Best WRKdefined Podcasts (2025)

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Payroll with Purpose: Attracting the Next Generation 47:54

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1d 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 45:24

5d ago45:24

45:24

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

5d 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…

1
Chad Atwell and Haris Ikram - Bridging the HR and Finance Divide in Workforce Planning 46:00

5d 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

8d 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

12d 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

12d 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.…

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The Future of Tipped Workers 50:41

16d ago50:41

50:41

🚨 Is the tip system broken? 🚨 From underpaid service staff to gender & racial wage gaps, the truth about tipped pay isn’t pretty — and it could all be changing soon.Episode 178 of It’s About Payroll exposes the real numbers, the hidden biases, and why the future of tipped work might be headed for a total shake-up.💡 If you’ve ever left a tip — or re…

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Gen Z Is Making Safer, Smarter Choices Around Substance Use 44:24

18d ago44:24

44:24

Gen Z’s intentional and informed approach to life is deeply aligned with their relationship with substance use - and how they aim to create safer environments. In this episode, Meghan Grace sits down with Maddie Ward, Chief Operating Officer of End Overdose, to explore how Gen Z’s relationship with substance use is reshaping overdose prevention thr…

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9to5Nightmares Ep 17: Reactions to Charlie Kirk’s Shooting and Social Media Misconduct Scandals 14:30

19d ago14:30

14:30

We talk about misconduct so you can avoid it. In episode 17 of the #9to5Nightmares Podcast, hosts Amy Warren and Micole Garatti break down the most recent scandals impacting workplaces around the country. From online reactions to the Charlie Kirk assassination to healthcare staffers posting a video of patient rooms after appointments in humiliating…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - How the “bring-your-own-AI” gap and $100,000 H1-B visa changes are forcing small businesses to fundamentally rethink talent and technology strategies. 1:06:30

19d ago1:06:30

1:06:30

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss the reality of AI adoption in HR, exploring the "Bring Your Own AI" phenomenon where 81% of HR professionals are using AI tools but only 14% have company-paid access. They also examine how recent policy changes, including H1-B visa cost increases to $100,000, …

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Misty Bolt - Demystifying the Medicare Maze 21:49

19d ago21:49

21:49

In this episode, which was recorded live from the HR Tennessee Conference in Nashville, David welcomes Misty Bolt, also known as "Medicare Misty." Misty demystifies the complexities of Medicare, explaining what it is and how it's funded, and she explains the critical differences between it and Medicaid. She also discusses the current state of Medic…

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The Shanghai Cooperation Organization: A New Era 59:54

22d ago59:54

59:54

In this conversation, Henrietta Levin, a senior fellow at CSIS, discusses the evolving dynamics of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and its implications for global governance, US-China relations, and regional partnerships. She highlights China's ambitions to reshape the international order, the complexities of India-China relations, and …

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Pay transparency in practice: Making pay a universal language 29:35

22d ago29:35

29:35

Pay transparency laws are forcing the conversation—but alignment is what makes it stick. When it comes to pay transparency, HR, Legal, and leadership often speak in different “dialects.” HR frames it around equity and structure, Legal around compliance and risk, and leadership around outcomes and cost. The challenge? These perspectives rarely align…

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Mind. Body. Payroll. - Kira’s Powerful Journey 55:11

24d ago55:11

55:11

Global payroll leader Kira Rubiano returns to It’s About Payroll—but this time, the conversation goes far beyond payroll. Kira opens up about her courageous battle with breast cancer, her path to remission, and the lessons she’s bringing back into leadership, consulting, and community. From early detection to empathetic leadership, this episode ble…

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Gen Z's Approach to Real Estate 44:43

26d ago44:43

44:43

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. For Gen Z, it is feeling more intimidating than inspiring. Between rising interest rates, affordability challenges, and the shifting economy, young buyers often wonder if ownership is even possible. In this episode of #GenZ, Meghan Grace sits down with Austin Whitak…

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AI-Off: Part 2 - The HR Professional's Guide to Low-Code AI 32:56

26d ago32:56

32:56

In this episode, David and Dwight continue their “AI-Off,” a deep dive into using AI development tools to automate everyday tasks and create custom applications for HR. They explore the concept of "vibe coding" with platforms like Replit and Base44, discussing how HR professionals can leverage natural language to build powerful tools without extens…

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HR, We Have a Problem - Why leadership and culture are inseparable forces that drive sustainable business results and how adaptive organizations build psychological safety to thrive through change. 52:00

27d ago52:00

52:00

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper along with Susan Richards and guests Tee Thorsen, LAITHOS Co-Founder and Managing Partner, and Mary Ellen Clagett, LAITHOS Leadership Catalyst and Co-Founder and Managing Partner, explore how leadership directly shapes organizational culture and why both elements are critical for driving sustain…

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Bonus The Journey of Leadership: Celebrating Milestones 5:16

28d ago5:16

5:16

Felicia Shakiba looks back at how far the podcast has come—and sets the stage for an even bolder season ahead. In this special episode, she teases the power-packed stories coming in Season 4, spotlights what leadership really means today, and unveils new tools designed to help leaders rise, adapt, and thrive.…

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Brent Skinner on Payroll, Technology, and the Future of Work 48:16

30d ago48:16

48:16

In this episode, we dive deep into the future of payroll, automation, and the impact of AI on the world of work with special guest Brent Skinner—renowned HCM and HR tech analyst, podcast host, and industry thought leader. Join us as we explore: What “autonomous payroll” really means and how close we are to letting AI run the show The evolving role …

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

1M 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…

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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

1M 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…

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

1M 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…

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

1M 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…

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

1M 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 …

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

1M 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 …

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

1M 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…

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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

1M 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 …

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

1M 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…

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84 Leaders Navigate Generative AI in Product Development 35:29

1M 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…

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

1M 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 …

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Gen Z’s Mindset on Retirement Financial Planning 46:32

2M ago46:32

46:32

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 …

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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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

2M 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 …

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

2M 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 …

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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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

2M 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, …

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81 How Change Management Can Save Millions 40:00

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…