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 enterprise tech. Key points covered include: Cliff provides an update from the isolved Connect for Partners event in Las Vegas, which brought together hundreds...
Jun 26, 2025•58 min•Ep. 138
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 typically cost less than $500 per employee. This conversation explores available resources, assistive technologies, and how employment specialists can bri...
Jun 19, 2025•39 min•Ep. 137
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 Shiftboard and major funding rounds like Grammarly's $1 billion raise and Awardco joining the unicorn club. They also examine how AI is moving beyond basic...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 136
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 thriving in their professional lives. The conversation explores how wellbeing is highly individualized, with different needs taking priority for each...
Jun 05, 2025•45 min•Ep. 135
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 combine its CHRO and IT leadership roles in an effort to align talent and tech to create an adaptive, AI-ready organization. Key points covered include:...
May 29, 2025•56 min•Ep. 134
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 for how companies can rise within their industry ranks through strategic pivoting and effective change management. The conversation dives into why many...
May 22, 2025•40 min•Ep. 133
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 Oracle’s product and marketing strategy, gleaned from its recent Analytics and Data Summit. This episode also covers critical workplace issues, including ...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 132
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 analytics can help organizations become more proactive in addressing employee needs. Key points covered include: ↪️ Employee engagement has evolv...
May 08, 2025•42 min•Ep. 131
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 Perceptyx and what they mean for corporate strategies and customers. Throughout the conversation, they reference new uses for AI, its intersection with...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 130
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 covers technology adoption, AI implementation, recruiting trends, and the importance of making HR systems engaging for employees who aren't explicitl...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 129
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 uncertainty, particularly in the US market. The hosts also preview Sapient Insights Group's 28th Annual HR Systems Survey launching May 1st, highlighting new q...
Apr 17, 2025•52 min•Ep. 128
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, and analytics. Key points covered include: ↪️ People analytics is best viewed as "listening at scale," allowing HR professionals to understand workf...
Apr 10, 2025•45 min•Ep. 127
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 Canadian market. The conversation also touches on the high-profile legal dispute between Deel and Rippling and its implications for buyers and data secu...
Apr 03, 2025•50 min•Ep. 126
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 groundbreaking work in self-service HR solutions, lessons from decades of research, and her current focus on helping people "redirect" rather than retire. Through...
Mar 27, 2025•42 min•Ep. 125
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’s acquisition of Pillar, bringing AI-enabled interviewing insights to Employ’s applicant tracking portfolio. Stacey and Cliff also unpack the broa...
Mar 20, 2025•52 min•Ep. 124
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 differences, remote work challenges, and methods for creating trust and psychological safety. Key points covered include: ↪️ Organizations need flexibl...
Mar 13, 2025•43 min•Ep. 123
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 changes at Workday: Plans to cut approximately 1,750 jobs as company doubles down on AI focus; former Google and SAP executive Garrit Kazmaier is repla...
Mar 06, 2025•51 min•Ep. 122
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 more engaging and accessible, while maintaining credibility and professionalism. Key points covered include: ↪️ Leveraging humor strategically in profe...
Feb 27, 2025•42 min•Ep. 121
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 and the strategic integration of AI in HR processes. Key points covered include: ↪️ HiBob's pending acquisition of Mosaic for FP&A capabilities and ...
Feb 20, 2025•58 min•Ep. 120
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 a more proactive, data-driven approach aimed at preventing pay discrimination. Key points covered include: ↪️ The EU Pay Transparency Directive requir...
Feb 13, 2025•42 min•Ep. 119
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. The two also discuss Workday’s plan to roll out TechWolf’s skills intelligence capabilities to its 20,000+ employees. Cliff and Cindy then share their p...
Feb 06, 2025•41 min•Ep. 118
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 leaders navigating this transition, from pricing models to strategic implementation. Key points covered include: ↪️ The shift from HR tech to work tech re...
Jan 30, 2025•45 min•Ep. 117
In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss a range of changes in the HR market, starting with Paychex's intent to acquire Paycor for $4.1 billion – a move that would impact the small- and mid-sized HR tech markets. They also cover key executive announcements, including new appointments at UKG and 15Five. The conversation culminates with insights from the World Economic Forum's latest report on the future of jobs, which identifies, broadening digital...
Jan 23, 2025•46 min•Ep. 116
In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Jeanne Achille, Founder & CEO at Devon Group, explore how organizations are grappling with AI implementation, from the ground-up adoption by employees to the challenges of executive oversight. They cover the importance of focusing on AI's benefits rather than limitations, particularly in HR where the technology is becoming increasingly embedded in daily operations. Key points covered include: ↪️ The rapid advancement of AI adopt...
Jan 16, 2025•42 min•Ep. 115
As the year winds down, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate everything 2024 brought our way. In this special year-end episode, the team comes together to share memorable moments, hard-earned lessons, and a glimpse into what’s next. Join us as we dive into the highs and lows, revisit the resolutions we set, and discuss how we’ve grown—both as individuals and as a team. Whether you’ve been on this journey with us all year or are tuning in for the first time, this episode is a he...
Jan 13, 2025•52 min
In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss a wide variety of topics, ranging from Sapient’s latest findings on the benefits space to recent mergers and acquisitions, including Deel's acquisition of Assemble, The Cloud Connectors’ merger with Joynd, and the UKG-Experian integration partnership. They also explore the implications of the recent net neutrality ruling and its potential impact on HR technology providers. Key points covered include: ↪️ Rec...
Jan 09, 2025•51 min•Ep. 114
In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Michelle Stewart, Senior Manager of HR Systems at Federated Co-operatives Limited, explore the challenges of managing multiple HR systems, dealing with frequent software updates, and creating seamless user experiences while working within organizational constraints. This conversation highlights the importance of stakeholder relationships and transparent communication in successful HR technology implementation. Key points covered inc...
Dec 19, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 111
In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss significant personnel changes at major companies including ADP, Workday, and UKG, exploring what these leadership shifts mean for the industry's direction. The conversation covers new product launches and partnerships, including Paychex's HR Analytics Premium Plus with Visier integration and Anaplan's operational workforce planning application. Key points covered include: ↪️ Several major HR tech companies ...
Dec 12, 2024•46 min•Ep. 110
In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Tricia Shields, Chief Human Resource Officer at Naviant, discuss the critical intersection of technology within HR leadership. With over 15 years in both IT and HR, Tricia shares her unique perspective on how technology can transform HR departments and enhance cross-functional partnerships. They also discuss the challenges of maintaining up-to-date employee information across disparate systems, the role of strategic planning in HR t...
Dec 04, 2024•42 min•Ep. 109
In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper is joined by guest Jennifer Congdon, Chief Human Resources Officer at M Financial Group. Drawing from her extensive experience in tech, aerospace, and manufacturing, Jennifer shares insights on building effective HR strategies and fostering a people-centered culture. She discusses the power of structured change management, continuous improvement, and provides practical advice on leveraging cross-functional relationships and process rigor to d...
Nov 21, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 107
