WorkTech Podcast

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The WorkTech Podcast explores the critical trends shaping the future of work and HR tech. George LaRocque of WorkTech, drawing from years of advising top innovators, investors, and enterprises, guides you through market deals, issues, opportunities, and trends—all through a strategic, actionable lens.

14 HR AGO

Vibe Coding, Agentic AI, and the HR Tech Risk No One Sees Coming

In this episode, George LaRocque unpacks new data from the 2025 Global WorkTech Report, revealing why investment capital continues to rise even as deal volume declines. He explains the “squeezed middle” dynamic affecting growth‑stage vendors, the surge in early‑stage AI innovation, and the strategic bets shaping the market. George also breaks down the hype and hidden risks of vibe coding and warns HR leaders about the escalating legal exposure tied to AI explainability and transparency. In this episode we look at workforce intelligence, agentic AI, HR technology, WorkTech investment trends, CHRO strategy, AI governance, future of work. Key Takeaways Global WorkTech investment rose to $6.24B in 2025, even as deal volume fell 16%, signaling a shift toward high‑conviction, AI‑forward bets. Early‑stage innovation is surging, with 136 pre‑seed, seed, and Series A deals capturing $1.1B in capital. The “squeezed middle” is real, as growth‑stage vendors struggle to raise amid investor discipline and platform consolidation. Agentic AI and workforce intelligence are top acquisition targets, replacing standalone tools with infrastructure‑level capabilities. Vibe coding creates false confidence, delivering prototypes but failing to meet enterprise‑grade HR tech requirements at scale. AI explainability is now a legal tail risk, with black‑box systems threatening vendor valuations, enterprise adoption, and regulatory compliance. Get the report and "Vibe Coding vs the CHRO" at 1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21 min
1 DAY AGO

AI Turbulence, Workday Shakeups, Vibe Coding Hype, and the Future of HR Tech

In this episode, George and Kate unpack a turbulent week across Work Tech, starting with Workday’s CEO transition and workforce reductions, which arrive just ahead of its earnings call . They explore the hype and hazards of vibe coding, including security breaches and enterprise‑scale limitations . The conversation shifts to DEI transparency as Fortune 500 participation in the Corporate Equality Index drops sharply, raising concerns for employees navigating unclear policies . Key Takeaways: Workday’s CEO transition signals deeper strategic and market pressures, including stock performance concerns and upcoming earnings uncertainty . Vibe coding is accelerating but remains risky, lacking compliance, scalability, and security—highlighted by real‑world agentic breaches and enterprise pushback . AI adoption is shifting from “build” to “buy,” with enterprises rapidly increasing investment in secure, scalable HR Tech and Work Tech platforms . DEI transparency is declining, as Fortune 500 participation in the Corporate Equality Index drops 65%, creating uncertainty for employees seeking clarity on inclusion policies . HR’s role is transforming, requiring new skills to manage AI agents, troubleshoot automated workflows, and orchestrate hybrid human‑machine teams . Early‑stage HR Tech funding remains active, while mid‑stage companies face pressure, leading to acquisitions like Wellfound’s purchase of Higherfly . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

44 min
29 JAN

AI on Trial: Lawsuits, Labor Power, and HR Tech’s Reckoning

2026 kicks off with a jolt as George and Kate unpack a wave of developments reshaping HR tech. They dive into the new class action lawsuit against Eightfold, exploring what it signals for AI transparency, compliance, and vendor accountability. The conversation widens to worker power, including Microsoft’s landmark agreement with Australian unions, and the heated rhetoric coming out of Davos about AI and jobs. They also break down Apple and Google’s unexpected AI partnership and the first acquisitions of the year. A fast‑moving, insight‑rich episode for anyone tracking the future of work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

35 min
28/11/2025

Workday’s PipeDream, Payroll Pitfalls, and HR’s Strategic Crossroads

Exploring venture capital paradoxes, Workday’s agent ambitions, payroll automation risks, workplace safety, and HR’s evolving role in the future of work. George and Kate dissect the paradox of HR Tech funding, Workday’s PipeDream acquisition, payroll automation failures, workplace safety concerns, and The Economist’s claim that HR has “taken over the world.” This episode blends market intelligence, AI agent trends, and human resources strategy for the future of work. In this episode we look at HR Tech, Work Tech, AI agents, Human Resources strategy, Future of Work, payroll automation, and venture capital trends. These high-volume keywords frame the conversation around funding paradoxes, workplace safety, and the evolving role of HR leaders in technology-driven organizations. Key Takeaways HR Tech funding paradox: Despite $4.9B invested in 2025, early-stage founders face unprecedented challenges in raising capital. AI agents in Work Tech: Workday’s PipeDream acquisition positions it as a leading enterprise AI agent platform for HR and finance. Payroll automation risks: AI-driven payroll failures highlight the need for human oversight and off-cycle payment safeguards. Workplace safety in HR Tech: The Amber Check tragedy underscores the importance of escalation processes, psychological safety, and frontline worker protection. HR’s evolving role: The Economist’s claim that HR has “taken over the world” sparks debate on strategy, DEI, and AI disruption. Future of Work trends: Integration platforms, AI-enabled SaaS, and HR acuity tools redefine how organizations manage people, culture, and compliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

33 min
17/11/2025

Inside Workday’s Acquisition of Paradox: Conversational AI Meets Enterprise Scale with CEO Adam Godson

