8 Trillion Manager Training Crisis 36:08

29d ago36:08

36:08

Nate Rees, Director of Training and Talent Development at Salary.com, joins us this episode to discuss a critical issue facing organizations today: the manager training crisis. Nate shares alarming data on the percentage of managers promoted without receiving any training and the costly impact this has on turnover and productivity. We explore why o…

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HR, We Have a Problem - Why skills-based talent management is a data-driven transformation, not an HR project - and how to avoid the mistakes that cause initiatives to collapse. 42:45

1M ago42:45

42:45

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper along with guest Craig Friedman, Talent and Skills Transformation Leader at St. Charles Consulting Group, unpack what enterprise skills really means for organizations today. Craig explains how skills-based talent management represents a data-driven transformation that moves HR from headcount man…

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Career Club Live with Bob Goodwin – Featuring Ashish Pal, Global Pharmaceutical Executive 1:07:23

1M ago1:07:23

1:07:23

In this compelling episode of Career Club Live, Bob Goodwin sits down with global pharmaceutical executive Ashish Pal to explore the essence of impactful leadership. Drawing from a rich international career across specialty and large-scale pharma organizations, Ashish introduces his personal leadership model—the Leadership Triangle, built on People…

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86 Raising Capital with Vision: $290M to See the Future 43:39

1M ago43:39

43:39

In this episode, Roman Axelrod, founder and CEO of Xpanceo, shares the bold vision behind raising capital - $290M to create smart contact lenses designed to expand human capability. From building prototypes to leading a deep-tech team, Roman opens up about the real challenges of turning science fiction into science fact. He discusses the grit it ta…

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SAP Connect 2025 & PayrollBADIEs One Year Anniversary! 32:55

1M ago32:55

32:55

A dynamic recap of the SAP SuccessConnect 2025 event, celebrating the Payroll BADIes 1-Year Anniversary! Join the crew as they discuss the massive announcements impacting SAP SuccessFactors HCM & Payroll. We dive deep into the SmartRecruiters acquisition, the future of AI agent-to-agent communication (Joule, Winston), major updates to SAP Time Trac…

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Is America's Financial Flu Fatal? Guest Douglas Holtz-Eakin (PhD) 1:00:32

1M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

In this conversation, Douglas Holtz-Eakin discusses the pressing issues surrounding America's national debt and fiscal health. He explores the implications of government shutdowns, the role of deficits in economic growth, and the structural challenges posed by entitlement programs. Holtz-Eakin emphasizes the need for political leadership to address…

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The most important pay conversations you're not having 36:35

1M ago36:35

36:35

In a year of tight budgets and increasing expectations of pay transparency, pay conversations are more critical than ever. Skipping, delaying, or diluting these conversations can erode trust and leave employees disengaged. In this episode of Comp and Coffee, host Ruth Thomas is joined by Payscale leaders to explore the “compensation telephone game,…

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Redefining How the World Gets Paid: Aron Alexander of Runa 36:05

1M ago36:05

36:05

Join us for an inspiring episode of "It's About Payroll" as we sit down with Aron Alexander, founder and CEO of Runa, the company reimagining how money moves across the globe. Discover how Aron’s journey from helping out in his family’s retail business led to building one of the most innovative payment infrastructures in the world. In this episode,…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - The three forces reshaping the HR tech landscape from walled gardens to AI interfaces and what practitioners need to know. 52:18

1M ago52:18

52:18

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson interview guest George LaRocque, WorkTech’s Founder and Chief Analyst, to discuss the state of the HR tech market and where it's heading. The conversation explores how investment activity, market data, and adoption trends come together to paint a realistic picture of …

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Carlee Wolfe - How to Find and Serve on a Nonprofit Board 31:26

1M ago31:26

31:26

Carlee Wolfe, Associate Vice President of Talent and Organizational Effectiveness at Hyatt, joins the podcast for a special 250th episode! Carlee discusses the value, strategy, and importance of serving on nonprofit boards. She shares insights on how to find the right board that matches your passions and skills, why nonprofits need skilled voluntee…

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9to5Nightmares Ep 18: Healthcare Pro Posts “Horrible” Photos of Patients, Former Worker Arrested for Threats 11:44

1M ago11:44

11:44

We talk about misconduct so you can avoid it! As digital natives become the majority of today’s workforce, online behavior is shaping more hiring and HR decisions than ever before. The way people communicate, share, and express themselves online now directly impacts how organizations hire, manage, and safeguard their culture. New research shows nea…

