Best Project Sapient Podcasts (2025)

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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

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3d 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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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

10d 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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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

17d 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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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

24d 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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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

1M 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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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

1M 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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HR, We Have a Problem - From security patches to distributed ledgers - why HR tech vendors without Web3 strategies will become competitive liabilities. 55:42

1M 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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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

2M 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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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

2M 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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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

2M 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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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

2M 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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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - How billion-dollar talent acquisition deals and private equity consolidation expose the AI ROI reality gap. 54:02

3M 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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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

3M 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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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

3M 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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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

3M 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…

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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

4M 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…

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

4M 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…

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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

4M 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…

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Unlocking Peak Performance in High-Stress Professions 1:14:23

4M ago1:14:23

1:14:23

Welcome to an eye-opening episode of Project Sapient, where we dive deep into high-performance under pressure. This episode features an incredible conversation with Chris Wagner, a neuroscientist and performance coach, and Dave Abarbanel, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and endurance athlete—co-founders of SAPIEN Recovery. Chris holds a Master’s…

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HR, We Have a Problem - How AI transforms talent acquisition by eliminating bias and automating tasks while avoiding the “black box” trap that alienates candidates. 42:15

4M ago42:15

42:15

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Stephanie Manzelli, Chief People Officer at Employ Inc., explore the benefits and challenges of AI implementation in talent acquisition. They discuss how AI can reduce bias and automate repetitive tasks, while also addressing the "black box" problem where candidates feel lost in automa…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Toning down the AI hype, Oracle’s big win, good news for the global payroll market, and how the tax code is related to tech layoffs. 54:24

5M ago54:24

54:24

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson conduct a wide-ranging conversation covering announcements in the global payroll space, a gigantic contract for Oracle, and a new AI-driven platform for restructuring work. They also touch on what’s behind tech layoffs and a general consensus among practitioners to to…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Updates from isolved Connect for Partners and Dayforce Summit 2025, plus recent acquisitions and discussions around advances in managing contingent workforces and shifts in ... 58:19

5M ago58:19

58:19

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson provide updates on two recent industry events, just-announced acquisitions and partnerships, and shifting trends in areas such as managing contingent workers, learning approaches to equip employees with AI skills, and a new way to manage and govern AI across enterpris…

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HR, We Have a Problem - From barrier to competitive edge: How forward-thinking employers are discovering that most disability accommodations cost under $500 and deliver outsized returns on talent acquisition ... 38:54

5M ago38:54

38:54

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services, discuss employment opportunities and workplace accommodations for people who are blind, have low vision, or are deaf-blind. They tackle how organizations can better support these talented individuals through practical accommodations that typi…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Major acquisitions and AI breakthroughs signal HR tech's most accelerated period since 2010. 1:08:32

5M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson explore the accelerating pace of change in the HR tech industry, comparing current market activity to pivotal moments including 2010-2011 and post-COVID periods. The discussion covers a wave of significant mergers and acquisitions, including UKG's acquisition of Shift…

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HR, We Have a Problem - Why only 16% of employees are thriving at work and how personalized wellbeing strategies beat the one-size-fits-all approach. 44:39

6M ago44:39

44:39

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem Teri Zipper and guest Kelly Mackin, Co-Founder and CEO of Motives Met and author of “Work Life Well-Lived: The Motives Met Pathway to No-B.S. Well-Being at Work,” discuss her research identifying 28 psychological and emotional "motives" that drive thriving at work, revealing that only 16% of people are truly…

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From Addiction to Advocacy: The Story of Ben and Jess Owens 1:07:40

6M ago1:07:40

1:07:40

In this compelling episode of Project Sapient, the host, Ayman Kafel, welcomes Ben and Jess Owens, the dynamic duo behind several successful businesses and non-profits aimed at combating addiction and human trafficking. Their journey from the depths of addiction to becoming beacons of hope and change serves as a testament to the power of purpose an…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - LIVE from UKG’s Analyst Day; BREAKING News: Federal Judge Allows Hiring Discrimination Lawsuit Against Workday to Proceed + Moderna's Decision to Combine Responsibility for ... 55:30

6M ago55:30

55:30

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss UKG's major cultural transformation under CEO Jennifer Morgan and discuss how the company is moving from reactive to proactive customer service while targeting double-digit growth in the enterprise market. This conversation also covers Moderna's decision to co…

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Forging Leaders: From the Army to Beyond the Trek with Chad Ballestrazze 1:15:42