Workday’s acquisition of Paradox marks a pivotal moment in HR Tech, combining enterprise scale with conversational AI to transform recruiting workflows. CEO Adam Godson joins George LaRocque to unpack the deal’s strategic rationale, market impact, and future of hiring across ecosystems and industries. In this episode, we look at: HR Tech innovation, M&A strategy, conversational AI, frontline hiring, recruiting automation, platform consolidation, and the Future of Work. Key Takeaways Deal Rationale: Workday’s acquisition of Paradox was driven by a shared mission to reduce hiring friction and serve the full market, including the SAP and Oracle ecosystems. Market Impact: Paradox schedules 32M+ interviews annually, representing 1 in 10 U.S. interviews, dramatically accelerating time-to-hire across industries. Frontline Focus: The deal strengthens Workday’s position in high-volume, frontline hiring across the retail, restaurant, and franchise sectors, where traditional HCM platforms have struggled. Client Continuity: Paradox will continue to operate as a standalone platform, supporting integrations with non-Workday systems and maintaining innovation velocity. Agentic Architecture: The future lies in agentic workflows, combining Paradox’s conversational AI with HiredScore’s matching intelligence for seamless candidate experiences. Buyer Sentiment: Customers praise Paradox’s scheduling capabilities and real-world impact, with hiring managers reporting improved staffing and job satisfaction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 min
12/11/2025

Up Next @WorkTech: Funding, Fumbles, and the Future of Work

Mapping durable skills, decoding labor data, and chasing sun with unused PTO. In this crosspod episode, George and Kate unpack a week of seismic shifts across the HR and Work Tech landscape. UKG launches a venture fund, Personio exits the U.S. with layoffs in tow, and Mercor’s $10B valuation sparks debate about the ethics and economics of AI training. They spotlight Plum’s Durable Skills Index, explore Gen Z’s pivot toward “boring” jobs, and navigate the fog of missing labor data with alternative sources. Plus, a clever Florida tourism campaign reminds us to use that PTO before year-end. Pit and peak reflections round out the episode with personal and policy-driven insights. Topics in this episode: UKG launches venture fund, backing early-stage HR tech innovation. Personio exits U.S. market after limited traction and layoffs. Mercor’s $10B valuation raises concerns about AI training labor. Plum’s Durable Skills Index maps soft skills by city and role. Gen Z embraces “boring jobs” for AI-resistant career paths. HR leaders turn to private data amid missing jobs report. St. Pete offers PTO incentive for end-of-year beach travel. Subscribe to catch new episodes of Up Next at WorkTech every other week, where we cut through the noise and surface what matters most in HR and Work Tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 min
28/10/2025

Shadow AI, Bold Bets, and Digital Twins: What’s Really Happening in Work Tech

This episode of Up Next at WorkTech dives into the latest HR Tech funding rounds, bold M&A strategies, and the rise of AI governance. George LaRocque and Kate Achille explore digital twins, shadow AI, and the growing tension between innovation, compliance, and workforce equity in 2025. From Findem’s $51M Series C to Humanly’s three-way acquisition and FairNow’s surprise exit, the conversation blends strategic insight with editorial edge. Key Takeaways: 1. Findem’s $51M Series C signals a shift toward AI-powered talent intelligence and potential acquisition strategy. 2. Jack and Jill’s $20M seed round raises questions about agentic AI, job marketplaces, and LinkedIn disruption. 3. Humanly’s triple acquisition of Qualifi, Sprockets, and OurWork marks a bold move in high-volume hiring tech. 4. FairNow’s acquisition by AuditBoard highlights the growing demand for AI governance and compliance in HR Tech. 5. Shadow AI and mobile GenAI usage expose major gaps in enterprise risk management and IT oversight. 6. 450,000 women have exited the workforce due to childcare costs—underscoring the urgent need for flexible work policies. Connect with Kate at https://www.devonpr.com/ Connet with George at https://1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

37 min
15/10/2025

PitchFest Prize Winner, Market Standout: Spirence’s Scalable Approach to Mental Wellness

In this episode of WorkTech, George LaRocque sits down with Laura Kunz, co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of Spirence, the runner-up at this year’s HR Tech PitchFest. Spirence is tackling a critical gap in workplace mental health: the 75% of employees who don’t need clinical care but still want support. Laura shares how her background in behavioral health shaped the platform’s preventive approach, why Spirence is designed for daily use rather than crisis moments, and how their model is driving unexpected engagement with traditional EAPs. They also unpack the PitchFest experience, the credibility boost it delivered, and Spirence’s momentum with partners like Aon and PEOs. If you’re thinking about mental health benefits, distribution strategy, or what it takes to stand out in a crowded HR Tech market, this one’s for you. Key Topics in the Episode: Why most workplace mental health solutions serve only 25% of employees Spirence’s behavioral health roots and preventative care model How Spirence drives EAP utilization by building trust and accessibility The PitchFest experience: refining the message, building credibility, and accelerating partnerships Spirence’s go-to-market strategy through PEOs, resellers, and Aon What’s next: product evolution, growth targets, and Series A planning Learn more about Spirence at spirencewellness.com Get more HR and Work Tech market intelligence and tech insights at 1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

33 min

The WorkTech Podcast explores the critical trends shaping the future of work and HR tech. George LaRocque of WorkTech, drawing from years of advising top innovators, investors, and enterprises, guides you through market deals, issues, opportunities, and trends—all through a strategic, actionable lens.

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WRKdefined
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WRKdefined
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

35
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Clean
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WorkTech Podcast

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