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Gen Z is Rethinking Party Culture 35:17

1M ago35:17

35:17

“Going out” is getting a broader definition. More young people are choosing intention and wellness over traditional nightlife or bar hopping. There’s a shift in what it means to “party” and Gen Z is driving that evolution. In this episode of #GenZ, Meghan Grace sits down with Hannah Eyre—yoga teacher, breathwork facilitator, and co-founder of the S…

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Payroll Under Pressure: Lessons from Season 14’s Powerhouse Guests 59:41

1M ago59:41

59:41

In this Season 14 Review of It’s About Payroll, hosts Brian Escobar and Walter Duncan reflect on one of their most dynamic seasons yet—packed with powerhouse guests, innovation talk, and real-world payroll insights. They open by reframing mindset and language, stressing how positivity and intentional speech shape success. The duo then dives into fi…

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Garbage In, Garbage Out: Why Data Quality Matters in HR 27:39

1M ago27:39

27:39

In this episode, David and Dwight dive into the critical and ever-present issue of poor data quality in HR and its cascading impact on the organization. They break the problem down into 3 key areas: recruiting, artificial intelligence, and pay transparency. They explore how recruiting often serves as the flawed entry point for employee data, discus…

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HR, We Have a Problem - Why traditional hiring methods fail entry-level positions and how the "One Layer Deep" approach transforms recruiting speed and candidate quality. 43:49

2M ago43:49

43:49

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Libby DeLucien, Founder of WootRecruit, discuss common hiring mistakes, the role of AI in recruiting, and why companies need to rethink their approach to attract quality candidates. The conversation covers how personal development directly impacts leadership effectiveness and why treat…

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Payroll with Purpose: Attracting the Next Generation 47:54

2M ago47:54

47:54

Join us for an inspiring episode of "It's About Payroll" as we sit down with Troy Markusson, a seasoned payroll leader and mentor, to discuss the future of payroll and how to attract the next generation of professionals to this essential field. In this episode, Troy shares his journey from college intern to payroll innovator, his passion for making…

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Gen Z's Vibe Around Substances and Social Life 48:09

2M ago48:09

48:09

Gen Z is approaching their relationship with alcohol differently and reshaping what it means to “go out”, socialize, and connect. In this conversation, Meghan Grace is joined by Todd Harris, co-founder of Plift, a THC-infused beverage company rooted in community, culture, and choice. Todd brings a mix of brand wisdom with personal vulnerability, op…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Why compliance is HR tech's hottest topic in 2025 and how AI automation is freeing HR teams to do more strategic work. 49:23

2M ago49:23

49:23

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss why compliance has become the surprising number one topic in HR technology, exploring how AI is changing verification processes and I-9 management. They cover major market moves including Qualtrics' $6.7 billion acquisition of Press Ganey and break down Dayfor…

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Chad Atwell and Haris Ikram - Bridging the HR and Finance Divide in Workforce Planning 46:00

2M ago46:00

46:00

Haris Ikram, Co-founder and CEO of CandorIQ, and Chad Atwell, Head of Customer Success and Advisory Services at CandorIQ, join us this episode to discuss the critical, yet often disconnected, relationship between HR and finance in workforce planning. They explore why these teams often operate in silos and how they can collaborate more effectively o…

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From Comics to Payroll: How Jim Kohl Turned Creativity into Leadership 1:01:33

2M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

In Episode 179 of It’s About Payroll, hosts Brian Escobar and Walter Duncan III sit down with Jim Kohl, a payroll leader whose career bridges compliance, creativity, and comic-book storytelling. Jim shares his origin story—from English major and stand-up comic to Paychex trainee and, eventually, one of the first employees at Check Technologies, whe…

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HR, We Have a Problem - From security patches to distributed ledgers - why HR tech vendors without Web3 strategies will become competitive liabilities. 55:42

2M ago55:42

55:42

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Dennis Hill, Founder of Sagacity, LLC, and Chairman/President/CEO at IHRIM, explore Web3, blockchain, and distributed ledger technologies that promise to solve the security problems that have plagued HR systems for 60 years. The conversation covers data ownership rights, the shift towa…

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HR TENNESSEE: Compensation Planning Bootcamp 1:02:04

2M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

In this special solo episode, recorded live at the HR Tennessee Conference, David takes a deep dive into the fundamentals of compensation planning. He demystifies the complex processes behind pay decisions, breaking down everything from base pay and bonuses to the strategic importance of pay philosophy, market analysis, and effective communication.…