6M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

In this episode of Project Sapient, join us as we dive into an engaging conversation with Chad Ballestrazze, the founder of Beyond the Trek. Chad shares his journey from an 18-year career in Army Special Operations to creating a leadership and human performance company. Discover the values of discipline, resilience, and integrity as Chad discusses …

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HR, We Have a Problem - Pivot or Perish: Why organizational agility is your competitive advantage. 39:32

6M ago39:32

39:32

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, host Teri Zipper and industry veteran Steve Goldberg explore organizational agility as a critical pathway to business success in today's fluid, unpredictable environment. Drawing from decades of experience across investment banks and HR tech leadership roles, Goldberg shares his "Ascension Test" framework f…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - A recap of major tech conferences, ServiceNow's UKG partnership to integrate AI agents, and how AI is affecting ageism across industries - starting at age 29 in tech. 1:08:22

6M ago1:08:22

1:08:22

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson recap what they learned at recent major HR tech events, including Unleash America. The conversation also explores what’s behind ServiceNow's just-announced partnership with UKG to integrate UKG AI agents with ServiceNow’s AI Agent Fabric and the latest updates on Orac…

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HR, We Have a Problem - How to personalize the employee experience and why the one-size-fits-all engagement strategy no longer works. 42:03

7M ago42:03

42:03

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and seasoned HR executive Pam Myers discuss practical guidance for HR professionals navigating today's changing workplace dynamics, including remote work challenges and mergers & acquisitions. They also cover the critical role leadership plays in creating positive workplace cultures and how data…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - HR tech vendors are spying on each other, AI bots applying for job openings and how women will feel the impact first as AI replaces HR jobs 1:20:51

7M ago1:20:51

1:20:51

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss key takeaways from the Workday Innovation Summit, including more focus on its ecosystem strategy and partner relationships, the Workday Extend platform, and more plans for AI. The hosts discuss numerous executive changes at Greenhouse, UKG, Docebo, I4CP, and P…

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HR, We Have a Problem - How proper AI implementation drives productivity, enhances decision-making with data, and creates strategic advantage fundamentally changing how work gets done. 1:02:07

7M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper welcomes William Tincup, Editor, Analyst, Advisor & Host at WRKdefined, for a candid discussion on how HR is fundamentally about improvisation, with practitioners regularly shifting from planned activities to urgent matters like harassment claims or large-scale acquisitions. Their discussion cov…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Why Europe and Asia are outpacing US AI Adoption, data integration's 17% ROI and how skills validation is changing the global HR landscape. 51:37

7M ago51:37

51:37

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss international acquisitions, AI implementations across the industry, and the growing focus on skills-based approaches to workforce management. This conversation explores how organizations are navigating technology decisions during a period of economic uncertain…

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Breaking Barriers: Dr. Jennifer Prohaska's Journey Into Tactical Psychology 1:16:14

7M ago1:16:14

1:16:14

In this episode of Project Sapient, we dive deep into the realms of law enforcement and tactical psychology with Dr. Jennifer Prohaska. As a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in neurorehabilitation, trauma, and critical incident response, Dr. Prohaska brings invaluable insights into the mental and emotional challenges faced by those in hi…

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HR, We Have a Problem - The rise of the workforce systems leader in hr and why CHROs need them in 2025 44:58

8M ago44:58

44:58

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Richard Rosenow, VP People Analytics Strategy at One Model, discuss the evolution of people analytics and systems thinking in HR. This conversation explores the role of "workforce systems leaders" who coordinate the people data supply chain across strategy, operations, technology, data…

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Harnessing Resilience and Overcoming Adversity 1:00:08

8M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

Join us in this engaging episode of Project Sapient. Our guest, Nick Allen, a retired Green Beret and now the driving force behind his podcast initiative, Lesser Known Operators, shares his inspiring journey from military service to podcasting. Nick opens up about his experiences in the Green Berets, candidly discussing the physical and mental toll…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Deel-Rippling corporate espionage, more executive moves and product announcements, and recent survey findings on pay equity and AI use among small businesses. 50:29

8M ago50:29

50:29

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson explore several notable executive movements, including new leadership roles at Udemy, iSolved, and Rippling. They analyze recent product-related announcements such as the full integration of ApplicantPro into isolved’s brand and UKG’s launch of Ready Suite into the Ca…

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Discovering Meaning and Purpose 1:24:30

8M ago1:24:30

1:24:30

Join us in this gripping episode of Project Sapient, where we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Dave Burke, an Army veteran who faced a life-altering accident in the mid-1980s. Discover how Dave's hand injury led him on a transformative path, culminating in a revolutionary reconstructive surgery known as the AMI, which ignited his life with r…

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HR, We Have a Problem - How to redirect your career path and transition beyond retirement. 41:48

8M ago41:48

41:48

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper sits down with HR tech legend Lexy Martin, the originator of the annual HR System Survey Report. Lexy shares her journey from being one of the first women in tech programming in 1967 to becoming a renowned researcher and thought leader in HR technology. The conversation explores her groundbreaki…

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"The Power of the Blade: A Conversation with Al Salvitti from Northern Red" 1:04:27

8M ago1:04:27

1:04:27

In this episode of Project Sapient, Ayman Kafel dives into a captivating discussion with Al Salvitti, who is the Head Combatives Instructor at Northern Red, to explore the fusion of martial arts and combat training. Al shares his extensive experience, spanning over five decades in various martial arts styles such as Taekwondo and boxing. He recount…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - A conversation on recent acquisitions, AI’s impact, targeting frontline workers, plus new data on compensation trends and DEI investments. 52:07

8M ago52:07

52:07

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech,Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss the implications of recent M&A activity including Deel’s acquisition of Safeguard Global's payroll team, which brings with it more than 1,000 payroll clients; BTS Group’s acquisition of Sounding Board, a coaching and leadership development platform; and Employ’…

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HR, We Have a Problem - Skills vs. Tenure: How modern organizations leverage career architecture to make promotion decisions. 42:44

8M ago42:44

42:44

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper is joined by HR executive, Bob Hanley, and consultant, Kim Nugent, to examine the shift from tenure-based to skills-based promotion decisions. Both guests bring experience from major organizations including Abbott Labs, Whirlpool, and Microsoft. Their discussion explores generational workplace d…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - How AI is driving internal changes in many HR tech companies, as well as changes in the overall tech market. 50:46

9M ago50:46

50:46

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss significant internal changes at major HR tech companies, including Workday, Zoho, Anaplan, Dayforce, and Darwinbox. The conversation covers changes in leadership, funding news, workforce layoffs, hiring plans, and growth metrics. Key topics include: ↪️ Major c…

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HR, We Have a Problem - HR is no laughing matter - or is it? The strategic power of humor in HR to build trust in the workplace 42:29

9M ago42:29

42:29

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Peter “The Culture Doctor” Phelan, Founder and CEO of ValuesCulture, explore the powerful role of humor in HR. Through personal anecdotes and scientific insights, Peter illustrates how incorporating appropriate humor can accelerate stakeholder relationships and make complex HR topics m…

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - AI agents, Workday's big bet on digital workforce management and the latest HR tech giants expanding through strategic acquisitions. 57:45

9M ago57:45

57:45

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson explore how companies like ADP, Phenom, Paradox, and HiBob are strategically expanding through acquisitions that enhance their data capabilities and global reach. They analyze how these developments reflect broader industry trends toward data-driven decision-making an…

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From Mogadishu to Leadership: Matt Eversman's Journey 1:27:13

9M ago1:27:13

1:27:13

In this compelling episode of Project Sapient, host Ayman engages in a profound conversation with retired Army Ranger Matt Eversman. Known for his role in the iconic Battle of Mogadishu, Matt shares his remarkable experiences, from his days in the 75th Ranger Regiment to his deployments in Iraq. Listeners will gain insight into the mindset of a sol…

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HR, We Have a Problem - How the EU Pay Transparency Directive is forcing a new approach to pay equity 42:00

9M ago42:00

42:00

In this episode of HR, WE Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and employment attorney Heather Bussing discuss pay equity legislation and compliance, including the upcoming EU Pay Transparency Directive and its implications for organizations globally. The discussion explores how this directive represents a shift from traditional reactive employment laws to …

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Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - The latest AI in HR news, global pay and benefit changes, the DeepSeek disruption, and so much more. 40:56

10M ago40:56

40:56

discuss a very busy month in HR tech news. The conversation starts with several significant acquisitions and partnerships, all related to bringing AI functionality to customers. 15Five's purchase of Kona promises management coaching powered by AI; Nayya’s integrations with bswift and Workday will bring personalized benefit guidance to employees. Th…

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HR, We Have a Problem - Will AI Agents replace your HR tech stack? What every HR leader needs to know. 44:34

10M ago44:34

44:34

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest George LaRocque, Founder and Chief Analyst at WorkTech, explore the continued impact of AI on HR platforms, discussing how traditional HR tech is evolving into "work tech" with a focus on data-driven, employee-first solutions. The conversation covers critical considerations for HR lead…